Abducted

By Lady Velvet Peterson

A Masquerade Party. A Mysterious Man. And a Mansion of Secrets.

Leigh thought she had it together and knew what she wanted from life. But waking up in an unfamiliar house with strange people vying for her to join factions she doesn't understand is pissing her off.

Thankfully there are people there that help Leigh keep her sanity. David's teachings will prove invaluable in keeping her safe from the factions as she tries to understand the others trapped here and their infamous captor.

Leigh goes on a journey to unravel the mysteries of "the Mansion," discovering the man she loves along the way, but things don't work out quite as she'd hoped. How far will Leigh go to save the others and herself?  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lady V Writes
• Release date: Apr 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201425463

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Where am I?

Leigh opened her sleepy eyes and took in her surroundings. This can't be real, so she closed her eyes. It had to be a dream, no, a nightmare. A hangover from too much drink during New Year's Eve. Yes, that had to be it. Opening her eyes again didn't make the strange surroundings disappear, though.

Leigh remembered going to a New Year's masquerade party with friends. Some guy in a mask brought her a drink, and as they sat talking, she became extremely dizzy. He had gone to get her friends to help. She had drifted in and out after that, and someone carried her and laid her down. Sitting up, she looked around the strange bedroom. It felt rather quaint. The wooden bed she was in looked to be of sturdy construction, and there was a table, two chairs, and some sort of dresser. These were reproductions of antiques, or possibly antiques themselves.

But more importantly, where was she? It was never a good idea to take a drink from someone you don't know, but he seemed so lovely. Leigh remembered a bit more now. They had spoken of their love of vintage clothing. He seemed so sincere that when he offered her a glass. She didn't hesitate.

Leigh took a deep breath. Going over what she should have done differently wasn't getting her anywhere. She needed to find her phone. Searching the room, Leigh didn't find it. Her purse was on the dresser, but her phone was nowhere to be seen. Checking the pocket in her skirt was fruitless, too. Unless it had fallen out while she slept. She tore back the blankets and sheets on the bed and sighed with relief when she saw the familiar rectangle of her I-phone.

You are awake, My Lady. Leigh scanned the room, noting the speaker near the ceiling and a camera hanging next to the door. Where am I? Her mind, running miles ahead, was already thinking about ways to get out of here, wherever here is.

You are in my home. I hope the room is to your liking.

Many emotions flooded her. Who the hell was this person, and why had they kidnapped her? What did they want? Was she trapped here? Where was she? As much she wanted to shout these questions, a quiet calm overtook her as she schooled her face and politely answered. It's a lovely room. Thank you for asking, but I have to wonder who you are and where is this house?

All in good time, my lady. The man said. I will tell you this. There is food in the kitchen, and you are probably hungry.

He wasn't wrong. Leigh's stomach told her she must have slept for a long time. She reached over to check her phone and realized two things. An entire day had passed, and there was no signal. Her heart dropped. Perhaps she could get bars near a window, but Leigh had a feeling that her kidnapper already knew the device wouldn't work. Why else would he allow her to keep it?

You are absolutely adorable with your 20th-century device. I am afraid it will be of little use here. Leigh said nothing, refusing to rise to the bait. Ah, the lady is quiet. That makes things interesting. I can't tell what you are thinking. Most are screaming in anger or crying for mercy when they realize their predicament.

Most? Were there other people here? Ignoring the voice, Leigh stepped to the window to try her phone, but there was no signal as her abductor had stated. She raced to the door, hoping it wasn't locked, her flight response taking over, as she just needed to get away from there. As she grabbed the handle, a sharp pain went through her palm, and she drew aside with a shrill cry as the door opened. Looking down at her hand, there was a nasty deep cut. Leigh grabbed her skirt and wrapped it around the wound to stanch the flow of blood. "

She inspected the door. They trapped it with a razor blade. What kind of person does such a thing? An insane person, that's who. She'd been abducted and in a house with a madman, who trapped everything.

Head left to the kitchen, my dear, and there will be someone to help you with your poor hand.

Not knowing what else to do, Leigh obeyed the voice. The bedroom door was now open, and her cut needed attention. She hurried down the hallway to a set of steep steps that took her right into the kitchen.

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As Leigh stepped into the galley, someone said, Oh, my goodness. You're hurt. A perky blond started rummaging through a cabinet. I've got bandages and antiseptic here. She walked over and held her hand out to Leigh. I'm Millie. Let me see your hand so we can properly take care of it. Leigh wordlessly stretched out her hand. The girl looked harmless enough and concerned. Could she trust her?

Leigh studied Millie as she babbled away. Her heart-shaped face bubbled with happiness as she talked. Her mid-length blond hair pulled back by a barrette on the right side showcased her smooth-tanned skin. Almond-shaped chocolate brown eyes seemed to light up her snubbed nose and cupid's bow mouth as she explained about the others living in the house. There appeared to be many people living here. The kind doctor who helped everyone, a trickster who, despite destroying things, made her smile. Another girl, who Millie described as a tomboy. Millie cleaned the wound and bandaged Leigh up. I'm not as good as our doctor, but I can do basic first aid.

She grabbed a washcloth, attempting to take some of the blood out of Leigh's skirt. You'll have to wash it later, but it won't stain. Millie looked up at her, concerned. Aside from the hand, how are you doing, Leigh?

Leigh looked at her in surprise. Why are you here? And how do you know my name?

Oh, Svengali always tells me the newcomers' names. She walked around the table and opened the old refrigerator. She put some vegetables on the sideboard and started chopping as she talked. He sends everyone to the kitchen first. So I'm the first person here they meet. Although sometimes I'm painting instead of cooking. She gestured to the easel in the kitchen's corner. I'm here because I choose to stay.

So that's the name behind the voice. Leigh sat at the kitchen table. Why would anyone stay willingly? She couldn't wrap her mind around Millie's choice, so she asked another question instead. Where is here?

The house, of course, Silly, Millie said teasingly as she placed a bowl of salad and a plate of bread in front of them before taking her seat across from Leigh.

Where is the house located? Leigh took a bit of bread. She was hungry, and she figured the food wasn't poisoned, as Millie was eating.

I don't recall the exact street, but we are in the city of Meridon. Millie explained, I grew up here.

What state is that in?

I don't remember. They finished their meal in silence.

Millie stood to take the plates. You should explore and meet the others. Be mindful of the traps.

Why on earth would I want to do that? I'd be safer to stay put.

Because that's your way out, Millie said. Svengali will give you tasks to earn your freedom. If you succeed, you can leave.

And if I don't succeed?

Millie dropped her gaze. You seem really nice. I hope it doesn't come to that. She lifted her eyes as she remembered something. You should know that all bedroom doors are to be left open. But Svengali won't hurt you while you are in your room. Private rooms are for resting and recovering from tests. Other residents can come to your room. Each room has its own en suite, and no one is allowed in there but you. Anyone who breaks the sanctity of the bathroom is punished. I'm so glad you made it! The door is always the first test. At least you weren't knocked unconscious by it like some people.

Test for what?

Millie's gaze flitted away from Leigh's. some people don't handle the situation particularly well. They… don't stay long.

Leigh didn't need to confirm her suspicions. It was apparent that those who didn't comply were disposed of.

Yes. Svengali's voice came over the intercom in the kitchen, making both girls jump. It's time for My Lady to see more of the house.

Svengali, what have I told you about scaring me like that? Millie said, catching her breath.

Hm, I actually wasn't trying that time, Little Nightingale, Svengali said.

It surprised Leigh. The King of Nutcases called them by nicknames and seemed to have genuine affection for them. Millie seemed to be the Princess of Nutcases. Why would she stay here if she could leave? Who were these people, and what were they to him? Why were they even here? What did Svengali hope to achieve by having her here? Leigh pondered these questions as Millie and Svengali chattered.

Svengali, addressing her, broke Leigh out of her thoughts. My Lady, I've opened the basement door for you. Beware of the mice.

They've been enough of a problem in the pantry.

CHAPTER 2

What Now?

LEIGH entered the hallway; several shut doors lined it. Only one at the farthest end was ajar. She made her way down the steps, looking for traps in the dim lighting as she descended, checking each step before putting her weight on it. The steps creaked, and it was almost pitch black. Moist air with the acrid scent of burnt firewood and, oddly enough, grease added to her anxiousness. What was waiting for her down here? As she descended the last step, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Leigh gingerly felt around, looking for a light switch. When someone spun Leigh, till her back pressed against the wall and pulled her arms above her head. Her assailant pressed himself against her, rendering her unable to move.

Who are you? He said.

Leigh’s mind whirled as her heart raced and her body stiffened defensively. She should scream, but would anyone even hear her? She thought about sending her knee into his groin, but could she even accomplish that maneuver? Leigh had no experience with self-defense. That was the thing silly tv dramas showed. Her captor hadn’t moved and seemed to wait for a response. She tried to relax as she explained. I’m Leigh. I just woke up here.

Okay. He loosened his grip but made no motion to move away from her. Why are you in my workshop?

Svengali told me to come down here. It’s one of the few places he’s allowed me to go. She tried to relax. His body was lean and fit, and she melted into him in hopes he would release her soon as he inadvertently pressed the wound on her hand.

The man’s breath stuttered, and he drew a slow breath as if he savored her scent. Shit, you smell amazing, He pressed her into the wall once more as his lips captured hers. His kiss was fiery, primal, and demanding of her. Leigh couldn’t think straight. In fact, the next thing she realized was instead of fighting this guy, her brain had already made a choice. She kissed this stranger in return. Taking a ragged breath, he pulled away, releasing her as he stepped back. There was a loud click, and the basement lit up.

Blinking in the light, she saw what he meant by a workshop. Tools, along with nuts and bolts, were scattered everywhere. He stepped over to a small circuit board, picked a tiny pair of pliers, and worked on it like nothing happened. Leigh studied the man. He was handsome with what looked to be two-day stubble. His dark hair reminded her of the perfect bedhead that was meant to be that way. Magnetic blue-green eyes examined the circuit he was holding. Without looking up, he said, If you need something, I don’t mind. Just ask first.

Okay… you know my name, but what’s yours?

Oh, sorry. He gave her a roguish grin that crinkled his eyes. Riley, Riley Cooper. His face became serious. I probably shouldn’t have kissed you… so I’m sorry for that. I don’t know what you are wearing, but you were… so enticing. He dropped his head, embarrassed.

Leigh huffed in amusement. Kissing a stranger isn’t topping my list of odd phenomena at the moment. In fact, I expected to kiss a stranger at the masquerade party I attended before I ended up here.

Riley looked up at her and chuckled. You’re honest. I like that. He saw her bandaged hand and set down the pliers. I didn’t hurt you, did I?

Not too much. It’ll be fine.

My Lady, Svengali’s voice was muted because the speaker was at the top of the steps. I’ve opened the foyer for you. You can make your way there at your leisure.

Riley sighed. That’s usually the order of things. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I disabled his speaker down here. I can’t stand him.

Ah, Tinkerer, Svengali said. Always so obstinate.

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Leigh left the basement, leaving Riley to work, and made her way down the hallway toward the foyer. The foyer was grand. Dual winding staircases led to the upstairs. The setting would be almost romantic with the dark woods and windows that let in the light, but the bars over the windows quickly reminded Leigh that this wasn’t a romance story. There were three doors. The one she had come through on her way to the basement. One opposite that and then the one that interested her most… the front door. It had a series of locks on it. It was thick, intricately carved, sturdy, and quite formidable.

The grand foyer front door… isn’t it a beautiful thing? Svengali’s voice came over the nearby speaker.

It’s definitely elaborate.

The keys are located around the house except for the last one. I will judge your performance here in the house and with your tests and determine whether you should receive the last key. To be honest, though, anyone who made it through all the tests deserves the last key.

Riley wasn’t a dumb guy. He had been here for some time, and unlike Millie, he didn’t seem content to stay here. So leaving must be much more complicated than simply finding the keys.

You are probably wondering how easy the keys are to locate. Not impossible, but not easy either. Many of the others have found keys already and unlocked a few of the locks. However, I hold the last key.

Leigh’s heart sank. Of course, he did. How else would he keep them there? She walked over to the door, studying the locks. Even if she attempted to use her hairpins, she wasn’t a lock-picker. She picked up her cell and stepped over to the windows, hoping for some sort of signal.

You won’t find a signal, My lady. I made sure of it. But I appreciate your tenacity. It will help you earn your freedom.

Frustrated, she stalked out of the foyer and back to her own room, not wanting to listen to anymore.

CHAPTER 3

Assistance

AFTER THINKING about all escape possibilities, Leigh picked up her cell phone in defeat. Wait a minute... The masquerade! Leigh scrolled faster. She remembered taking a photo with that guy, Svengali. Yes! There it was, the selfie they had captured. He wore a mask like everyone else. He dressed in a rather dapper Victorian suit. Black wool tailcoat with dress trousers, high collar dress shirt with a black ascot, and blue velvet vest. She couldn't be sure that it was the same person, but at least she had a picture. Leigh wasn't sure what she would learn from it, but she had to save the image. The charge wouldn't last forever. She shut the power off. Millie mentioned painting. Perhaps she could draw a copy of the photo for her. There might be something significant in it if she could study it long enough.

Forty-eight hours ago, she walked into a party to have fun with her friends. Things changed so quickly. Now she was alone in a house with a bunch of strangers. Not to mention a madman who had gone to