Author's note: Sex toward the end. Chapters are being written out of boredom as I finish a few books, so these may not come out too fast.
I only needed to see my mom. But what could I say to her? The man who provided us a comfortable life was a monster? The perfect man who was adored by people of all walks of life was a human trafficker? The well-respected men he was surrounded by had purchased me? She may have been my mother, but this was too absurd for even her to believe.
A buzz. George released me and reached into his pocket. "Yes...I'm having a word with her..."
"Mom," I called.
"She needed reassurance is all. My pleasure, Ben."
Sickened by the men discussing me, I turned toward the door.
"Ben wants you pretty for breakfast." He blocked me from the door.
"You and Ben both can fuck off." I had no idea where I'd gained that courage. I wouldn't go near Ben or Matt. "I'm not staying."
"Then I'll let them keep you and your mother. By the time anyone notices, you'll be too well trained to say a word."
My heart sank. "You wouldn't?" I had to behave for her safety. He would hurt her if I misbehaved.
"I would." He opened the door. "So don't test me."
I remained in place after he left. At least he hadn't gotten to fuck my face as he wanted.
***
I arrived to the breakfast with George and my mother in a dress a servant--or more likely a slave--brought. The room was large and Matt and his dad were to the far end at a small table with a few other people. Matt stood and pulled out a chair, gentlemanly like.
"Oh honey isn't he marvelous, " my mom whispered.
"No," I replied.
"You need to spend the next week with them, so go ahead and get to know him better."
I fumed as I walked, fearing for my mom's wellbeing. I was going to find a way to leave with her though. At the right time, I could do it without any harm coming to either of us. Besides, George loved my mother, he would never follow through.
Once I was at the table, I noticed the two men and their wives were Ben's close friends. I couldn't trust them.
I went to the chair next to Matt, rigid as he kissed my cheek. "Jane, my love." With an arm curled around me, he whispered, "Don't say anything you'll regret."
I cringed as I sat, glancing over to my beaming mother.
One of the men said, "Such a marvelous woman you've chosen, Matt."
"Perfect," he replied. "Absolutely perfect."
My hand shook as I took a drink of water. I could play a part then go to the airport with mom. They couldn't stop me.