Chapter 79

After going to the bathroom (my bladder made me buckle and ask for a toilet), it was time for dinner. Men trailed behind us as I walked beside Reid down the numerous white and brightly-lit hallways. Cameras were strung in the corners of the ceiling. There was some demented art hanging every couple yards along the walls. Some were just abstract weird paintings. Others were photographs of women posing. The women were either naked or in lingerie, bound or unbound, with some writing under each large framed photo. Better not fucking happen to me, that's all I could think. It made me want to cover my cleavage... if only there were more buttons on my blouse.

Eventually, we reached the dining room and it was just psycho and me. When I entered, my heels no longer felt welcome. Stepping onto the plush white carpet, the room was long. It was the perfect size to support one very long table too. The rectangular dark table was surrounded with maybe over a dozen chairs. There was a huge red and brown patterned rug under the chairs and table too. So, if I get sloppy and spill food, it will be all over the rug and not the white carpet. Damn.

The most notable thing was the massive window against the back wall. Adjacent to the wide walls covered in art, there was a huge window split up into six vertical panels. It was framed with a red curtain, parted on each side, allowing the setting sun to light the room in orange. Reid neared the window where the head of the table was. I followed and looked outside, taking in an open grassy area with scattered trees.

"You see, our entire operation isn't underground," he said, pulling out the chair that was next to the one on the end. Showered in the orange light, he waved a hand towards the seat. "Please. Sit. The food will be out in a moment."

"Not like I'll be eating anyway." Sighing, I rounded the table and plopped down.

Reid took the seat adjacent to me at the head of the table, his back to the window. The light still allowed me to see the spark in his eyes. The excitement, the joy, yet the appreciation and his pride. I couldn't stand it. I really could not fucking stand the weird combinations and mixtures of emotions in this guy's expression. It was a constant contradiction and confused me. So did his words.

Eyes on me for a long silent second, he then spoke in a nonchalant voice. "You know, you'll find I'm not the monster you thought I was. You'll come to like me and this new life. Knowing you, it will take a very long time, but until then I'm excited to experience the untouched and raw form of you and your stubbornness."

Another thing I hated about this guy: he truly did enjoy me as a person. He thrived in who I was. My nature to fight, mouth off, and not give a fuck. So instinctively, I didn't want to be myself and give him that satisfaction. Who am I kidding though. It was only a matter of time until I clip him in the face or be a smart ass.

Resting against the back of the chair, I stretched my legs out before me and crossed my ankles. Might as well get comfortable. We'll be here for a while. The guy was going to milk his time with me as much as he could. Guess that's the price I need to pay for being so damn cool and popular though.

He sat back too, arm outstretching on the table. It crossed through the ray of light, the dressy material of his shirt turning orange as he tapped his fingers against the wood. "It's okay to ask questions, you know."

His blank uncaring tone almost convinced me, but I stared at him with suspicion. "I could care less to ask questions."

Just then, a different door open on the other side of the room. A man wearing a suit walked in, carrying a large silver tray with one hand and the help of his shoulder. His eyes met mine for a moment before looking down at his moving feet. Then, he set the large tray on the table in front of us. On it, there was a large serving plate full of spaghetti noodles, a huge bowl of sauce, and a plate that was stacked high with garlic bread. The tray also held our silverware and plates.

Immediately, I became uneasy. And no, it's not because it looked delicious and I already declared I wasn't eating. I'm not that much of a fatass (maybe a little). Point is... spaghetti was a favorite of mine. That better be a coincidence, but regardless, I was already creeped out.

Glancing up to Reid, he was watching me intently, which did not make me feel better. By the time the man also brought in a bottle of wine and glasses, Reid was already making his plate. "Since you don't want to ask questions, I might then assume your father gave you a thorough description of this place and how business here works."

Truth was, Jackson did tell me about this place. But it was in line with his personal story. Besides a little about the belief system and the ladder of power, I really didn't know too many details. "He told me enough," I said, hands tensely resting in my lap.

Pouring two glasses of wine, he set one in front of me. I didn't touch it or make my plate, but he didn't care. Taking a sip of his wine, he then tilted his head towards me. "Well, whatever he told you, you need to remember that was after he lost his way. Even then, I know there is plenty he kept hidden from you and didn't tell you. Otherwise, you wouldn't have allowed him to stay in your life. But you will soon understand our ways." Taking a bite of his spaghetti, he made sure to swallow before continuing. "There is plenty you will learn and appreciate, even if you don't think so now."

Unfortunately, I couldn't just discard Reid's words about Jackson. This was one nasty fucked up organization, one my father was deeply a part of for many years. I can't imagine the shit he did and probably will never speak of. Honestly, I don't know if I would want to know. I did know that I was already sick of Reid – mainly because his words were making me curious just like he wanted. That wasn't going to happen. He was just begging for me to ask him shit and I hated that.

Tightening my lips, I sat forward and shifted slightly to my right to look him straight in the eye. "Look. I don't care or want to hear your bullshit. Whatever happens to me, happens. You're trying to get a rise out of me because you think I'm scared and wanting answers. I'm already screwed so guess what, I don't care. I know you are just dying to tell me everything so just do it or shut up because I'm not interested or going to ask," I snapped, breath leaving my lips at a faster rate.

Setting his glass down, he rested his elbows on the table near his plate and turned towards me too. Studying me. A small muscle in his cheek pulled up to show an amused smirk. "You see though... you are. You are interested and scared and curious. You're just proud and don't want to ask questions. I feel you have a right to know what's in store for your new life though.

I doubt those other girls have a right to know I wanted to blurt out, but I didn't. His easy-going tone though challenged me. I just needed to remember to keep my cool.

Appealing to my 'right to know' (more like finally taking pleasure in informing me of his plans), Reid took a deep breath and said, "Tomorrow, you will join me for a ceremony and celebration. You will be welcomed, greeted by the congregation, and branded."

Branded? Did all the girls go through that? How were they going to brand me? What would it mean? Something on my face gave away my surprise and curiosity with the word 'branded.' He smiled softly and sat back again, picking up his fork and twirling some noodles around the prongs. "Don't worry. All the girls, even us members, go through branding. It allows us to keep track and order of everyone."

"I doubt all girls have a ceremony dedicated to them," I mumbled. The hot scent of the noodles and sauce was getting to me and my stomach rumbled.

Shithead, of course, could hear it. After swallowing his bite, he spoke. "They also don't get meals like this their first night. I can hear your stomach. You should eat."

Believe me guys, I wanted to eat. I was starving, and I knew there was nothing wrong with the food. Reid was eating from the same source I would be. It was about keeping my pride though. "I want to be treated like them, I want to go through what they do, with no special treatment. I don't want to eat, sleep with you, be treated special."

"Well if that's what you want, I understand. You are still going through the ceremony, but afterwards, I'll have you placed with the other girls if you wish," he set his fork down and rubbed the back of his neck. "And you wouldn't have slept in my bed until you were ready anyways."

That last one blew me away. I expected Reid would force me to sleep with him, have sex with him, or have sex with whoever else. It was something I forced myself not to think about because I was so scared – and so sure having sex or getting raped was inevitable. I was on edge this whole time, knowing how they treat women, how they are toys to them. How they are meant for sex. Hearing it would happen... when I'm ready... was this not the nightmarish place I assumed? Or, most likely, this was just more special treatment. Because there was no way the other women here 'choose' to be sex slaves when they are ready.

That's what made me snap. "What the fuck are you talking about? When I'm ready?"

"Albany," he sighed pleasurably, catching my eyes. "Imagine a wild, majestic, ferocious Bengal tiger. Taken from its home in Asia to be trained as a circus animal—"

"Jesus fuck, anything but long-winded stupid metaphors," I groaned.

"What I'm getting at is there is nothing beautiful about controlling and forcing an animal to do tricks. It's not genuine. The beauty is in this untamed gorgeous animal willingly becoming your loyal pet."

I scoffed. "Unless it's any other girl besides me. I'm sure this just applies to me." I shouldn't be shocked he wanted me to submit when I'm ready. He was enjoying me, my stubborn nature, and it would be more fun for him if I gave in instead of him forcefully taking me.

However, I was shocked when he waved his hand in a dismissive manner after finishing another bite of his spaghetti. "No, we give the other girls here the chance to open up and freely commit to us – depending on how business is going anyway."

My eyes widened. Did these fucktards change their entire belief system? "Then what the fuck is with all this? The chaos shit, taking what you want by force, kidnapping! That's all keeping control and thriving in chaos, going after and claiming what you want. Not waiting until your victims are 'ready' to submit." He was contradicting what I knew of him, this place, and it didn't make sense.

Reid smiled, seeing how I was baited in. Though my pride stood strong (you didn't see me snagging any garlic bread), I couldn't help but be invested in getting this straight. He kidnaps girls, sells them, turn them into sex slaves. So what did he mean he liked giving girls a chance to accept this life and be willing to be someone else's play thing? That went against the whole concept of chaos!

"It's twisting control and chaos. It's like taking helpless animals off the street. They don't want to, they don't know any better, they are attached to lives of their own. We're helping them. Once in here, they are educated. They are taught."

"You mean they are brainwashed."

"What does 'brainwashed' mean, hmm?" He was waiting for me to answer – and I wasn't going to. I just dug my fingers into my thighs, wishing I kept my mouth shut. "Brainwashed... it is a negative term. People use it to describe beliefs or teachings that are immoral or wrong in the rest of societies eyes. Just because people don't agree though, why is that then classified under being brainwashed? Because if that is the case, then every psychologist then is brainwashing their patients. A classroom full of kids – their being brainwashed. Parents raising their child, sharing and caring – brainwashed."

I hated this, I wanted out of here, and to not hear another word from this guy. First, I was disappointed I somehow got sucked into this conversation. What was worse was I was swallowed in by his concept of the word brainwashed. It felt like he was shrinking me with every word, but I wasn't stupid.

Blank faced, hiding how uncomfortable he was making me, I rolled my eyes. "I don't think psychologists, schools, or parents just kidnap their kids and force them to be taught and live a certain way." Well... excluding my mother.

"True. We do kidnap, we do force them here, and educate them. Well, we try to do the best we can educating them. That is where chaos and business come into play." Reid took a sip of his wine. "What I've done isn't much different from the outside world. But I'm also not trying to make it sound moral. The belief system is based around chaos, greed, submission. Sometimes, business gets in the way of the girls' education though. If there is a spike in business, if there are more buyers than there are disciplined and actualized girls, then girls are sold even if they aren't ready – or if they refuse to conform. Point is, we try and give them a chance to conform. It's more thrilling in some ways to see them conform. Plus, it's easier to manage a business with girls who want to behave and believe in the cause."

Once Reid revealed more of the reality of this place, my appetite was gone. Well, not really gone; I'm fucking hungry. Just uneasy now. And though it sounds awful, hearing that girls are still forced into this did at least help my state of mind. It's terrible, but at least my view of Reid and this organization stayed stable.

"Well because you're pathetic and sacrificed your business to focus on getting me, I can at least take pleasure in that," I mumbled. It was nice to think about, how many kids were safe and not kidnapped because this loser put all his focus on me. I know, ladies and gents, it was difficult to not let my ego get too big. "It's even more pathetic that you think there will come a time where I will want to submit to you."

"You will," he said simply, pushing his plate away. Seeing the still empty space in front of me, he sighed. "Eventually, you will eat too. It's not tampered with or anything. We aren't going to drug you."

"You aren't going to drug me like I'm sure you drug the other girls," I snapped, wanting to immediately kick myself. I needed to stop spouting off the first things that entered my head. For how impatient and uncomfortable I was with him though, it was difficult.

"Yes. We aren't going to drug you like the others. You know Albany... if you went through a normal processing, you would be heavily sedated right now. Maybe its not such a bad thing that you are given special treatment."

Honestly, I really did wish I was treated like the other girls. Even if it meant being drugged or raped (yes, because even still, I didn't buy that every girl was given a chance if possible. There were so many of Reid's pig men here, I'm sure it happened). It sounds bad and it's not like I would ever want that for myself. I hated thinking about being raped or drugged or dominated; there was a relief knowing I escaped that. But at the same time... sitting here, offered food, being treated civilly... bothered me to the core. It bothered me and messed with my head – and that's not even including Reid's effect on me.

Just talking to him now, I felt confused about him and it made me feel even more sick about the situation I'm in. If you folks remember, I like having an opinion of people. I like figuring them out. That's why Luke was so intriguing to me when we first met. He didn't fit my expectations and I even tested him, pushed him for a reaction, because it bugged me. I liked having control and having clear opinions of people. And it was difficult to have a strong option towards Reid because I couldn't figure the guy out. He was nasty, twisted, but he also seemed so... laid-back and grounded at the same time. I just wanted to be grossed out, repulsed, scared for myself, and have him look at me like a pig with a one-track mind. I hated he was so complex because it didn't just blind-side me, it intimidated me.

He was wrong about one thing though. I would never submit. He knew how to play people. It wasn't just dumb luck that he managed to build a business, a cult, a small sick society. He got this far because he was good at what he did. He was good at convincing people and playing them. But I would never be a part of it. Though he could use his tactics on me, I would know it's just tactics. I would know how obsessed he is with me. And that under his easy-going exterior, he was a monster. He sent his entire cult after me, invested everything into finding or killing me.... He was a dirty piece of shit. He had zero respect for anyone but himself, he was selfish, he was a creep and I was a piece of meat to him. All the women he kidnapped, he sold, he made victims of... were just property and meat to him. Remembering all that would be all I would need.

***

"You didn't want to take a shower? Do your hair or make-up?" the man asked.

"No," I mumbled. They offered the best and most expensive cosmetics. They offered me a hot shower and gave me everything I may need to do my hair – different products, straighteners and curling irons, hair accessories, and more. Yet, I refused all of it.

I stood before the mirror in my cement cell, looking completely plain. They offered me a bedroom last night after my dinner with Reid wrapped up, but I refused that too. Instead, I took an isolated cell with a cot.

The mirror was bolted to the cement wall. Beside me was a table with all the options they offered to make me more presentable for the ceremony. Of the straighteners, product, and loads of make-up... I only used a simple hair tie. My curly and greasy hair was now tied in a bun, just like I liked it – and just like I knew the men here wouldn't. They would have preferred my hair down and my face touched in make-up. I wasn't giving them that either. My eyes, lips, cheeks were completely bare.

Unfortunately, I was stuck with few options for clothing. I choose to wear what I did yesterday: the red blouse and skirt with heels. Though I couldn't smell my own B.O. yet on the clothes, I choose not to wear deodorant so hopefully I would start stinking soon. The more gross, the better for warding off pervs. I mean, I figured Reid claimed me as his own and for nobody else, but I had zero idea. I was clueless about so much. Including what was going to happen at this ceremony.

Besides what would be an unfortunate branding session in front of everyone, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what would be thrown my way. He just said I would be presented before everyone. No doubt there would be celebrating. Maybe there would be a slideshow of pictures and videos, showing the most memorable moments of the quest and failure to capture me. That sounded entertaining to me. Pictures of all his dead men and me skipping free.

"Are you ready?" the man asked. Turning away from the mirror, I caught his eyes outside of the cell. With a buzz cut and round face, he had big arms and a muscular chest under his clothing. The clothing, I noticed, kept to the same color scheme as the other workers here: grey and black. "The ceremony will be starting shortly."

My stomach twisted. I did not want to go through this. I didn't know what the hell was about to happen besides the vague details Reid gave. Grabbing the foam cup from the table, I sipped my water I finally buckled down and asked for earlier. "Maybe I have to take a massive shit. What then?" I asked, setting the cup down.

He wasn't fazed. I liked him the most of everyone I interacted with so far. He didn't look at me with starry eyes. He was blank, uninterested, or at least didn't show it. "Do you need to use the bathroom?"

"Is it either that or get dragged to the ceremony?" I asked.

"You're going regardless. Do you need to use the bathroom first?"

Eh, why not? I was all for procrastinating. "Sure do. If I'm getting branded, you better believe my bowels wouldn't be able to hold up against that pain."

Honestly, I couldn't believe the dude allowed it... but he did. Maybe he didn't get I was obviously just fucking with him, but hey, I won't complain. He led me out of the cell and pointed to the bathroom door that was in the same room. And what did I do in the bathroom you ask? Besides feeling accomplished for holding up the ceremony, not a damn thing.

I just took my sweet time doing nothing, not taking a shit, and letting the minutes pass. Sitting on the toilet seat, I just fiddled my thumbs and stressed over what was about to happen. It was probably 20 minutes later when the dude finally threatened to come in and get me – and I taunted him until he did. I had to give the guy credit though. Even while I yelled that I was still taking a shit, he took the risk and came right on in to retrieve me. He hauled me from the bathroom, cuffed me, dragged me out of the room, and guided me down the white halls towards the inevitable. But hey, point is, I delayed the ceremony and was late.

Then, I was pulled into a dark and long area through a door. There were unused cords, speakers, huge spot lights piled in the corner. Just as I saw the dark curtains, another man rushed up to us in the dim space.

"Took you're fucking time," he mumbled, making me smirk.

"Blame her, not me."

Despite his delight complaining, my heart was picking up. An echoing voice was coming from the other side of the curtain. The voice was clearly through a microphone, but I couldn't focus on the words. Fear started pulsing through me. The curtain was blocking what I knew was probably a stage. There would be so many men staring at me. The last thing I cared about was getting branded. It would hurt, but I at least knew it was coming.

It wasn't long before I was uncuffed with both men coming to my side. One of them spoke into a walkie-talkie, saying we were ready. My tense body didn't want this, I didn't fucking want this! Ugh, my insides pleaded with me to not let this happen. I didn't want any of this, to be here, but I especially didn't want to go out in front of everyone. That's why I couldn't stop myself from struggling as each of them grabbed my arm. I knew there was no point, but it felt damn good and I couldn't help myself.

I didn't stop struggling. Not even when I was guided by both men past the curtain. I struggled, bucked, fought against the hold of the two men. All the while... a wave of whistles, applause, roaring shouts and cheers came from a sea of men in front of me.

It wasn't the biggest stage, but it was big enough. From where I was dragged out from the right end of the stage, Reid's eyes met mine. He stood by a microphone stand, facing my direction, as he clapped. Dressed in black pants and a white button-up shirt, his lips were set in a satisfying and proud smile. But not a smile that was without a little playfulness. It especially shined through his eyes along with a wild excitement.

He stepped to the side while I was dragged to the center of the stage. Though I struggled against their grip, I kept my face as contained as possible. Even when my eyes shot out to the huge room, I didn't let the shock and my growing horror phase my tight expression.

The area was huge and reminded me of an auditorium. In place of seats, there was just a mass of people, standing around and cheering. There was also a balcony in the far back, flooded with people too. On the main floor, there were couches and tables scattered, but it was mainly standing room. Covered with so many people... so many disgusting fucking pigs. Though lights were aimed at the stage and there was a faint cloudy haze from weed and cigarettes, I could still see them well.

They all were clapping, smiling, many laughing as they shouted with their cheers. The people close to the stage, I could see their expressions. The stage wasn't high off the ground, so I was nearly in reach of everyone. I could see details, the life in the men's faces, the awe and animalistic joy. Some women clung to the sides of a few of the guys too. I wasn't sure whether to be scared or thankful that I couldn't see the back of the room or where the mass of people stopped.

As I took it all in, heart pounding, my struggle did nothing. I wanted this done, over with, but was reminded it was just the beginning. Both men pushed me to my bare knees against the stage. They swiftly grabbed my wrists, pulled them to my sides, and like yesterday, I became restrained before I knew it. Each wrist was clamped around two metal cuffs on each side of me. Looking down, both clamps were attached to a chain that retracted into the stage. I could still move my arms and everything, could probably stand up if I wanted, but I would only be able to go so far.

Hands restricted on both sides thanks to the two chairs, I stared at the walls from where I was kneeling. I started at the high ceiling, which was a dome that the walls gradually curved up into. I stared at the long bar against the left wall of the room along with the display of liquor. I stared at the lights, the stage, my wrists with the clamps. I stared at my bare knees and the hem of my short skirt. I stared at anything, just not the sea of pervs.

With the two men gone and me on my knees, Reid approached and grabbed the mic from the stand. It was a signal for the rowdy men to finally quiet down. Standing next to me, admiring the audience, Reid spoke into the mic. "Took us long enough, didn't it gentlemen?" As they chuckled, he paused before he continued. Most likely trying to milk this moment like the loser he was. "After so much sacrifice and time.... After so many of my brave men died. After years of chasing her, after changing course several times, after sinking my business into this... here she finally is. With no make-up and late to her own ceremony," he said amusingly, making the men crack up with laughter. He aimed his smirk down to me and his next words. "I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, my dear, and didn't expect any less!"

As they laughed, I felt him reach down with his free hand, caressing the side of my face. I had to force myself not to flinch. My entire body remained on edge and that's where it needed to be. I needed to be tense and not allow them the satisfaction of a reaction – of shock, fear, or pain. More than that, I needed my exterior tense because I had no idea what was going to happen.

Surprisingly, as I was about to find out, the effect of this celebration and ceremony would be more mental than physical. Which says something considering the branding session.

After entertaining the crowd, swimming in his own glory, and thanking his men... it was time for the branding. A couple of Reid's men rolled out what looked to be a large wood stove on wheels. There was already a decent fire burning inside. My heart was shaking, my chest flooded in unease. That uneasiness left an awful taste in my throat when my eyes found the transparent window on the stove. It was open with a branding iron already half stuck in the fire. The end of it was buried under the wood and in the damn coals.

Well... isn't that going to be fucking lovely. My body flooded with cruel anticipation, chest shaky, and my mouth turned dry. Jesus, how long has that iron been sitting in there? Long enough to be able to leave a scar. Oh fuck me, this is going to be awful. Real fucking awful.

The men started to cheer again. My face and lips tight, my eyes darted to my knees. The tension in my body was through the roof, but I showed nothing. The only sign of anxiousness was in my fast-moving chest. Though I'm sure it drew more attention to my cleavage, I couldn't help my erratic breathing. It will be over soon, it will be over in no time, stop being a baby. It will be fine.

Reid put the mic back on the stand and drew something out of his pocket. A knife. I was so tense, I didn't even flinch when he unexpectedly came behind me and sliced down my blouse in one swift movement. Then in another, he somehow managed discarding the whole blouse, leaving me in just my bra. Poor shirt... and just when I thought it was starting to get a funky smell.

Exposed in my white bra, the crowd of animals became louder. Guess they never saw some chick in a plain-ass bra, but whatever. I needed to remember I wasn't some random girl to them.

Reid walked over to the fire, grabbed the handle of the branding iron, and pulled it from the fire. There was a weird symbol on the end and it glowed red and orange. Over the loud men, I somehow could hear the air rushing through my nose. I could also hear Reid... as he moved back behind me and dipped to whisper in my ear. "I'm proud of you, Albany – and proud to be making you my girl," he said in a sincere—

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Fuck, fuck, fuck! "Ahhhhhh!"

Fucking fuck! Lurching forward in absolute fucking agony, I was stopped by a force I couldn't even feel. Reid kept me kneeling straight up, but I didn't feel his hold, didn't feel his hand at all, didn't even fucking care! Jesus fucking Christ! I could only feel the nasty fucking iron he pressed into the back of my shoulder with his other hand! It didn't stop! It didn't stop! Why didn't it stop?! Why! I was screaming the life out my lungs! I grunted and yelled and screamed and shook at the unbearable burning! I tried fighting, bucking, tried falling forward to get away despite his hold. My eyes squeezed shut and I wanted to drown, be swallowed, shrink away! Ughhhhhhh my fucking god!

After what felt like a damn decade, I felt the persistence of the fire-hot iron leave me as well as Reid's hold. Finally able to fall forward, I let my hands rest on the stage and support me. The two chains on each wrist clanked against the stage, but I didn't hear it. I couldn't focus on anything else besides the pain (including the smell of my own burning flesh). Ugh, it just wouldn't stop hurting! It was like the entire back of my shoulder was on fire. I was gasping and grunting in pain as the men applauded. The hot stinging sensation didn't stop, but the intensity died at least a little – not fucking enough – by the time Reid grabbed the mic and spoke again.

"Congratulations, Albany," he said softly before speaking to his faithful animals in a more excited and loud tone. "She's officially ours and it's time we celebrate!"

They roared with cheers as Reid hung the mic back up and walked off stage. A few men rolled off the stove too, leaving me completely alone on stage. With Reid now gone, the cheering subsided. Lights came on over the actual floor where everyone stood. I was thoroughly confused at this point. Not just because I didn't know what 'celebrating' would entail. But... they just left me alone on the stage. What would be next for me? What was even happening?

Though the room was packed with people, there was enough space to get around – to talk, socialize, get drinks, and best of all, stare and admire me like a fucking object. Yes, this is where the mental part came into play.

I just stayed kneeling on that stage, in my skirt and bra, with my wrists cuffed to chains. Reid didn't come back and nothing else really happened to me. I just stayed on stage while everyone enjoyed their time. Even some techno music started playing. But the worst part was how the men filtered up towards the stage, staring up at me. Like I was a fucking object. Like I was a zoo animal to look at or a painting to admire. Like I was some damn exhibit for them to enjoy during their party. And like an animal on display, they took a few moments to stare before moving along and allowing the next person in line to get a look.

With how low the stage was, the height of it stopped just below their chests. It allowed them to prop their arms on the stage and rest against it as they looked up at me. My insides were rattled. Unlike earlier, I now didn't mind making eye-contact. Up close and personal like this, and with how shook up I was, I did not want to show any fear. It did prove difficult, because this took a toll on me mentally – and fast.

The next two men that approached propped their elbows on the stage, even setting their beers down. Only a few short feet separated us. The men looked to be nearing their mid-30s and had a youthful complexion. Yet both also had greying hair. It made their eyes stand out, as well as their smiles.

"What do you think, Ted?" the skinny man on the left said. He had a cigarette wedged between his fingers. He continued speaking, as if I couldn't hear. "I swear, between all we went through, all the pictures we've seen of her, I don't know, I expected something different. She's got nice tits, I'll give her that, but fuck.... I don't know, maybe I just didn't know what to expect when seeing her in person. She is pretty, but... I don't know."

As he raised his arm and took a puff from his cigarette, the other guy scoffed almost in disbelief. "I just can't believe she's right here and we got her. Who would of fucking thought man, you know?" He shook his head, staring up at me full of wonder. "I don't know what your deal is, I think she's a sexy little minx."

Skinny cigarette guy smiled, eyes twinkling towards me. He was admiring me, but there was more thought there. Observation. I felt like I was a poodle at a dog show, being judged and studied by him. "I didn't say she wasn't. Just not what I expected. Then again, not sure what I expected. She is fuckable though. Skin looks smooth," he mumbled, brows creasing in thought."

His words enticed his friend. The guy on the right strained his tattooed arm forward, and though I hoped it wouldn't happen, his hand made contact. I resisted flinching; his touch felt like a sting and made me feel disgusting. Thankfully, his rough hand went just to my bare knee because that was all he could reach. He rubbed my skin up to the hem of my skirt. "She is smooth. God, I can't believe this," he breathed, pulling away. "Imagine how much she's worth if Reid decided to sell. We would regain all our assets and the business could expand back up to where we were before."

Ignoring his friend's words, skinny guy spoke up again. "Maybe she's not what I expected because we are used to seeing her struggling, running, fighting. She's here, contained, chained and just staring at us. Maybe that's it," he said, still analyzing me because apparently I wasn't what he expected.

This whole time, I managed staying still and stone. My face didn't give a thing away. But it was so unnerving... hearing them have this conversation while they both stared at me. I hated it. I would rather be spoke to directly because this was becoming too much. I was becoming removed from myself. Felt degrading in a way I didn't think could happen. It made my chest flop and my stomach churn with a sick sensation. I hated being an animal, entertainment, a prop, I couldn't stand it, and at least needed to say something! Anything to maybe feel like a person. To make them see I was a person and could hear everything.

"You're right. Because if I wasn't chained, I would fulfill your expectations. I would shove your cigarette so far up your ass, you would start exhaling smoke," I scowled.

While his friend laughed, the skinny man smiled with excitement and raised a brow. "Is that right, sugar?" Taking another puff, he made a point to exhale the smoke up towards me.

But not baited, not saying anything else, not triggered my words, both men soon left and allowed more to file in. And getting that reaction on top of feeling so degraded... it ate at me. I stayed stone-faced, I stayed tense, I was on guard. But my inner personal peace with myself as a person was starting to diminish. It continued to diminish with every person that approached.

Sure, was it great that I wasn't being hurt, picked on, assaulted, or harassed? Of course. But at least then, I still felt like a person. I'm not saying getting all the attention was what I wanted; I didn't need Reid on stage to make me feel like I mattered. I didn't need these observing men to be pleased and awed. It wasn't like that. It was the fact that I was literally being used as a prop, a prize, an object. Very few that approached the stage spoke to me, but even when they did, all I felt was the sense of being their object. The class pet, the nice art work, the trophy. I was there, center stage, to be shown off as an object.

Just kneeling there with nothing happening to me was worse than I ever imagined it being. I couldn't even describe it. It affected me worse than many of the physical obstacles I had to go through in the past. I mean, just imagine... people walking up, stopping to stare at you like an animal before they moved on.

I could only hope that being placed with the other women will help me. That's all I could hope for and look forward to after this – was being placed with the other girls. Though I didn't know what to expect with that either, it's what I wanted. And wanted more than anything right now. It would be a miracle if I don't break down after this.

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Things are getting interesting in this new world for Albany! I really enjoyed writing this one and I hope you did as well :) Let me know what you guys think will be in store next!