Page 47 of Playing For Keeps
I hug my knees, backed against the wall with my nerves ripping through my chest. Tears prick in the corners of my eyes. I suck in a breath and swallow them. No way will Mort see me scared and weak.
He creeps into the room and crouches before me. “Now you get to be a dirty girl, starting with me.”
I stare into his cold eyes and don’t move a muscle. He reaches around his back and plucks something from his jeans pocket. When his hand returns, he’s holding a syringe. I jumpto my feet, knowing that won’t stop him from injecting me with whatever is in it.
His wicked laugh rings out. “Nice try, dirty girl. But you need to be manageable, and this will do the trick.”
He yanks my arm, spins me so my front is forced against the wall, and pushes up my shirt sleeve. He jams the needle into the back of my bicep. It takes only a few seconds before my head grows light and my body weakens.
“Feels good, wouldn’t you say?” He jerks me to face him.
“What was that…stuff?” I slur my words and try to focus on his face.
“Drugs to help you get ready for the auction.”
“But…” My vision doubles. “Please…don’t.”
He advances on me. The repulsive nicotine on his breath coats my face. I back away, but he comes right along with me.
“Jami…”
“I’ll be whoever you want.” He presses his pelvis into my stomach.
He’s got a hard-on. I want to run, but I can’t move. My head falls forward, and I go limp, so he pushes against me with more force.
His hand moves across my waist, and his calloused fingers run along my skin. They travel up under my clothes and over my bra.
Please don’t let this happen.
I rest my head against the wall, trying to figure out a way to stop him. He cups my breast in his hand while the other moves my shirt up.
“Please…” I try to focus on him.
“Oh, now you’re begging for it.”
“No… Stop.”
“Mort!” A heavy accent reverberates around me. “I need some help downstairs.”
“Fuck off, Xander. I’m busy.” Mort’s hot breath hits my neck.
“You know I wouldn’t interrupt, but we’ve got trouble.” Three images of Xander twist beside Mort. “She’s not going anywhere.”
Mort licks my face. “Be ready, dirty girl. This ain’t over.”
“Mort, we don’t have time for this.” Xander peeks over his shoulder.
I want to thank him, but my brain’s running in slow motion. By the time my words come out, they’re nothing but garbled syllables.
Mort turns to Xander. “This better be good.”
“You know I don’t overreact.” Xander claps him on the shoulder. “Come on.”
Mort’s evil gaze roves over me from head to toe. He shoulder-checks Xander on the way out.
Xander whispers into my ear, “I can only keep him away for so long, but I’ll do my best.”
My knees wobble as they grow weak. I slide down the wall as my eyes fall shut.
