Part II: Libby

By Rose Flynn

This wasn’t Beauty and the Beast or Fifty Shades of Grey. This was my own personal hell. I was a narcissistic egomaniac’s plaything, who because he was wealthy thought that meant he owned me.

Jane narrowly survived Big Daddy’s club and exchanged her stripper heels for Louboutins only to become Broderick’s personal bid in a secret society thousands of miles from the life she knew. Although she is no longer kept under lock and key, Broderick controls everything from her appearance, to what she wears and when she can and cannot leave his home. When Jane demands her freedom, Broderick reminds her of her signed contract. The only light is that Aidan is there. Although she is forbidden from being with him, Jane grows closer to Aidan every day, which only fuels Broderick’s rage and jealousy. Will Jane find love, or has she just exchanged one kind of sex slavery for another?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Flynn
• Release date: Jul 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005050894

Rose Flynn

Rose Flynn is a Bay Area fiction, fantasy and romance author. She has been passionate about storytelling since childhood. Her writing journey began in Yonkers, NY, scribbling in composition notebooks with her childhood best friend, Laura. She currently lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two cats. Tatiana is the debut title of her dark romance Broken Winged Angel Series. Rose is a proud former Barnes and Noble Bookseller, coffee addict, amateur baker and cat mom. She has a background in Clinical Psychology which inspires and informs her work. She began writing novels at twelve years old and has never given up on her dream of being a published author.

Book preview

Chapter 1: New Home

I was swimming in an ocean during a thunderstorm. I was desperately trying to get to the shore or to a buoy. The waves were crashing on top of me, each time knocking me further under. I had been able to swim back to the surface, but my lungs were filling with more water each time. I was sinking like a rock. I would gasp for air and only seawater would greet me, pulling me further into dark, cold depths. There was a foghorn in the distance. A boat! If only I could get to the surface and stay there. If only I wasn’t being dragged down farther into the darkness. I woke gasping for air and coughing to the point where I was crying from the pain. Someone was patting my back.

Should we take her to the hospital? It was a man’s voice. I think it was Lyle’s voice.

No. Let’s just get her home. I think she needs to rest. A good night of sleep and a hot shower and she will be feeling better in no time. I’ll ask Aidan to take a look at her when we get back, said Broderick.

Will he be back from the hospital? asked who I assumed to be Lyle.

Wh-where are we? My voice was barely a whisper.

We’re almost home Libby. We just came across the ferry in our car. Broderick said.

So there really was a foghorn? I asked still in a stupor from my dream.

Yes…I suppose there was, said Chris.

I looked at each of their faces. Broderick eyed me curiously, Lyle could barely look me in the eyes and Chris looked wary. Suddenly the memories of the iced tea and being pushed down in the train car came flooding back to me. I looked at each of them.

You drugged me! I tried to shout but my voice was hoarse. I attempted to create as much distance between myself and the three men in the car as I could.

Try to stay calm Libby I don’t want you having one of those coughing fits of yours again. You might pop a stitch on that stab wound, said Broderick.

How can I stay calm when I don’t know what’s been going on for the last what’s it been? How long has it been?!

Eight hours, said Chris. He grimaced and looked away.

You’ve just been sleeping Ja—Libby. That’s all, said Lyle.

I tried to assess my body. My clothing was still in place and the only parts of my body that hurt were the places of my previous injuries. I couldn’t smell blood or semen. It still felt as though my bra and underwear were intact.

What were you dreaming about? Chris asked.

I was drowning. I couldn’t get to the shore…

That explains the frantic gasping, said Broderick.

Why did you do it? I asked. I was trying to fight back tears between the pain, the panic, and the sheer terror. Any trust that had formed between Lyle, Chris, Broderick and I had been eviscerated the moment I recalled they drugged me.

It’s better to not know everything at first, Lyle offered.

I glared at him as tears started pouring down my cheeks. He looked like he was going to reach for my face, but instead reached into his pocket for a tissue and handed it to me. I dabbed at my face and a mix of caked on foundation and runny mascara and eyeliner started coming off. I just looked at the runny black and tan mess coming off on my hands as I rubbed my face and I sobbed despite how it hurt my ribs to do so. I tried to take in deep breaths and the pain rattled through me, making me sob more. I turned away from them and faced the window of the car and wept.

I just saw flashes of little shops, a gazebo, a market place and the ocean. I had no idea where I was. I had just been drugged. I ached and I looked like a fucking hot mess. I needed to change the dressings on my forehead and my side. I needed a shower. I needed a fucking drink and I needed Candy. I clutched at the leather jacket that was sliding from my shoulders as my chest heaved and I pulled it in front of me with my right hand and held it against myself. I breathed in her scent, the leather and the pungent stain of cigarette smoke, sweat and the faint scent of cherries from her perfume. It stung my eyes, but it was also comforting. I felt one hand touch my right shoulder and linger there and another appeared next to me with more tissues.

I took the tissues but refused to look at the giver. My sobs quieted as we drove on in the car. I wouldn’t turn to face them. I couldn’t. I closed my eyes and rested my forehead against the cool glass. I blew my nose into one of the wadded up tissues I had been clutching to my chest along with Candy’s jacket. I was not sure how much time had passed as we rode on in silence. When I sensed that the car was slowing down I opened my eyes and looked up. We were going up a half-mile long driveway to one of the biggest houses I had ever seen. There were gardens, what looked like a personal hedge maze, and fountains greeting us as we drove up with perfectly manicured lawns and what looked like woods beyond the property. The house was a massive stone structure with columns, and little balconies outside several, of what I presumed to be, bedrooms.

Welcome home Libby, said Broderick. I turned and looked at him unsure of what to say. The driver pulled up next to a blue Chevy Silverado pick up truck.

Oh good Aidan’s home from work, said Chris.

I suddenly became self-conscious of my appearance. It was not how I would have liked to see him again, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. After the driver pulled up close to the house he opened my door first. I climbed out slowly holding my arm close to my body. Maybe he would still be upstairs showering or getting ready for bed after a second shift at the hospital? Any hopes I had of that were dashed as soon as I looked up at the doors. There was a butler, a housekeeper, another woman who I presumed to be the head of the staff and one handsome green-eyed doctor standing at the top of the front steps to greet us. The butler and housekeeper came down to help with the luggage in the trunk of the car. The woman and Aidan headed down the steps to greet me.

You must be the Tiana I’ve heard so much about. I’m Rosa. I am the head of staff here. Welcome home.

It’s nice to meet you too and um it’s Jane or Libby actually. I offered Rosa my good hand without realizing that it was what was holding up Candy’s jacket and my assortment of tissues. They went sprawling into the gravel.

Oh gosh I’m so sorry!

Aidan knelt down and grabbed my jacket and the tissues before the wind could carry them away and stood up again within seconds.

Don’t even think about it sweet heart. I like that name Jane. It’s a good name, said Rosa. Her speech was accented and her voice was pleasant.

Very Austen, Aidan said.

Let me take your coat and hang it up in the closet for you, said Rosa.

Do you mind if I keep it in wherever I’ll be staying, I said.

Of course. I’ll put it in the closet in your room. Do you smoke? She asked.

No. The jacket belonged to a good friend of mine. She gave it too me as a goodbye present. She smoked sometimes.

Rosa nodded and smiled before turning to go back inside the house, It was wonderful meeting you. I look forward to getting more acquainted over brunch tomorrow.

Aidan stepped closer. He leaned in and kissed my cheek, It’s lovely to see you again. Although it looks like you have been having a rough few days. Aidan gestured to my sling and also to my tear streaked face.

It’s probably been the worst days of my life this past week. I’m sorry to bother you with this, if it’s too late, but um after I get cleaned up would you mind checking on a few stitches I have? I asked.

I’m sorry to hear that, and it’s no trouble at all. I’d be happy too, he said. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Libby. Bridget here will show you to your room and help get you cleaned up also this is Ethan my butler, said Broderick.

I just nodded my head and tried to smile at Bridget. She was a plump woman who appeared to be her mid-forties. She had a pleasant face, light blonde hair and large blue eyes.

Are you going to be able to manage the stairs miss? asked Bridget. I looked at Bridget and the front steps and back to her.

I think so there’s only like five of them, I said.

Oh dear…well there are more inside, she said.

How many more? I asked.

About twenty-five on the main staircase, she said.

I groaned before moving towards the first set of five steps. Aidan and Bridget moved with me. He offered me his arm and Bridget moved to my injured side and placed a hand on my back.

Would you like me to just bring you up there? Lyle asked.

I fixed Lyle with an icy glare and said with, as much calm in my voice as I could muster, No there’s been enough of that today already.

Lyle flinched. A small part of myself was satisfied that I was able to make this mountain of a man wince.

As we started moving into the actual house I heard Chris say, It’s probably best to give her some space Aidan and the staff are the only people she doesn’t hate right now.

The inside of the manor was even grander than the outside. Although most of what I saw was just the foyer, the staircase and the hallway leading to my room, everything was pristine, elaborate and luxurious. The floors and staircase were marble there were crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Expansive portraits and abstracts decorated the walls. The house possessed cathedral style ceilings, adorned windows with expensive curtains, one stained glass window positioned to catch the afternoon sun at the top of the foyer wall above the main entrance. There were intricate crown moldings along the ceilings and everything was orderly. I could not detect dust on any of the surfaces.

The room that I was staying in had a queen sized four-poster bed with a canopy. The duvet was made of silk and had intricate gold and silver filigree threaded through it. There was a vanity, a large window that was locked upon inspection, a large dresser made from mahogany, a spacious walk in closet and undoubtedly expensive gold curtains.

Do you like it Miss Jane or is it Miss Libby? asked Bridget.

It’s splendid Bridget. You and Ms. Rosa have done a wonderful job and it can be either…although if it’s around Broderick’s men’s group it should be Libby.

Is Libby a preferred nickname? Aidan asked.

Sort of…it’s just a way of mentally separating parts of myself. It helps me to be…professional.

So what would you rather me call you then if it’s just us? Aidan asked.

My gut twisted and my mouth went a little dry at the word us.

Jane.

Okay well I’ll leave you ladies to it. I’ll stop by in forty minutes or so to check in on you Jane.

Thanks Aidan.

Jane. It sounded so soothing in his voice.

I heard Bridget rummaging around in the adjoining room, which I assumed was the bathroom. She was bent over what looked like an in ground jetted tub. I looked around. There were granite counter tops, a modern sink with a long faucet and basin that almost looked as though it was floating above the cabinet. There was also a linen closet in the room stocked with a number of fluffy towels.

I looked into the filling jetted tub and remember that Broderick had mentioned something about wanting to have me in a similar tub if my bones weren’t broken and shoulder not dislocated. I shuddered at the memory and even more at the one of the cop’s cold fingers on my bare skin.

Are you cold dear? asked Bridget.

A little.

It’s been awful wet out there! It gets in your bones sometimes. Alright how does a lavender bath sound?

Oh! I have stitches I can’t take a bath just yet.

Oh don’t fret dear. I’ll just drain the tub. I should have asked. The shower is just in the corner. Let’s figure out how to get you out of that sling and those clothes and I’ll leave you to it.

Thank you Bridget. I’m sorry I should have said something sooner.

Don’t worry about it. It’s understandable that you are a little disoriented with everything going on.

I just nodded my head.

Bridget carefully pulled my sling off. She attempted to be as gentle as possible in helping me to remove the dolman sweater. Holding my arm above my head presented a deeply uncomfortable challenge especially after how stiff it had become from travelling the last few days. I bent over as far as my ribs would allow while sitting on the closed toilet seat and Bridget pulled the tank top off of me and helped to unhook the clasp of my ill-fitting bra. She pushed my hair over the front of me to help conceal my battered abdomen.

Someone really did a number on you didn’t they? She said. Her fingers brushed over what I presumed to be the remnant marks of Big Daddy’s cigar burns on my spine.

My old boss. He’s the only reason I agreed to coming here…. to try this whole Lady Rose thing…Oh wait can I talk to you about that stuff?

I’d be more careful about it with people you don’t know, but lucky for you a million years ago I was a little initiate like yourself. Rosa too.

What? What happened? And if you aren’t anymore why did you stay? I asked.

Well I’ve been caring for people in this house since they were babes. I’m a maid, hearty stock; I’m good at cleaning and cooking. I can get a stain out of anything. I’m good with rearing children and I get paid handsomely for the work I do here. There weren’t always as many abundant opportunities for education as there have been the past fifteen years. Before it was basic things like making sure you were literate, learning some basic skills or a trade and getting you a GED. Now girls go on to be doctors and teachers, lawyers all sorts of things. But thirty years ago when I was an initiate there wasn’t as much support for it. It was still the way of the older generation’s thinking that girls should eventually marry one of them and settle down, have the man’s children and just not bat an eyelash during some of the ceremonial stuff. Rosa took it harder. She actually loved Brody’s father. She would have married William in a heartbeat, but he eventually married someone else. Rosa stayed though to manage his household and help raise Brody. I just stuck with Rosa after it was my turn with the whole thing.

Bridget helped me out of my shoes, socks, pants and undergarments. She peeled the fraying bandages from my forehead and from my side. I stepped cautiously into the shower as she held my good arm. I turned towards her again angling the door partially shut to conceal my body.

Why don’t these rich men just date? They are wealthy I’m sure they can catch almost any girl they want? I asked.

Some do eventually go off and marry another girl of good breeding. The idea is that they find some poor unfortunate soul and give her a chance at a different life. In order to become a Guardian, they have to successfully see a girl of unfortunate circumstances through initiation, whether or not she stays with him and whether or not he continues participating in all the events. If anything these are powerful men that offer plenty of business opportunities and networking.

I see. Well thank you Bridget. I guess I should get washed up, I said.

Of course dear. I’ll check back in on you in a little while, she said before turning and heading out of the bathroom.

I fully closed the shower door and stood off to one side to adjust the stream and temperature of the water. Once I didn’t think I would scald myself, I stepped under the stream and let the water cascade over my face, my swollen eyes and aching muscles. I angled my injured side away from the flow of the water. I tried taking in slow deep breaths as I wet my hair and lathered coconut infused shampoo into it and scrubbed my scalp with my good hand.

My ribs barked at me and I gritted my teeth against the pain. I rinsed the shampoo and managed to get conditioner into the length of my hair, a slightly less painful task. I found a face and body wash already in the shower caddy and used them to scrub away the remaining stains of the too dark foundation and mascara and eyeliner. I ran a wash clothe along my arm and legs, my abdomen, carefully minding my stitches and between my legs. I noticed that hair was starting to regrow along my legs, my pubic area, and under my arms. I shaved under my left arm as best I could with the available razor.

I realized that this had all been prepared in anticipation of my arrival. My gut twisted. I shaved what I could of each leg before turning off the water. Bridget was already waiting as I exited the shower. She wrapped my hair in a microfiber towel before setting into the bedroom to find some pajamas.

I sat down at the vanity and looked myself over in the mirror. Thankfully no new bruises had formed where the cop had slapped my face. I did have four finger length bruises on my neck, a black eye, a nasty looking gash that was stitched and would hopefully heal nicely. I was unattractively and egregiously skinny and most likely malnourished. There was no hiding it now that I was out of the dolman sleeve top. I could see my ribs and collarbone poking out. My cheekbones were too sharp. My breasts looked a little smaller as well. Thankfully my coughing fit earlier did not open up the stitches in my side.

Alright dear would you like something satiny and sexy or something soft and comfy? asked Bridget.

Comfy…definitely comfy, I said too quickly.

Bridget set a pair of underwear, a padded purple spaghetti strap top and complimentary pair of striped cotton pajama pants on the vanity.

Whose clothes are these Bridget? I asked.

They were purchased for you…. albeit they probably are going to be a bit big. He was estimating your sizes…well hopefully we will be fattening you up some anyways.

I hope so too.

I’m glad to hear it. I always hate it when these rail thin girls think they need to lose ten pounds. Granted I guess it doesn’t help that they think they need to be that way to be attractive.

No it probably doesn’t.

Before we get you dressed I should probably put some aloe on those marks on your back. Thankfully they don’t look too blistered. I suppose it’s been a few days since they happened, but I’d rather try to prevent you from getting too many scars, said Bridget.

I nodded. She disappeared into the bathroom and returned with two bottles, one being aloe vera and the other being some sort of vitamin E gel. Bridget clipped my hair up with claw-clips from within the vanity drawer and began administering the aloe and vitamin E to my back. The sensation was cooling and soothing at once. I let out a breath.

How many marks are there? I asked.

Let’s see 1,2, 3…7, 8…12. There are 12, said Bridget. Her voice was quiet and strained. She squeezed my good shoulder. Silence hung in the air between us.

I’ll put a little antibiotic ointment on them as well and then let’s get you dressed love, that way the doc can check you out and you can get to bed.

Impressively, Bridget had me dressed and had my hair brushed in a matter of ten minutes. She found a cardigan in the closet and helped me into it as well. We decided we would wait until Aidan looked me over to put the sling back on. I tried to practice stretching my arm and rolling my shoulder back and forth in the mean time and it hurt like hell. There was a knock at my bedroom door and Bridget opened it. Aidan came in with a tray and set it on the bedside table. Upon closer inspection, there were two cups of tea, some bandages, ointment, several ice packs, and a rolled up heating pad.

What’s all this? Bridget asked.

Preparations for hopefully a slightly less terrible night than day, said Aidan.

Aren’t you sweet! Alright well I do hope you have a good night dear. I will see you in the morning, said Bridget.

Thank you so much for all your help Bridget…Oh! What time is brunch tomorrow?

It’s going to be at ten love, that way you all can sleep in a little. Good night now.

Good night, I said.

Good night Bridge, said Aidan.

I moved over to the bed and took a seat on the edge of it. Aidan borrowed the chair from the vanity and sat upon it.

What sort of tea is that? I asked.

You get a choice. I have some honey lavender stress relief tea and some good old fashioned chamomile.

I’ll try the honey lavender one. That sounds good. The honey might be good for my cough too.

How long have you had this cough for? he asked.

It started today. I was afraid it was going to rip one of my stitches in my side open. It hurts to breathe, but I know I need to keep trying to take deep breaths.

I picked up the teacup that he had indicated contained the honey lavender tea. I held the cup between my hands and I let the steam and smell float up to my nose before taking a sip.

Yeah…so why don’t you walk me through what’s going on with your injuries? I see you’ve got a good amount of bruising on your face and your neck and that your left shoulder is hurting you, he said as he appraised me.

It was dislocated. The doctor in Las Vegas re-set it. It’s just been really stiff the last couple of days and I wasn’t able to ice it as much. I also have a few broken ribs and the laceration in my side.

What happened to you to get these kinds of injuries? asked Aidan.

My old boss…he um…he thought I double crossed him. So he took it out on me.

Are the authorities involved?

Yes there is a detective on my case. He’s working on taking down the pimps and other crime bosses in Las Vegas. He met with me at the hospital after my old boss assaulted me and actually before too because this serial killer guy tried to kill me…

Wow you really weren’t exaggerating when you said these past few days have been the worst of your life. How’s the tea by the way?

Oh it’s good. I like it. It feels good to have something warm in my hands too.

Good…do you mind if I take a look at you? he asked.

No go ahead, I said. I tried to keep a neutral expression but my stomach was threatening to do somersaults in my abdomen.

Aidan reached a hand up and gently tucked a small section of my hair behind my ear. My eyes fluttered opened and closed as his fingertips grazed my skin. He grabbed antibiotic ointment and a Q-tip and gently dabbed it along my stitches before affixing a new clean bandage to my forehead to cover them with. I tried to sit up a little straighter as I pulled up the hem of my shirt to reveal my stab-wound.

Your boss did that to you too? he asked. His eyes flashed darker as his expression changed.

Yes…

That man should be shot. I can’t believe he assaulted you this way! I knew you weren’t in the best line of work, but I can’t believe he would do this to you! Aidan said. He held my gaze for a second. I took a deep breath to keep myself from crying. I could not tell him that he raped me repeatedly or that the cop tried raping me.

Thanks…hopefully the courts will bring him to justice…I know I’m not the only girl he’s assaulted before. Aidan gave me a small smile before he put more antibiotic ointment onto a new Q-tip and spread it over my abdominal wound. His fingers were warm where they grazed my skin. He delicately put a new bandage over the ugly stitches. After it was secured I let the hem of my shirt drop down.

Can I take a look at your shoulder too? Aidan asked. I nodded my head and tugged on the sleeve of my sweater to edge my injured shoulder back out of it. I winced as I angled my arm.

It may be best to stick with things that open in the front the next few weeks. Try to put your injured arm in first and just let it hang loosely and then put your not-injured arm into the sleeve.

He touched and prodded my shoulder with as little pressure as possible. I recoiled without meaning too a couple of times.

Okay so it looks like they did a good job with getting it back into the socket, but it’s still really tender. I want you to alternate with ice and heat. Ice for swelling and heat to help loosen it up.

Okay.

Did you want to sleep with the sweater on or off? he asked.

I guess on. It’s a little cooler here then what I’m used to. It’s sort of refreshing though.

Here let’s practice getting in and out of the sweater.

Alright.

I draped my arm and the sleeve of the sweater along my side. My hand found its way through the hole and I slowly pulled it up my arm and bent the uninjured arm into the other sleeve.

Good job. Where is your sling?

I think it might be on the bathroom counter still.

I’ll grab it for you, said Aidan. He replaced the chair in its spot under the vanity and retrieved the sling and some hand towels before helping me into it.

You can sleep on your back, or on your good arm’s side and also sleep elevated. Sometimes people find it more comfortable with a pillow under the affected arm and shoulder.

What specialty are you going into? I asked.

General internist, maybe family medicine.

You might make a decent osteopath too.

He gave me another small sweet smile. Thanks. Alright here are your pain pills if you need them. You may want to take one before bed if it’s been a few hours since your last dose.

You trust me with the whole bottle? I asked.

Should I not trust you with the whole bottle? I can just leave out a few doses for you if that’s easier? asked Aidan. He cocked his head to the side. Those green eyes were scanning my face, assessing.

The other guys were a little leery about it the past couple days, I admitted.

Jane am I going to see you at Rosa’s delicious brunch tomorrow? he asked.

That depends how delicious are we talking? I gave him a smile.

Positively scrumptious. She makes the best French toast I’ve ever eaten. She also makes killer hash browns and we have like three different expensive coffee machines downstairs all of which produce some great coffee. So again, am I going to see you at brunch tomorrow?

Yes.

Will you have abused your medications requiring me to lock them up and consider the need to involuntarily commit you onto a psych ward? he asked. His tone was matter of fact.

No.

Good…because I’d really like the chance to get to know you better over some French toast. He gave me a big smile and I could not help but smile back.

Are you always this wonderful? I asked.

Sometimes…other times I’m very serious and have my nose in a book with some pretty big glasses.

Please wear them tomorrow, I said.

And look like a huge nerd in front of you? No thank you, he said.

Hey glasses are in again you know? Besides I’m sure it’s going to take more then a pair of glasses to make you look bad.

Thanks your not so bad yourself…. bruises and all, he said. He smiled again.

My heart felt warm in my chest. I could feel the blush creeping up my neck and into my cheeks.

You are very sweet…. thank you for everything tonight. You succeeded in your mission to not have this day end as horribly as it began. I reached out and grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

Of course. I’m happy to do it. I hope you have a good night. I’ll let you get to icing yourself.

Thanks.

With that Aidan picked up the remnants of the tray and exited the room. I wrapped the ice packs in the towels he brought over from the linen closet. I propped myself up against the pillows and started to pile them onto my ribs and shoulder.

Well he’s still charming even without all the alcohol. That is probably going to make this harder…

Despite the cool of the ice packs coming through the towels, Aidan left me feeling warm and content after so many miserable days. I sipped the remainder of my tea careful not to jar my icepacks off of myself. I looked at the clock on the bedside table it read 1:30am. I had survived my first night in my new home in an undisclosed location on an island off the coast of Maine. I kept the ice packs on for another fifteen minutes before I discarded them to the floor still wrapped in their towels. I took another pill with the last drop of my tea and I propped another pillow under my arm and lay flat in the bed. Thankfully sleep and exhaustion claimed me quickly. Broderick had been right about one thing: this bed was far more comfortable than the pile of blankets I had been sleeping on for a little over half a year.

Chapter 2: Brunch

The knocking at my door pulled me from a very sweet dream I was having that involved Aidan running his fingers in my hair and kissing my forehead, cheeks, and lips. I pulled myself up slowly and cleared my throat before I said, Come in.

Bridget came in through the door with a bright smile on her face, Good morning Miss Jane. How did you sleep?

I slept well thank you, how about yourself?

Oh yes. I was definitely sleepy after all the excitement of you and Master Broderick and the others returning home.

I looked at the clock it read 9:03am. I mentally counted the hours in my head from the time I went to sleep until I woke up, almost a full seven and a half hours, with the exception of the five minutes I was up around 6:30am to take another pain pill.

Bridget was inside the walk in closet trying to find something for me to wear to brunch she pulled out a pale purple gingham sheath dress and floral cap sleeve fit and flare dress with a belt.

What do you think love? She asked laying them out on the bed for me.

Maybe the floral one with the belt?

I like it …unfortunately we only have the one pair of shoes for you. The ones you came here in last night. He didn’t have the slightest idea what size shoe you wore.

That’s alright. I don’t mind them so much. I got out of the bed and Bridget helped me out of the sling. I used the bathroom and brushed my teeth before she held the little dress out for me to step into. I followed Aidan’s instructions and slid my injured arm in first and then my uninjured arm. It was considerably easier with Bridget holding the dress up for me. She helped me slide back into my sweater and sat me down at the vanity.

Oh dear this foundation is definitely too dark for you. What on Earth was he thinking?

Maybe he wants me to look tan?

Well I don’t want you to look like a tangerine either! I’m sure when one of the other ladies comes by they will make sure you get the right shade and some bronzer if needed.

Can we skip the makeup this morning then? I asked.

Sure pet. Are you sure you don’t want any eyeliner or mascara though? It will make those pretty eyes of yours pop.

I agreed to eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow and lipstick and let Bridget rouge my cheeks as well before we put my sling back on and she wound the top half of my hair into a twisted braid crown before I headed downstairs. She offered to help me down there but I politely declined. I was still infuriated at three out of the five men in this house for drugging me, but I was willing myself to be pleasant anyways.

I managed to make my way down the front stairs without tripping. I was thankful that there were banisters on either side for me to hold onto. I wanted to get down the steps before anyone offered me any sort of assistance. I needed to be able to at least get up and downstairs by myself if I wanted to get any stronger. I was afraid the echo of my boots on the marble would alert someone to my arrival. I tried to creep along as quietly as I could. I had made it to the final five steps when Lyle appeared in the foyer. He started towards me on the steps but I raised my hand and said, Please just let me do this. He stopped short and waited with his hands behind his back at the bottom.

Jane—er Libby I wanted to apologize for last night. I know that must have been really unnerving and terrifying.

See that’s the thing I don’t think you do get it…. that’s the sort of thing my old boss would do. That’s how I’d end up in a different country, or missing a few organs, or end up raped and murdered by some sort of sociopathic lunatic. You took away any power I had in that moment and your ruined any of the trust I was starting to have. You just sat there and let it happen.

It wasn’t my idea…I was following orders…I’m sorry.

My eyes flicked from Lyle’s face to his shoulder. I swallowed hard. Like it or not, angry or not, this man did save me from being raped at my most vulnerable point.

How’s your shoulder after busting down that door? I asked. It was an olive branch.

A little tender but nothing compared to what you have going on over there. Were you able to sleep okay?

Yes thankfully. How about you?

Yes. Definitely better than a chair in the hospital or a seat on a train.

I nodded before adding, I’m sorry I’m so pissed at you…I know you are technically Broderick’s employee and that there are going to be things that you can’t stop…which terrifies me. It makes me feel very…alone.

You miss your friend don’t you? he asked.

I do….Even when things were bad I had her and I don’t know if Big Daddy is going to hurt her because of me.

Do you feel guilty for leaving? he asked.

Tears started pricking at the corners of my eyes, Yes and a little ashamed. I got a way out before a lot of those girls did and I caused this big mess and I’m not there to be punished for it so he’s going to take it out on the rest of them.

From the looks of it you had to leave…I saw you when they first dragged you out of that office. I heard her scream when she thought you were dead. No ifs ands or buts about it…you had to leave, because he was going to kill you or sell you. I would have charged in there myself…but his guards were circling us like sharks.

I just looked at him trying to blink back the tears in my eyes.

It’s not your fault Jane. He’s a bad man. No matter what he or anyone else says it’s not your fault.

My knees felt weak. It was something that I had known at one point. That all of this was not my doing…but I had started to doubt it, started to question it after hearing it so many times that I was to blame and that I was some defective, broken, slut who deserved to be punished. I took one shuttering breath before I rushed forward and hugged Lyle with my good arm, my injured one tucked between us. He wrapped his big arms around my tiny body. He dwarfed me. He was at least 6’5". I sobbed into his black t-shirt. He stroked the back of my head.

You’re okay. You are going to be alright, he said.

My sobs quieted after a moment and he held me lightly by the outsides of my shoulders, How about we get you some breakfast?

Is there a bathroom down here that I could freshen up in? I asked.

Yes right there, said Lyle. He pointed to a white decorative door on the outskirts of the foyer.

Inside it was a half bath with a sink and a toilet. It was immaculate with gleaming white porcelain. There was a smaller copy of Monet’s the Japanese Bridge hanging on the wall and there were monogramed hand towels on the railing. I splashed some cool water onto my face and dabbed it dry with a black washcloth I found on a stand to the side. When I looked in the mirror I was shocked that my eyeliner and mascara were still in tact. Waterproof makeup. Bridget had really thought of everything. I patted my forehead and cheeks dry and took in a few deep breaths, bracing myself on the side of the sink to manage the pain.

I took in one more deep breath before turning the knob. I heard the percolating of a coffee pot and headed towards that sound. I stood in the doorway of the kitchen. There were in fact three different coffee machines lined up on the counter. It was spacious and bright with natural light. There were modern light fixtures a large kitchen island, plenty of cabinets, a pantry and granite counter tops. I could see a stainless steel dishwasher and an electric stovetop. Everything was beautifully coordinated. I turned my head as I smelt cinnamon, batter and sugar and saw the griddle on the counter to my left. There was a skillet with scrambled eggs and a pan with sausage links. My stomach grumbled louder the closer I stepped towards the food. I felt my mouth pool with saliva.

Good morning Jane. Why don’t you have a seat in the dining room? The food is just about ready, said Rosa. Her hair was pulled back in a bun and she wore a white dress with big red flowers. It suited her nicely.

Good morning Rosa…thank you. Do you want me to bring anything out there?

Nonsense mi amor go sit down, she said.

She pointed through the other entrance of the kitchen to the dining room. Like the rest of the house, it too was immaculate, luxurious, and beautiful. Around it sat the four men. There was an empty seat next to Broderick with a place setting that I assumed was supposed to be mine.

There she is. Good morning Libby. We were starting to get worried you would miss brunch, he said.

Good morning. Should I sit there? I asked. I pointed to the chair next to Broderick.

Yes, Broderick replied. He sipped his coffee while peering up at me.

I moved around to the side of the table he was sitting at. Lyle got up from the other side of Broderick and slid the chair out for me and helped to push me in once I was seated.

Thank you, I said.

Aidan lowered his newspaper to reveal his bespectacled face. He was wearing black glasses similar to Clark Kent’s.

Good morning Jane, he said. He folded the newspaper and placed it to the side of him.

I thought you said your glasses were large! Those suit your face nicely, I said.

Thank you. How’d you sleep? he asked.

Very well thank you. I woke up once to take some more medication, but other than that I slept very well.

Good. I’m glad to hear it, he said. He smiled at me and I could not help but smile back.

Call her Libby, said Broderick.

What? asked Aidan.

Call her Libby. It’ll be easier when there are other people in the room, he said.

Brody the only people in the room right now are people living in this house, said Aidan.

Well get in the habit of calling her Libby. It will be easier and that way no one accidently calls her the wrong name, said Broderick. His tone was curt. He was clearly annoyed at something. My resolve to be pleasant was already slipping.

How about I grab you a cup of coffee Lib. Milk no sugar right? Chris asked.

Yes, thank you, I said. Another olive branch.

Chris disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a mug in one hand and a bowl of fruit in the other. Rosa followed him from the kitchen balancing two platters, one of French toast and the other of scrambled eggs and sausage. It smelt wonderful. She darted back into the kitchen and returned with a ceramic container filled with hash browns and another container filled with serving utensils.

Everyone started to pass around the platters and plates. After serving himself Aidan asked me what I wanted from each platter and portioned out some of each dish for me. Broderick plopped a serving of fruit onto my dish and eventually I was handed the maple syrup.

Rosa this smells wonderful! Thank you so much, I said.

Rosa took the remaining seat at the table on the other side of Aidan after she finished dishing up a plate of food for herself, You’re welcome sweetheart.

The table fell into silence with only the sounds of crunching, chewing and the clanking of forks on plates to be heard. I thankfully was able to cut through the French toast with my fork. I did not want to have to ask anyone to cut anything for me. I had just finished my scrambled eggs and taken another bite of sausage when I realized Broderick was watching me eat.

You eat like an animal. Didn’t anyone ever tell you how to eat like a lady? he said more than asked. I slowed down my chewing and shoving of food into my mouth. I was embarrassed. I was also ravenous. It was the first real meal I’ve had in months other than hospital food. I assumed the opiate medication must be wearing off, because usually after first taking it my appetite was suppressed.

Brody give her a break. She’s at a huge disadvantage right now with only being able to use one hand, said Aidan.

I suppose we’ll have to work on your table manners, said Broderick.

Dude leave her alone she has like no body fat what so ever. Just let her eat, said Chris.

What’s wrong with you Brody? Don’t say things like that to her in front of other people! You will make her self-conscious, said Rosa.

She eats like an animal, comes to breakfast late, and I’m the one whose rude? he asked. He was definitely still angry at something.

Stop it! Rosa hissed.

Also why aren’t you wearing make up? asked Broderick.

I am wearing some… I said.

Then why can I see all of those bruises?

The foundation isn’t the right color and I was going to ice myself after brunch so it seemed like a waste of time and product, I said. My voice was quiet, meek. What had I done to him to make him so angry? I bit my lip to keep my eyes from watering again. You will not let him make you cry. I willed myself.

You should still be wearing it, he chided.

I rested my fork on the side of the dish. My right hand dropped into my lap.

Broderick what has gotten into you? You don’t berate guests. She’s been through enough the past few days! said Rosa.

Guest? She’s not a guest! She’s working for me. She’s my initiate which means she does what I tell her to.

I stood up so fast that my chair fell over, You’re mad at me for not following some rule you haven’t even told me! If you want me to do what you want then you need to tell me what those things are. I’m not a fucking mind reader!

Do not raise your voice to me! He practically barked at me. I turned towards Rosa, Thank you for the food Rosa it was delicious. I turned back to Broderick, May I be excused? The words were hateful.

Yes. The next time I see you, you better be properly presentable! He yelled. I stalked into the kitchen. I saw a basket on the counter and slid it so that it was closer to the fridge. I opened the freezer looking for ice or ice packs. Aidan came in after me. I could hear some arguing in the dining room, but I tried to ignore it. Tears were threatening to escape my eyes again. This time not tears of sadness, but of frustration of anger, and feeling trapped.

What are you looking for? he asked.

Ice or ice packs, I said. I was trying to blink back the tears. The room was starting to feel too small and suffocating. He moved behind me to look over my shoulder. He pulled out four ice packs and put them into the basket for me. He reached into some cabinet above the refrigerator and pulled out several dishtowels.

Would you like me to take these upstairs for you? he asked.

Is there somewhere outside I can go? I feel like I need air.

Aidan cocked his head to the side to think about where to bring me, Let’s go to the patio out back it’s this way.

He tucked the basket under one arm and put his arm across my back resting it on my good shoulder to lead me. He wound me through another set of doors and suddenly we were outside. There was a fire pit with nice looking chairs around it and in the ground pool and a spacious lawn that extended for acres. It ended into a line of trees that looked like they may have been a part of a trail system. I stepped towards the lawn for a moment but decided to sit down on a porch swing instead. Aidan sat down next to me. He put the basket in his lap and wrapped each of the ice packs in a dishtowel.

I took one and held it against my shoulder. He placed two on my abdomen, which I secured under my sling. I tried taking in a deep breath but just ended up coughing. I yelped each time the cough occurred. Each cough was one of those deep sort of wet coughs that left your throat raw. Aidan helped to reposition the icepacks.

If that cough of yours continues I’m going to want to take you to get your lungs examined, He said.

I just nodded my head trying not to cause another fit.

How are you doing after what happened in the dining room? he asked.

I turned towards him. Those green eyes with those long dark brown lashes were taking me in. I gave him a small forced smile, How do you think?

Probably not great. I don’t know exactly how this whole initiate thing works, but I don’t think he should get to treat you like that either just because he’s sponsoring you. I told him as much after you left.

What was his response to that?

He more or less just snorted at me. He’s a bit of an ass at times…he has the capacity to be nice but he does often act like a jerk unfortunately.

How are you two related again? I asked.

My mom remarried to one of his uncles. So we are cousin-in-laws? When I got a job offer here he and his father offered to let me stay here. William has a few different homes, but since it’s Brody’s turn to do this whole society thing he left this house to him. When you are feeling better I’ll take you out on some hikes around the property. It’s beautiful. The trail eventually opens up to a little beach, said Aidan. He was fidgeting with the remaining ice pack that was wrapped in the towel.

I would like that a lot, I said. I turned my head to look out at the property before