Page 22 of Sold Blood
"Then we will get them out another way. I thought you were this huge client with endless amounts of funds. Your clothes say you are."
"That's what I want them to believe. I want them to think I'm a man in search of the perfect boy, and after tonight I was going to negotiate a price to purchase you. Telling them you're exactly what I've been looking for, someone strong who can take my harsh punishments."
"And if it didn't work?"
"Then I would have to take some time to fabricate another fool proof plan. There's no reason they should say no. The man with the scar seemed to already have his fill of you. I don't think your presence will be missed judging by how quickly he was willing to be rid of you for one night. You causing them trouble may work in our favor."
"I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm pretty sure my causing trouble days are over now that I'm wearing a new accessory." I stare down at the gown, bringing my hand in front of my body when I remember I'm naked underneath. "Why did you have me put this on?"
"I thought you might like to have something from home. He said it was your favorite and that you'd know where it was from right away. He thought it may help you trust me more and I didn't think a pair of sweatpants would fool the men running this operation. It isn't out of the ordinary for a buyer to want his escort for the night to wear something special. If you check in that bag in the closet, you'll find a pair of white panties. Don't worry, I won't be touching you. Not tonight anyway.”
I arch a brow. "What do you mean by that?"
"By what?"
"What did you mean when you said not tonight?"
"Look Joey, this is a tricky situation and we must make this as believable as we can. I may be able to get more money to buy more boys, but that may mean you playing the role of being mine for the next few days or however long it takes until the auction.I was told to do whatever it took and you wanting me to do a whole rescue mission is limiting my options."
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. He's right and I know he is. I know I'm making things more difficult for him and me, but I won't leave without them. I won't be able to live with myself knowing I got out free, able to go back to my life while they are stuck with some awful monster making their last few days of life a living hell. These men are never looking for forever boys. They are usually searching for temporary toys and toss them to the side when they think they are too broken to be of any more use. "We will do whatever we need to do then."
"Good. Tonight, we will get some rest. You can have the bed and I'll take the floor."
"What if someone comes in here when we're sleeping? They do have the key, so it's possible. If we do this, we have to do it right just like you said. You can sleep in the bed with me as long as you promise to keep your hands to yourself."
He nods, smirking. "You know I never did get it before. I get it now."
"Get what?"
"What he sees in you. You have this fight and passion in you that's hard to look away from. I can see why he was able to get lost in it." He takes off his coat, hanging it over the nearby chair and unbuckles his dress slacks. "I sure hope you have enough of that bite in you when the time comes that we'll need it. Keep letting that anger build up inside and remember who you're saving it for. Let's eat and get some sleep. Tomorrow's already looking to be a long day."
A knock comes to the door and he opens it, letting a man come in with a tray. He sets it on the table without even looking my way, telling the handsome stranger goodnight. As soon as the door shuts behind him, I hurry to the closet and slide on thepanties I find at the top of the bag. "You never did tell me your name."
"Brian, that's what you can call me while we're here."
"Is that your real name?"
"As long as I'm here, it will be. Whoever I was before I came here doesn't exist."
"Why you? What if I refuse to go with you?"
He takes a seat at the table, pulling out the food. "You should probably ask him that once I get you home safely. Remember we always have a choice. It’s up to you to make the right one. I think you will now.”
Those words hit me hard like deja vu. I've heard them before. Isaiah wouldn't send just anyone to save me. This man had to be someone important to him or perhaps an old friend.
Brian slides a fry between his lips, chewing slowly. He leans back in his chair whistling a familiar tune. The same one Isaiah had always hummed, the same one the man from ten years ago whistled at the hospital down the long orange hallway.
Those dark, sensual eyes are familiar, because I've been lost in them before. This man isn't a stranger. He's the same one who had helped Isaiah fake his death all those years ago. The same one who gave me hope when I was breaking on the cold hospital floor, on the verge of giving up. He's older now, with shorter hair and a full beard, neatly trimmed.
Carlos Castaneda sips on his drink with a wicked grin. "I'm glad we're finally on the same page. Whatever happens, I won't leave here without you. My word means just as much to me, and I never break my promises. I'm going to get you out of here and back to the man you love most in this world. I won't give my condolences again. There will be no funerals this time. When we are done with these men, there will be nothing left to bury."
Twelve
Carlos
Something warm wiggles against my back and my eyes flash open. I'm reminded I didn't go to bed in one of my usual places last night. I'm no longer in Mexico. I take in Joey's mussed hair and the light sleep lines running down his left cheek. Evidence of everything he's been through over these last few days is more evident on his body underneath the morning light.
All the marks and bruises covering his tan skin leave me gutted and I lightly run my fingers over the rope burn that covers his wrists as if my touch will somehow offer healing abilities. Joey's body tenses and his eyes open wide in panic. I don't know why, but when he jolts up in bed with his back pressed to the headboard and his fingers closing tightly around the covers, there's nothing I want more in this world than to offer him reassurance. "It's okay, Joey. You're okay."
