Maybe this one time, he could be a little selfish.
When Falcon pushed up off the floor, stood above him, and held out a hand, it felt more like a lifeline than just a hand up. Permission to be selfish this time. To be where he needed to be instead of where he felt he had to be.
Reaching out, he took his boss’ hand and let the man pull him up as he made his decision.
Chapter
Thirteen
August 20th
2:46 P.M.
By the time they turned into a long driveway, Ally was utterly exhausted.
They’d been traveling for around twenty-four hours, and she just wanted to get to wherever they were going and find a place to curl up and rest. Right now, she’d happily take the concrete floor of a cell as long as it meant she got a couple of hours to herself to close her eyes and get some much-needed sleep.
Who knows, maybe by the time she woke up, her rescue team would even be here.
Chances were, she wasn't going to be put in a cell when they got to their destination. So far, the man she knew only as King, seemed to be all in on the treating her like a princess thing. Turned out Henry was right about that last costume change, it had been what had drawn in the man still sitting closely beside her, his hand on her thigh. Although he no longer tried to play with her, he seemed to have lost interest in that after the arousal gel wore off and she was no longer wet and needy.
Throughout the two long plane journeys, he’d stayed by her side, fussing over her like a mother hen. He’d hand-fed her fruit, which even though she hated eating it from his fingers, was the most delicious thing she’d eaten since before she was abducted. He’d tucked blankets around her when goosebumps broke out on her exposed skin as her temperature dropped. He ensured she had plenty of water to drink, and she wasn't chained, or cuffed, or bound in any way to her seat, so she was allowed to use the bathroom whenever she wanted.
Maybe the next few hours wouldn't be so bad, and Mateo should have long since gotten the information on who bought her to his boss, so rescue should be on its way.
She could do this.
Even if things took a turn for the worst, she could do it.
There was no other choice.
“Almost there, princess,” King cooed from beside her, smoothing a hand over her messy locks. “I'm sure you must be exhausted, but as soon as we get to the house, you’ll be shown to your room. You can take a nice long shower or bath, whichever you prefer, and then you’ll be able to get some sleep. I need you fully rested for tonight.”
As nicely as he’d been treating her, she still knew if she asked questions about what was happening tonight when she hadn't been given permission to speak, she’d be punished. So Ally kept her mouth shut. It wasn’t like she really wanted to know what horrors he’d cooked up for her anyway. For now, it was easier to pretend this princess game was going to continue indefinitely.
“Ah, there it is, home sweet home,” King gushed as the limo pulled to a stop outside a huge, white, plantation-like mansion. It was beautiful, and the lush tropical gardens were delightful. If she wasn't here as a prisoner, she would have enjoyed wandering the grounds, soaking up the vibes.
But the vibes here were dark and dangerous, despite the stunning location.
“Isn't it a beautiful home, princess?” he asked, and since his tone was clearly begging for compliments, she assumed that was permission to speak.
“The most beautiful home I've ever seen,” she said softly. “I'm lucky to be able to call this place my home now.”
Her words seemed to thrill him, because he reached over and took both her hands in his. “I knew from the moment I saw you that you were destined to be mine. You're perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
One of his staff members opened the limo’s back door, and King held her hand and helped her out. She still wore the collar around her neck, but the lead attached to it had been removed when they got on the plane and not replaced. But her momentary hope that they were done with it for good was ended when the same staff member who had opened the limo door stepped forward and clipped a new lead onto her collar.
It was beyond humiliating to be led around like a dog, but Ally did her best to ignore it. Not much longer to go. She could do this.
“Show my princess to her room,” King instructed the older man holding her lead. “Make sure she is tagged, then leave her alone to rest for a few hours. Is everything prepared for her?”
“Yes, sir,” the man replied. “Everything that you asked us to set up for her arrival has been done.”
“Good, good.” King turned to face her, framing her cheeks with his hands. “I must leave you for a little while, princess. I have a few things to take care of, but your room is prepared for you, and I trust you’ll be able to get some sleep. Your dress for tonight will be delivered later this afternoon. Other than that, if there is anything lacking, anything I have forgotten to providefor you, there is a bell in your room. Please ring it and ask for whatever your heart desires.”
When he leaned in to press his lips to hers in a kiss more forceful than his generous words implied, she had to fight from gagging. But she stood still and allowed him to shove his tongue between her lips, to plunder her mouth.
“I wish I could spend the afternoon with you, princess,” he said, true regret in his voice, and he finally pulled back. “But tomorrow we’ll spend the entire day together, I’ll take you down to the private beach, perhaps even take you out on the yacht. Now, go, be my good little princess and do as you're told.”