Chapter 4: Caught in the Act

He croaked, "Are you a worker here?"

I shook my head, voice thick with tears. "I… I was sold here by my adoptive brother…"

He cupped my face, rough hands surprisingly gentle. "Do you trust me? If you do, after tonight, I’ll take responsibility. Doesn’t matter who you are or what they call you—I don’t go back on my word."

I didn’t answer. I was burning up, pulse racing, shame and longing fighting inside me. I’d heard a lot of promises through these walls—none of them ever lasted. But what choice did I have?

[Girl, bite your lip, give him the puppy eyes, and ask: Really?]

I did it, eyes trembling, "Really?"

He looked dazed, then leaned in and pressed a kiss to the corner of my lips. His hands shook. "Of course it’s true. What’s your name?"

I whispered, "Madeline. Madeline Brooks."

He repeated it, soft as a prayer, then grinned, "Maddie, my wife."

His lips crashed down on mine—hungry, wild, and whiskey-sweet. My knees buckled, but he held me up, hauling me to the bed. Clothes tore. Skin burned. He looked at me like he might devour me, and I shivered, reaching to hide my face.

He caught my wrist, his gaze fierce. "Don’t hide—so beautiful."

Suddenly, boots stomped in the hallway. Someone knocked, "Sir, our virgin girl is missing—seen anyone?"

My heart stopped. He grabbed my chin, kissed me hard, possessive. "Don’t look at anyone else, Maddie."

He hurled a candlestick at the door. "Get lost!"

Footsteps scrambled away, leaving just us in the flickering candlelight, shadows writhing on the wall. The world outside faded. Need took over, wild and unstoppable. Dawn crept in before we finally collapsed, tangled up, not ready to let go.