Page 3 of Outlaw

Chapter Three

Kelsey

I place the mascara down on the bathroom counter, and stare at myself in the mirror. The person I see isn’t the one I was born to be. I see a tart, a mistress, a woman who lives to serve a man. It disgusts me, but only briefly. This is necessary. I know it is, and I’m determined to finish what I’ve begun.

The red dress hugs my body in all the right places. It shows a large amount of creamy skin, including the cleavage Harrison claims he adores. The hem stops high on my milky white thighs, all the better to showcase my long legs. I’m not allowed to hide any of my charms beneath clothing. If I try, Harrison punishes me. I have learned that lesson well.

As long as I behave, the mob boss treats me like a cherished pet. If I don’t…well I’ve got a few hidden scars I can display.

I check my face one more time. This time, I’m looking to see if I’ve chosen the perfect shade of red to match the dress, and curled my blonde hair in the way Harrison prefers it. I don’t want to slip up, and upset him needlessly. I need him to be so enamored with me that I can sneak out to the greenhouse, and check my secret phone for messages from my real boss, the head of the CIA.

I’m nervous as I walk down the long staircase, trying not to fall in the required stilettos I’m barely used to wearing. Harrison appears at the base of the stairs, and I plaster a flattering smile on my face that proclaims me being happy to see him.

“My dear, I’m so glad I chose that dress for you. You are simply stunning. I have a meeting with a friend, and you must join us. He will be so jealous of me, just as I planned. Keep him staring at your marvelous cleavage, and be sure to offer him a quick glimpse of what lies beneath that tight skirt, while I make a deal that brings me all his money. I promise you a wonderful reward for your efforts. Don’t I always pay you well for your beauty?” Harrison asks me.

Taking a deep breath that makes my breasts swell over the lowcut neckline, I answer, “Always, Harrison. You give me lovely gifts that make me swoon. I don’t deserve them, but you are so generous. Thank you again for the dress, and the necklace.”

I finger the large diamond that falls between my breasts, watching as his eyes glaze over. I know what he’s thinking, and it’s all I can do not to gag.

Harrison is in his sixties, though he appears younger. His body is still strong, muscular, and healthy. His hair is brown, with silver at his temples. He is considered a distinguished gentlemen in most circles, yet I can see right through him to his evil heart. His gray eyes are dead. There is no light left in them. His smiles never reach that far. He is the enemy that I must appear to adore.

We are followed into the grand living area by three of his most trusted guards. Harrison goes nowhere alone. He has too many enemies. It is difficult for me to escape from the guards sights, but I must do so at least once a week. Harrison seems to find it touching that I enjoy spending time in the greenhouse among his exotic flowers. He is becoming accustomed to it, and is giving in to my need for privacy. What can I possibly be doing against him in a greenhouse, after all?

Harrison’s supposed friend arrives shortly after I’m brought to the living area. I’m surprised that the meeting is to be held here rather than an office. It is an unprecedented move on Harrison’s part. This friend isn’t the typical kind that I’ve seen with Harrison either. He’s rougher in appearance, carries weapons in plain sight, and brings to mind a thug instead of a businessman.

His gaze rakes me over, and a lecherous grin rises to his face. He actually licks his lips, and asks, “How much for the woman?”

I’m shocked by his blatant question, and even more so by Harrison’s reply. “We’ll see after we finish our other deal.”

No! He can’t mean to sell me to this man. Harrison wouldn’t do that. I tense up, and begin to shake. Harrison casually reaches behind me as if to embrace me. But, that isn’t his intention. He pinches me hard at my waist. I get the unspoken message, and turn on the charm.

“Would you care for a drink?” I ask the stranger with a charming smile.

I feel his eyes follow me as I get him a scotch. I make sure I bend down as I hand him a drink, and let him see as much of my breasts as the dress allows. He reaches up to touch my cleavage, but I can’t stand the thought of his fat, greasy fingers against my skin, so I’ll pull back just in time.

Harrison motions for me to sit on the arm of his chair, and I receive a harder pinch that will blacken in moments. He rubs a hand over my leg, reminding me to cross and uncross them in order to give his friend a glimpse of my crotch. I know I must obey, or chance being passed to this friend.

Every word that is said is being catalogued in my brain to pass on to my bosses. When refreshments are brought in I am stunned to see that Albert, the butler, has been replaced by another man.

“Oh dear! Is Albert sick? Should I check on him?” I burst out without thinking.

“Albert is no longer with us,” Harrison casually replies. “He was terminated for snooping through my office.”

My stomach protests, and my heart stops beating as it hits the wall of my chest. It’s clear that Albert wasn’t fired. He was actually terminated, as in killed, for his trespasses. It’s my fault. He was looking for information for me.

“Please,” I manage to stammer. “May I be excused.”

“Go to your flowers, my sweet. We will finish up here, and you may return in one hour. No later. Do you understand?”

I do, and I won’t disobey. I rush out, and stumble my way to the greenhouse. A guard follows, but doesn’t come inside. I fall to the floor, and weep. I can’t let myself cry for very long. I have to communicate with my boss, and Harrison hasn’t given me much time.

There’s a message marked urgent on the burner phone, and I read it first. They are sending in another undercover person. His name is Adam Duvane, though I know the last name is an alias just as mine is. We keep our first names so that we don’t screw up by not answering when we are called. Adam is arriving today. I won’t be alone. But, he’s not CIA, or a cop. He’s a criminal.

I make my report, and rush back to Harrison. I barely make it in time. The friend is gone, and I’m relieved. Then, I see we aren’t alone. There’s an absolutely gorgeous man standing by the fireplace. He’s tall, muscular, blue eyed, with blonde hair. He could pass for Adonis. As he moves to greet me, I see tattoos peeking out at his neck and wrists. I’m intrigued, and slightly turned on.

“Hello, I’m Adam Duvane. I’m told you are Kelsey Foster,” he says in a sexy voice. I almost protest, and proclaim myself to be Kelsey Chandler, but I catch myself in time. To Harrison, I am a Foster, and it’s best for all of us if I don’t forget it.

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