Amy, the second girl, looks similar to Bobbie, except she seems to be holding her age a little better. She’s got blond hair, slightly ashier than Bobbie’s, and her eyes are blue. She’s a little curvier, but also petite. She, too, carries the marks of drug abuse, but mostly she seems quiet, and withdrawn, and if I’m seeing things correctly, there’s a bruise fading on her left eye.
Someone has hurt her.
She has a different kind of story to tell.
My heart breaks for both of them, mostly because I know what’s about to happen to them. They think they’re going to enter a better world, but soon they’ll find out the heaven they’re being promised is actually in disguise—this is hell. The doors will close behind them, and they’ll have no way out.
I’m not going to let that happen.
“What do you think of the lake?”
I jump when Dax comes up behind me and places a hand on my hip. All day, he’s been putting his hands on me in an affectionate manner. In a way that would make me think he’s got some sort of warm feelings for me. I heard him speaking to Bobbie, and while he wasn’t being cruel, he wasn’t using the same gentle tones he’s been using when we talk.
Does Dax see straight through me, and is playing the game?
Or does he actually feel something different when we’re together?
Both options scare the hell out of me.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he tells me, his voice low and gravelly.
I turn to face him and look up into his gaze. He’s a gorgeous man; it would be hard for anyone to overlook that.
I glance away.
“I’m sorry. I was just taking in the scenery. I didn’t hear you come around.”
“That’s okay; enjoy it. Would you like to take a walk with me? The other girls are enjoying some time with Yates and Jack. I think they might like them.”
Stop talking like you’re introducing a few old friends, you sick motherfucker. Anger bubbles in my chest and I struggle to fight it down, so much so I’m forced to look away and pretend I’m gazing at the lake again. If I don’t, he’ll see the blind rage I feel for him over that horrible comment. Yates and Jack are here for one thing only—to buy themselves a little fucking slave.
They’re rich.
I saw the cars they arrived in.
I saw their clothes and the watches.
They’re not here for fun.
They’re here for business.
“A walk sounds nice,” I say even though it takes every strength inside my body to stop myself from screaming.
“Wonderful.”
We start a walk along the lake, and I can’t help but glance at the cabins, wondering which one the guys are staying in. They said they were close. I notice a few cabins set back into the thick trees a little more, a dirt road leading to them. If they were smart, they’d be in one of those where they can’t be seen. If they’re seen, this all goes to shit.
“How are you feeling today?” Dax asks me, standing a little too close for comfort.
His woodsy aftershave does smell incredible, though.
I’m sure the devil did too, when he was a fucking angel.
“I’m okay. A little nervous,” I tell him, using a soft voice. “I’m not sure I fit in here.”
Dax reaches out and takes my hand, and I want jerk it back. A couple walking the opposite way to us smiles, like we’re the damned cutest things they’ve ever seen. I grit my teeth.
“You’re with me. I’ll make sure we have a wonderful time.”
Oh, I’m positive you will.
“It is a lovely place,” I say, trying to change the subject. “Do you suppose it’s too cold to swim?”
“Not at all.”
“Good,” I say, taking my hand from his quickly and running towards the water.
If this is what I have to do to get away from him, I will.
I take my shirt off until I’m in my bra and shorts, and I launch myself into the cold lake. It’s not as bad as I thought, but it’s still enough to make me let out a little squeal. Dax grins and then, before I know it, he’s taking his shirt off and walking towards the water. The man has a body on him—there’s no doubt about it.
I look away, irritated. I duck under the water, holding my breath and letting out the tension in my body by screaming as loudly as I possibly can.
When I surface, I feel a little better, though my chest is tight and sore.
I glance back in Dax’s direction but I can’t see him, which means he’s already in the water. Super. Now I’m stuck in here with him.
Great job thinking on your toes, Waverly.
He appears in front of me, hair wet, face chiseled. God, it’s not a wonder people fall for this man. He’s gorgeous and he knows it.
I duck back under the water quickly, not wanting to have to look at him a single second longer, or face this awkward encounter that I so stupidly put myself in.
When I surface again, he’s smiling. Damn, if I don’t have to avert my gaze.
“You’re beautiful, Waverly. I’ve met many women in my time, but none quite as exceptional as you.”
Right.
Great.
Fab.
“Thanks,” I say softly.
He extends a hand and places it on my cheek and for a moment, for a terrifying moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. If he’s going to do something that I’m sure he hasn’t done before, right here in the water, with a girl he’s supposed to be preparing for sale. When he leans closer, and my fears are nearly confirmed, I turn my face away. My cheeks are burning, thankfully, because it only helps when I say, “Oh, oh . . .”
I act nervous, but honestly, it isn’t hard, because I am nervous.
“It’s okay,” he says, stroking a thumb over my cheek before dropping his hand. “I know you’ve
