Page 46 of The Christmas Nanny

Quartermain nodded. “They aren’t prisoners, Christine. Obviously, they stay for the money, but also because I’m a good master. None of them are mistreated. They play the game because they want to, not because they are forced.

“I’ll help you,” I said. “But what if, once Stephanie was gone, you moved them into the main house with us?”

“That’s not something I plan to do, Christine. The main house is off-limits for them. They understand this.” He turned to the three women. “Correct?”

In unison, they said, “Yes, Master.”

Quartermain handed each another envelope. I couldn’t say anything. I was no different than them. Quartermain owned all four of us.

“What are their names?” I asked, trying my best to humanize the situation.

He pointed at each woman, starting from left to right. “Dana, Joy, and Persephone.”

“Do their families know where they are?”

Quartermain chuckled and led me from the house. I looked back before leaving, and the women returned to their TV show.

“Nobody. None of the staff. None of the women in that house. Not you and Jacob. Nobody is forced to stay here.” Quartermian stopped halfway to the house. He pulled a leather collar from his coat pocket. “Everyone needs to understand you are doing this by your own accord, Christine.”

I removed the scarf around my neck and pushed back the coat’s collar. Quartermain stood inches from my face and put the collar around my neck. He gave it a gentle tug and nodded.

“Thank you, Sir,” I said, solidifying his place as my master.

He kissed me and held my hand, leading me back to the house. I watched Jacob watching as we approached the patio.

“You’re not to have any physical contact with him,” Quartermain said.

“I understand, Sir.”

Stephanie was standing in the kitchen, making coffee, when we entered. She saw the collar and scoffed. “Another whore for your playhouse? Fabulous.”

“And where is your little whore at?” Quartermain asked. “Or have you had enough dick for the evening?”

“I’m going upstairs to change for dinner,” Stephanie said, walking away.

Jacob entered the kitchen as we were about to leave. He saw the collar and shook his head. Quartermain released my hand and left the room, permitting me to say what needed to be said.

“I’m sorry I made you think I was something special,” I said. “I should have known I would give in as soon as the mighty dollar flashed before me.”

“I thought it would be different, too,” he said. “Even though we’re on different teams now, I still think you’re special, and don’t let that asshole make you think anything different.”

“Are you leaving?” I asked, disappointed.

“In the morning.” He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “This shit here isn’t who I am. However, it has helped me accept who I am. I’ll be making some changes beginning tomorrow. People are going to have to accept the real Jason.”

“Will you go work for your dad?” I wanted him to land on his feet and wished no ill will toward him. I was a victim of my past, and that wasn’t his fault.

“Hell no. I need to find something that works for me.”

“I really am sorry, Jacob.”

I know. He started to kiss me, but I moved away. He nodded and left me alone in the kitchen, tears filling my eyes.

Samantha came into the kitchen and stopped in her tracks. Her eyes landed squarely on the collar. “You fucking let him collar you? Unbelievable.”

“What do you want me to say? That I’m sorry that my broke-ass couldn’t say no?”

“I didn’t know you were that bad off, Christine. Why didn’t you say something?” Samantha held my hands and then moved her arms around me. She smelled like flowers, and her skin was warm against mine. She pulled back, and I found myself pressing my lips against hers. We stayed that way for several minutes.

---