“So you work here? All of you?” I drum my fingers on the surface, my other hand propping my chin up. Top Knot shrugs, fetching a stack of freshly-washed tupperware.
“Sort of. We’re the Lots.” When I don’t respond, he tilts his head and speaks as if I’m a bit slow. “For the auctions. We keep a cut of what we make, and the tips are great.” Another round of laughter bursts through the air at his innuendo. I suppress a shudder, and he continues, pretending not to notice. “Free lodgings when we like, and the parties are something else. You should join us on Friday. It’s thrilling.”
“You’re whores,” I blurt out. No one is offended or even surprised. They’re too busy working in sync and smirking with hidden messages being passed through their side glances. Leaning across the counter, Top Knot reaches out to brush my blond waves behind my ear.
“We’re whatever you want us to be, handsome.” I quickly pull back. What the fuck have I just walked in to?
The words echo back now in context. Axel is the original. By the time a plate of steaming eggs, bacon, and pancakes is pushed beneath my nose, I’m fighting a gag. On second thoughts, I couldn’t eat now, not even for Avery’s sake. Sharon is still pulling this shit, running a brothel of sorts. All based on what she did to Axel.
Dax slips into the stool beside me, sliding his arm around my shoulder. I flinch, but relish his quick hug before it’s gone. I hadn’t realised how unnatural it’s been without Axel initiating the hugs and gentle touches between us. I’m glad Dax isn’t allowing the void to keep growing in his absence. Several pairs of eyes shoot our way, but not with judgement. Hints of jealousy and encouragement flare to life in their faces, Top Knot frozen in place with a look of longing. I swallow, turning his Dax’s ear to keep our conversation private.
“Tell me Avery isn’t on her own,” I command roughly. Dax’s blue eyes catch mine with a strange look, but he recovers quickly.
“Wyatt’s with her.” I nod, not knowing if that’s better or worse. I keep my head twisted away from the rest of those listening in.
“Do not leave her alone for a second in this house.” Dax’s mouth tightens into a firm line, and he agrees instantly, not needing an explanation. He can sense the tension radiating from me. I slide the plate of food towards Dax, letting him eat one-handed in my place.
The staff refocus on their tasks, busying themselves with the various meals before packing them into individual portioned boxes. Each container has a white sticker with today’s date placed on top and is stacked neatly into the double refrigerator. Dax’s thigh remains pressed against mine out of sight, a silent reassurance that we’re alright, as long as we stick together.
After taking the plate and washing up, most of those in the kitchen head out. A few hang back, Top Knot included, pottering around with his smirk cemented in place. I don’t attempt to make conversation with Dax. Who knows what is being passed back to Sharon, and by the Rolex on Top Knot’s wrist, I can only imagine he’s one of her favorites.
A throat is cleared in the doorway, the butler from last night staring directly at me. His thinning dark hair is combed over, a grey speckled moustache lining his upper lip. He’s the only member of staff I’ve seen whois above college age, his pressed white shirt, black slacks, and shiny shoes showing years of professionalism.
“Mrs Barrett has requested your presence.” I square my shoulders, wondering why Axel’s mom thinks I would come running because she clicked her slender fingers.
“Are you sure it’s me she wants?” I pass a glance at Dax, my blood running cold. The butler makes a humorless noise in his throat.
“Positive,Sir,” he drawls sarcastically before turning and leading the way.
“Do you-” I stop myself from asking Dax to tag along. I’m a grown ass man; I don’t need protection from a predator. He seems to read my face, standing to slap me on the shoulder.
“I’m going to take some food up to Garrett. Catch you after?”
I nod with a sigh. Yeah, sure, I’ll be the bait and will report back later. I’m forced to run to catch up to the butler before he disappears down the hallway. Beyond floor-to-ceiling windows lining this side of the mansion, an idyllic green setting sprawls across the landscape, rows of automatic sprinklers spraying across the manicured lawn. At the far end, a metal cage is just visible, which houses the tennis courts.
Passing through a barely used living area, hammocks swing gently in the breeze on the patio beyond. The butler leads me through the spider web of hallways, passing various rooms before turning sharply and opening a door at the far end.
The space inside is dim, with electric lanterns descending alongside a hidden staircase. Sulphur tickles my nose, and a brush of humidity sinks into my jeans. They immediately feel too tight, too constricted, and I’m sure that’s the point.
The butler ushers me towards the steps before closing the door, leaving me in almost complete darkness. I really should have insisted Dax came along. Squinting and trying not to fall, I feel each step with my bare foot before stepping down until I find myself in an underground chamber.
The room has been decorated to look like a cave, the bumpy walls and curved ceiling are painted stone grey. Sounds of the rainforest echo from hidden speakers, insects chirping, and frogs croaking between hollow droplets of rain. Two leather massage tables sit to the left, below shelves of small bottles and rolled towels. Artificial vines have been drapedaround blue lights, which reflect on the water filling the centre of the room. At the back of the round jacuzzi, Axel’s mom is eyeing me hungrily.
“I thought you could use some relaxation. I can see from a mile off how tense you are.” Once again, I’m struck by the lack of consideration of the early hour. Does no one sleep in this house?
Sharon licks her cherry-red lips and unashamedly tracks each of my biceps with her pale brown eyes. Fighting the impulse to cross my arms defensively, knowing it would only make me appear more muscular than I really am, I stand loosely with unhidden hatred filling my features. If I wasn’t worried she would kick us all out and Axel would be trapped in a house alone with her again, I wouldn’t have been able to restrain my tongue from spilling every curse word and name I have rolling around my mind.
“I’m good.” I shrug and turn to leave, splashing behind, telling me she’s rushing to stop me. I manage to jerk back before her wet, slender hand lands on my shoulder, growling for her to step back. In no version of this world would I have ever found her attractive, regardless of the things she’s done. A black bikini top barely covers her huge, clearly fake, breasts, and her stomach is unrealistically slender. Her thigh is covered with black ink in the shape of a large cat, its body on the prowl and fangs exposed in a hiss. I’m almost certain it’s supposed to be a cougar.Shudder.
“You seem so stressed. Why don’t you let me help relieve you?” She tiptoes to whisper into my ear but is careful not to touch me. Yet.
“What about your husband?” I huff, putting further distance between us. She follows, her chest brushing mine. Bile rises in my throat.
“Oh, don’t mind him. He’s banging his secretary.”
“You are his secretary,” I deadpan. She giggles like life is some big fucking joke. She can screw who she wants, abuse who she wants, and will never face any repercussions.
“Handsome and intuitive, what a catch. Seriously, have a massage on me.” She winks, sashaying her hips across the room to stroke the massage table. Her talons lightly scratch the leather, the cocky smile on her face showing she actually thinks I’ll be persuaded. That she can bat her lashes and have any man in the palm of her hand.
