Page 28 of Filthy and Dirty with my Captors

I stare back up at the fan whirring above me, trying to think of something other than the swirl of drama that is currently my life. I’m trying for a vision of the beach with lapping waves, warm sunny shores, and the scent of flowers and suntan lotion in the air. Instead, my brain redirects to what life could be like with the guys.

Would we sleep in one bed? Would I shuffle between the three of them? Would we always mess around the way wedid tonight? Would all three of them line up and come all over me? Would they prefer to take turns with me privately? Would we commit to each other in a ceremony overlooking the mountains, live together quietly in this big farmhouse, and never tell another soul about the dirty things we’re doing?

I imagine whatever we made work would be beautiful. Then again, reality is a hell of a lot different than fantasies. I can dream up all kinds of fun scenarios about what life would be like with all three men at my side, but I don’t have a lot of experience with relationships, and I’d most likely mess it all up. Besides that, there are a ton of complicated emotions at play in polyamory. Everything from the social stigma to the reality of time management.

I can’t get lost in the fantasy of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. I need to stay focused on the money. The money can’t get jealous and run away. The money isn’t complicated. It doesn’t need anything. The money will secure my future. It’ll give me power over my own decisions and my life. Besides, I can’t afford the thirty percent penalty. I don’t do math, but I think that’s around a hundred grand. When I was signing the contract, the idea made sense. It’s a safety net for both parties. Should the bidder back out, he owes me thirty percent of the bid total, considering he wasted my time and removed the opportunity for other bidders. Should I back out, I owehimthirty percent. This keeps both parties honest.

I drag in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I have to show up to this appointment. I have to do what I said I’d do.

It’s getting late. My knee is aching, but if I escape tonight, I can call for a rideshare, get a good night’s sleep, clean up, and be ready for tomorrow evening without issue.

Closing my eyes I suck in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I’m going through with this, and that’s my final decision.

Chapter Eleven

Owen

“How the hell did you get out of the bedroom?” I’ve barely turned the corner into the hallway when I see Birdie opening the side door slowly as though her plan had been to take off before sunlight.

She darts her gaze toward me, then opens the door, sprinting out into the dawn like a hobbled deer who’s caught eyes with a mountain lion.

I tuck into my boots, and chase out after her, slamming the door shut behind me. Part of me hopes that I wake up the guys with the noise. I could use their help right now.

“Go back inside, Owen,” she yells back as she hops toward the gate at the edge of the property. I should’ve grabbed the truck. She’ll tire out sooner or later, and I could’ve thrown her in, maybe save that knee from any more damage. Instead, we’re both going to get exhausted, and I’ll be carrying her back to the farmhouse.

“I’m not going to stop.” Her long hair blows behind her as she tries to get away.

I should be angry. She’s broken free, she’s on the run, she’s still going after this virginity deal like her life depends on it, but I’m not angry at all. Somehow, I love her more. I love this version of her. The version that never gives up. The version that goes and goes with all her heart. She’s committed to something,and she’s not going to quit until the task is complete. That… turns me on.Her hard work always has. She was like that with her flower shop, and I know she’ll be like that as a nurse, as a mother, as whatever she wants in life.

The East wind picks up and spins the rooster on top of the barn in circles. It’s a quiet night right now, but a storm is blowing in. “Birdie, you’re hurt, so I’m going to catch you.” I’m only a few feet behind her as I speak, but she’s still out of reach.

She drags her leg behind her as she rounds into the road. I pick up speed and my fingertips brush her hips. Her feet move faster, but she’s tired, and with two big steps, I’m able to grip her waist and pull her back into my arms.

“Damn, Birdie! Why are you running? I thought we were on the same page?”

She rolls her eyes to the side and squirms back and forth in my arms until I lose my grip and lower her to the ground. “You’re insane!”

“I’m insane? You’re running into the woods in the middle of the night with a bleeding wound.”

She shakes her head. “Owen, you don’t own me! I’m trying not to get you in trouble here, but I could call the cops. I’m sure the sheriff would love to know where I’m at right now.”

Water falls from the sky in slow, shallow drops as the wind picks up, carrying the scent of fresh earth through the air. I roll my eyes and lift her up onto my shoulder, pinning her legs against my chest to minimize the kicking and hopefully the pain.

“Let me down!” she demands, louder this time, squirming against my touch with force as the rain drops fall heavier and heavier, clouding my vision.

I turn left toward the barn, which is only a few feet away now. We could keep running toward the house, but shelter is right here, and I want her out of the weather.

“What are we doing? Just go to the house. I need a shower now. I’m soaked.”

“You’re trying to leave. You’re not worried about a shower,” I bark, tugging the barn door open before setting her down and sliding it closed again.

Standing before me, sopping wet, she stares as though she’s about to exercise a demon. Her hair is hanging, her shoulders are hunched, and her gaze is that of misery and frustration.

“What the hell is going on?” I groan, brushing soaking hair up and away from my face. “I thought we were good.”

She sighs hard and looks away. “We are good. I’m good. Everything’s good. I’m just getting tired of people treating me like I don’t know what I want.”

I lower down onto a bale of hay with a huff. “Sit… or don’t. Do whatever you want.”

---