Enslave Me Sweetly (19 page)

T
wo days passed without a single abduction attempt. Two angst-filled days.

I spent them accompanying the ambassador on her rounds, translating idle chatter and more in-depth conversations about discrimination, while projecting a carefree facade. I'd seen Lucius only once, at a party hosted by one of the ambassador's friends of a friend. He'd remained a safe distance from me but had watched me the whole evening.

His gaze had been a living entity, reminding me of the way he'd kissed and caressed me, the way he'd brought me to climax so many times. I'd forced myself to ignore him, to think only of the case.

The following day, I received another message from Colin and used the cell unit Lucius brought me to read it to him. The conversation was short and sweet.

“I have a friend working on solar flares, and he told me he's begun experimenting with small, inanimate objects to find out just what type of magnetic device would be most conducive to molecular transference within a solar flare. So far he's had no luck.”

His frustration crackled over the line. “I was hoping for more by now.”

“I know. But he did mention that a small, molecule-based magnet would work best. It offers photomodulated magnetization, can store data, and offers magnetic shielding and induction. And, unlike metal-based magnets, it can be deposited as a thin, transparent film or even inserted within another object.”

“Yeah, but can something so small generate enough power to transport a body astronomically?”

“I'll ask.”

“Let me know if you learn anything else.”

And that was it, the end of our conversation.

I disconnected and lay in bed, moonlight bathing me. Agent Luc was already asleep in the bathroom. I didn't want to take a chance that she'd be hurt when I was taken.
When
would I be taken? I hated waiting.

A cricket hummed a lazy tune, and a cool, dew-scented breeze wafted through the open windows. I was making it easy for my abductors. I was also prepared. I wore silver sleep pants and a clinging silver top. They allowed easy movement, but were difficult to pull off. Of course, I had two knives strapped to me—one at the small of my back, the other on the inside of my thigh. My hair clips were too aberrant for bed, as was the anklet. Part of me expected Lucius to arrive at any moment, but he stayed true to his word and didn't visit.

I glared up at the domed ceiling. Men! Who understood them? Not me, certainly. Well, that's not true. I'd once thought I understood them. They needed sex, food, and water to survive, and their every action hinged on whichever need took prominence. Lucius was…different.

He worked hard, kept his mind on the prize. He did what was necessary for success, despite his own needs and wants. I respected that. I respected
him.
He was the best agent I'd ever come across. A partner I hadn't wanted, but couldn't deny had been the best thing to happen to this case.

Had I not been so lost in my thoughts, I never would have been caught so unaware. A hand whipped out from the darkness and pinched my nose closed. Panic rocked me at first, and I instinctively grasped at the hand to push it away. I even opened my mouth to suck in a breath. The man, whoever he was, dumped a tart liquid down my throat the moment I parted my lips. I tried to spit it out, but he smothered both my nose and mouth, forcing me to swallow.

“There you go,” he said, his voice low and soothing. I didn't recognize his voice. “Sleep now,” he added gently. “We won't hurt you.”

Finally, EenLi's men had arrived.

I almost laughed through my fading panic. “What did you give me? Poison?” I demanded of my attacker, as any sane woman would. I kicked at him and, like a scared little female, scooted toward the headboard.

A black mask concealed his features, but he couldn't hide the strength and size of his frame. Only slighter shorter than Lucius, he filled out his black military fatigues menacingly. “I gave you an opiate to help you sleep,” he said. “We don't want to kill you, I promise.”

That showed exactly what he knew about Rakas. Not a damn thing. I was impervious to opiates and most other human drugs. He would have had better luck with a nice aged Scotch or rich brandy.

“I'll scream,” I said, making my words slur.

He chuckled. “Screaming won't matter, little girl. We drugged everyone else inside the house, too. They're sleeping the night away.”

“You…bastard.” I pretended relaxation, however, and after a few seconds, gave a grade A performance of falling unconscious. Contrary to what Lucius said, my acting did
not
suck, thank you very much.

EenLi's men agreed with me. “That was easy,” one of them said.

If the man decided to rape me, I'd have a miraculous awakening, however, and show them just how sweet I could be. There were some things I would
not
do for my job.

Shockingly, he softly kissed my forehead, a gentle, innocent pressing of lips against skin. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, Jonathan had made it very clear I wasn't to be harmed in any way. EenLi had probably sent his sweetest abductors.

What a lovely oxymoron.

“Look at this gold,” he whispered.

“Pretty,” another man said, awed. I didn't recognize his voice, either. “Do you know how much money we'd make selling her skin?”

“You won't be hurting her. We're to deliver her as we found her.
We'll
be cut into tiny pieces and sold if we harm her.”

“I know, I know.” He sighed. “But…maybe we could cut off some of her hair. Maybe a few strands,” he rushed on. “Nothing that would be noticed.”

“No.”

“Why not? We—”

“No. Now shut up. We're running out of time.”

Strong arms slid under me and lifted. I let my head loll, but not before I caught a whiff of expensive, musky cologne. The scent could not have masked dirty flesh or rotting clothes. No, whoever carried me was clean and well groomed, obviously nicely paid and not the cheap labor EenLi usually used.

Cologne pushed out a breath. “Let's get out of here.”

I was gently carried to the balcony, the same balcony Lucius had first used to enter my room. Of course, I'd removed the extra pins when I learned my abduction was being planned, making entry into my room easy.

Being an agent, I'd stalked and hunted victims. I'd never been one myself. Letting these men cart me away warred against every instinct I possessed. My mind wanted me to fight, to prevent this from happening. To kill. How could I allow these men to make me a slave?

There was no better way to find and destroy EenLi and save the others he had enslaved. I knew it, and took what comfort I could in the fact that these men hadn't patted me down and didn't know about my blades. Most likely, they hadn't considered that an other-worlder interpreter—and a peace-loving Raka, at that—would be armed.

The two men took turns holding me as they harnessed themselves to a wire, then I too was strapped in and braced against one of them. Cool night air slithered around me as I was lowered to the ground.

“Careful, careful,” said a rough voice from the window.

“I am careful,” the man holding me replied.

“You're letting her dangle. Grip her tighter.”

Wind kicked up, and my body shook precariously. I, too, almost shouted an order to be held tighter.

“Screw you,” he said, his voice hard with rebellion. “If I hold her any tighter, I'll cut off her air and she'll die.” The bastard squeezed my breast (purposefully) as he tightened his hold to make a point.

Feigning a muscle spasm, I slammed my fist into his balls (also purposefully). He howled in pain, a tortured squeak that echoed in my ears.

“Bitch,” Smashed Balls growled when he caught his breath.

I think he meant to backhand me, but Expensive Cologne stopped him with a menacing, “Hurt her, and I'll kill you myself.”

My captor cursed under his breath. I could hear the wheels turning inside his mind as he decided whether slapping me around would be worth his death. “She busted my nuts.”

“She's fucking asleep, you ass-wipe. Let's just get her out of here before you alert security.”

“Security is napping.”

“With all your howling, they won't sleep much longer.” Pause. “Damn it, now you're holding her
too
tightly. She's turning blue.”

“Do you hear her complaining?” Smashed Balls snapped.

“She's asleep, asshole.” Another burst of wind circled us. “She can't complain. Release your death grip.”

“You should have fucking carried her down yourself.”

When the ground touched my feet, I put no weight on my legs, instead letting them buckle as if I were slumbering peacefully. My captor had to brace my entire weight.

He grunted. “She's heavier than she looks.”

“Or you're weaker than
you
look.”

“Get down here and hold her yourself. And I hope like hell she slams a fist into
your
nuts,” he added softly.

I heard the click of metal as Expensive Cologne reached the ground. He liberated me, hefting me into his arms. Immediately he began running, causing my neck, arms, and legs to bounce up and down. They were being paid to keep me unharmed, but at this rate they were going to break me in half. Finally, the three of us reached the getaway vehicle. About that time, a shout sounded in the distance. Lights turned on and illuminated the area.

“See what you did?” Cologne growled.

“Fucking hell,” Smashed Balls bellowed. “Drive, just drive.”

I was chucked unceremoniously into the back seat and left in a heap as the two men jammed themselves beside me. The sound of squealing tires erupted.

I almost sighed. My abduction was a success. For all of us.

T
he car ride proved to be long and tedious. The men, now three in number because of the driver, talked and laughed about my fate.

“He's going to do her hard,” one of them said.

They were talking about Lucius, who was to be my new master. My reaction? Mental eye-roll and gag. The fact that Lucius had already “done” me pretty damn hard didn't factor into the picture.

“Lucky bastard,” the driver muttered.

Rough, scratchy fingers began stroking my jawline, and I almost jerked away from the unwanted touch but managed to restrain myself. Those fingers shifted, tugging at my hair. Several strands popped free, and I watched through cracked lids as the man stealthily slipped them inside his pocket. His movements brought a breeze of clashing scents: excitement, fear, and…roses? How odd. Why did he smell like roses?

“I'd like to take her for a ride.” The driver laughed crudely. “Yeeehaaaw, baby. Yeehaw.”

“Who cares about riding her? She's solid gold.” Awe dripped from Ball's words. “We could sell her ourselves and split the money. We'd make a shitload more than what we're being paid now.”

“Yeah, and we'd also turn up dead in a matter of days.” Cologne. “That kind of puts a damper on spending.”

Driver: “Exactly. Don't even joke about selling her. Wayne would kill us with his Mec voodoo.”

Balls snorted. “I'm not afraid of that other-worlder bastard.” The undertone of apprehension in his voice belied his brave claim.

Honest to God, I'd be doing the universe a favor if I slit each one of their throats. And I just might do it once I offed EenLi. How long did they expect me to sleep? How long did I have to listen to this crap without reaction? I kept my lashes cracked slightly open, trying to catch glimpses of the landscape outside. First I saw only night sky, but trees soon came into view. Their branches were bare.

Finally the car eased to a stop. Cologne gently lifted me out and carted me into a small, dark building. A residence? A business? I couldn't tell. There were no surrounding houses, no signs. No telltale sounds. Moonlight danced upon the roof, spilling over and dripping onto the dry, brittle grass.

“Get her inside and put her with the others,” the driver said.

“I know what to do.”

With the others?
That meant they hadn't been sold yet. They could be saved. Excitement unfurled inside me.

My captor pushed the front door open with a booted kick, not bothering with an ID box. Great security. Inside, I heard the creak of old wood, then the grate of rusty iron. My arms and legs flopped up and down as Cologne descended a flight of stairs. The air became cold and dank, musky. In the distance, I heard the rattle of chains and female moans.

My excitement fizzled when I realized I, too, would be placed in chains. I, too, would be made a slave. How could I willingly, no matter the reason, allow this to happen? I asked myself again. If something went wrong…If Lucius…

No. No! I would not panic. This was the plan. I'd willingly—wholeheartedly—agreed to this, knowing what would happen. Lucius wouldn't fail.
I
wouldn't fail. I had my knives, and I knew how to defend myself. I was going to be okay.

This was the only way to find EenLi. This was the only way to find what magnetic device he used for interworld travel. This was the only way to save all the others who had been taken as slaves. I would not back out now.

“How long do you think she'll be here?” Balls asked from behind Cologne.

“Not sure.”

“Do you think we could—”

“No.”

“You didn't even hear what I—”

“No.”

Balls stalked in front of Cologne. Scowling, he inserted a key inside a lock then pushed open metal doors. The hinges screeched in protest.

“Out of my way, bitch.” Balls kicked a woman who huddled on the floor.

More chains rattled together. Feet shuffled; women whimpered. My determination to see this through intensified. I'd failed to save the two humans EenLi and his men had raped inside that warehouse, but I
would
save these women.

“Why can't you leave them alone?” Cologne growled. “You're going to bruise them.”

“We're not to harm the Raka. These bitches don't matter.”

“They're to be sold, too. They matter. Maybe I need to talk to Wayne about your attitude.”

Balls shuddered. “You do that, and I'll kill you.”

I was laid on a cold floor. My wrists were taken in a warm, callused clasp before being clamped in cold shackles. The heavy metal bit into my skin. So much for keeping me unharmed. My wrists would be raw within the hour.

“Let's go,” Cologne said. “We've got to call Wayne and let him know she's here.”

Balls hesitated. I think he was considering squeezing my breasts or between my legs, but he thought better of it. The two men left, their bickering voices fading into the distance. I didn't reveal my wakefulness, however. I remained exactly where I was, still and quiet, listening, waiting. I felt curious stares boring into me. How would the women react to me? What would they say? Minutes later, my patience was rewarded.

“I hate that man,” a woman spat.

“We all do,” several chimed in dispiritedly.

Footsteps slapped against the concrete floor; chains dragged and rattled. The scent of roses drifted to my nostrils just before a warm leg pressed against mine, offering me body heat. Roses. Like Balls. I knew what that meant.

“Poor thing,” said the woman who justifiably hated Smashed Balls.

“We're all poor things,” another, more embittered female voice retorted.

“Have you ever seen so much gold?”

“They'll cut it off her soon enough,” Embittered said. “If they don't screw it off her first.”

They sympathized with me, already saw me as one of them. A slave to be raped and sold. That was good. I moaned to let them know I was “waking up.” Instantly conversation ceased, and a heavy silence grew. I slowly cracked open my eyes then, and eased to a sitting position. The chains were heavy, weighing down my wrists and ankles. The woman beside me watched my every movement, her big blue eyes widening. She was a pretty little thing with delicate bones and long shiny blond hair.

“Hello,” she said warily.

I cast my gaze through the cell—and that's exactly what it was, a ten-by-ten prison cell—cataloging and memorizing every detail. There were five women, no men. They were young, about eighteen to twenty, and human, dressed in costumes usually seen on the streets of Whore's Corner. Like me, they had their wrists and ankles chained. The length of our binds allowed for a stroll around the entire cell. Just not out of it.

A table piled high with meats, bread, and pitchers of water took up one wall. At least the ladies weren't meant to starve. There was even a toilet on the opposite end of the cell, but no screen or door for privacy.

The only heat provided against the cold dank air was a multitude of thick blankets—all of which were taken. Not that I needed one. I'd endured worse things than cold air. My search continued, and I spotted the far wall etched with a multitude of lines. The number of days they'd been here? A wave of anger rocked me, that these girls were so young, so innocent. I hoped like hell the isotope I'd injected was doing its job, helping Lucius track me here.

Did he even know I'd been taken yet?

Hopefully I wouldn't have to wait for my “sale.” I wanted to do some killing ASAP.

“Don't be scared,” the blonde said, her tone gentle. “Has anyone told you why you're here?”

“We're being sold to other-worlders as slaves,” Embittered informed me. She was the only redhead.

“Other-worlders?” I forced myself to gasp—forced myself not to scoot closer in anticipation of her answer. “On other planets?”

The timid one gulped and nodded.

I clasped my throat, as if in fear. “How?”

“It's not painful,” she rushed to assure me. “They'll strap a collar around your neck that somehow produces a wind. One minute you'll be on Earth, and the next you won't, but it doesn't hurt. I promise.”

A necklace…God, a necklace! Excitement rushed through me, more potent than before, and oh, so exhilarating. Romeo had strapped on a necklace before heading for the clearing. It all made sense now. According to Colin, for any type of interworld travel to be possible, a magnetic strip had to be held close to the body. What better way to hide a magnet close to the body than jewelry?

“Do you still have the necklace?” I asked.

“No.” She shook her head, dancing pale tendrils of hair around her shoulders. “Why?”

The metal door ground open, and a man stalked inside our cell, saving me from a response. The women immediately hunched toward the wall, cowering. Even the redhead, who had showed the most spirit, backed away in fear. I hadn't seen this man before. He had dark hair, a plain face. He was tall, well muscled, and radiated a menacing air. I arched a regal brow.

He tossed a blanket at me. “Don't get sick,” he commanded, “or I'll make you sorry you were ever born.”

“Believe me, the smell of your breath is already making me sorry I was born.”

Several feminine gasps filled my ears.

His green eyes narrowed. “Better watch how you talk to me, girl. I can make your stay here seem like a trip into hell.” He smiled smugly. “Just ask the others.”

“Oh yeah?” I didn't like how fearful the women were of him. It made me think he'd done bad things to them, horrible things. It made me want to hurt him. “Well, I can chop off your balls and feed them to you. What do you think of that?”

Growling low in his throat, he moved toward me. Only three steps in, he remembered his boss's orders not to harm me and stopped. He stood in place, fists clenching, emerald eyes sparking with the need to teach me a lesson. To subdue and overpower me. Finally he stormed out of the cell, slamming the door shut behind him.

The women stared at me in silence for a long while.

The blonde finally gasped out, “He could have killed you. Raped you. Beaten you. He…likes that,” she admitted, a shameful edge to the words. Color brightened her cheeks, so vivid she appeared feverish.

“Yes,” I said with a nod, “he could have done all of those things, but he would not have emerged unscathed.” I wanted so badly to help them and take away their pain. I couldn't. Not yet. So I did for them what I could. I tried to teach them what to do if the bastard ever came near them again. “Never let a man see you cower. If he knows he's stronger than you, he'll always attack. It's male nature. Fight them. With words, with your fists. Slam your palm into his nose. Poke his eyes. Don't be afraid to hurt him. He isn't afraid to hurt you.”

“But…but…”

“You may lose,” I said, “but I swear to you he'll always think twice before he comes after you again.”

“Unless he kills you,” the redhead added. She sounded wistful.

Whatever was required, I was getting these women out of here.