Chapter 16

Chelsea

A smackto the face jolts me awake, a scream lodged in my throat. Looking up, the same brown eyes stare at me, this time filled with just a hint of humor. I keep still and look around the space, relieved and disappointed at the same time. Shouldn't I be in some harem by now? Chained to the bed of an old man who's hell-bent on "breaking me"?

"Since you're lucid, it will make dressing you that much easier. Come."

Sitting up, I look over at the other bed, relieved to see Jane Doe still breathing. I'm not sure what I expected, but seeing her there makes my world feel normal, sad as that is. The clothes, as he calls it, consists of scraps of material - more like bands than actual clothing. I slip them on, surprised by how supple they are. The straps go over my shoulders and under my breasts, giving them very little support but showing them off nicely. The remaining straps crisscross over my chest, providing a bit of decorative interest.

The underwear is the same construction as the chest piece, with a band going about my hips and splitting off to go on either side of my mound, leaving my pussy bare. It connects again in the back so that only one strand goes up my ass. In the front, the same crisscrossing pattern covers the top part of my mound, ending at the top of my lips. The stranger watches me pull everything on, the tent in his pants proof that he's enjoying his job. Once done, I stand straight with my arms behind my back, just like during inspection at college. They might not have trained me here, but at least some show of respect may go a long way.

He makes quick work of adjusting a strap here, tweaking a few there until I'm just how he wants me. Nodding, he pulls me towards the door. I plant my feet on the floor, using as much strength as possible to pull him to a stop. It does nothing to slow him down.

"What about her? Doesn't she need to get dressed?"

The bark of laughter sounds forced as he looks between Jane Doe and me.

"She's already spoken for. That's why she's here. We anticipate the same man wanting you both, so we decided to keep you two together. Now, no more talking, and if you don't want to experience excruciating pain, I'd act a little loopy."

Showtime. I've become so good at this, I contemplate becoming an actress one of these days. I separate my mind from my body, the latter going through the motions of movement while leaning heavily on the strange man. The quiet walk is soon punctuated by angry shouts in multiple languages. Though I can't identify them all, I know they're not all Russian. The knot of unease that's never fully abated grows even bigger, filling my gut with muscle-clenching dread.

The lights get dimmer as we walk on, and I want so desperately to look back over my shoulder at the diminishing brightness, just to hold onto it for one moment longer. A large door opens, and a woman stumbles out, chocolate hair draped over her face and cascading down her shoulder. Her lanky frame is accentuated by a similar outfit to mine. Apparently, this is the clothing of choice for these monsters. But who is she? And what's behind that door?

I don't have long to wait. He opens it up and shoves me inside. I fall to the floor, putting on an act of a lifetime. The woman coming out could move a bit without assistance, so I should be able to at least get off of the floor. It takes several agonizing moments to rise up. If I were drugged, I probably wouldn't care, but acting like I'm drugged makes every move a chore. Time stands still as I sway in place, pretending not to notice the man coming up behind me.

Rows of windows surround me, the glass like polished mirrors. The only thing that gives it away is that hint of shadow inside. I can't make out any features of the people in their booths, but they're there. I can feel their eyes stripping me even more bare than how I'm presented for them. They're looking for every flaw, every defect.

For the first time since the club, I can finally see myself. My ribs show through a little more than they had since I'd been with Master Grigori. He fed me well, making sure I filled out. My hair, though clean, hangs limp about my shoulder, dry and flat. Heavy rings line my eyes, making them sunken in, and my face look hollow.

Sliding my hands to my side, I look on through the glass, as if daring the occupant to come outside and face me. Anyone can hide behind their phones and sheets of glass, but it takes a real man to come face to face with his decisions and choices. I should play it safe. I should keep my eyes down and look demure. Fuck that. I'm obviously here to go home with one of them, and they should know the hellion they're getting. Unlike them, I'm a what you see is what you get kind of girl.

His fingers wrap into my hair, pulling my head back with a snap. I don't even flinch. What's the point of feeling the pain anymore? I let him manipulate me, to the sounds of staticy words buzzing in his ear. A pinch here, a grab there, twirling me around to spread my ass cheeks. None of it registers. Even his fingers gripping my skin feel like nothing.

Retreating further into myself, I let him drag me away. I suppose my fate is sealed then. Squawks and squeaks follow us from his earpiece as he drags me out the door, holding it open for the next person. She looks just as bad as I do. I want to reach out to her, but that would break the shelter of apathy closing in. Numb is good. Numb is painless.

He lifts up his wrist, mumbling back in Russian. "You will be here tonight, then on to your new home tomorrow."

"What about -."

"She's coming too. What a happy, little family."

Family. The word trips about my brain as he leads me back into my room. I thought I was making a family with Master Grigori; now I have to find the wherewithal to make it with someone else. The dingy walls are almost comforting. At least they're familiar. I sit down on my bed, staring at Jane Doe. I can't just leave and not take her with me. She's in even worse shape than I am. Staring at the tubes littering the bed, my brain fires up, trying to remember anything from my few science classes.

I don't want to hurt her, but I don't want to leave her like this. If they've re-upped the dosage, who knows what stopping her cold turkey will do. Whipping my head around, I look to see if I can find anything to fight with. That might be able to buy me some time. The room is bare. Reaching out, I grab my sheets, sliding them about my body in a makeshift toga. If I'm going to prepare for battle, I don't need to be naked.

Since I'm going to my new home tomorrow, hopefully, that means no one will bother me until then. I slide into the bathroom, my breath coming in haggard gasps. Inactivity is making everything harder than it should be. Knowing Aleksandr, he would be so disappointed in me right now. Knowing him, he'd have found a way to keep fit and stay sharp. Making up for lost time, I scour the bathroom, still coming up with nothing. The only thing I have left is the element of surprise. Gathering up my other sheet, I wind it about in my hands and wait behind the door.

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