eyes shut at the memory and shudder deeply.
Davis sets his hand on my arm and strokes gently. “It’s okay. You’re totally safe now. Go ahead.”
Am I? I don’t think so. “I didn’t like the way they were talking about me. Freaked me out. So, I backed up silently and left the building. I was too shook up to go back to my apartment, and the next thing I knew I was in the parking lot of the shelter. Seemed like my best option until I could think and regroup.”
He nods and gives me a few moments to draw in several deep breaths. “What did they say, Britney?” His voice is kind but firm.
I flatten my palm on my forehead, my stress level rising. “Surely I’m overreacting and I misunderstood.”
“Britney…” he warns. His voice is softer when he speaks again. “What did they say, sweetie?”
I look at him. Why is he being so nice? His gaze is intense. Deep brown eyes stare back at me. Somehow, I know I can trust this man. Somehow, I know he won’t laugh at me or tell me I’m crazy. I draw in a slow breath. “My boss was telling the other man…” I just can’t get the words out. I don’t want to speak them out loud.
Davis slides his hand down my arm to clasp mine again. He holds it against my thigh and waits.
I find the strength. “He said he had a buyer…” I swallow, that word stuck in my throat, blocking me from continuing.
“A buyer for what?” Davis asks gently.
“Me.”
Davis stiffens. He doesn’t even blink for a long time.
Finally, I break our stare and look down at our combined hands. I grip his, grateful for the connection. I know I need to give him more and I find the will because he hasn’t tried to tell me I must be mistaken.
“My stage name is Cotton Candy. He gave it to me the first night I was there. That was the first thing I heard when I reached the doorway. So, I froze. He proceeded to tell the other man that his buyer was looking for a younger girl, but he knew I would fit the requirements because I’m small and look younger.”
Davis gives my hand a squeeze, silently encouraging me to continue.
I’m talking to my lap, unable to meet his gaze. I feel dirty and humiliated. “I didn’t recognize the other man’s voice, so I assume he isn’t a regular client. I didn’t see him either. My boss described me perfectly. Long hair. Petite. Youthful. Pure. Small tits.” I let that last crude word fade away and I shudder, everything suddenly too overwhelming. I still haven’t let myself fully process this shit.
Suddenly, Davis is beside me. He wraps his large arm around me and pulls me into his side. His hand comes to the back of my head and presses my cheek against his chest. He rocks me. “I’m so sorry. That must have scared the hell out of you.”
I nod, holding my breath so that I don’t cry. I don’t want to cry on this stranger’s chest.
He’s so solid and comforting. I can’t help but wrap my arm around him and fist his shirt in my hand, holding on tight to the first man who’s ever made me feel even half of what I feel right now.
Chapter 4
Master Davis
We sit like that for a long time, me holding this sweet girl in my arms, gently rocking her while she pulls in shallow breaths. She’s being so brave, probably because she doesn’t want to get emotional in front of me.
My heart aches for her. I’m also shocked. What she described is human trafficking. From the Sky Lounge. I need to call my boss. I need to call the fucking police. But I won’t do that last part. Not yet anyway. Somehow I doubt Britney would agree to it, and I seriously doubt it will be my boss’s first suggestion either.
I work for Black Blade Protection. We specialize in mostly high-end private clients with specific needs that they would prefer to keep quiet about. My boss, Andres Phillips, started the agency after he got out of the Army five years ago. He has unique skills from years of working special ops, and he has gradually added to his team with other former military personnel who have the skills he needs.
I’m the latest to join the team. There are six of us. None of my co-workers are going to like this story, and I