“Yes, Ellie. Some women crave to be controlled. It’s a lifestyle that isn’t always understood. But in this house it’s done in a safe environment with likeminded people. Happy you asked now?”
“I guess,” I reply blankly, trying to digest this new information.
“Not what you were expecting to hear?” he asks casually, as he fiddles with my hair.
“No,” I divulge truthfully.
“It never is.” He laughs. “I’ll tell you more about my upbringing and Mansion one day. But for now,” he claps his hands like it’s back to business, “we need to get going. Kayne is going to flip. Like lose his shit completely when he sees you.”
“You think?” I bite my lip, glancing down at my … outfit? No, ensemble.
“I know,” he says confidently. “I’ve known Kayne a long time. And I know what he likes.”
I frown, now knowing what I do about Jett, Mansion, and Kayne, I suddenly feel a little inadequate. “Has he been with many women?”
Jett’s mouth falls open. “Umm?”
“That many, huh?” I respond insecurely.
“No, not exactly. It’s just this lifestyle allows for an open tap of unadulterated pleasure. He’s never hurt for company.”
“Then why did he take me?” That is the question I feel I will never find out the answer to. Jett rests his hands on my arms.“You’re going to know soon enough, sweet thing. And it’s something Kayne has to explain.”
“I don’t like the way that sounds, Jett.”
“And you shouldn’t.”
I swallow hard, a sudden upshot of fear grabbing me. “He keeps telling me things are going to change. Is he going to sell me?”
Jett’s pretty aqua eyes bulge. “Where did you get a ridiculous idea like that?”
I shrug. “I’m a slave. Slaves get sold.”
Jett shakes his blond head. “No more erotic suspense novels for you. And I can say with absolute certainty he would never sell you. But he is afraid he won’t be able to keep you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You don’t have to. All will be revealed in time. “Jett walks over to my bed and picks up my collar. “Final accessories.” He fastens it around my neck then goes to the armoire and opens one side of the double doors. He returns with rhinestone wrist cuffs attached to several strings of thick crystals. One string he fastens to the D-ring on the front of my collar, then he clamps each of my wrists. I’m a dolled-up pet. A kitten on an ultra-extravagant leash.
“Perfect. It’s time, sweet thing.”
“Time for what?”
“You’re unveiling. This party is important. Be on your best behavior. Listen to Kayne. Stay by his side no matter what.”
“He has me on a leash, where do you think I’m going to go?”
Jett snickers. “I’ve become quite fond of you, little one. And that snarky mouth.”
“It’s all I have left. My snark.”
Jett looks at me with a melancholy expression. His acute eyes sad. They remind me of a puppy in the pound. I wish I understood what he was feeling. I want to ask, but I think I’ve exhausted my allotment of questions for the day. I’m meant to live in the dark. And Jett and Kayne are experts at keeping me there.
Jett leads me toward the door by my shiny new jewelry.
“Where are we going?” I ask curiously. Kayne is the only one who takes me for walks.
“Kayne’s room.”
