My Life in This Hell

By A.J Bierton

When twenty-year-old Faith Keys is abducted from her home, life becomes a battle to survive. Thrust into a world of slavery and torment, her fight becomes more mental than physical. Adamant that she will break free of Dean, she allies herself with Mila, another captive also struggling to free herself. Gaining Deans trust will be the key to her survival, but how much must she endure before it becomes too much? Her odds improve when she becomes aware that in the outside world, her uncle has teamed with undercover agent Connor Lane, and they are doing everything they can to make sure she gets away from Dean alive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499025125

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

"N o. No!" I struggled against the hands that felt like steel bands around my arms.

Get off me! I screamed at them.

I tried harder to pull my arms out of their grip, but they mercilessly dragged me forward toward the big doors that were the leading entrance into the mansion sized building. I buckled my legs, trying to force all my weight to the ground, to make them let go. Instead of their grip loosening, it tightened, ripping me back to my feet. I stumbled forward.

Come on Sugar, be a good girl. One of them said in my ear.

I had woken up as best as I could only fifteen minutes before this, confused and dazed in a car with two men I didn’t know, but who I knew were responsible for my drug addled state. My wrists were bruised and welted, but they were no longer tied. My head was pounding and the closeness of the man’s face and the smell of his breath was making me sick. I turned my face away from his, not wanting him anywhere near me.

Don’t be like that. He said, yanking me back to him.

Fuck you! I screamed in his face. He and the other one laughed.

Oh we got ourselves a feisty one! The other one shouted gleefully.

I struggled more. They kept dragging me towards the mansions double doors.

She’ll lose all her fight soon enough. When he breaks her. The first one said.

We were only meters from the doors now. I struggled harder than ever, screaming as I did. Our procession of three stopped once more as I struggled against them, digging my heels into the ground, while they tried to pull me inside the doors. One of my hands broke free from its vice-like restraint and went straight for the eyes of the man still gripping me. My fingers found their mark, my nails leaving bloody furrows where they dug in. He screamed in pain, his hands going up to his face as he let go of me. I ran. Getting away was all I could think of. The car they brought me in was still at the gate. If I could just get to that… But just like in a nightmare I could not move fast enough and before I had taken six steps I was grabbed from behind and thrown backwards onto the ground. The fall winded me and I struggled to get up again.

You little bitch! The one I clawed screamed as I felt a boot connect with my stomach.

All of the remaining air escaped me and I curled in on myself, coughing and gagging as I tried to get it back.

Get her inside. Now! A third new voice yelled.

I felt the hands grab me again, pulling me up roughly. My body remained limp. I was slung over someone’s shoulder, still gasping for air.

Is this her?’ The third voice asked. I felt the man holding me nod. ‘Hmm. She’s a fighter. He’ll like it. The third voice said, as a hand grabbed at my face just below my chin, to tilt my head up.

I took in a breath, clenched my fists and starting kicking and punching the man holding me over his shoulder. He let go of me and I fell to the floor. I got to my feet as quick as I could and turned away from the three men staring maliciously at me, heading for the doors, which I prayed led outside. I heard laughter behind me as I reached the door and tried to pull it open.

Yeah she’s definitely got fight in her. One of them said. I pull the door harder, making it rattle in its frame. It didn’t move.

He’ll handle her. After all, he’s been waiting this long for her to get here. How long did you say it took for the sedative to kick in when you picked her up? The third voice asked.

She fought it for a while, we ended up tying her hands as well, but it doesn’t matter, we give her another dose now and it will hit her quicker because it will still be in her system. One of the men replied.

No! I pounded on the door and shook it, trying to get it open before they could come and grab me again.

Alright that’s enough, go get the kit. The third voice said.

I tried to move quickly away from the doors when I heard footsteps approaching from behind, but was grabbed again, this time the man’s arms wrapped around me, restricting my movements making it nearly impossible to fight him off.

Shh. Don’t fight me Sugar. It’ll only be worse if you fight. The third man said, his voice once again too close to me.

Why are you doing this to me? Please just let me go! I said half sobbing, half screaming.

We can’t let you go. You belong with us now. He said. A cold icy feeling ran down my spine. Was I afraid? Yes.

Go to hell! I screamed at him. He tsked in my ear.

Now, now. Be nice. He said as he pulled me back from the door.

My struggles were futile, he was too strong, not to mention, I was hurting and disoriented from when they first came and took me from my home. A home where my parents just stood by and watched as I was drugged and taken away, not lifting a finger to help me. The truth was an extremely bitter pill to swallow when I knew that it was my parents that had orchestrated this. I still struggled though, I didn’t want to give up. One of the other men grabbed my arm and extended it out towards him. I didn’t understand why until I saw the syringe he was holding. My eyes widened in fear. What was that?

No. No don’t! Please don’t! I screamed, trying to rip my arm free.

Don’t fight it. It will hurt if you fight it. The third man whispered in my ear. The needle was at my skin.

NO! I screamed as the man pushed the needled into my arm and pushed down the plunger.

I tried to keep struggling, but my movements became weaker and my eyes blurred.

What do you want from me? I moaned weakly, tears in my eyes.

I was faintly aware that my legs had given out and the third man was the only thing holding me up. I hardly had time to feel the repulsion before the blackness overtook me.

My name is Faith Keys and I’m living this hell. This nightmare.

CHAPTER 2

I woke in darkness. My ribs felt bruised and sore as did the crook of my arm and the air around me was cold, yet I was warm and comfortable. It took me a moment to realize that I was laying on a bed covered by a blanket. I was also stripped of everything but my underwear and bra. I yanked the blanket off me and swung my legs off the bed, nearly stumbling as it was higher than I thought. My naked skin was instantly greeted with cold air. I walked forward with my hands out, waiting for my eyes to adjust. I felt my hands touch something cold, and reflexively pulled them back. Hesitantly, I put them out again and found a wall. I walked along it, trying to feel for a door of some kind. I tried to keep my breathing even, despite the fact that I was shivering from the cold and in the beginning stages of panic. My hands brushed against something. A door. I fumbled in the dark trying to find the door knob, but found nothing. There was no door knob, just a lock. I slammed my fists against it over and over.

Hey! Let me out! Let me out! I screamed as loud as I could.

I continued to scream for about ten minutes more, beating my fists against the door, then gave up, sinking to the cold floor with my back against the wall. I let out an uncontrolled panicked sob that had me clenching my fists in anger and frustration. I hated feeling helpless.

What do you want!? I screamed out finally.

I heard footsteps outside the door and I stood, moving away from it as fast as I could in the dark. I had just reached the bed when the door jerked open and the room filled with bright light as someone threw on a light switch. My hands, busy trying to pull the blanket up to cover me, went up instantly to cover my eyes from the glare. I heard two people come into the room and I instantly uncovered my eyes. They were both two of the men from earlier on and they were both staring at me. It was then that I realized I was only dressed in my underwear and I hadn’t managed to pull the blanket off the bed to cover me. I walked backwards around the bed, using it as a cover and an obstacle between me and them.

Good morning, Sugar. The closest one to me said.

I recognized him as the third man from earlier. He was tall, muscular and had dark hair. The other one who stood behind him was a shorter version of him but had darker skin and slightly darker and longer hair. I folded my arms across the front of my body.

Don’t be shy. You’re as beautiful as we were expecting. The third man said taking a step towards me.

I backed away out of instinct. He kept walking until he reached the bed and placed some folded things on it. He sighed as he stood on the other side of the bed and looked at me, then gestured to the pile of things on the bed.

Put those on, we’re going to go see someone. He said to me.

I didn’t move. He walked towards me around the bed and I backed up right into the wall. He grabbed my upper right arm and pulled me to the bed.

Put them on.’ He said slowly. Pronouncing each word. ‘Unless you enjoy walking around like this, in which case you’ll fit in straight away, no problem. He said to me, giving me an appraising look. I shoved his hand off my arm and stepped away from him.

Who the hell are you? I said trying to keep my voice steady.

I didn’t let my face betray my emotions, settling for a harsh expression.

Little firecracker isn’t she? He said turning to the other one. Both of them snickered.

Hey, you asshole! Who the fuck are you!? I screamed at him. He turned to me.

I’m someone who can make your life hell if you don’t do as you’re told. So do as you’re fucking told, and put the goddamn clothes on. Understand, Sugar? He said it quietly, towering over me.

He grabbed both my arms this time and threw me into the bed using his body to trap mine there.

That is not my name. I spat at him. He ignored me and looked pointedly at the clothes.

Trust me. You’ll want to have the clothes on when you go to see him. He whispered in my ear.

Another icy chill ran down my spine. I tried to move away from him, but it was a wasted effort. He stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest, waiting. I unfolded the clothes. They were mine. A pair of my faded blue denim shorts and a black tank top. I put them on. What choice did I have? I did feel better when I had something more substantial covering my skin. When I was dressed, Three grabbed the top of my arm again and pulled me out of the room. I did not struggle this time. What good had it done for me so far? Also, I might start getting answers as to why I was here. He pulled me along the hall way, it was warmer out here, than it was in the room; we past more doors, some opened some closed. As we neared an open door, someone stepped out of it. Another girl. She was older than I by a few years, I would have put her around 22 years old, with caramel blonde hair, green eyes and tanned skin. She gave me a slow up and down look then peered over my shoulder.

So is this who caused you all the trouble when you brought her in and who since has been screaming and keeping everyone awake? She said to the men behind and beside me.

Mila, this is Sugar. Sugar, Mila.’ Three said, introducing us. ‘He wants to see her, then you’ll have to show her around, teach her the rules. He finished, talking to the older girl.

Sure. I know we’ll get her to fit right in here. After all, we all know what will happen if she doesn’t. Mila said, her eyes never leaving mine.

I stared back, not wanting to break the gaze. She let out a small laugh and shook her head, turning to go back into the room. We kept going forward. The hall way broke into a wider area, a huge room with other hall ways coming off it. In the room I saw a few other girls grouped together, talking with each other. As soon as we entered the room they all turned to stare at me. Sympathy and curiosity in some eyes, a little bit of disdain in others. The faces that held hints of disdain were grouped together away from the rest. I did notice though, that all the girls were dressed in either tight or small amounts of clothing. We kept walking, the men ignoring the group of girls like it was a regular thing. We entered another hall way, this one led right to a door at the end. My heart started to beat faster and I tried to pull my arm out of the Three’s grip, he looked down at me.

Still fighting huh? Well don’t worry, he only wants to meet you now. Three said.

Who is he? I asked, still trying to take back possession of my arm.

The man who owns you. Three said. I stopped moving altogether. So did he.

No one owns me. I said glaring at him.

The other man behind us, gave a small laugh. Three leaned down to my ear, pulling me toward him as I tried to pull away.

We’ll see. He whispered in my ear.

We were at the door now. He gave three knocks, then opened the door and pushed me inside. The door closed behind me, but I didn’t turn to look and see if anyone had come in with me. The room was big, it was an office, full of teak and jarrah furniture. I looked around trying to see something, anything. I don’t know if I was looking for a weapon or an exit or for my supposed ‘owner’.

Come forward. It doesn’t help me to see you if you’re standing in the shadows.’ A voice came from nowhere. I didn’t move. ‘Very soon, you will learn to do as you’re told. The voice said. There was an underside of menace to his words.

Who the hell are you and what makes you think I am going to do anything you tell me to? I retorted, looking around for a sign of where he was.

Yeah I see what the boys mean now. You’ve got fight in you. The others will soon teach you that fighting against this is pointless. You’ll either learn that from them, or you’ll find out a harder way. His voice came from behind me.

I inhaled sharply and spun around quickly, stepping back at the same time. He grabbed my arms, softer than the other men, and stepped forward as I stepped back so no distance was created. I backed into something and he stepped forward again. Now we were only inches away from each other.

Get away from me. I said, proud that my voice was still steady.

You’re very beautiful as well. He said, ignoring my words.

I ripped away from him and pushed against his chest and backed away from him, going back towards the door that I came in. He didn’t try to stop me. He let out a little chuckle, then sighed.

Bo! He said loudly. The door behind me opened and Three came back in.

Take Sugar to meet the girls. Tell Mila to fill her in. He said to three. Three grabbed my arm again and started to lead me out the door.

My name is Faith. I said loudly, I only briefly saw the small grin on his face before the door closed behind us and I was jerked forward again.

CHAPTER 3

T hree walked me back down the hallway towards the big open room. He didn’t say anything and neither did I. He walked me into the middle of the room and stood there with me.

Jasmine, show this little Sugar around. Three said to one of the girls. She turned to face me and gave me a small smile.

She was a pretty brunette with brown eyes and porcelain skin that was shown off by her minimal clothing.

Sure Bo. She said quietly, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the hulking man. He let go of me and grabbed her arm instead.

Make sure she knows where she can and can’t go within the house then turn her over to Mila. He said to her.

She nodded. He left suddenly and a few seconds went by, then I was surrounded by the girls.

Okay leave her alone. She probably can’t think straight and wants nothing to do with any of us. The girl holding my hand said, making me notice her slight English accent.

She looked no older than me. Hardly any of these girls did, some even looked younger. I heard someone scoff at her words.

She has to get used to being here. Just like we all did. I turned and saw Mila standing there with her arms crossed, her expression not unkind, but without much warmth to it either.

I know Mila, but right now, she is new. So let me show her around. Jasmine said.

Sorry, I get it. When you’re done with your tour, bring her to me please. Dean wants me bring her up to speed on some things. Mila said. Jasmine nodded and the girls turned back to me.

Come on Sugar, let’s show you around. Jasmine said.

Jasmine gave me the tour, speaking about the place. From what I understood this was a female stripper house. And we were the nightly entertainment that ‘worked’ here. Pretty much we served the male populace - and not just doing strip shows. As she spoke she tried to comfort me the whole time. When I asked her how she got here, she told me that she was living rough by herself when they found her and brought her in. She was bought just like me. Only I wasn’t just bought, I was sold.

Hey.’ She said cutting off half way in the middle of a sentence. ‘Are you okay? She asked me.

"Who are these men? I asked her quietly.

Powerful. All of them. Dean, the man you met with before, owns this place. You stay on his good side and you’re fine. Get on his bad side… She trailed off.

And the shit hits the fan? How the hell does he get away with this? Doesn’t anyone know about us? I said, looking at her, wondering why the hell everyone was so calm.

Like I said before, they’re all powerful men and friends with powerful men, no one who comes here or knows about this place cares about any of this. She said to me, taking my hand. I shook my head, pulling my hand from hers.

I have to get out of here. I can’t stay here. I begged her quietly. She just looked at me with sympathy.

You’re going to be fine, okay just don’t fight them. When you fight them, they make you wish you were dead. She said, trying to lead me back through the halls.

We headed back to the open room, most of the girls had left, but Mila was sitting on one of the lounges that was pushed against one of the walls. She stood up as we came back in.

You’ve shown her around?’ She asked Jasmine. Jasmine nodded. ‘Okay, come on Sugar. She said to me. Nicer than she’s spoken to me so far. I looked at Jasmine questioningly.

You’re not coming? I asked her. She shook her head.

No, this isn’t my bit. She said to me. A strange look on her face. I followed Mila.

She led me out of the open room and down a hallway. Near the end, she stopped and opened a door on the right.

Sugar, this might be your room, depending on what happens after today. She said to me.

What do you mean? I asked her.

You’ll understand later. Was all she responded.

I looked in. The room was big, but I wasn’t going to be alone in there. There was another three beds alongside mine. Next to each bed was a small three drawer bedside table. Other than the beds and the drawers the room was devoid of anything else, making it feel hollow and cold.

You’ll share with Jasmine, Honey and myself. Mila said pointing to the other beds next to mine.

"The drawers are for you to keep whatever things you have or get in, if you want. No one goes through