My family’s.
The guards didn’t get out of their vehicles. They stopped, watching and waiting. I exhaled, my fingers gripping the steering wheel like it was going to come off the car at any minute, and I had only one job—keep them there.
I didn’t know how long I stared, but long enough to realize one thing. As confused as my mind was, my body knew. It worked on autopilot for me, driving away and toward the manor I was meeting Elaina at. The SUV in front of me once again led the way. In that moment, I didn’t just choose Donovan.
In a way, I chose me.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Romeo
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
I thought I saw a Lambo SUV driving away on the property. It was a vehicle I didn’t recognize, and the only way anyone could enter through the gates of my family’s estate was if they had a code. I felt it deep in my bones. Something wasn’t right, and for the first time since my sister was taken, I had an unnerving suspicion that something was going on.
My life was consumed with trying to find her, only to come up empty. There was no trace of her, not one. It was like she’d disappeared into thin air. The motherfuckers who had taken her knew what they were doing, and I was beginning to think that we would never find my baby sister. The thought alone made me want to kill anyone in my presence. My temper was looming, and it wouldn’t take much to push my buttons.
“Babe,” Eden rasped, wrapping her arms around me. “You’ll find her. I have full faith that you will find her.”
I moved my lips across her shoulder. “You smell good enough to eat, Red.” It was the nickname I’d been using for my wife for as long as I could remember.
Every time I thought about the fact that she could have been taken too, I wanted to kill the guard who was supposed to be protecting Juliet all over again.
“I love you. Get lost in me, Romeo.”
I gripped onto her ass and wrapped her legs around my waist, doing exactly that. For the rest of the day, I found refuge in my wife and all the ways she always made me forget.
Juliet
I followed the guards and pulled in front of the property that still haunted my dreams. A knock sounded on my window, and I jumped and looked.
Troy stood there, blue eyes gleaming, pointing for me to roll down the window.
I hesitated and hit the down button.
His grin made my stomach churn, stating, “Elaina couldn’t make it today, so I’ll be showing you the ropes.”
Shaking, I reached for my phone. The one that Donovan had given me that only worked for his number. I sent him a quick text.
All it said was Troy.
I had no idea how he’d take it, but I needed to at least send it to him to feel safe.
Troy opened the driver’s side door and let me out, escorting me inside the daunting mansion. I’d been around money my entire life, but something about their business, their dynasty, made me nervous.
“So this is it,” Troy emphasized, opening the double doors to the ballroom. “As you remember, every auction and or party takes place on this property, passed down from generation to generation.”
I cringed at how close he was to me and took a step to the side, examining the open room like I hadn’t been part of it just a few weeks before, wearing my collar, feeling hurt and exposed, playing for him but actually them.
I shuddered. “Is there a different theme each time?”
Troy paused before running a finger down my bare shoulder. “What a fantastic question… Yes, it depends on whoever’s hosting, which means this time you get to choose since your master deemed you worthy.”
I wanted to say I was always worthy, but I bit my tongue. “Interesting.”
“Isn’t it?” He grinned. “Come on, more to show you.”
We walked from room to room until we were at the left wing of the mansion.
“What’s back here?”
I would never forget the expression on his face while he opened the doors to a room that still had dried-up blood on the floor.
I gasped, my body shaking to the core. Following his lead, I walked in behind him. My eyes landed on a closet that had gashes in it like a knife was stabbed into the wood numerous times.
“Does Donovan own this place too?”
“Donovan, huh?”
Shit.
I abruptly corrected myself, “I mean, Master.”
He eyed me skeptically. “This and many others—it’s a family business, you know… The Society, the properties, the money—it’s been in Donovan’s family for a very long time. His father, God rest his soul.” He watched me out of the corner of his eyes. “He believed in achieving self-actualization through this program, through The Society. What better way to achieve your best self than to look at all your pleasure and pain through someone else’s eyes?”
My stomach tightened until I thought I was going to double over in pain.
“Oh.” I swallowed. “That makes sense.”
“Yes, well…” Troy continued to walk me through the room. “This property does hold a special place in Donovan’s heart, especially this room.”
Our eyes connected. “Why is that?”
“Oh, he didn’t tell you?”
I shook my head. “Tell me what?”
All of a sudden, a familiar voice roared, “Nothing that fucking concerns you.” Donovan emerged from the double doors, looking every bit the dominant master he was. His eyes locked on Troy. If glares could kill, Troy would be dead. “Where is Elaina?”
Relief hit my senses, not realizing that I needed to hear the words that Donovan didn’t know Troy was with me. He didn’t leave me alone with this sick bastard, and it was the reassurance I needed to think that I was different.
I wasn’t just his slave.
His pet.
He did care about me.
“She didn’t feel good, so she sent me to meet your pet instead. Why? Is that a problem?”
“I can handle it from here.” He nodded toward the doors, dismissing him. “You can go.”
Troy leaned forward and kissed my head. “Till next time, little one.”
Donovan didn’t move an inch, nor did he show any emotion. Despite me grimacing the instant I felt Troy’s mouth on my scalp.
Right when he left, Donovan looked ready to burn the world down if need be.
For me?
“I’m sorry, Master.”
His eyes now connected with mine. “What are you apologizing for?”
“For Troy.”
He was in my face before I got his name out, grabbing my arm so I couldn’t stumble back. “You don’t ever apologize for that son of a bitch. Do you understand me?”
I nodded, bowing my head.
“Look at me.”
I lifted my eyes, emotions in turmoil as I waited.
“That shouldn’t be what you’re apologizing for.”
My eyes widened.
Of course, he would already know. The guards probably called him the second they followed me into my family’s neighborhood.
“What do you think…” His voice soothed my soul, the way it caressed over me like silk. Yes, I would crawl back to him even if I could walk. It was about the feeling of looking up at him in adoration and worship, about knowing who you served.