DADDY’SDAMAGED LITTLEGIRL
Daddy Series, 32
LilaFox
Copyright©2024
ChapterOne
Sagewatchedherfiancé,orsheshouldsay ex-fiancé,andher father,walkoutoftheroom Sheknew sheshouldfeel something,butafter thelastfew months,her familyrejectingher becauseshewas somehow dirty,now wasn’ttheworstthat hadhappened.
Theworstthingshe’deverhadtodealwithwashowthemenshenevermethadhurtherandtheotherwomenwithher inthedankroomthey’dbeenlockedin.
She’dnever forgetthatonesmall choicehadturnedher lifeintoanightmare,andshewouldnever beabletoforgive herselfbecauseshefeltitwasherfault.Shegotofflateonenightanddecidedtogotothestoreinsteadofwaitingtillmorning. Sheknewitwasn’tthebestdecisionbecauseatnightthewackoscameout,butthenextdaywasSaturday,andshedidn’twant toleavetheapartmentifshedidn’thaveto.Herfiancéwasoutoftownforaweek,soshehadsomepeaceandquiet.
She’d made itthroughthe store justfine and had beenputtingher groceries awayinher car whenshe feltsomeone behind her Before she could turn, theyhad a hand over her mouthand the other armaround her waist, quicklypullingher towardavan.Itdidn’tmatterhowmuchshefought.Themanknewhowtosubdueher.
Shewasthrowninthesidedoor,andtheytookoff Sagegrabbedontothebackoftheseatastheyturnedcorners She glancedattheoneguyinthebackwithher.Ashiver randownher spinewhenthebastardgrinnedandlickedhislipsas his eyesroamedoverherbody
She curled into a ball and tried to restand calmherselfbecause she was afraid ofhyperventilatingor vomiting. She didn’tthinkeitherwouldhelpherpredicament.
“Aren’tyougoingtoaskanyquestions?”theguynexttoherasked
Shelookedathimandnarrowedhereyes.“Woulditmatter?”
Theguylaughed “Fuck,you’reawildone Thebossisgoingtoloveyou”Hetappedononeoftheguys’shouldersin thefrontseat.“Can’tIhavealittletaste?Thebitchhassomefightinher.”
Thethoughtofthatmantouchinghermadeherfightforcalmnessseemimpossible She’dfreakout,andthenthey’dhave totouchher.
Theguyinthefrontpassengerseatgrunted.“Fuck,no.Iguessshe’sspecialforsomereason.”
Thedriversnickered “Maybeit’sbecauseshewastargeted” “Whatdoesthatmean?”sheasked.
Themanturnedhis headtolookather “Youwerebroughttoour attention Thiswas deliberate Someonewants you goneorwantstohurtyou.”
Hermindwentoverhiswords,andshedidn’tunderstand.
Herattentionwasmovedtothelargewarehousedoorsbeingpulledopen.Thevandrovein,andtheyshutquickly.This waswhensheknewshewouldneverbeabletofightthemandthatherworldhadchangedforever.
Thescumbagthathadpulledherintothevanopenedthesidedoor,gotout,andliftedhishandtowardher “Comeon,whore.”
Shegrittedherteethandmovedhisway Shepausedforamomentandlookedforanyoftheotherguysandthenupat him.“Yourealizeyou’regoingtoHellwhenyoudie,right?”
Themansnorted.“Fuck.Idon’tbelieveinthatshit.”
“Ididn’teitheruntilIdiedontheoperatingtable.”
Theguy’seyeswidened.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Ifeltmyselfriseabovethetableandlookdownatmybody Itwassurreal Iturnedandsaw thelightthateveryone talkedabout,buttherewasashadowyfigurebetweenmeandthelight.”
“Comeon,”theguysaid Hegrabbedherarmandyankedheroutofthevan “Whatwastheblackshit?”
“ItwasHell.JustlookingattheshadowmademefeellikeIwasgoingtoburnup.Itterrifiedme.”
“Shutherupandbringherinhere,”anothermansaid.
Heledherinandclosedthedoorbehindthem,puthisbacktoit,andcrossedhisarms
Sheturnedtowhatsheguessedwasthebossthatsatbehindadesk.
Hesmiled “Youmadeittooeasy,Sage”
Myheartwasalreadygallopinginmychest,andnowitfeltlikeitwasgoingtoburstfromit.“Howdoyouknowmy name?”
Thefourmenintheroomlaughed.
“That’snotimportant,”themainguysaid.
Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest “Whathappenstomenow?” Amanagainstthefarwallspoke.“Jesus,she’sacoolone.”
Shelookedathim “I’mtryingtoholditalltogetherbecauseI’mafraidifIgethysterical,I’llgethurt”
Themanagainstthedoorhooted.“Ohhh,isn’tsheasmartone,too.”
“Toansweryourquestion,”theheadmansaid.“You’llbepickedupsometimetomorrow,andyou’llbetakentoanother state.”
Shehatedthinkingthewords,muchlesssayingthem “So,you’rehumantraffickers?” Theyalllaughed.
She looked around atall ofthem “Iwonder whatyour mothers would thinkrightnow knowingwhatyoudo,” Sage said.Theyallstoppedsmiling.“I’msureifpeoplelikeyouhadher,theywouldtreatherbetterthanI’dbetreated.Right?What aboutasisteroraniece?”Shelookedateachman “Nah,they’dbedestroyedliketherestofus”
“Getthatbitchoutofhere,”thebossyelled.
Theguyagainstthedoorgrippedherupperarminatightholdanddraggedherdownthehallway.Hepushedherintoa dimroomwithadirtymattressonthefloorandabucketinthecorner Therewasonewindow,anditwassmallandbarred
Afterthedoorslammedshut,sheturnedinacircle.Theonlythoughtgoingthroughherheadwasthatshewasgoingto dieinaroomlikethis,andnoonewouldknowwhereshewas
Sagesatinacornerandhuggedherbentlegsagainstherchest.Shedidn’teventhinkprayingwouldwork,butshe’ddo whatevershecouldtokeepfromscreaming
Itwashardforhertoacttoughwhenhernormaltemperamentwasdocile.Shelikedthemaninherlifetotakecareof heranddealwiththeday-to-daythings.ItwassomethingshenevergotfromNicolas,herfiancé.Shethoughtwithtime,she’d growtobeindependentenoughtofeelmorematureandcapable Now,sheknewshewouldn’tevergetachancetofindout
Thelightintheroomdarkened.Shelookedaroundforalightswitch,buttherewerenone.Shesatwithherbackagainst thewall,huggedherlegstighteragainstherbody,andpressedherfacetoherknees Shewasterrifiedofthedark,andhated notbeingable to see. The sounds around her would be magnified and make the nextfew hours evenworse thantheywere alreadygoingtobe.
Ifshemadeitthroughthenightwithoutscreaming,she’dbeproudofherself.
ChapterTwo
Sage jerked awake, sat up in bed, and frantically looked around the bedroomas her screamechoed throughout the room.Thelightfromthebathroombrightenedpartoftheroom,andthenshehadafewnight-lightsoneverywallbecauseany kindofdarknessmadeherpanic.
Wouldsheever beabletosleepagainandnothaveanightmare?Thedoctorstoldher she’dhavetodeal withposttraumaticstressdisorder(PTSD)fortherestofherlife.Butwithtimeandmedicine,ifshewantedsome,she’dbeabletodeal withitalittleeasier
She flipped offthe covers and walked into the bathroom. She splashed water onher face to getrid ofthe sweatand tearsandhelpvanquishthenightmare
She didn’twantto, buther eyes rose until she could see herselfinthe mirror. The personstaringbackather was a stranger.WheredidtheSagesheknewdisappearto,leavingthisshellofawoman?Sheknewshehadgoodreasontochange, buttowhatdegree?Herskinwaspale,likeshe’dnevergoneoutinthesun Hercheekswereconcavebecauseshe’dlostalot ofweight.Afterall,theyhardlyfedtheircaptivestokeepthemdocileandweak.
She’dbeenafull-figuredwoman,andshehadlovedher body Her fiancéhadn’tlikedher curvesandalwayspushed hertoexerciseandeatless,butshethoughtshewaspretty.Sageknewthatthebeautifuldresshe’dboughtherayearagowas anincentive,andhewantedhertofitintoit Itwasboxedupwithherotherthings Shehadbeentoldwhereallherthingshad beenstoredafterherabduction,buthadn’tfoundthecouragetogotothestoragefacility.
She almostsmiled. The dress had beena size two, and atthattime, she was a size ten. She couldn’tremember ever beingthatsmall,andsheneverthoughtshecoulduntilnow
Since itwas sixo’clockinthe morning, she decided to shower and getreadyfor the day. Lacey, the director ofthe business,alwayshadsomethingforhertodo,andithelpedtokeepherbusy lesstimetothinkaboutherlife Sagesometimes thoughtsheandherhusband,Cason,madeupstufftomakeherfeelbetter.
Outofallthepeoplethathadbeenhousedinthehugebuilding,shehadbeentherelongerthanfourmonthslikeallthe others,butthenshehadnoonetogohometoliketheothers.
Sagegotdressedandstoodbythedoorlikeshedideverymorning,waitingforthesoundofotherswalkingdownthe hallway Oncesheknewshewasn’talone,sheopenedherdoor
A few of them smiled, but otherwise, they all left her alone. Being solitary was not something she ever wanted, especiallyafter the incident, for lackofa better word She’d never tell anyone how envious she felt whenshe saw the others beingpicked up byloved ones and takenhome after theywere rescued and brought to Lacey’s place, The House of Compassion.
She hadnohome,andthe people she thoughtcaredabouther were notinher life.She sometimes thoughtshe should caremorethanshedid,butittooktoomucheffort.Shewalkedoutoftheelevatorwithagroupandheadedtowardtheoffice. Watchingthesepeoplewhoworkedtherenevergotold Theywerealwayshustlingandbustlingwhenshesaw anyof them.BesidesLaceyandCason,herhusband,therewereguysfromCason’smilitarylifewhoworkedthereandhelpedfindthe people Therewereafewsecretaries,butbothwereolderanddidn’tmoveveryfastanymore “Oh,thankGod,”Laceyexclaimedasshewalkedtowardher. “What?”
“Webroughtinagroupofchildrenlastnight,andweneedhelpwiththem.Thereareafewthatwon’tstopcrying.It’s takingawhiletofindtheir familiesbecausemostofthemdon’tknow their lastnames,sowehavetogothroughthemissing personfilesonline”
“Ofcourse,”Sagesaid.“Wherearethey?”
Laceystudiedherforamoment “Haveyouhadanythingtoeat?” “Oh,well,no,butIcaneatlater,”Sagesaid.
Laceywrappedanarmaroundherwaist.“Youpromisedmeyou’deatallthreemealseveryday,”shewhispered. Sagesighedandnodded “It’sjustthatIwanttogotothechildrenassoonaspossible” “The childrencanwaita few more minutes. There are others withthem. Sitdowninmyoffice, and I’ll bringyoua plate” Sage’seyeswidened.“Wait.You’resobusy.Icandoit.”
LaceybumpedherhipagainstSage’sandgrinned “Yeah,likeI’dtrustyou” Sagerolledhereyes.“Itwasonetime,anditwasn’tonpurpose.Igotsidetracked.”
LaceyrolledhereyesasshemaneuveredSageintoheroffice.“Allright,we’llgowiththatstory…” Sagegasped “It’sthetruth” Laceygiggled.“Iknow.Ilikegettingyouriledup.”
Sageshookherhead “You’reimpossible” “I’mgladsomeoneelsethinksso.”
TheybothturnedtowardthedoorwhereCasonstood. Laceystompedherfootandputherhandsonherhips.“Daddy,that’snotnice.”
The firsttime Sage heard Laceycall him, itconfused her until she explained the type ofrelationship theywere in It intriguedSagesomuchshehadresearchedit.Thefactthatitwasexactlywhatshehaddreamedofbeforetheincidentshocked her Now,shedoubtedshe’deverbeabletohavesex,andshedidn’tthinkanyonewouldwantherdamaged
Sagelovedhowtheyalwayshuggedandkissedliketheyhadn’tseeneachotherindaysinsteadofminutes.
“I’llberightback,”Laceysaid,leavingherandCason “Howareyoudoing,honey?”Casonasked.
“Oh.I’mgood.”
Casontippedhisheadtotheside “I’vegotawomancominginlater She’sasurvivorlikeyou,andIaskedhertotalk toyou.”
Thethoughtofgoingoverwhathappenedagainmadehernauseous “Oh,I’mnotsure ” “You’renotgettingbetter.”
Athoughtpoppedintoherhead “IsthisbecauseI’mstillhere?Becauseifitis,Icanmoveout”
Casonscowled.“That’snotitatall,littlegirl.Infact,LaceyandIwanttohireyoutoworkherefull-time.You’revery goodwithpeople,especiallykids.Havingaplaceofyour owninsteadofaroomlikeyou’reusingnow wouldbepartofit. Theapartmentisonthesixthfloor”
Sagewassurprised.“So,I’dbelivingandworkinghereinthebuilding?”
Casonnodded “Doyouthinkyou’dlikethat?”
“Daddy,”Laceygrowledbehindthemwithaplateloadedwithfood.“Iwantedtobetheonetoaskher.”
“I’msorry, Baby. I didn’t know that,” Cason said. “I’ll let you take over then.” Cason bent and pressed a kiss on Lacey’slips,grabbedasausageofftheplate,ploppeditinhismouth,grinned,andwalkedoff.
Laceyhuffedandshookherhead.“Daddysareimpossible.”
Sagesmiled Itwasn’tabigone,butitwasastart HereyeswidenedwhenLaceyputtheplateandsilverwareonthe tableinfrontofthesofa.
“Lacey,Ican’teatallofthat”
Laceygiggledasshegrabbedafewdrinksfromthesmallfriginheroffice.“Iknow.Idon’teventhinkDaddycouldeat allofthat.We’resharing.That’sokay,isn’tit?”
Sagenodded.“Ithinkit’sgreat.”
“Ithoughtwecouldcallitapicnic.”
Sagelovedthethoughtofit “I’veneverbeenonapicnic”
Lacey’seyesrounded.“Ihadn’teitherbeforeIfoundCason.Now,thelittleshavethemalot.You’llcomenow.” “Oh,Idon’twanttoimpose”
Laceysatandpulledherdowntositbeforeshehandedherabottleofjuice.“Ifyoulikeitornot,you’remyfriendand oneofus.You’restuckwithus.”
Sagefelttearspoolinhereyesbutblinkedtokeepthemback Laceygroaned.“Ifyoustartcrying,Iwill,too.”
Sagesniffedandnodded “I’mnot”
“Good,becauseIgetblotchy,andmyeyesswellup.Ittakesalongtimetogetthembacktonormal.”
“I’manuglycrier,”Sagesaid
“Iam,too,”Laceysaidandhandedherafork.“Diginbeforeitgetscold.”Laceytookabitebeforeasking,“So,what didyouthinkofmineandmydaddy’sidea?”
“AboutlivingandworkinghereattheHouseofCompassionallthetime?” Laceynodded.
“You’renotjustdoingthisbecauseyoufeelsorryforme?”Sageasked Laceylaughed.“Um…no.Lookaround.Doesitseemlikewehaveeverythingundercontrol?”
Sagerelaxed “Okay I’lldoit”
Laceybouncedonthesofa,clapped,andsquealed.“Good.I’msohappy.”
“Me, too.” Sage was more thanhappy. She was also relieved that her life was finallystartingagain, and she had a purposetocontendwitheveryday Itmighthelptokeepthedemonsinhermindatbaysometimes
Sebastianwalkedintothebuildingandcaughtsightofhisfriend “Oh,good.You’reback,”Casonsaid. “Yeah.I’mgladtobeback.”
“Comeintomyoffice.”
Sebastianfollowedhim,satdownononeofthechairsontheothersideofthedesk,andsighed.
“Thislastonewastough,wasn’tit?”Casonasked “Yes.”
Sebastianhadbeenundercoverwithagroupofhumantraffickersforthelastfewyears,andittookalotoutofaperson todealwithscumeveryday.
Cason relaxed back. “I think you need to stay home. You’ve been on how many assignments since we opened The HouseofCompassion?”
“Ilostcount.” Sebastianranhis fingers over his scragglybeard. “ButIagree withyou. NotonlyamItired, butmy descriptionisout,sogoingundercoveragainwouldbefoolish”
“Iagree.There’splentyofstufftodoaroundhereifyou’dliketostayonwithus.”
Sebastiannodded “Yeah,I’dliketostay IthinkIhavemoretogivebutinadifferentway” Casonnodded.“Wewouldhatetoloseyou,man.”
“Doyouhaveanyideawhereyouwantme?”Sebastianasked. “Thereareafewplacesyou’dfit OneisinIT” “Iwouldn’tmindthat.Ihaveadegreeinit.”
“Iknow It’shardtofindsomeonewhoknowswhatthey’redoingandwantstodoithere” Sebastiangrinned.
“Alotofpeoplearefreakedoutworkingwithanorganizationlikethis”Casontoldhim Sebastianshrugged.“That’sfine.Thereareplentyofpeoplethatdoliketohelpothers.” Casonnodded.“Yourapartmenthasbeencleanedandstockedwithsomefood.Ifyouneedanythingelse,calldown.” Sebastiansmiledandshookhishead “Youdidn’thavetodothat” “Wewantedto.Thelastfew years havebeentoughonyou,sowethoughtyou’dwanttorelaxfor awhileinsteadof clearingthedustoffyourfurnitureandgoingtothestore”
“You’rerightaboutthat.I’veneverworkedwithaplacethattakessuchgoodcareofitspeople.” Theyheardasqueal.
Casonchuckled.“Braceyourself.Thetornadoiscoming.” Beforehecouldanswer,Laceycametothedoor,sawhim,andscreamedagainbeforerunningathim. “Sebby’sback,”shescreamed Sebastianstood,caughtLacey,andhuggedher.Justholdingapreciouslittle,especiallyLacey,alwayscalmedhim. Hefinallyreleasedherandmovedherback,keepinghishandsonhershoulderstogetalookather “Haveyoubeenbehavingforyourdaddy?”heasked. Laceylookedoffended.“Ofcourse.” Casonloudlyclearedhisthroat.
Lacey’sshouldersdrooped.“Mostofthetime.”
TheybothlookedatCasontoseehimgrin “I’llgiveherthat” Sebastianreleasedherandwatchedhergodirectlytoherdaddy.HegrinnedwhenCasonyankedherontohislapand passionatelykissedher
Whenitwentonandon,hefinallyclearedhisownthroattogettheirattention.Sebastianhidasmilebehindhishand whentheybothturnedtolookathim,lookingconfused.
Casonrelaxedandliftedheroffhislap “Whatareyoudoing,Babe?” “Afewofusarecleaningoutanotherroomtouseforoursurvivors.”
“Why?”Sebastianasked
“Becausewe’regettingmoreandmoreallthetime,”Casontoldhim. “That’sgoodandbadatthesametime,”Sebastiansaid Casonnodded.“We’resavingmore,butitlooksliketherearemoretosaveinthelastyear.”
“Ithinkthetraffickersaredoublingdownsincesomuchoftheir‘merchandise’isgoingaway.”Justsayingthatpissed himoff
Laceykissedherdaddy’scheek.“I’llseeyouguyslater.”Laceygottothedoor.“Bye,Sebby.”
Hesighed,makinghergiggle “Areyouevergoingtostopcallingmethat?” Laceylookedupandtappedherchinlikeshewasthinkingaboutit,thengrinnedathim.“Nope.”
Theyheardherlaughingallthewaydownthehallway,makingthembothsmile. “She’sahandful,huh?”
Casonrolledhiseyes “Youhavenoidea,butit’sdefinitelyworthit” Sebastianagreed.Havingalittleofhisownwassomethinghedreamedaboutbutdidn’tthinkwouldeverhappen.
Casonstoodup “HowaboutIwalkyouuptoyourplace?”
“Sure.”HestoodandfollowedCasontotheelevator.
The doors were aboutclosedwhenhe caughtsightofa womanhe’dnever seenbefore,butshe still seemedvaguely familiar.He’daskthenexttimehesawher.Rightnow,hewantedtoeatsomethingandcrashfortwelveormorehours. He was gettingtoo old for traipsingaround after scumballs. Buthe was glad there was another place for himinthe organization,sohewasn’tgoingtostop,he’djustfindthefuckersadifferentway
Afew weeks later, Sebastianwas walkingdowna hallwaywhenhe heard strange voices inone ofthe offices The doorwasmostlyclosedbutopenenoughforhimtoheareasily.Hestoppedtolisten.
Thefemalesoundedangry.“I’mnotsigninganything,Father.”
“Whyareyoubeingsodifficult?Youknowthisistherightthingtodo.You’renotintherightmindtobeabletodeal withthis.”
“How do youknow what I’mable to deal with? Youand Nickolas tookone lookat me after I got home and were instantlyhorrifiedanddisgusted.Thewaythetwoofyoumademefeelsentmebacktothebeginningofmyhealingprocess.”
“You’resothin”
“Becausetheydon’tfeedyou.JesusChrist,Father.DidyouthinkIwentawaytosomespaandwouldcomehomeand bethepersonIwasbefore?”
“Well,I ”
“Itwon’thappen.Thatgirldied.I’manewperson,andI’mworkingtogetstrongereveryday.So,ifyouthinkyou’llbe abletotakeadvantageofmeinmyweakenedstate,you’rewrong”
“Yourmotherwouldhavewantedyoutolethimhelpyou,”themansaid.
Thewomansnorted “Hell,no,shewouldn’t Shedidn’ttrustyouatall”
Theoldermanclearedhisthroat.“Thatwasforsomethingelse.”
“DidyouthinkMomandInevertalked?”Shelaughed.“Iknowwhatabastardyoucouldbeandhowyoutriedseveral differentwaystotakecontrolofhermoney Itdidn’twork Notevenaftershedied Isaw thesurpriseonyourfacewhenthe willwasread.Shegaveyouone-hundred-thousanddollarsandmetherest.”
“Shemadeahugemistake”
Sebastiancouldhearthefuryintheman’stoneandwasreadytointerveneifitgotnasty.
“No YoumadeamistakethinkingI’dhandoveranythingtoyou” “Thisisn’tover,youlittlebitch.”
“Yes,itis,andbytheway,I’vechangedmywill.So,ifIdie,everythingIhavewillgotothisplace.”
Sebastiansteppedawayfromthedoorasitslammedopen Themanwasbeetredanddidn’tlookaround,justheaded downthehallway.Sebastiancouldhearhimgrumblebutcouldn’tunderstandthewords.
Beforehemovedon,thedoor totheofficeclosedsoftly Heheardabrokensobandthennothing Hereachedforthe doorbutstopped.Hedidn’tknow whothewomanwas,andshemightbemoreupsetwithhimlisteningtotheirconversation thanwhathappenedwithherfather.
Heflattenedahandonthewoodofthedoorbeforehewalkedaway.
Fortherestoftheday,Sebastiancouldn’tgettheconversationhehadheardearlieroutofhishead.Heknewthevoice had belonged to the woman he’d seen around a few times Every time he tried to meet her, something or someone had intervenedforonereasonoranother.Now thatheknew whatshewasdealingwithconcerningherfamily,hewasevenmore determinedtogettoknowher
ThatchancecamethenextdaywhenhewalkedintoLacey’sofficetoseeherandthewomansittingonablanketonthe floorhavingapicnic.Laceycaughtsightofhimandsquealed,makingtheotherwomanjump.Laceyhuggedhim.
“How’smysquirtdoingtoday?”heasked.
Laceysnortedwhenshesteppedback.Helookedatthewomanwhowasnowstandingseveralfeetawayfromhimwith wideeyesandaflushedcomplexion
“Lacey,doyouwanttointroducemetoyourfriend,”Sebastianasked.
“Oh,youhaven’tmetyet?”Laceysaid,lookingfromonetotheother
Thewomanslowlyshookherhead.
“No.I’veseenheraround,though,soI’mguessingsheworkshere.”
Laceywalkedtoherandheldthewoman’shand “Sebastian,I’dlikeyoutomeetmyfriend,Sage”
“It’sverynicetomeetyou,Sage.”
Hewaitedforhertospeakandhadtoholdbackagrinwhenshecontinuedtostareathim Laceynudgedherwithher hip.
Sageblinkedandturnedred “Oh,um,hi”
“Hi.”Hesmiledgentlyather.Shewasatinylittlethingandhadthesweetestdisposition.Shewasalsoveryprettywith herlongdarkhairandgreeneyes.
SebastianlookedatLaceyandalmostlaughedattheconfusiononher faceasshelookedbackandforthbetweenhim andSage.
Heclearedhisthroat “It’sverynicetomeetyou,Sage Ihopewecantalkagainsoon”
Ifsheturnedredder,hewasafraidshewasgoingtoburstintoflames.“I…”
Hebithislip.HeturnedtoLaceyandhandedherthefile.“Hereiswhatyouneeded,Lacey.Ifthere’sanythingelse,you knowwhereI’mat.”
Laceysmiled “Yes Thankyou,Sebby”
Hesigheddramaticallyandlookedtowardtheceiling,makingLaceylaugh. HewatchedtheconfusiononSage’sfaceandexplained,“ShecallsmeSebby It’s anicknameshegavemewhenwe met,andshewon’tstop.IthinkIneedtotellyourdaddytobeatyoumore.”
Sagegaspedandlookedhorrified Hewalkedtoherandcarefullycuppedherchin.“Sweetheart.Iwouldnevercondoneanywomanorchildgettinghurt. ThisisthewayLaceyandIteaseeachother.”
Laceynodded “He’sright HemightbeaslargeasBigfoot,buthe’smarshmallowinside”
Hesnortedandrubbedhisthumboverhercheek.“Ibettergetbacktowork.I’llseeyougirlslater.”
Heturnedatthedoorandlookedatbothofthem “Andstayoutoftrouble” Laceylaughed,andSagenoddedslowly.Hesmiled,turned,andleft. Hecouldn’thelpbutlaughwhenheheardLacey “Whatdoyouthinkofhim?”Laceyasked. “Oh,I…youknow.”
“Isn’thedreamy?”
“Well,Iwouldsay…um…yes.”
Hecontinuedtowalkaway,thrilledthathehadLaceyonhisside
Sagewatchedhimleaveandcouldn’ttakehereyesoffthedooruntilsheheardLaceygigglenexttoher Sheturnedto herfriend.“What?”
“Youlikehim,”Laceysaid.
Sage’seyeswidened.“What?No.Idon’tevenknowhim.OrIdon’tthinkIdo.”Butshecouldn’thelpfeelingthatshe’d seenhimbefore.Shejustdidn’tknowwhenorwhere.
Laceysmiled “He’swonderful He’sdonealotofworkfortheorganization”
Sageknewherfriendwastryingtohelp,butshewasn’tsureshe’dbeabletohaveanormalrelationship.“Lacey,you knowwhathappenedtome Idon’tknowifI’llbeabletobewithamanagain”
“Ifsomethingdidhappenbetweenyoutwo,he’dbethebestoneforit.He’dbepatientwithyou.Iknow he’dmakea greatdaddy.”
Justthethoughtofbeingabletohaveherowndaddymadeherheartbeataccelerate Wouldshebeabletohealenough totakethatchance?Onlytimewouldtell.
“Ineedtogetbacktowork,”Sagesaid
Laceysmiledandhuggedher.“I’mhereforyou.”
Sagetightenedhergripontheotherwoman “Iknow,andIthankGodforyoueveryday”
For the nextfew weeks, everythingwas calm, and Sage was able to go abouther life withonlya few nightmares to breaktheserenitythatwasfinallystartingtobuildinherlife.
Sagepickedupherphoneatherdeskwhenitrang “Hello”
“Hey,it’sme,Lacey.Wegotinanothergroupofwomenandchildren.Canyoucometotheadmissionroom?”
“I’ll berightthere”Sagehurrieddownseveral hallwaysuntil sheopenedthedoortoahugeroomtheyhadsetupto take care of the people they got in. They had a female doctor full-time with an office next to the admission roomwith a connectingdoor Ontheothersidewereseveralcounselorsoncallwhoweretalkingtothewomenandchildren
SagefoundLaceyinthemiddlewithaclipboard,handingoutassignmentstothepeoplewhoworkedattheHouseof Compassion.Ithadtobeallwomenbecauseanymanstillfreakedmostofthemout.ShewaitedbyLacey’ssidewhileshegave directionstooneoftheemployees
Laceyturnedtoher.SagecouldtellLaceywasupsetbutwasholdingittogetherforthevictims.
“Ihaveathirteen-year-oldthatIneedyourhelpwith” “Dowehaveanyinformationabouther?”
Laceyblinkedbackhertears.“Yes.Herfathersoldhertoahumantrafficker.”
Sage’smouthdroppedopen.“God.Shecan’tgobacktohim.”
Laceynodded.“Iknow.We’vegotasocialworkercomingforher.”
“Oh,no Thatpoorgirl”
“Thiswomanwillhavesomewhereforthegirltogetthehelpsheneeds.Iwouldn’tletthegirlleaveunlessIknewthe womanandknewhowmuchshehelpedthevictims”
“Howcanapersonevergetoverthefactthatherfathersoldher,andforwhat?Drugs?”
Laceyshrugged.“We don’tknow.Canyougether situateduntil she gets here? The girl is lost,andIthinkyou’re the bestpersontotakecareofher.”
“I’lldomybest.”
Laceygave her a sheetofpaper withall the girl’s informationand pointed to one ofthe partitions Theyhad twenty littlecubicles thatheldabed,nightstand,andlamp.Therewas acurtainthatgaveeachofthemprivacy,muchlikeanER.If theywanted a phone, all theyhad to do was ask, and one was broughtto them Theyall showered and changed into normal clothingwhentheygotthere,andtherewasabuffetsetupwhentheygothungry.
Therewerealreadypeoplecomingintogettheirlovedones.Sagestoppedtostareandpraythesesurvivorshadhelp.
Sagepulledthecurtainaside “Sophia?”
“Yes.”Thegirlhurriedtositupandpressherselfagainstthecorner.
“MynameisSage I’mheretohelpyouwithwhateveryouneed”Sagecouldtellthegirlhadshutdownandknewhow shefelt.“WhatcanIdorightnow?”
Sophiashruggedandstillhadn’tlookedSageintheface
“Whywon’tyoulookatme,honey?”Sageasked.
“BecauseI’mnothing.Ishouldn’tevenbealive.”
Sageshookherhead “No That’snottrue Theytoldyouthattokeepyousubmissivesoyouwouldn’tfight” Sophiaglancedather,angry.“Howwouldyouknow?”
Sagehadtoswallowasherownnightmarecloudedherhead “Be becauseIamasurvivor,too”
Sophia’seyeswidened.“Youweretakenandhad…badthingshappentoyou?”
Sagenodded.
“Forhowlong?”Sophiaasked.
“Threemonths”
“Oh,God.Iwasonlywiththemforafewweeks.”
“Itdoesn’tmatterhowlongwewerethere Allofussurvivorsfeelthesameemotions”
“Whydoyousay‘survivor’insteadof‘victim’likesomeoftheotherscallme?”
“Becausewe are survivors We have come backfromsomethinga lotofgirls don’tgeta chance to We’re backtoa somewhatnormallife.”
Sophiahadtearsrunningdownherface.“Idon’tthinkI’lleverbenormal.”
SageheldoutherhandandwaspleasedwhenSophiatookit “Noneofuswilleverhavethenormalwehad Wehave tomakeupournewnormal.Wechoosewhathappensnow.”
“Youdidn’thaveyourfathersellyoutothesepeople,”Sophiasaid Sageshookherhead.“No.ButIcamebacktoafatherandfiancéwhocouldn’tlookmeintheeyesandthoughtIwas dirtyanddamaged”
Sophia’seyeswidenedbeforetheyfilledwithtearsagain.“I’msorry.”
Sage shrugged. “I made a new normal, and I can tell you with all honesty that my life now is so much better than before”
Thegirlwipedhertearsaway.“WillIeverstopcryingandhaveahappylife?”
Sagesqueezedthegirl’shandandsmiled “Yes Ittakestime,though Don’tpushit Cryasmuchasyouwant Itwill helpyouheal.Ifyoubottleitup,you’llneverbeabletomoveon.Talktoacounseloreveryweekatleast.Ithelps.”
“Didyou?”Sophiaasked.
Sage nodded. “Istill do. Idon’tthinkI’ll stop anytime soon. I’ll give youher number. She’s wonderful and has had experiencewithourkindoftrauma.”Sheletthatsinkinforaminute.“Haveyoueaten?”
Sophiashookherhead
“HowaboutIgetyouaplateoftreats?Justtellmewhatthingsyoudon’tlike.”
“Idon’tknowifIcaneatanything”
“HowaboutIeatwithyou?”
Sophiathoughtaboutitforamomentandthennodded.“Okay.Ilikeeverythingexceptmushrooms.”
Sagesmiled.“I’llberightback.”
“Howlongwillyoube?”
Sagecouldhearthetensioninthegirl’svoice “Afewminutes HowaboutIopenthecurtainabitsoyoucanseemeat thebuffet?”
Sophiarelaxedandnodded
Sagehurriedandgrabbedabigplateandstartedputtingthingsonit.Shegrabbedtwobottlesofwaterandheadedback tothegirl.
“Hereyougo”Sagesatonthebednexttothegirl “We’rekindofhavingapicnic” Sohpia’sfacebrightened.“I’veneverbeenonapicnic.”
“Thenthiswillbeyourfirstofmany”
The two ate and talked about the dog that Sophia had always wanted to get and the friends she missed and would probablyneverseeagain
Sagesettheplateandbottlesonthenightstand.Shecouldseehowtiredthegirlwas.“Wouldyouliketolaydown?” Sophiastiffened.“No.”
“You’resafehere,Sophia” “I…”
“HowaboutIsitrighthere?Iwon’tleaveuntiltheotherwomangetshere” “Whoisit?”
“I’mnotsure,butIknow thatLacey,thedirector ofthis place,wouldhaveeveryonewhoworkedwiththesurvivors investigated.I’llgiveyoumycardwithmyprivatenumberonit.Callmeifyouneedanything.”
Sophiaexhaled.“Thankyou.It’snicetoknowIhavesomeonewhowillhelpme.”
“Thereareseveralherethatdedicatetheirlivestothisplaceandthesurvivors”
Sagehelpedthegirlgetcomfortableandcoveredherup.WhenSophiaturnedsoherheadwasonSage’slap,itmade tearsburnhereyes Sheletherfingersrunoverthegirl’sheadandsoftlyhummedtoher
ShehadnoideahowlongitwasbeforeLaceyshowedupwithayoungwoman.
“ThisisthesocialworkerIwastalkingabout,”Laceysaid.
Hearingthevoices,Sophiaawokeandsatup.Sagehatedseeingthefearonthegirl’sface.Shehuggedhertoherside. “Thiswomanisgoingtotakecareofyou.”
“Ican’tstayherewithyou?”Sophiaasked.
Sage swallowed several times and tried to smile. “I’msorry, honey. I’mnot licensed to foster children. But I will alwaysbeyourfriend”
Sophialookeddisappointed,butshestood.
Sagehuggedhertightlyandwhisperedinthegirl’sear “Wearesurvivors Don’teverforgetthat,anddon’tletanyone tellyoudifferently.”
Sophiasniffedandwalkedtothewoman
“Lacey,canyougivehermycardwithmyprivatenumberonit?Itoldhershecouldcallmeifsheneededto.” “Yes.I’vegotsomecardshere.”
TheywaiteduntilLaceyhandedthegirlthecard
Thewomantookthegirl’shandandledheroff.Sophialookedbackonemoretime,andSagewavedandtriedtosmile.
Laceypulledherintoherarms “Ithinkyouneedtoheaduptoyourplace Everythingdownhereistakencareof,andI cantellthiscasehityouhard.”
“She’sjustababy”
“Iknow.Ifyouneedme,don’thesitatetocallatanytime.Youknowthat.”
Sagenodded.“Yes.You’reagreatfriend.”
“You’redamnrightIam”
Sagesmiled.“You’reluckyyourdaddydidn’thearyou.”
Laceysnickered “Idon’tgetawaywithcursingveryoften”
“Becausehe’sagooddaddy.”
“Yes,heis.”
“I’llseeyoutomorrow,”Sagesaidandwalkedaway.
AllSagecouldthinkaboutwasgettingsomewhereandhidingsoshecouldletthetensionoutthatwasbuildinginher chest
Sagelistenedtothedoorsnapclosedbehindher Theangerandpainshe’dheldinsinceshemetthegirlcamerushing up,makinghergaspforbreath.Sheneededtofindasecludedplacetoletloosebecauseshewouldn’tmakeittoherofficeor apartmentbeforeshescreamed.
Shecaughtsightofoneoftheconferenceroomswiththedooropenandtheroomdark.Sherushedtoitandclosedthe doorbehindherbeforeshefoundaplacewhereshecouldcurlupandcry.
Underthetableseemedtobetheonlyplaceshecouldhide Shescrambledunderitandsatnearoneofthetablelegsin themiddle.Herkneescameuptoherchest,andshewrappedherarmsaroundherlegs,pressingherfaceagainstthem.
Astrangledcrycamefromhermouth,andthensobs Shehadnoideahowlongshe’dbeentherewhenthedooropened andthelightcameon.Herfirstthoughtwasameetingwasstarting.
“Sage.”
Herheartbeatskippedinherchest,andsheheldtightertoherlegs TherewasnowaySebastiancouldknowshewas there. The lastthingshe wanted was for himto see her so weakand outofcontrol. She bitdownhard onher lip, makingit bleedtokeepheremotionsincheckuntilheleft
“Sweetheart.Iknowyou’reinhere.Isawyou.Ihadtodropsomethingoff,andthenIcamestraighthere.”
Sheshookherheadviolentlybutstilldidn’tmakeasound “Baby,I’mnotleavingyou.Letmehelp.”
Asobescapedfromherthroatbeforeshegotcontrolagain,butitwasenoughforSebastiantohear.Hecrouchedand sawher
“Oh,God,Sweetheart.ComeheresoIcanholdyou.”
Sagelookedatthehandheheldouttoher Sheshookherhead “No”Herthroatwassoconstrictedwithemotionthatit barelymadeasound.“Pleasego.”
Heshookhishead “It’snotgoingtohappen”
“Iwantyoutogo,”shescreamedasloudasshecould. Hesighed.“I’msorry.Iknowyouthinkyouhavetodothisalone,butyoudon’t.”
“No I’malone,andthat’sthewayitneedstostay” “Why?”heasked.
“BecauseIcan’tletmyselfcareaboutsomeoneordependonthem,andthenwatchthemleave”
“I’mnotgoingtoleave.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”sheyelled.“Getthefuckawayfromme.”Shetriedeverythingshecouldtogethimtoleave,but hewouldn’tbudge.
“Ifyoucan’tcometome,Iwillcometoyou.”Hewaitedforamomentandthennodded.“Okay.” He got onhis hands and knees and started to crawl to her He was so large he barelyfit, and she could tell it was uncomfortableforhim.
“Stop I’llcometoyou”
Sagereleasedherlegsandthenturnedsoshewasabletocrawltohim.Sebastianwentbacktocrouchingandwaited patientlyforher.Hehelpedhertostandandthenstudiedher,keepinghishandonhershoulders.
Shelookedaway.“I’mokaynow.IthinkI’llheaduptomyplace.”
Hesighed,grabbedherupperarm,andwalkedtothefarthestchairbeforesitting.Shestiffenedwhenhepulledheronto hislapandheldhertightlyagainsthischest
“No.Idon’twantthis,”shesaid,pushingawayfromhim.
“Enough,”hegrowledandspankedherbuttonce Itdidn’thurtatall,butitgotherattention Itwasinstantaneousand feltnaturalwhenallthefightwentoutofher.
Shestaredupathimforamomentandfelttheemotionshewastryingtoholdin.Shepressedherfaceagainsthischest andsobbed
“Thereitis.Cry,Sweetheart.Youdeserveit.”Heliftedherhigherandpressedherfaceagainsthisneck.
Shecouldn’tstopherarmsfromliftingandwrappingaroundhisneck Sagecouldn’tbelievehowlongthetearslasted, andheheldherthewholetime.Sheheardhimtalkingbutdidn’tunderstandanythinghesaid.
Sagehiccuppedafewtimesasshesettled
Heusedafewtissuestowipeherfaceandthenpressedoneagainsthernose.“Blow.”
Withoutathought,sheblew.Itfeltsonaturalsittinginhisarmsandlettinghimtakecareofher.Shewasn’tinastateof mindtomakesenseofit,soshejustlethimtakeover
“Restforabit.”
Shenodded,closedhereyes,andslept
Hewokehertoask.“What’syourcode,Sweetheart?”
Sheopenedhereyestoseethathewascarryingherandtheywereintheelevatorthatwouldtakethemuptoherplace. “I’monsix.”
“Okay,good SoamI Whichapartment?” “603.”
“I’mjusttwodownfromyou” “Ididn’tknowthat.”
Hesmiled “Nowwebothknow”
Theelevatorstoppedattheirfloor.Thedoorsopened,andthenheheadedtowardherplace. “Youcanputmedown.”
Hesmiled “No Ilikeholdingyou”
“I’vegottobegettingheavy.HowlongwasIasleep?” “Aboutanhour”
Hereyeswidenedasshestaredupathim.“Whydidn’tyouwakemeup?”
Hechuckled “BecauseIdidn’twantto”
Hewalkedthemtoherdoor.“Ithoughtoftakingyouhomewithme,butIdon’twanttofreakyouout.Icantellyou’ve hadahardday.”Hepunchedinthecodetoherapartmentandopenedthedoor.
Sagelookedaroundherplaceandinstantlyrelaxed She’dspentalongtimechoosingtherightpiecesoffurnitureand décortomakeitthatway.Itwastheonlyplaceonearththatwashersandmadeherfeelsafe.
ShestudiedSebastianashewalkedtowardthesofa Itamazedherthatshealsofeltthatwaywithhim Shehadnever expectedtotrustamanagain,buthewasdifferentforsomereason.
Sebastiansatdownonhersofawithherstillinhislap Hehadahardtimelettinggoofhersincehefoundherinthe darkoffice.
He’dneverforgetthedepthofpainhe’dheardwhenhecaughthercryingbeforeshestopped.Hewantedtotakeaway everythingthateverhurtorupsether,buthewasn’tsureshe’devenwantedhimaround.
He’ddreamedoftakingherashislittle,butitwouldbeabigstepforher,andhedidn’tknowifshewasreadyoreven interested
“Youcansetmedownifyouwant,”shesaid.
“Idon’t Iwanttoknowwhathappened?”
Tearsfilledhereyesagain,andsheburiedherfaceagainsthisneckandwrappedherarmsaroundhim.
“She’sonlythirteen,”Sagesaid.
“Whois,Sweetheart?”
“ThegirlItookcareof.Shewasinthegroupoffemalesthatcameintoday.”
Helethercryforamoment
“Doyouknowwhatmadeitevenworse?”sheasked.
“No,”hesaid “What?”
“Herfa…fathersoldhertothesepeople.”
“Jesus.Goddamn,Ihatepeoplelikethat.”He’dheardofmuchworsewhenhewasinthefield.IfSagethoughtthirteen wasbad,whataboutathree-year-old?
Thereweresomesickfucksintheworld.Heplannedonworkingtotakeeachofthemoutforaslongashecould.
“Areyouabletoeatanything?”heasked
Sheshookherhead.“No.Iateabitwiththegirl,andrightnow,mytummy’supset.”Shelookedupathim.“CanImake yousomething?”
“Oh,Baby,youdon’thavetodothat.”
“Please.Iwantto.Itwillhelpkeepmymindoffthings.”
Hesmoothedherhairawayfromherfaceandwipedthetearsthatwereleftwithhisthumb “Then,yes I’dlikethat” Shesmiled.
Hetightenedhisgriponherwhenshetriedtostand “Iwanttokissyouintheworstway,butthelastthingIwanttodo isscareyou.”
“I-Idon’tthinkyouwould.Ifeelsafewithyou.”
He smiled. “I’mveryglad to hear thatbecause Iwill never hurtyou, Sweetheart. And Iwon’tallow anyone else to either.Ifatanytimeyougetfrightened,tellmetostop.”
Shenoddedslowly “Okay”
Heloweredhisheadandpressedhislipsagainsthers.Rightaway,hefelttheconnectionandheatsparkbetweenthem, showinghimthatshewastheonehe’dbeenlookingfor He’dheardithappenedfromtheotherdaddiesthatfoundtheirlittles Sebastianwasgoingtodoeverythinghecouldnottofrightenheraway.
He tookit slowly. He pressed his lips over her face and came backto her lips. He did this several times until she tightenedhergripandmewed.“Please.”
“Easy, Sweetheart.” He bowed his head, and this time, he concentrated onjusther mouth. Moans burstfrombothof themwhenhistonguepenetratedhermouth
Heliftedhishead.“Fuck,youtastegood.”
Beforeshecouldanswer,hestartedtodevourheragain Hejerkedwhenshewhimpered Fuck,thiswasgettingoutof controlquickly,andhedidn’tthinkshewasreadyforwhereitwasgoing.
“Baby,weneedtoslowdown.”
Sheblinkedherbeautifulgreeneyesopen,andhealmostgroanedwhenhesawtheheatedfemininedesirethatdarkened hereyes.Hehadtobitehistonguewhenherlittletonguecameoutandlickedherlipsasiftotastehim.
“Howaboutwemakemeasandwichorsomething?”Hepulledherarmsfromaroundhisneck,stood,andgentlysether onher feet. He didn’trelease her until he knew she had enoughstrengthto stayuprightonher own. She stared athimfor a moment
Sheblinkedandexhaledbeforeshenodded.“Yes.You’vegottobehungry.”
Hewatchedasshewalkedpasthim,andhecouldn’tputhisfingeronwhyshesoundedsodetached.Hedecidedtogive ittime,andifshedidn’tchange,he’dask
Shewaspullingoutfoodfromtherefrigerator.“I’vegothamandturkey.”
“Ilikeboth,”hesaidasheleanedagainstthewallwithhisarmscrossed Hiseyesnarrowedasshemovedaroundthe room,andshewouldn’tlookathim.
Shehandedhimtwothicksandwichesandchips. “I’vegotwater,juice,anddietcola.”
“I’lltakewater”
Hesatatthebarandstartedeating.“Whydon’tyoucomesitbesideme?”
Sheshookherhead “Iwanttogetthiscleanedupandthenheadtobedafteryouleave”
Hisbrowssnappedtogether.“You’vebeenwipingthesameareaforafewminutesnow,”hesaid.
Shesighedandrinsedtheclothoutbeforeshedrapeditoverthesinkfaucet Hewatchedherlookaroundinadaze “You’retired,aren’tyou?”
Shesighedandnodded.“Yes.”
Hefinished,stood,andbroughthisplatetothesink Heshookhisheadwhenshetriedtotakeitfromhim “I’vegotit” Hewashedanddried,thenputtheplateandglassawaybeforeheturnedtoher.
He hated how fragile she looked with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist “How about I crash on the sofa tonightsoyou’renotalone?”
Herlipstrembledwhenshetriedtosmile “No Butthankyou”
Sebastianstoppedafootfromherandscowledwhenshestiffened.“Whatifyouhaveanightmare,sweetheart?”
Sageshrugged.“I’vebeendealingwiththemonmyownforawhilenow.Ihavetolearntotakecareofmyselfandnot dependonothers”
“Butyou’vegotfriendsthatwanttohelp.”
Sagenodded “Iknow IthankGodforLaceyandCason,butI’mnotgoingtopushmyproblemsonthem” “So,we’renotfriends?”heasked. Hereyesjerkedtohisandthenaway.“Sure.”
Heknewwithoutadoubtshedidn’tmeanit,andhewonderedwhathadhappenedinthelastfewminutes.Whateverit was,he’dgettothebottomofit.
Shebeggedhiminherheadtoleave Sheneededhimgoneassoonaspossiblebeforeshelostitagain “Ireallyamtired,”shesaidasshewalkedtothedoor,hopinghe’dfollow.
Sheflinchedwhenhishandgrippedherupperarm.Sheknew bythescowl onhisfacethathedidn’tlikeit,butthere wasn’talotshecoulddoaboutit.
“Isthereaproblemhere?”heasked.
“No Really I’mtired,andIwanttogotobed”
“You’realousyliar,butI’llletitgofornow.Getsomesleep,andwe’lltalktomorrow.”
Herbrowspinchedtogether “Why?”
Hiseyeswidened.“Really?You’reaskingmethat?” Shenodded.“Yes.We’rebothbusypeople,andwedon’treallyworkinthesamedepartment.”
Hisfacedarkened,andshecouldtellhewasgettingmad Shestartedtorubherforehead,whereaheadachepounded againstherskull.
“Youhaveaheadache,Sweetheart?”heasked
Shenodded.Sheopenedhereyeswhenshefelttheheatofhisbody.Shegrittedherteethandstayedstillwhenhebent andpressedakisstoherforehead
“Callmeifyouneedanything.”
Shesmiled.“Iwill.Thankyou,andI’msorryabout…everything.”
He turned and frowned when he got to the door “There’s nothing to be sorry about I’mglad I was there and you weren’talone.”
She smiled and nodded She had togethimoutofher apartmentbecause she couldfeel the emotions bubblingto the surface,andshewouldn’tbeabletoholdthemback.
“I’llseeyouattheoffice”
Henoddedbutlookedreluctanttoleave.“Callme.” “Iwill.”
Shegrittedherteethasthedoorclosedbehindhim Shemadesureallfourlocksweresetandthenpulledthecansona stringout of the closet where she kept themeveryday. She made it into a tower that could crashand make a bigsound if someonetriedtobreakin Itwouldgivehertheextratimetograballtheweaponsshecouldandhideinthebackofthecloset, whereshemadeafalsewalltohidebehindonherown.Laceydidn’tevenknowaboutit.
ShehadlookeduphowtomakeitonYouTubeandwasimpressedwiththejobshe’ddone.Someonewouldhavetoget onthefloorandpresstheirfacetothecarpettobeabletoseeaslightspacebetweenthefakewallandthecarpet.
Shehadafewflashlightsinthecubbybutwouldn’tturnthemonuntilsheknewwhoeverbrokeinweregone.
Sage quicklystripped and jumped into the shower The sound ofanguishburstfromher mouth, and the painshe felt grewworsewitheveryminutethatpassed.
God,shewassoembarrassed Shepracticallythrewherselfathim,andhehadtopryheroff Forjustamoment,she’d forgottenshe wasn’tnormal andwouldnever be again.She was tainted,dirty,andruinedfor anyman.She’dforgottenfor a moment,andnowshewantedtoavoidhimbecauseshewasashamedofherselfandhadputhiminabadposition.
Shewasangryatherselfbecausehewouldhavebeenanicefriendtohave,butsheruinedit,andnowitwouldnever bethesame.
She sankto the floor and cried until she had no more energyor tears to continue before she washed inthe quickly coolingwaterandturnedofftheshower.Afterdryingoffwithatowel,shedriedherhair,pulledonanightgown,andbrushed herteethbeforeslidingintobed
Shethoughtshe’dhavetroublegoingtosleepasusual,butwiththeemotional rollercoastershe’dbeenoninthelast fewhoursandherheadache,shewaswipedout.
Beforesheknewit,themorningsunwasshiningonherface,wakingherfromadeepsleep
Sage draggedherselffromthe bedanddressedbefore makinga cupofcoffee.She stoodatthe large window across fromthekitchen,staringdownatthestreetandallthepeopleasshesippedthebitterbrew
Glancingatthetime,shebrushedherhairandteeth.Atherdoor,sheputthecansbackintheboxintheclosetbefore openingthedoor Shepeekedoutbeforeshehurriedtotheelevator
ThedoorswereaboutclosedwhensheheardSebastiancallouttoholdtheelevator,butshejustpressedherselfagainst theside,hidingherselffromhim,prayingthey’dcloseintimetopreventhimfromcominginwithher.Her breathwhooshed fromherlungsinreliefastheelevatorstartedmovingdown
ShehurriedintoLacey’soffice,shutthedoor,andleanedagainstit.Herfriendlookedupandinstantlyfrowned.
“Whathappened?”sheasked
“ImesseduplastnightwithSebastian,andnowI’msodamnembarrassedIcan’tfacehimyet.”
She jumped and aboutscreamed whensomeone knocked atthe door. “Ifit’s him, I’mnothere,” she mouthed before movingbacksoshe’dstayhiddenfromwhoeveritwas.
“Comein,”Laceycalledout SageknewrightawayitwasSebastianfromthelookonherfriend’sface. “Hey,Lace HaveyouseenSagethismorning?She’snotinheroffice” “Ihaven’t.”
SagecringedbecauseLaceyreallywasaterribleliar,andhewassuretodetectthat “Really?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“Imean,earlierIdid,butshe’llbebusyallday.IstheresomethingIcantellherforyou?”Laceyasked.
“No Ijustwanttotalktoher”
“I’lltellherthenexttimeIseeher,”Laceysaidandsmiled.
Sagethoughtsheheardhimsnortandthensigh “Okay Youdothat”
Hestartedtoclosethedoorbutturnedatthelastmoment.“AndLacey,ifIfindoutyou’relyingtome,Iwillhaveatalk withyourdaddyaboutdiscipliningyou”
Laceypressedherlipstogetherandnodded.
Sagedidn’treleaseherbreathuntilthedoorwasshut,andsheheardhimwalkaway.Sherushedtoherfriend’sdesk. “God,Lacey,amIgoingtogetyouintrouble?”
Laceysnorted.“Ifyoudo,itwillonlygetmydaddytopaysomeextraattentiontome.”
Sagerelaxed
“Now,tellmewhathappened?”Laceyasked.
SagewentthroughwhathappenedwithSebastian,andalthoughLaceythoughtshewaslookingatitthewrongway,she alsosawSage’ssideofitandknewshe’dfeelthesameway.
That’sallSageneeded.Justsupportfromatleastonepersoninherlife.Itwasn’ttoomuchtoask,wasit?
Sagelookedupwhensomeoneknockedonherdoor Shethoughtaboutignoringit,butshecouldn’thidefromSebastian forever.
“Comein.”
Oneofthevolunteersstuckherheadin.“Hey,Sage,ArthurBatesisheretoseeyou.”
Dreadstartedtogrowinherstomachatthethoughtoffacingherex-fiancé.“Sendhimin.Thankyou.” “You’rewelcome”
Withinaminute,Arthurwalkedinlikeheownedtheplace.God,whathadsheseeninhim?Hewashandsomeinacold kindofway Hisblondhairwasalwaysinplace,andhewasalwaysdressedlikehewasgoingtoanimportantmeeting Ifshe reallythoughtaboutit,itwasherfatherwhosetthemupandpushedthemtogether.Sagehadnoideawhyshehadn’tfoughtitat thetime,butnowshewassogladshehadn’tmarriedhim.
Shesatbackinherchairandsmiled “TowhatdoIowethepleasureofyourpresence?”
Hisfaceinstantlydarkened.“Idon’tlikehowmuchyou’vechanged,dear.Youneverwouldhavesaidanythinglikethat tomebefore”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.Iwasgettingsickofyoursnobbish,superiorattitude.”
Hetookafewstepstowardherdeskandscowled “You’rejustangryrightnow,butwecangetyoufixedsoyou’llgo backtowhatwehadbefore.Thistime,it’sevenbetterbecauseyou’resothinnow.”
Hermouthfellopeninshock.Shecouldn’tbelievethegalloftheman.“Youwanttogetbacktogether?”sheasked. “Yes”
“Whataboutwhathappenedtome?How areyougoingtobeabletotouchmebecauseI’msodirtynow?Thathasn’t changed”
Shesawhimswallow.
Hetriedtolookhappyandfailed “Wecangetthatfixed,too Ifoundaspathatwilltakeyou They’llmakesureyou’re cleaninsideandout.They’llfixyourhairandskinandhelpyourelax.”
Shewantedtothrowsomethingathim.“You’rekiddingme,right?”
Helookedshocked “No YourfatherandIthinkitwouldbeagoodidea”
“Myfather?Whatthehelldoeshehavetosayaboutourrelationship,orareyouhispuppet?”
“Webothhaveyourbestinterestsatheart Wejustwanttohelpyou,”Arthursaid She stood and leaned over the desk, putting her hands on the top. “How can you fix the fact that I was raped repeatedly?”
Heflinchedandswallowed.Helookedlikehewasgoingtovomitatanymoment. “Notonlythat, Iwas made to give menblowjobs. Theyheld mymouthopenwithsomething. Iwas also beatenand sodomizeddaily”
Hepaledandtookseveralstepsback.“Jesus,thisisn’tworthit.”
“Whatisn’t?”sheasked “Themoney.”
Sagestraightened.“Whatmoney?”
“Themoneyyourfatherwasgoingtogivemetobewithyou.”
“Whywouldhepayyoumoney?”
Heturnedred
“YouhadthisagreementbeforeIwastaken?”sheasked.
“Yes Atthetime,youwereafatcow Ihatedseeingyounaked”
Everywordfeltlikeaknifeinherbody,butshedidn’tshowit.“Didmykidnappingruinallyourplans?”
“No,itwassupposedtogetridofyousohecouldhaveyourmoney,andIdidn’thavetotouchyou.”
Shefelttheblooddrainfromherfaceasthewordsofthefirstmanshedealtwithcametomind Italwayspuzzledher howtheyknewhername.Thentheytalkedaboutherbeingtargetedandbroughttotheirattention.
“Yousetmeuptogetkidnapped?”
“Itwasmainlyyourfather,butIwentwithit.Youweren’tsupposedtocomeback.”
Hermouthdroppedopen “DoyourealizeallthepainIwentthrough?Iwasrippedapart Ibledinternallymostofthe time.I’llhavescarsfortherestofmylife.Andforwhat?Money?”Hervoiceslowlygotlouder.
Arthurhadthegracetolookuncomfortable.“Ididn’tthinkbeyondthefactyou’dbegone.”
“Yousonofabitch Getthefuckoutofmyofficeandstaythefuckawayfromme!” Hesniffedandraisedhishead.“Don’tworry.Ihopenevertoseeyouagain.”
Sagestoodfrozen Herownfatherhadsetherup God,thepainwasmorethanshecoulddealwith Sheneededtimeto herself.
Sherushedoutofherofficeandstraightfortheelevator,ignoringsomeonewhocalledhername.
“Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on,” she chanted as she waited for the elevatortostopatherfloor
Sheexhaledwhenitstopped,andshewaitedforthedoortoopen.Shewasclose.Shecouldhandlethefewsecondsit wouldtaketogetintoherplace
The doors opened, and her stomachtwisted, and her heartwas goingto rip outofher chest. One ofher worstfears stoodinfrontofher,andsheknewshecouldnotracearoundhimandintoherplace
Sheinhaledandtriedtosmile.Onelookatherandheknewsomethingwaswrong. “Whatintheworld…”Sebastiansaidandpulledheroutoftheelevator. Shetriedtoyankherarmaway “Letmego”
Heshookhishead.
Shesawtheconcerninhiseyesbutdidn’tbelieveit Shefoughttogetawayfromhim “Sweetheart,settledown.Whateveritis,we’llfigureitout.”
She stopped and looked up at him “You’re fucking kidding me, aren’t you? You can’t help me You’re part of the problem.”
“How?”
Shestartedtofightagain “Letmego,”shescreamed Hestartedpullinghertowardhisapartment,anditmadehergowild. “No!”
Hepulledherin,turnedandshutthedoor,andlockeditbeforelettinghergo. Sheracedtotheothersideoftheroomandfranticallylookedaroundforanythingshecoulduseasaweaponorescape. Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“You’renotleavinghereuntilwedealwiththis.”
Shelaughed,butitcameoutmorelikeascream.“Howaboutthis?Youletmego,andI’llfeedyourcuriositylater.”
“YouthinkIwanttoknowbecauseI’mcurious?HowaboutIcare foryou?”
Shegrippedherstomachandbitdownonherliptogaincontrol.Sheletupwhenshetastedbloodandfeltitrundown herchin
“Sweetheart….”hesaid,comingtowardher.
She put her hands out, cowered, and screamed. “No … .don’t touch me.” She looked at the window to see it was partiallyopen.Ifshecouldjusthavetwoseconds,shecouldpushthescreenoutoftheway,openthewindowabitwider,and go.
Whenhetookanotherstepcloser,sheturnedandstartedpushingthescreen “Whoa,whatthehellareyoudoing?”Sebastianyelledasheheadedtocutheroff. “I’mleaving”
Hepulledherawayfromthewindow.“We’reonthesixthfloor.Youwouldhavedied,Baby.”
Sheyelled.“Yes.Iknow.It’smylifetodowhateverIwant.”
“NotwhenI’maround”
Sheyankedherarmawaysohardsheknewitwouldleavebruises.
“Goddammit,”hecursed “Whycan’tyoutalktome?Ithoughtwewerefriends,andyouknowIcareaboutyou” Her head shook. “We’re notfriends, and we never will be, and we can’tevenbe fuckbuddies because youfind me disgusting,too”Sheturnedherbacktohim “God,Ihatemen,”shewhispered Shecouldn’tseethatchanginganytimesoon
The firstlookSebastianhad ofher whenthe elevator doors opened shocked him She looked like a manic, terrified womanreadytobreakapart.
“Whatintheworldhappened?”heaskedashegrabbedherarmtokeepherfromrunning.
Shestartedscreamingandfightinglikeshewasfightingforherlife.Hecouldn’thaveanyoneelseseeherlikethisand startedpullinghertowardhisplace.Shewentcrazy,andhisconcernbuilttoadimensionitneverhadbefore.
Hefeltalittlebetter havingher lockedintohisplaceuntil shetriedtogooutthewindow andcommitsuicide When she was across the roomfromthe window withher backto him, he pulled outhis phone and texted Casonto geta doctor. Casonanswered,andthenSebastianshovedhisphoneintohispocket
Now,hehadtokeepherascalmaspossibleandwait.
Whenheheardhersayshehatedmen,itfeltlikeanarrowhadplungedthroughhisheart.Whathadhappenedthatnight thathewastoostupidtoknow?She’dgonefromapassionatewomanwhowasblowinghisheadofftoadistantpersonwho wantednothingtodowithhim.Hehadthoughtitwastheheadachethatcauseditthatnight,butthensheavoidedhimasmuchas shecould Hewastiredofitandhadplannedtocornerherinherofficeorapartmentandfindouttheproblem
Heknewshe’dbeenhidingfromhimandwasgivinghertime,anditwastheworstthinghecouldhavedone.
“Iunderstandwhyyouhatethosemen ”
Sheturnedtofacehim,andhisconcernrosebecauseofhow paleshewasandthetightgripshehadonherarms.He knewshehadnoideashewastearingherskinwithhernailsandhadblooddripping.
“No Ihateallmen”
“WhataboutCason?”heasked.
Hereyesflickeredandthenblankedagain “Id-don’tknow,”shestuttered.
“Youknowhewouldneverhurtyou,andIknowyoudon’tbelieveit,butIwouldn’teither”Hehelduphishandwhen shestartedtotalk.“No.I’mnotsurewhathappened,butIwillfixit.Sweetheart,Icanbeadumbass.IhavenoideawhatIdid. Youstartedshuttingdownafterwestoppedmakingout.”
Shelaughed “Yes Iknow”
Hisbrowspinchedtogether.“Westoppedbecauseitwasheadingtomakinglove,andIdidn’twanttopressureyou.”
“Or,yourealizedwhoyouhadinyourarmsandgotdisgusted Idon’tblameyou I’mdisgustedwithmyselfandthought Icouldeventuallybebetter.ButI’llneverbebetter.”
“That’s bullshit. I’ve never been disgusted with you. You’ve been traumatized, and I was terrified of scaring you. Instead,itlookslikeIunfortunatelypushedyouawaywhenthatwasthelastthingIwanted.I’vebeenattractedtoyoufromthe minuteIsawyou.”
Shelaughed “Let’scutthebullshit WhatIdoisnoneofyourfuckingbusiness Ifyoukeepmehereanylonger,Iwill presschargesagainstyou.”
Hesighed “For onething,weneedtotalkaboutyour pottymouth,butIknow now isnotthetime Two,Idon’tcare aboutthecharges.Itwon’tstopmefromhelpingyou.I’lleventuallygetitthroughyourheadthatIcareaboutyou.”
Shestartedgettingmadagain.“Mypottymouth?Areyoufuckingkiddingme?Youhavethenerve…Youhavenosay overanythingIdo.”
“That’sbullshit.We’llgetpastthis.”
Shescreamedandstartedthrowinganythingshecouldgetherhandsonathim Hedodgedbutdidn’ttrytocatchher He letherhavethisoutletuntiladoctorgotthere.
Forthenextthirtyminutes,hetriedreasoningwithher,butitjustseemedtopissheroffmore Sebastianheardtheknockandexhaled.“Comein.”
Shefrozeandwipedherface,leavingastreakofbloodbehindtomixwiththesweat.Shelookedtotallyconfusedwhen Casonandanothermanwalkedin
“Sebastian,thisisthedoctor,Alex.”
“Iwouldsayit’snicetomeetyou,butI’mtooterrifiedrightnow Idon’tknowwhattodo”Sebastianswallowed
“Whathappened?”Alexasked.
“Idon’tknow Ifoundherontheelevator,andshewentnutswhenItriedtotalktoher”
“She’sasurvivorofhumantrafficking,”Casonwhisperedtohim.
“Whatareyoufuckingsaying?”shescreamed.
“Sage,mynameisAlex,andI’mheretohelpyou”
“Fuckoff.Idon’tneedyourhelp.”
“Thisisn’tlikeheratall,”Casonsaid “Where’sallthebloodfrom?”
“She dugher nails into her skinwhenIdidn’tlether go outthe window, and she’s cutherselfonsome
she’sbeenthrowing.”
Theothertwomenlookedshocked.
“Sheknowsyou’reonthesixthfloor,”Casonsaid Sebastiansighedandnodded.
“So,shetriedtocommitsuicide?”Alexasked
“Yes.”Itfeltlikehisthroatwasclosing.Hefelthelplessandterrified,asheneverhadbefore.Hepinchedthebridgeof hisnose “Fuck Idon’tknowifshewasjusttryingtogetawayfrommeorharmherself WhatdoIdo?I’mpartlytoblame” “How?’Casonasked.
“Theothernight,wewerekissing,andIstoppedbecauseIdidn’tknowifshewasreadyforwhereitwasheaded.She tookittomeanIwasdisgustedbyherwhenthatcouldn’tbefurtherfromthetruth” “Isshealittle?”Alexasked.
“Yes She’smylittle Shejustdoesn’tknowityet”
Theothertwomensmiled.
“Littlesareextremelysensitive Moresothantheaveragewoman,”Alexsaid Themennodded.
Shecontinuedtoscreamandfoundafewthingstothrowatthem.Shewasgettingsotiredheraimwasbad.
“Thefirstthingweneedtodoisgiveherasedative,”Alexsaid “Whenwegethersettled,we’llmakeagameplan” “Sebastian,IthinkyoushouldbetheonetoholdherwhileIgiveherashot.Cason,Iwantyoutohelpusmakealine thatwillpreventherfromrunning”
Casonnodded.“Icandothat.”
Alexsetdownhisbag,gotasyringeout,filleditwithadrug,andthennodded.“Let’sdothis.” Sebastianheaded toward her. He caught her whenshe turned to run. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightlyasshefoughtlikeherlifedependedonit.
Alexquicklygavehertheshotandthensteppedback “Thatshouldtakeeffectquickly”
Withintwominutes,shestartedtocalmdown,andthenherbodyhadnocontrol,givinghimtheneedtoliftherinhis arms Hecuddledheragainsthischestandkissedherforehead,ignoringthebloodandsweat “Whateverthisis,we’llgetthroughit,Sweetheart.Youarenotalone.”
“Let’slayherdown,”Alexsaid.
Casonwalkedaheadofthemandhadseveraltowelsstackedup.“Ithoughtthiswouldhelpforwhenyouwashheroff.” “Itwill.Thankyou.”Sebastianlaidherdownonitandcoveredherwithasheetforthemoment.
“I’llgoupandgetsomeclothesfromLacey’sclosetforhertouse” “Thatwouldbegreat,”Sebastiansaid. HeheardthefrontdoorcloseandturnedtoAlex “Whatdowedo?”
Alexcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Ifitweresomeoneelse,I’dhaveyouputherinthehospital.”
Sebastianshookhishead “No Idon’twanttotraumatizeheranymorethanshealreadyis” “Iunderstand.Isthereacounselorshe’sbeenseeing?”
“Yes CarolBeals Sheworkswithalotofthesurvivors Ithappenedtoher,sosheunderstandswhatthey’refeeling” “Good.Getheruphereinthreehours.Thesedativewillbewearingoff,butSagewillstillbecalm.”
Sebastiannoddedandexhaled Anygameplanthathelpedwithhisanxietywasgood
Theothermenleft,givingSebastiantheprivacytotakeherclothesoffandbatheherthebesthecouldwithacloth He wasabletogetthebloodandsweatoffher.Hebrushedherhairanddressedherinthesweatpantsandt-shirtCasonbroughtto him.
Whenhestraightened,overanhourhadpassed.Hebandagedthecutsonherthatcontinuedtoseepblood.Heputaway everything,tookthetowelsfromunderher,laidheronthemattress,andcoveredherwithacleanblanket.
Hewashedhishandsandpulledachairupclosetothebedsohecouldseeher Hewasunawarehewascryinguntilhe feltthe tears rundownhis face. He leaned forward, pressed his face into his hands, and cried until nothingwas left. After wipingoffhisface,heleanedback,closedhiseyes,andslept
Ahandonhisshoulderawokehim.HelookeduptoseeCasonandCarol,thecounselor.
“Hey,I’mgladyoucouldmakeit,”hesaidandstraightenedinthechair.
CarolwalkedtothesideofthebedandstareddownatSage “Ofcourse Casontoldmewhathappened Youhaveno ideawhatsetheroff?”
Sebastianshookhishead “Notaclue”
“Shewasfinethismorning,”Casonsaid.
Carolsmoothedthehairfromherforehead “Somethinghadtohavehappenedforthatdegreeofextremerage” Sebastiannodded.
“I’llheadbackdown,”Casonsaid.“Callifyouneedanything.” “Thankyou”
Casonsqueezedhisshoulder.“Thiswillgetresolved.She’sastrongwoman.” Sebastianheardthefrontdoorclosebeforeheasked,“Whatdowedonow?”
“Wewaituntilshewakesup.Ithinkit’sbestnottohaveyouintheroom.Ifyou’repartofwhatupsether,you’lldoit againbeforewecanfindoutwhathappened I’llletherknowyou’rehereandworried”
Henodded.“I’dliketostayhereuntilshestartstowakeup.”
“Absolutely.I’lljustsitoverhereandread.”
“Okay Thankyou”
Hismindwentovereverythingseveraltimes,hopingtorememberanythingthatmighthavehappened.Hestraightened whenshestartedmoving Carolcameover.“Whydon’tyougo?She’llbeawakeinaminute.”
Sebastiannodded,stood,tookonemorelookatSage,andwalkedout.
For the next hour, he paced inthe livingroom. He could hear themtalking, but not the words, and Sage sometimes cried.
Finally,Carolcameoutwithherbag Thelookonherfacewasgrimandjustmadehimmoreanxious “Whathappened?”heasked.
Carol shookher head “She told me Icould talkaboutit I’mhappyaboutthatbecause Iwantboththose fuckers put away.”
“Who?”
“Herfatherandfiancé.Theyweretheonesthatsetheruptobeabducted,”Carolsaid.
He was more thanshocked and couldn’t fathomwhyanyone would do that, especiallyto their ownfamily. He was goingtodoeverythinginhispowertoconvictthetwo He’dpullineveryfavorifhehadto “D…doessheknowwhy?”heasked.
“Her fiancé, the one who visited her today, told her itwas because her father wanted her money, and he, the fiancé, wantedher gone.Henever didwanther,buther father wasgoingtopayhimtomarryher,andthenhe’dhavecontrol ofher money.”
“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”
Carolshookherhead.“I’mafraidnot.”
“Istheguygay?”
“Shedoesn’tknow.Shedoesknowhedoesnotlikefatwomen.” Sebastian’sfacedarkened “Iwantmyhandsaroundhisneck”
“Ido,too.Hemadeherfeelself-consciousforthefirsttimeinherlife.Shewasonlyasizeten,forGod’ssake.Iguess hewantedherasizetwo.”
“Jesus,theguyneedstobebeaten” “Iagree.”
“Whathappensnow?”heasked
“We’re planningongettingtogether
a while.Iknow Iwon’tresteasyuntil Isee her smile,whichwas
rareanyway.”
Sebastiannodded.“WhatshouldIdo?”
“Ithinkshe’ll hear whatyouwantto saynow Itold her already, and she understands she mighthave misinterpreted whatwashappening.”
“That’sgood”
“Justtakeitslow.Heremotionswillbeallovertheplaceforawhile.”
“I’llbecareful”
“Don’tbeafraidtotouchher.Sheneedsallthelovingshecanget.”
“Thatwillbeeasytodo.”
“Ihavetogo Callthisnumberifyouhaveaquestion”Shehandedhimthecard “Thankyousomuchforcoming,”Sebastiansaid.
“That’swhatI’mherefor,butit’seasywithher She’sasweetone” “Yes.Iknowthat.I’llbeluckyifsheletsmebepartofherlife,”hesaid.
“Oh,Ithinkyou’llbesurprised”Carolpattedhishand
Sebastianwaiteduntilthefrontdoorclosedbeforemakinghiswayintothebedroom.Hesawhersittingupontheside ofthebedwithherbacktohim.
Heinhaledandbracedhimselfbeforewalkingintofaceher “Hi,Sweetheart Howareyoufeeling?” Sheraisedherhead.“Iwanttoapologize…”
Hecrouchedinfrontofherandlayoneofhishandsoverhers “Don’t Thereisabsolutelynothingtoapologizefor” “Iacted….”
“Idon’tcareifyouactedlikeamonkeyandswungaroundtheroom.”
Hecaughtaslightsmileandrelaxedalittle.“I’mjustworriedaboutyou.”
Sageexhaled.“Carolsaidyouwerereallyupset.”
“Morethanupset,justworriedaboutyou Ineverwanttoseeyouinthatkindofpainagain” “I don’t either. I felt like I was going to split apart because the feelings inside of me were so … massive and uncontrollableitscaredme”
“We’lldoeverythinginourpowertopreventthatfromhappening.IwantyoutoseeCaroleverydayforamonth.” Sage’seyeswidened.“Amonth?”
“Yes.Iwanttomakesureyou’reokay.I’malsogoingtosetuppicnicswiththelittlesafewtimesaweek.”
“Really?”
Hesmiled “Yes Ithinkyouallaremagicalandcanmakeeachotherfeelbetterquickerthananyoneelse”
“So,I’malittle?”Sageasked.
“Yes,Sweetheart You’re my little”
Hesawtheflushofpurejoyonherfacebeforesheslippedfromthebedontohislapandwrappedherarmsaroundhis neck.Heliftedherandsatbackinthechair.Heplannedtoholdherforaslongassheneeded.
Hehadnoideatheybothcrashed Theyweredozingoffwhenshestirred “Ineedtopotty…”
“Youknowwhattocallme”
“Daddy?”
Ahappinessheneverthoughtexistedfilledhim “Yes I’myourdaddy Now,let’sgetyoutothetoilet,andI’llstartthe bathsoIcanwashyou.”
“I’dlikethat.”
“Good,”hesaid Hewalkedherintothebathroomandsetherdowninfrontofthetoilet Hemadesureshewassteady beforereleasingher.
He crouched by the tub and started the faucet When he didn’t hear anything, he turned to check on her to see her standinginthesameplace.
“What’swrong,Sweetheart?”
“Y-you’regoingtostayinherewhileIpee?”
Hegrinnedattheblushonherface.“Yes.Andyoubettergetusedtoit.Now,peesoIcangetyouundressedandinthe tub”
Heraisedabrowwhenshedidn’tmove.Shequicklypulleddownherpantsandurinated.Thewholetime,herfacewas brightredandcoveredbyherhands
Hesmiled.Theywerefinallyontherighttrack.Heknewtheystillhadsomeobstacles,buttheywouldmakeitthrough them.
Sagecouldfeel theheatofablushonher facewhensheheardthestreamofpeefall fromher God,shehadnoidea whythisembarrassedhersomuch.Butsheguessedtherewereboundtobealotofthingsthatwouldembarrassherbeforeshe gotusedtohim.
“Peachorbubblegumbubblebath?”heasked.
“Ithinkpeach.Alotofit,please.”
Hegrinned “Yougotit”
Whenshefinished,shewipedherself,stood,andpulledupherpants.
Heheldouthishand “Comehere”
Shewalkedtohimandtookhishand.
“I’mgoingtoundressyou,putyouinthetub,andyou’llletmebatheyou.Anyquestions?”
Sheshookherhead “No”
“No,what,Baby?”
“No,Daddy” “Goodgirl.”
Shestoodstillashepulledthepantsoffbeforepullingthetopoffuntilshestoodnakedinfrontofhim “Youaresofuckingbeautiful,Sweetheart.Don’tletanyonemakeyoufeellikeyouaren’t.”
“I’lltry.”
“Oh,you’llmorethantry,orelse ”Hechuckled “Orelsewhat?”sheasked.
Heranhishandoverhernakedass,makinggoosebumpspopoutalloverher “Orelsethislittletushywillgetaspanking.”
Shefeltherbottomlipstickoutinapout
Heshookhishead.“Oh,no.You’llnotbeusingthatadorablepoutonme.Now,let’sgetyouinthetub.”
Heliftedherinlikeshedidn’tweighanything.Itmadeherfeelfeminineandpetite. “Howdoesitfeel?Isittoohot?”
She shookher head. “No. Itfeels wonderful.” Whenshe was all the waydown, the bubbles came up to her cheeks, makinghergiggle
“DidIgetenoughbubbles,Sweetheart?”
Shenodded.“Yes.It’sperfect,Daddy.”
Justsayingthewordmadeashiverslipupherspine,andherheartfeltwholeforthefirsttimeinforever.Therewas stillthedoubt,ofcourse,becauseshedidn’tknowhimandwasnewtothistypeofrelationship.Shealsoknewshehadalong waytogobeforeshewashealed
Shewatchedhimsqueezesoapontoawashclothandthenstartedwithhertoes.Shetriedtoyankherfootfromhisgrasp whenhestartedtotickleher
“No,stop.Ihatetobetickled.”
Hechuckled.“That’sgoodtoknow.”
“Why?”
“Becauseitmighthelpmegetinformationoutofyouwhenyouwanttohidesomethingfromyourdaddy.”
Sage’sthoughtswereracinginherhead Shewantedhimtobeherdaddysomuch,butshefeltlikeshewaspushingit, andshedidn’tknowwhattodo.Shewantedtobeclosetohim,butwhatiftheywenttoofast,andshedidsomethingtomake himwanttoleave her? The thoughtofmakinglove withhimmade her all tinglyatthe same time,apprehensive ifshe could evengothroughit.
Afew hoursbefore,shehadtriedtojumpoutthewindow,somethingshe’dforever beashamedof.Now,shewasas closetotruehappinessasshe’deverbeen,butshefeltlikeitwouldbetakenfromher,soshedidn’twanttodependonittoo much.
Hebroughtherattentionbacktohim Thewayhishandslidoverhermadehernippleshardenandcumslidefromher cunt.Whenhishandcuppedherpussyhereyesslidclosed,andherheaddroppedback.Hisfingersslidbetweenhercuntlips and pressed onher clit Acryflew fromher as a coil ofpleasure wound inside ofher Aneed she had never experienced beforeragedthroughher.
“Easy.Iwanttoseehow muchpleasureIcangiveyoujustbytouchingyour clit.Itlookstobesensitive,whichwill makeiteasytogiveyouanorgasm”
Shemewedwhenhishandslippedaway.
“Don’tworry,Sweetheart Myhandisgoingtobebetweenyourlegsalot”
Shestudiedhisfaceandsawthetruthinhisexpression.
