Page 18 of Her Double Desire

Chapter 7

Veronica

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“Veronica?”

My eyes snap open. I don't recognize the ceiling above me, or the feminine voice that just spoke. But when I see the circular fan whirring away, I remember everything.

Groggily I sit up, holding my forehead.At least my hangover is finally gone.There's an older woman with curly red hair standing by my bed. Her hands are folded politely in front of her light yellow apron; she watches me with a kind smile.

“Sorry, who are you?” I ask, rubbing my eyes. “And what time is it?”

“I'm Joanna. Master Nolton asked me to make sure you were ready for dinner.”

“Master... Nolton?”

“Jared,” she says patiently.

Hah. It strikes me as messed up that I'm just now learning his last name. My stomach clenches, I give it a rub. “Did you say dinner?”

“I did.”

“As in eat it, or help make it?”

Joanna throws her head back, covering her mouth as she laughs. It's a sweet sound, coaxing a smile out of me. “Why would you help cook it, dear?” Her attention darts to my throat; I place my fingers there, understanding.

Sex slaves are expected to serve in one way only.

“Okay,” I say, hopping off the bed. “How do I get ready?”

She tips her head down in a slight bob. “I'll show you where your wardrobe is. Master Nolton said to take your pick from the collection, his only request was that you look your best.”

A knot grows in my guts.Jared wants to show me off like I'm a shiny new toy.I nervously wonder how many people will be at dinner. I almost ask, but then I bite the question back, deciding knowing the truth is worse.

Joanna doesn't walk for long. Gripping the brassy handle on a double set of doors, she spreads them apart, flicking a light on inside. I follow her in, gaping at the gigantic hallway closet we've entered. “Holy shit,” I whisper.

“Yes, the Masters keep an amazing collection. There'll be many things in your size, it's all labeled.”

She's right; as I start to flip through the hangers on a rack, I see there are tiny markers sticking up on the metal poles that tell me the sizes of the clothing in each section.

Browsing in wonder, I brush my fingers over a long, mulberry colored chiffon gown.Different sizes and styles... because I'm not the first woman they've bought to serve them before.“Joanna,” I say hesitantly, “How many slaves have worked at Stone House?”

“Before you?” she asks, blinking. “Let me think. I've worked for Master Vox for ten years, now. He only began dabbling in this lifestyle last year. Guests would bring their own slaves to parties that he hosted, but including you, he's only ever bought three.”

“Where are the other two?”

Her mouth tightens at the corners. “He sent them away.”

My hand freezes on the dress as I stare at her. “What, why?”

“I'm not sure. He doesn't tell me the details of his private life, and I'm smart enough not to ask.” She gives me a warning look. “All I know is they were here, and then they were not.”

Swallowing down a lump, I look at the clothing, because I can't handle Joanna's stern face.If Oliver got rid of them, I guarantee he did it by making their contracts forfeit. Jared and Shawn said he has good lawyers.

And if he kicked out twoactualslaves before me...

What chance do I have?

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