name is really Griff?” She looks like she doesn’t believe me. “I thought it was some cool-assed nickname.”
“My first name is Griffen.”
“Griffen?” She looks like she doesn’t believe me. “And your last?”
“Morningstar.”
“You’re kidding me. Griffen Morningstar? Did your parents hate you?”
“No. They loved me very much. Enough to curse me with the worst name ever. When it came time to passing out names, nobody could do better than Griffen.”
“There is so much about you I want to learn.”
“Before or after I put a ring on that finger? Because I have to say, I’ve waited long enough.”
Moira cups my cheeks. “I cannot wait to become Moira Morningstar, but you need to make me a promise.”
“Anything.”
Moira stops and turns back around. “I want him to suffer.”
I hate the pain echoing in her voice. I hate everything she’s endured. Moira deserves a happy life, and I vow to fill her life with more smiles than frowns. I want to hear her laugh. I imagine it’s the most beautiful sound in the world.
“Don’t worry about Townsend.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m very good at that part of my job.”
“Oh.” She takes a long look at me, then smiles.
“Forever and always, you’re mine.” I take her in my arms and hold the woman I can’t wait to make my wife.
“Yours, forever and always.” Moira spins around and I take her hand in mine.
With Townsend ours, we have one more piece to the puzzle, but there’s still much work to be done.
Thirty-Six
Eve
2 Months ago
Helplessness is my new normal.
If not for the protection of my Deverough name, nothing would separate me from the others trapped in this living hell. I walk around free, the honored guest of Tomas Benefield, a man who makes his living ruining human lives, while they endure horror upon horror. It’s been five weeks of living hell and I don’t think I can survive much more.
“Miss Deverough…” One of the guards pokes his head inside my room.
“Yes?”
“Mr. Benefield requests your presence.”
Orders are given and I obey. I’m but one step from a slave. The other girls are slaves. I’m going to say that again, because I can’t believe something like this exists.
They are slaves.
Those girls are trained and sold like chattel. They’re nothing more than a commodity moving through the despicable industry of sex trafficking. There’s no humanity in this godforsaken place. There’s no escape.
I tap my foot and my knee bounces with nervousness. Sitting in front of the makeup mirror, I make myself beautiful for a monster.
I make myself beautiful… I give a sharp shake of my head, but it doesn’t help. This isn’t a dream. It’s all too real.
This is my new life, a living horror show. Unlike the girls, however, I’m treated as a guest. Although an uncomfortable shift hangs in the air. It’s been five weeks. Five long weeks waiting for the ransom demand to be met.
“I’m just finishing up.”
The guard kicks his heel against the doorjamb. “Now, Miss Deverough.”
“Of course.” I deliberately set down my makeup brush, making it look like my compliance is my wish rather than Benefield’s demand. “Where will I find him?”
“His office.”
“Thank you.” I glance into the mirror, catching the guard’s eye in the reflective glass.
He holds my eye for a moment, then turns with a derisive snort. None of the guards are allowed to touch me, and it irritates them. It’s a very small freedom, and I cling desperately to it.
For weeks, Tomas Benefield tells me he will let me go, yet here I remain; his special guest.
It’s all an act, me getting dressed like I’m going out for a night on the town.
While the guard waits, I take one last look in the mirror and put on my game face. Turning with a false smile, I rise gracefully and walk out of my room as if it’s my choice to do so.
The guard follows. He’ll trail discreetly behind me, ensuring I don’t make a break for it. Like there’s anywhere to go.
Ignoring him, I begin the long trek to Benefield’s office.
We pass a multitude of girls, all in training, performing their domestic chores; cleaning, polishing, vacuuming, and more. They do it without clothes. Clothing is a reward which must be earned.
They look at me, or rather through me, with heart-wrenching vacancy in their eyes. Their innocence fled, along with any hope, or any dreams they may have had for a life they will never get to lead.
Trafficked for their beauty, they’re among the taken. I am too, but I was kidnapped and I’m being held for