Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,21
Masters a bad report. You’ve already found out how he handles people who don’t follow his rules.”
Every word out of his mouth was chilling, the warnings clear. What kind of hold did Gabriel have over people and how far reaching? I was in no position to rattle any additional cages, so I did as he asked, following behind him like a good little girl. All the while I observed every corridor I was taken down, every door I’d been led through. I would find an escape. I’d run far and away, where no one could ever touch me again.
Where? Where?
I cringed, attempting to shut down.
When I was taken up a small flight of stairs, the luxurious aspects ceased. Gone were the bright colors adorning the walls, the incredible artwork that likely cost a fortune, and the plush carpet in rich hues. The hallway was stark, functional, and devoid of any decoration. While there were three doors, I was taken to the one at the end.
“What is this place?” I asked when Jefferson placed his hand on the doorknob. I was no longer certain I cared about a bad report.
He turned to look at me and I couldn’t help but notice something very odd in his expression. He didn’t approve of the contract Gabriel had entered into with me. “This is step two.”
“Of?”
When he opened the door, there was nothing that would have prepared me.
“Indoctrination.”
For a few seconds, my entire world shut down as sickness and fear paralyzed me. Even the ugly shadows drifting into every corner of the bleak space couldn’t hide what I was seeing. The bastard had established a medical facility.
In his own home.
“The ward is now under your care. Please take Ms. Toro to her room after your examination,” Jefferson instructed.
“Yes, sir.”
The female’s voice was calm, devoid of any emotion. She switched on a single light, the harsh glow bouncing off the bland walls, the dull flash of light illuminating a small mirror positioned in the middle of the wall.
Oh, my God.
“No. This is insane. What the fuck is happening here?” I backed away, unable to block the tears. I had no idea what kind of sick fuck Gabriel was, but I refused to have any part in his world. Two women stood in medical attire, their faces half covered in masks. While there were various apparatuses, what struck me hard was the cold steel table glistening in the ugly lighting, the stirrups positioned midway along the length of the table.
No. No. No!
Jefferson gripped my arm, immediately pulling me inside. “This is nothing more than a typical examination. You have no idea what diseases you may have caught being in that disgusting jail.” He let me go, backing away before nodding toward the two attendants. “Do not turn your back on her.”
I backed away, struggling to breathe as a moment of claustrophobia wrapped around me. “Is he going to watch?” I wasn’t entirely certain my voice was even audible, but the words grabbed one of the women’s attention, her eyes flitting toward the same mirror. “He is. He’s a fucking coward. A coward!”
My exclamation reverberated into the air, the sneer creeping up on Jefferson’s face affirmation of what I’d suspected.
“My God. This is sick. This is crazy.”
“Get busy!” Jefferson snapped.
“Ms. Toro, please remove your clothes in their entirety and lie on the table.” The voice of the second attendant wasn’t soothing in any manner. It was harsh, the command almost a frightening as one of Gabriel’s.
I tipped my head, glaring into the mirror. Gabriel Masters wanted everything taken away from me.
My life.
My possessions.
My humanity.
Jefferson’s footsteps seemed to echo even after he closed the door. While there was no sound of a lock being engaged, it honestly no longer mattered.
I was Gabriel Masters’ prisoner.
* * *
Death.
I’d never once thought of the totality of it, my life spent as more of a fairytale than any normal reality. However, I’d attempted to lie to myself for years, pretending that everything was exactly like the families of other children I’d known in school. My father had worked excessive hours to provide a roof over my head. That hadn’t altered the love I’d had for him or the fun we had when he managed to take time off. I’d never seen him purchase anything of value for himself. Instead, he’d spent his money on his baby girl. I’d had everything a little girl blossoming into a young woman could ever want for.
A lovely room.
Beautiful dolls.
Clothes I’d been able to select on my