Will this man give me another option, or will demand I pay him with my body?
“Did you help me so you could own me?” My voice is so quiet it’s barely a whisper.
“Is that what you think?” He scoffs, “You think I helped you so that I could own you? That I bought you like a steak?” I can’t make my voice work, so I merely nod. “Holy, fuck. Who do you think I am?” His voice is full of fury, and I’m afraid for a second, but then I remember how tender he’s been with me. How patiently he brought me back from the darkness.
“I’m sorry, you’re right, I don’t know you. You’ve shown me only kindness.” I chew on my inner cheek as I struggle to find the words that will make him understand my worries. “I just don’t understand your motivation for helping me. I mean, you don’t know me. Heck, I don’t even know your name.”
He shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Matthew, my name is Matthew Bennett. I own this club and several others. My motivation for helping you is that it’s the right thing to do. I know how Damon treats his slaves, and by the looks of what he did to you, in a public scene no less, things were going to be very bad for you in private. I don’t expect you to pay me back,” he pauses a moment and catches my gaze. “In any way.”
“Oh.” It’s all I can say, I’m embarrassed and disappointed, which leaves me confused. Why would it disappoint me that he doesn’t want me?
“Let’s get you back into bed. I’ll go get the doc to look you over again and see if we can leave that IV out or if she thinks it’s needed. You should talk to her about your other medications. I’ll have her get you what you need.” He moves towards the door and knocks twice. A few moments later, the lock clicks, and he slips out. Seconds after the door shuts, I hear the lock snick back into place. I should feel offended that I’m locked in, but for some inexplicable reason, I find myself feeling safe. It confuses me to no end.