Chapter 12

“A vast improvement, but not enough. Maybe I should have them cut your hair a little shorter.”

My hand lifted on instinct, but only mid-way. I quickly dropped it back to my side. “If it pleases you, Master.”

“Pleases me? Pleases me?” He laughed, angrily. “You have no idea what would please me right now.”

I stayed quiet as he began to circle around me.

“When I discovered your Master was dead, I knew you were going to stir up trouble. I have to say, though, I wasn’t prepared for how much. Do you know how many Masters have come to me this morning inquiring about you?”

My stomach dropped. “No, Mr. Whitlock.”

“Three,” he growled. “Your master’s body hasn’t even been disposed of and they’re already coming. I suspected a few might, but Master Kain … he I didn’t expect. Do you know how much he offered me for you?”

Fear left me spinning and flying to Mr. Whitlock’s feet. “Don’t let him have me. Anyone but him or Master Pollock.”

“Eight million, slave. Eight. I get that much for virgins. But you are not pure. You’re not even that beautiful. I had to ask myself, why would he want you at such a price? Before I could come to an answer, a friend of your master’s arrived. Master Yahn.”

The rich banker was one I had heard extensively about over the years. The talks about his money would go on and on for hours. Not to mention he was one of the main masters …

“He is kind from what I know,” I managed.

“Twelve million is what he offered for you when I said no. And he knows more than anyone than to push me. Yet, he did for you.” Pain stung over my scalp as Mr. Whitlock jerked my head back to look at him. “And do you know who has to match that price. Me! You are not worth twelve million.”

Tears raced down my cheeks as he gripped even tighter. “If you think what they offer now is high, wait until auction night. You may break records. What I want to know is why? What did you do while you were under your master’s care? Did you lead them on? Did you fuck them behind your master’s back? Why you?”

“I don’t know, I swear. I did nothing.” And I hadn’t. I stayed as inconspicuous as possible. “You said you would have to match them.

Why?”

He let go, staring down at me with more hate than I ever saw from anyone.

“You don’t worry about that. Nothing is marked in stone, and your future here becomes more aggravating by the day. Men, the doctor … I may have you killed and spare everyone the grief you bring us.”

My face shot to the ground as nausea beckoned. He did know. I could go to the White Room if he chose to send me.

“That’s right, hide yourself, little mouse. Retreat back to the submissive shell you are. I should put you over my knee and beat your ass black and blue. You drive me mad.”

To glare up like I wanted would no doubt land me a beating I couldn’t afford. Little mouse. My breathing turned heavy while I instead let my short hair cover my angry expression.

“Stand.”

Slowly, I rose. I kept my focus a few feet ahead, seeing nothing. Feeling nothing but the deadening of the fury I’d held only moments ago. It wasn’t safe to embrace such emotions. The more I let them fester, the braver I became.

“If you could pick one master out of everyone you know, who would it be?”

I did look up, then. “Will my choice matter?”

“No. I asked you a question. I want it answered. Who?”

I knew no one good enough to stake my future with. Anyone could act kind to me or my old master’s face. Behind these walls, that’s where their true secrets came out. And there were things darker than someone taking a blade to another’s skin. The things I had heard gave me nightmares. Dreams so vivid and disturbing, I could almost feel my meat being cut from my bones in small increments over time.

“I don’t know. Master Yahn, perhaps?” “That old bastard? Why?”

“He’s not that old,” I braved.

Mr. Whitlock moved more from my side to come stand before me.

“He’s damn near sixty.”

“He’s probably safe,” I whispered.

“He is not,” Bram said, leaning in only inches from my face. “He’s had one slave throughout his twenty years here. Have you ever seen her?”

My head shook. “No.”

“Nor will you. She’s mummified, lying on his bed. Beaten to death after one of his episodes. He sleeps with her every night. Kisses her good

morning, and sings to her when he thinks no one is watching.” Horror had my stare rising to his.

“You are safe with no one you’ll be sold to. No one, slave. So I ask you again, which master would you choose?”

“Mr. Harper was interested.” I swallowed hard, knowing he was the last person I should bring attention too. I wanted him the most, but Bram shouldn’t know that. “Should I fear him?”

“You fear everyone. Have you not learned that? We all have secrets.

His may be the darkest of them all.”

“Really? How do you think?”

“Slave,” he growled. “You asked too many damn questions.” “Then … I choose you.” Silence.

“You said there was a price for helping me. Pay it. Make me yours if you’re going to take me whenever you want anyway. There’s no use selling me if that’s your plan.”

“I will not make you my slave.”

“You said I brought grief. If you sell me and then come to me, my Master will find out. Imagine the chaos that’s going to cause. He’ll kill me. If that’s what you want, take that scalpel from under my pillow and end this now. I don’t wish to die at the hands of a mad man murderous with jealous rage.”

Bram’s finger slid along my cheek, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. The act was opposite of the reactions he displayed at my proposition.

“To die from jealous rage.” He laughed under his breath. “I’m afraid either way you may not have a choice.”