I ascended the steps leading to the red brick house, the door opening. “Hi, Margaret.”
“Hello, Ms. Fox.”
I smiled, genuinely happy to see her. I followed the housekeeper to the second floor, my walk of shame leading me to the doors of the bedroom. I had experienced strange pleasures and fears within this room, at the mercy of a wealthy and eccentric man, but tonight would be different. The robe waited for me on the bed, and I undressed quickly, sliding the silken material over my shoulders. I checked myself in the bathroom, seeing a woman with shining, expectant eyes.
This is it.
You shouldn’t do this.
Shut up.
He’s going to stop the funding.
I don’t care.
You’re too obsessed, Gretchen. You’re so selfish. What about all those kids who need medical care? What about that breast cancer drug? So many people are getting it at a huge discount because of the deal you have with Mr. Gordon. How could you do that to those sick women?
Shut up!
You’ve lost your damn mind.
Shush! I’m not listening to you.
I left the room feeling slightly worried now. What if my plan backfired? I had envisioned the scheme ending in success. Not once had I thought otherwise, but now…alone in the room, I had second thoughts.
“Hello, Gretchen.”
I spun around at this greeting. He had never used my first name before. It sounded wonderful on his lips. “H-hi.” He wore a suit and tie, impeccably dressed, as always. I had learned to read his body language over the weeks, and I could tell he was relaxed and in good spirits. How long would that last? I sat on the bed and waited. He took his seat, eyeing me. An awkward silence followed.
“There’s something different about you tonight.”
“There is?”
“You’re nervous.”
“How do you know?”
“You seem tense.”
I swallowed, hard. “No.”
“Yes.”
The door opened then, and the men I had hired entered, their expressions neutral. I had paid them twice their salary, and I hoped it was enough. I prayed greed would be my gain; it had to be, or this plan was about to fail.
“What do you want us to do with her?” asked Cale.
“What don’t I?”
I had spoken to Cale two days ago, finalizing the arrangements. He was actually a father of two, and he worked for an escort agency making a solid living.
“How about we mix it up tonight?” he asked.
Mr. Gordon scratched the side of his nose. “What do you have in mind?”
“Ladies choice.”
“That’s not an option.”
“You’re sure of yourself, aren’t you?” I felt emboldened and slightly reckless at that moment.
“What’s going on?” He eyed me warily. He was no fool. He could sense the shift in power. He stood, reaching into his pocket, presumably to get his cellphone. In an instant, the men were on him, grasping his arms. The phone flew across the room, landing on the carpet. “Don’t you fucking touch me!” He fought to gain freedom, his face a mask of rage.
“The restraints are in the bag, Gretchen,” said Cale.
I vaulted off the bed, unzipping the duffle bag and retrieving the items we would need to secure Mr. Gordon. I was nearly giddy with excitement, because the plan had gone perfectly. He struggled against the men, thrashing and kicking, but their strength far exceeded his efforts. He was chained to the bed in due course, his wrists and ankles encased in leather. His feet were secured to the underside, the chains wrapping around the bottom of the frame.
“I’m going to ruin you!” he spat.
I felt his attention on me, but I was busy retrieving a pair of scissors from the duffle bag. “Is he good?”
“Should be.”
“You can go now.”
“We’ll wait outside in case you need us.”
“Fine.” I held the scissors, feeling a little like a crazed psychopath. I was mildly surprised that he hadn’t screamed. Margaret was the loose cannon in the situation. We hadn’t planned on what would happen, if he had the chance to alert her. I eyed my captive, as the door closed.
“You’re going to pay for this.” His tone was low and threatening.
“I know.”
“Your clinics are over. You’re finished.”
I had expected this. “Do whatever you have to.”
“This turning of the tables is hardly original.”
“No…but it’s what I want.” I knelt on the bed, eyeing his pants. I began to cut through the bottoms of the perfectly tailored clothing. “Now, don’t move or I could hurt you.”
His look simmered. I felt badly for him…for about three seconds, and then I let that useless emotion pass. I had been used for his pleasure for months, and tonight…it was my turn. The material gave way to reveal his legs, which were covered in a smattering of hair. I removed his shoes, letting them drop. I managed to pull his socks through the leather restraints. He fought slightly, trying to kick me, but his movements were restricted.
“I’m going to sue you. You’ll be bankrupt by the time I’m done.”
“Good luck. It’s like squeezing orange juice out of a lemon, Mr. Gordon. I’m broke.”
“You’re going to prison.” I glanced at him, feeling a moment of doubt. “False imprisonment, kidnapping, emotional distress. Rape.”
Rape? “Oh, my goodness,” I laughed. “You poor thing.” I cut away at his pants, freeing an entire leg. I worked on the other, although he was trying to kick me. “If I cut you, it’s your own damn fault.”
“You’ve no idea who you’re dealing with, Ms. Fox. When I say I’ll ruin you, there won’t be anything left. You’ll have the clothes on your back and nothing else. You forget the tapes. One click and they’re on the Internet. Say goodbye to your reputation. I’ll let you walk away free and clear, if you untie me right now.”
I had unbuttoned his shirt and cut through his jacket. “I don’t care about your threats. I…just want you. I want to touch you. I want you in me. If tonight’s all I get, I’ll take it.” My words silenced him. He watched as I cut away the jacket. I pulled it from his body, exposing his chest. His muscles revealed a dedication to exercise and weight lifting. His stomach was smattered with hair, the belly rising and falling gently. He was nearly naked now; his boxers were the only remaining article of clothing left. The telltale bulge of his cock forced the fabric upwards. I found it amusing that he could blather on about how he was going to ruin me and send me to jail, yet everything that I was doing seemed to arouse him.