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@autumnrose40
MASTERLIST:ย Works (315)

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summertime
Love when men go from pretty boy in their 20s and 30s to sexy dilf spit in my mouth in their 40s and 50s.
sam wilson is incredibly well adjusted which is why its so easy to ignore that he's crazy. sam wilson goes on a morning run and eats a balanced breakfast and goes to therapy. he also only talked to steve like twice before agreeing to kidnapping a government agent with the help of stolen flight technology.
So I was talking to @itsmajel about the ridiculous amount of straps all over Captain Americaโs & Winter Soldierโs uniforms. I meanโฆ
And thatโs just the front. How and wHY. What is you doing Steve. WhAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THESE EXTRA FIDDLY THINGS
Then thereโs this angry weirdo:
First I thought maybe this was some heavy duty bra but he doesnโt have boobs so maybe its purpose is to provide some sort of strap onto which things can be attached to? Like backpack straps without โฆ a backpack.ย Because YES THAT MAKES TOTALLY SENSE.
Friend: โhoLD UP that could come in very handy indeed.โ Me: โHow thoโ Friend: โImagine him checking in at the airport lolโ
And then she came up with THE BEST โข explanation:
You know how Steve and Bucky always freaking manage to lose one another? Either one of them falls down somewhere or jumps into different timelines or falls down again somewhere and loses an arm or whatever.
SO
SEE WHERE WE ARE GOING WITH THIS?
The straps are obviously there to attach them to each other so that those dorks never do some stupid shitย get lost again :D

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๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐;
๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ซ๐๐ซ๐ฒ.
๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ค๐, ๐ ๐ค๐๐๐กโ๐๐๐๐ก. ๐๐๐ก'๐ ๐ โ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐.
โฉโโท ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
โฉโโท ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ !๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
โฉโโท ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ !๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
โฉโโท ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
โฉโโท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
โฉโโท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
โโท ๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฌ
โก : ฬฬโ concept one โก : ฬฬโ concept two
โโท ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ - ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ
โก : ฬฬโ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ ๐ก๐๐โ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐โ๐๐ ๐ก - ๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐!๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฅ โ๐ข๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ โ๐ข๐๐๐๐ฆ - โ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐!๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ - ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ โ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฅ โ๐ข๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ ๐๐๐๐ - โ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐!๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ ๐คโ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข? - ๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐!๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฅ โ๐ข๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ ๐คโ๐๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ - ๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐!๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐, ๐ค๐๐๐๐ค๐๐๐!๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ก๐ก, โ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐!๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ , ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ โ๐ข๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐ โก : ฬฬโ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ - ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ โ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฅ โ๐ข๐๐๐!๐๐๐๐๐๐
โโท ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ - ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ ๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐!๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ซ
โก : ฬฬโ part one
'โข.ยธโก โโท CHRIS EVANS as ARI LEVINSON in THE RED SEA DIVING RESORT
time to meet the family. i know who my favourite is, who's yours? โงห ยท .
pete's place เณเพเฟ หห-
*minors need not interact. this is a 18+ space.
๐๐ซ๐ข ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐จ๐ง - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ
36 years old.ย
Grumpy, comes across as cold and disinterested.ย
6โ9'', big fuckinโ bloke. Huge. Could climb him like a tree.ย
Lloydโs right hand. Ari gets the job started and finished. Doesnโt like to get his hands too dirty.ย
Secretly a massive softy but takes a while for that to come out.ย
Divorcee. Going through his โI hate women, why did she leave me, what did I do, womp wompโ phase.ย
Not the worst of the bunch, but not the best by any means.
If you want a closed off, grumpy, moody, mean man, then take this one.
Just pet him, heโll calm down.
Top Three: Choking, Overstimulation, Size Kink
Ariโs Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐
34 years old.
Damn right mean. Nearย evilโ but thatโs whatโs so good about him.ย
6โ4'', Muscular but not overly. Covered in tattoos, always filthy for whatever reason.
Does a lot of Lloydโs dirty work.ย
Happily murder for you with a shit eating grin.ย
Dangerous, in every sense.ย
Never had a serious relationship, sees women as disposable, just a misogynistic asshole, to be honest.
If youโre after a man that just wants your body, this one is yours.ย
Ainโt gonna say no to a cuddle.
If Lloyd and Pete werenโt around then this is the worst it gets.
Top Three: Knife & Gun Play, Fear Play, Chase Kink
Curtisโ Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
๐๐ญ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฌ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฒ
31 years old.
Golden boy by day, filthy pervert by night (when finally pushed far enough.)
6โ6'', slimmer than Ari, but more built than Curtis.ย
Pretends he doesnโt like what's going on, but does what heโs told.ย
ย Knows the damage he can do and fears it heavily.ย
Tries so hard to be good but always fails in the end. But itโs the trying that counts right?
Just out of a serious relationship, going through his hurt puppy phase.ย
Likes to pretend heโs the good guy, heโs fooling himself really.
If you want the best of both worlds, this is your man.
Think โโIโm one of the good guys, why arenโt you choosing meโโ vibe.
Top Three: Begging, Daddy Kink, Hair pulling
Steveโs Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ง - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ
27 years old.
6'0''
Sunshine. Dumb. Hot.ย
Softest of the bunch.
Doesnโt always realize where the line is.ย
Goes from girl to girl, but at least tries to keep them happy while he has them.ย
Sweet, but again, just as bad as the rest but at least he tries to be nice about it.ย
He wouldnโt be allowing anything to happen if he was really that good at heart.ย
Would argue that he is the best of the bunch- if nice is what youโre after.
Heโs a nice break.
Top Three: Anal, Use of toys, double penetrationย
Jakeโs Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ
45 years old.
6'1''
Lloydโs Twin. Born second, explains a lot.ย
Sick fuck. Shady asshole.ย
But he has the potential to have a soft side.ย
So many things wrong with this man, probably got dropped on his head as a child.
Only bad because Lloydโs got his back.
Literally just wants his dick sucked 24/7.
If you wanna spend all day on your knees and have your money taken, this is your bloke.
Top Three: Puppy Play, Throat Fucking, Thigh Riding/Humping
Peteโs Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ง - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ
45 years old.
The elder twin.
6'2''
The devil.ย Nothing more, nothing less.ย
Actually, the devil fears Lloyd Hansen.ย
If you wanna live a life of misery, all while being sent to heaven, this is your man.ย
The only one to have his fatherโs last name, and not the mothers.
Just like his father, tbh. He was a sick cunt too.ย
Top Three: Non-Con, Sadism, Dacryphilia.
Lloydโs Playlist. give it a listen for his vibe
p.s this took way more time than it looks. i would really enjoy hearing your thoughts! please let me know who you're most excited to meet! please let me know all ur ideas and theories!! love u!! mwah!!
I ultimately would still pick Steve.
He is gonna be kinder than the other ones. And that's all I'm looking at here because, if you're in this situation, your options are obviously extremely limited.
It's really down to him and Jake.
So I would still pick him and yes, he has that, but I'm a good guy thing going on.
But if he really was, he would put a stop to the stuff going on, And he's not, I feel like he's in that Gray zone.
I'm okay with him.
And since I have a daddy kink that would align with him actually very nicely, as long as I could eventually be his and only his then it's all gravy.
โง.* ๐ฆ๐๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ โง ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฅ๐'๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ | the playlist: โป โ II โท โบ
๐โ, ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ฆ, ๐ ๐ข๐๐ โ๐๐๐โฆ ๐ฆ๐๐ข'๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐.
โ peteโs place๐ค

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เผ*ยทหย main materlistย |ย peteโs placeโs opening nightย |ย the playlistย เผ*ยทห
โโทย ย previous chapter
โง.* เณโโทย pairings: pete brenner x female!reader.ari levinson x female!reader. jake jensen x female!reader steve rogers x female reader curtis everett x female!reader. โง.* เณโโทย ย & future pairings: lloyd hansen x female!reader. (and others that will be revealed at a later date.)
word count: 14,907. | series rating: explicit.ย เผ*ยทห
warnings:ย alcohol, general sadness, pete being a scumbag,ย kidnapping, captivity, talks of trafficking, abuse, mean men, non-con mentions.
please let me know if i missed any, i am tired and i think iโve listed everything.
this is a dark au. minors are not welcome here.
notes: holy. fucking. shit. here you go. have it. it's done. take it from me. please. i'm so tired. any mistakes are my own and i don't care about them tags: @fandom-meet-fanthem @epiphanyrogers
Pete stepped into the firelight, casting a long shadow across the polished floor.
His hands came together in a slow, sarcastic applause with a smile of pure venom on his face. His suit was wrinkled from a long night in the club. His eyes raked across your naked body with a newfound sense of ownership that made your skin crawl and bile rise in your throat. You instinctively went to cover yourself, hands coming up to cover your breasts, dropping the glass Ari had handed to you. The liquid splashed against your feet as you drew your legs up.
"Well, well, well," Pete drawled, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Didn't actually think I'd catch you red-handed, Sugar. But here we are."
Your heart slammed against your ribs as you tried to scramble off of Ariโs lap, but his hands tightened around you, holding you in place. You twisted to look at him, searching his face for a shared confusion, for anger, anything, somethingโ but all you found was a cold, detached calm.
"Ari?" Your voice cracked. "Whatโ"
"Relax," Ari said quietly, his tone flat. He didnโt spare you so much as a glance. His eyes were locked on Peteโs with a knowing glint.
Relax.
Relax?
You stared at his face, slowly mapping out his features before you looked at Pete and let out a shocked sigh when your stomach dropped as you put together the similarities and wondered how you couldโve been so blind as not to have seen it sooner.
"Oh, don't look so shocked, sweetheart," Pete said, a mocking sweetness laced in his tone as he stepped closer. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting his face in a way that made him look grotesque. "You didn't really notice the family resemblance?โ
โFamily.โ You said bluntly. โBrothers?โ
โMy uncle,โ Ari explained simply.
โDid you think you were getting away with it? All those private dances, all that cash you've been pocketing without telling me? You thought I wouldn't find out?" Pete asked as he stalked closer.
Your mouth opened, but the sound failed to make an appearance. Your brain was scrambling as it tried to piece together what was happening, as if you were trying to hold water in your handsโeverything was slipping through as you tried to make sense of how Pete had found out.
"Iโ" you started to explain, but Pete cut you off with a sharp laugh.
"Save it,โ He sneered. โI know everything. Every client you propositioned. Every dollar you didn't report. Every lie you told." He stopped a few feet away from the couch, arms crossed over his chest as he bent at the middle, towering over you with a triumphant grin, "And you know what the best part is? You walked right into it."
Your eyes darted back to Ari. He was still holding you, still calm, and then realization hit you like a freight train.
He knew.
He was part of this.
"No," you whispered, shaking your head. "No, youโ"
"I what?" Ari's voice was cold, detached. He finally looked at you, not as a woman heโd just spent the last hour methodically taking apart, but as a piece of evidence, or a chore heโd finally completed. There was nothing in his eyes. No warmth. No affection. Just... nothing. Not a single ounce of semblance of the man you had grown an affection for over the past few weeks. "Thought I liked you? Thought this was real?"
His words were like a knife to the gut. You couldnโt stop the tears welling in your eyes.
โHe was the bait, Sugar,โ Pete said coolly, almost cheerfully. โAnd you took it, hook, line, and sinker. He did his job, got you here, and nowโฆโ He trailed off as he gestured around the room, at the manor, at the trap you had fallen into. โYouโre all mineโฆ Well, ours.โ
Your hands shook, sending a tremble that took over your entire body. You once again attempted to free yourself from Ari, and this time he did let you go. You slip off the couch, your legs shaking, and head past Pete to grab your clothes, the warmth of the fireplace flickering across your skin. As you bend down, Peteโs voice stops you.
โI wouldnโt bother with those.โ
You freeze, halfway bent to gather the sorry excuse of a dress.
โYouโre not going anywhere, and weโve both already seen what youโve got to offer, Sugar. Why hide it now?โ
The fear wracking your bones crystallized into something else; something hotter. It floods through your veins like gasoline meeting a lit match. You look at the dress, then back at Ari, who is putting his jeans back on. You waited for him to turn and look at you, but instead, he opted to look out the window as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
You snatch the dress from the floor, turning your attention back to Pete.
โFuck you,โ You spat, wringing out the dress and stepping into it. You heard Ari laugh shortly followed by the click of his lighter as you pulled up the dress and let the straps snap sharply on your shoulders before grabbing your bag. โIโm leaving. Right fucking now.โ
Peteโs smile widens, and your stomach turns.
Heโs on you within seconds, knocking your bag, the contents flying all over the floor. He grabs your wrist with one hand when they fly up to push him away, and hooks fingers of the other hand under the straps of your dress and snaps them with ease.ย He grabbed you roughly, forcing you to lock your eyes with his fiery gaze; his fingers digging into the meat of your upper arms, making you wince and pull away from his grip.
โโDo you have any idea how much you owe me, Rory? It adds up to a very pretty, very large sum of money that you simply do not have.โโ Pete snarled, venomous and rattling.ย ย
โโI have it,โโ You pleaded, โโItโs at the hotel. You can have it. Just let me go.โโ
Pete didnโt answer you. His expression snapped in an instant, switching from a delighted amusement to a cold, hard stare.
He simply whirled you around, pulling your back flush against his chest and bruisingly working his hands against the fabric of your dress to work it down your body until it pooled around your bare ankles. Shakes wracked through your body as a sea formed in your eyes, a devastating storm of hopelessness as an anchor hit the bottom of your gut, rooting you to the mansion floor. Pete turned and shoved you towards where Ari was now on his feet, snapping the band of his boxers against his hips before leaning down to gather his jeans, shaking them out.
Your gaze darted between them as your footsteps faltered, your ankles wanting to give way as Pete began to stalk closer to you again. Your blood turned to ice as he backed you towards the couch. Your eyes darted around the room, seeking an exit; any exit. Instead, you wound up back on the couch, pulling your legs up as Pete loomed over you; his eyes black and vacant.
Ari gave you a passive glance as he lit up a cigarette, taking a long drag as he decided the darkness outside the manor windows was a better view than the debt perched on cold leather.
โโHereโs how this is going to work, Sugar,โโ Pete says pointedly. โโMy nephews are going to come through those doors any momentโฆ Theyโre gonna drop that bag of money youโve been hiding in that piss-poor hovel of yours at my feet. Weโre gonna count it, and weโre gonna calculate the interestโโโ
โโWhat interest? You have it! Youโll have itโโโ
Peteโs hand swung out, and you instinctively curled into yourself, but the blow never came. You peered up to find Ariโs large hand wrapped around Peteโs wrist; not hard enough to cause any damage, but enough to send a message. Your chest heaved as you watched them; it looked like Pete wanted to fight it, but something passed between themโ maybe Ariโs size, maybe a respectโฆ You weren't sure. Pete yanked his hand away and let out a defeated huff.
โโIโll handle it,โโ Ari claimed, holding up a finger; a warning.
โโThen handle it,โโ Pete dismissed with a wave of his hand and sulked towards the bar.
Ari took in a deep sigh, finished the last couple of drags of his cigarette, and then planted himself back beside you. He stared into the open space of the living room before dragging a hand down his face, scrubbing at his beard, and taking in a sharp breath before finally looking at you.
โโAri, I canโt payโโโ
โโI know you canโt,โโ Ari cut in. โโWhich is why youโre going to work it off. Here. With us.โโ
Your stomach lurched. โโWhat?โโ
โโThere are two options on the table, Sugar,โโ Ari began to explain, monotone and blunt. Option one: You stay here and work on a schedule. Me on Mondays, Curt has Tuesdays, Steve on Wednesdays, Jake on Thursdays, Pete on Fridays, Lloyd on Saturdays.โโ He pauses, letting the words sink into your bones. โโSundayโsโฆ You get to rest.โโ
Your vision blurred, ringing overtook your ears, and your chest constricted.ย ย
โโOption two,โโ Ari continues. โโWe sell you.โโ
โโSell me?โโ You whisper, eyes wide.
Ari nods. To one of Peteโs clients. The kind of men who donโt ask for permission, the ones who wonโt give you a rest day.โโ
A sudden rage blooms, courses through your blood, and explodes.
"No." Your voice is sharp, loud, cutting through the room like a whip. "Absolutely fucking not. You're both insane if you think I'm going toโ"
"You don't have a choice!" Pete snaps sharply from across the room, glass thudding against the bar, the liquid sloshing violently. โโUnless you want me to make a call and have you shipped off and kept in a fucking cage for the rest of your life. Either fucking way, you are paying me back every fucking cent!โโ
โโI earned it!โโ You fired back. โโItโs mine, and you can have it! I donโt fucking need to stay here!โโ
โYours? Yours?!โ He sneered, his voice a lethal weapon pointed at you from across the vast living room. โEverything in that club is mine. The floor you walk on, the pole you stumble around on, the laps you keep warmโ the fucking air you breathe, the drinks you swallow, and most fucking certainly the clients youโve been stealing from under my fucking nose, Sugar. I fucking own you. You didnโt earn a fucking dime. It was theft. Plain and fucking simple. You used my establishment to run your own little business and thought you could get away with itโฆโ He trailed off to let out a long sigh after his rant, his expression softening a little. โBut, lucky for youโฆ Iโve always had a soft spot for a pretty face.โ
Pete stalked towards you once again, but this time Ari made no effort to shield you from him. Pete leaned over you, and the leather creaked as he placed his hand on the couch behind your head. The smell of whisky on his breath made your stomach turn, and his voice dropped to a low, intimate whisper that made your skin crawl.
โMy family is a very close-knit group, Sugar. We share everythingโฆ And since you've spent so long taking from meโ from us, it's only fair that you start giving back. So, I think the choice has been made for you.โ
โโNo,โโ You said firmly, sucking in a sharp breath as Ari let out a slow breath.
He stared down at you with a look of cold, almost clinical evaluation. He leaned in closer, his presence oppressive and dangerous, the air between you both feeling thick with a threat that had no need to be voiced. He didnโt seem offended by your outburst; if anything, he once again looked thoroughly amused, as if your defiance was nothing more than a puppy daring to bark at a wolf.
โSee, thatโs the thing about the word โnoโ, Sugar. In your situation, it has no place in this house. Itโs a word you get to use when you donโt have a debt to pay. Itโs for guests. Youโre not a guest. Youโre a piece of property with a very high interest rate.โ Pete leaned in closer, his voice dipping to a soft, terrifying purr beside your ear. โIโm a businessman, Sugar. Iโm not gonna drag you kicking and screaming by your hair to a bed. No oneโs gonna hold you down and make you do a single thing. Itโs boring. Itโs predictable. Itโs what you expect to happen. I prefer incentives.โ
Pete stepped back abruptly, arms flaring out to gesture to the opulent surroundings of the manor.ย ย
โYou can fight it. You can scream, you can refuse, and cry and beg. You can be the brave little pup trapped in a wolfโs den, but every day that you refuse to give us what we want, every moment you make us waitโฆ The higher the interest climbs and the longer you stay.โ
You opened your mouth to fight back, plead your case, attempt to find any string of words that could wake you from the grim nightmare you had found yourself inโ or rather, been lured into; however, the tension in the room was snapped by the sound of the front doors being opened once again. Dread washed over you as Ari stood and stepped towards the windows and stared down the dim hallway. A second later, Ari let out a small bark of a laugh, and a grin broke out on his face.
โDamn, her leaving you hit you hard,โ Ari mocked, playful and light with what seemed like a genuine grin towards the footsteps in the hall. โโLook at that fuckinโ bush on your face, man.โโ
โYeah? Look whoโs talking, โ The voice responded. It wasnโt as deep as Ariโs, and the man who emerged almost took your breath.
He wasnโt as tall as Ari, although not far off. Dirty blonde hair and a thick beard that put Ariโs to shame a little. He looked as if heโd taken a mental beating or two, eyes wary and shoulders tense. The brown leather jacket clung to his large shoulders, the white tee stretched over his chest, and his large hands clutched car keys; the bend in his arms showing off the power in his arms. Under any other circumstances, just like Ari, you could happily find yourself staring at a man like him all day long. The half-smile on his face fell fast and far once he laid eyes on you, before his face scrunched up in a disgust that made you find the floor more interesting.
โOh, Jesus Christ,โ he spat.
โSteveโโ Pete spoke before being abruptly cut off.
โWhat the fuck is the matter with you?โ Steve chastised as his feet thundered across the floor.
You instinctively peered up, finding him coming towards you as he stripped off his light brown jacket and quickly laid it around your shoulders, offering a small, tight smile before both of your gazes turned to Ari, who offered nothing but a roll of his eyes.
โDonโt do that,โ Ari chuckled shortly, pointing a finger. โYou still showed up.โ
โYou said sheโd have a choice,โ Steve shot at him, eyes hardening and fist clenching at his side. โShaking and crying on the couchโ naked!โ Steve punctuated with a sharp point towards you. โIsnโt a fucking choice!โ
โShe was given a choice,โ Pete dismissed, as if he were referring to you simply picking what to have for dinner. โIโm still waiting to hear what sheโs decided.โ
โWhat choice did you give her? Here or there? Us or some sick fuck thatโll turn her out?โ
โBetter the ones she knows, hmm?โ Ari tried to reason.
โOut of your minds,โ Steve laughed, hollow and ludicrous, a hand smoothing over his hair as he let out a rough, angered sigh.
โYou still showed,โ Ari pointed out, parroting his words from before. โLetโs step off the high horse.โ
Steve opened his mouth to fire back at Ari, but the sound of the oak doors opening once again drew everyone into a silence until it was broken by two disembodied voices, lazily sharing a conversation as they stepped closer to the living room. One had an impossibly deep gravel to his tone; the other light, almost boyishโ like the world hasnโt hit him hard enough just yet.
โWhen does Lloyd get here?โ One asked.
โSaturday,โ the other answered bluntly, closing the door and coughing softly. โHate how this fucking house smells.โ
โIt is Saturday,โ The first one pointed out.
โNext Saturday, numbnuts.โ
โYou canโt let him near her,โ Steve agonized towards Ari, like he almost feared the voice himself.
โI told you telling him was a bad idea,โ Ari groaned, letting out an exasperated laugh. โAlways gotta act as the sun shines out of your ass. Why the fuck are you here?โ
โThatโs why Iโm here,โ Steve fired, eyes blazing and body tense as he pointed out to the hallway where the footsteps drew closer. โTo stop him, because you fucking idiots donโt see how fucking unstableโโ
โDonโt let who near who?โ
It was like another version of Ari had stepped into the room. Instead of the full beard, thick locks, and tanned skin, it was replaced by harsh stubble, a buzz cut, and ink covering every inch. Behind him was a smaller version of Steve, grinning from ear to earย with an almost childish charm as he nodded at his brothers.
โHi,โ The tattooed version of Ari drawled, mouth ticked up in a predatory smirk as his eyes wandered your body, not taking them off you, had he held out the black duffle bag in his handโ the very same that had been hidden under your hotel roomโ and passed it off to Pete. โIโm Curtis.โ
โGreat, she can go,โ Steve said directly, moving back towards you with a hand held out.
โGo?โ Ari scoffed, stepping closer as well.
You looked between them, unsure of your next move. You desperately wanted to take the hand of the only man who saw sense and wanted to take you out of there, while fearing the repercussions of the man who wanted you to stay; the one who you were still trying to piece together in your head.
โYou have it, she can go,โ Steve replied, looking down at you with a nod towards his outstretched hand.
โInterest, Steve,โ Ari pointed out sharply, knocking his hand away from you before you could even lift your own to take Steveโs. โPlease tell me that losing her made you lose all your brain cells as well.โ
โAre you all done squabbling?โ Pete asked them both, only turning back to Curtis when they both stood down and averted their gazes from one another. โHow much is in here?โ Pete followed up, tugging the straps, letting the bag bounce.
โTake a look for yourself,โ Curtis replied, his eyes glued on you.
You held your breath, refusing to be the first one to break as you heard Pete sigh, followed by the sound of the bag thudding against the leather chair and the agonizingly slow sound of the zipper being pulled. Curtisโ eyes lit up when Pete let out an appalled gasp.
โYou scheming little brat,โ Pete said, dangerous and slow.
โWhat?โ You asked breathlessly, finally losing the battle, as you looked over to where Pete was standing over the open bag, with a horrified expression.
โHow much? I want you to tell me how much is in this fucking bag,โ Pete said lowly, fists balling up by his side.
โAround thirty thousand, just a little under. I donโt keepโโ
โDo not fucking lie to me!โ Pete seethed, and within a flash, he was thundering towards you.
You instinctively curled yourself back against the couch; however, Pete didnโt get far because both Steve and Ari shielded you against the couch, making Pete stop dead.
โSugar. How much is in there?โ Ari asked calmly.
โI just told you!โ You cried out, hands thumping heavily in your lap as you squeezed your eyes shut to stop a fresh wave of tears from falling. Your fists found the fabric of Steveโs jacket, clutching it tight to your bare skin and sinking back into the leather of the couch.
Ari let out a breath before walking over and peering into the bag himself. He paused for a moment, shook his head, and then hauled the bag up and brought it over to you, opening it wide to show the stacks of billsโ more than what youโd ever placed inside them. Your eyes widened as your pulse kicked up speed and your lungs refused to expand the way they should.
โNoโ Thisโฆ This isnโt all mine. Thereโs no way,โ You whispered frantically, shaking your head before swallowing the lump that formed in your throat. Your eyes darted between the men occupying the space in front of you. โPlease, this isnโt mine,โ You whined desperately. โYes, I was working on the side. Yes, I was doing it with club clients. Yes, I shouldnโt have done it, but I have not made the amount thatโs in here. This isnโt all mine.โ
โOh, so the money fairy came and put it in there while you were being screwed by my nephew,โ Pete scoffed.
โItโs not mine!โ You cried.
โHow much do you think?โ Pete asked, his attention back on Curtis as if youโd simply ceased to exist.
โHundred thousand, easy. Want me to count it?โ Curtis pointed towards the bag in Ariโs hands.
โGo.โ Pete nodded towards another room.
โAri, please, you have to believe me,โ You begged, trying to find some semblance of the man you knew just a few hours before.
โI donโt have to believe anything.โ Ari zipped up the bag and passed it off to Curtis, who threw it back over to Pete. โItโs above my pay grade.โ
Curtis left the room for a moment, disappearing into a side door and returning with a money counter. You kept your gaze on Ari as the clunk of the machine hitting the table was followed by the whirring of money being funneled through the machine. The room was suffocating, and everyone stood in silence as Curtis loaded stack after stack onto the machine. Your stomach turned as the amount rose higher and higher. Your mind switched channel upon channel, trying to figure out just how a half-empty bag was suddenly bursting at the seams.
Had Pete set it up? Had Ari? Did one of the girls know? Was it a client? Who knew where you stayed? How did this happen?
โOne hundred thousandโฆโ Curtis began to read out, and a wave of cold nausea washed over you with every word. โFour hundred and thirty-two dollars.โ
Pete whistled, followed it up with a short bark of a laugh, and downed the rest of the liquid in his glass, grimacing and shaking his head.
โWell, hasnโt someone been a busy little lamb, hmm?โ Curtis taunted.
โAnd you said you didnโt fuck โem,โ Ari scoffed bitterly, turning his nose up at you.ย โWhoโs the liar now?โ
โI didnโtโโ You insisted.
โDonโt fucking bullshit me,โ Ari shot back.
โSome of them were generous! I didnโt do anything like that!โ
โYeah, bet you were too,โ Ari huffed, shaking his head with a tense smile.
โStop!โ Steve barked.
โShe good?โ Curtis prodded towards Ari with a sick smirk as he began to load the remainder of the cash back into the bag.
โNot bad,โ Ari shrugged.
โTalking about me like Iโm a toy. Iโm right here!โ You cracked, fire bubbling out of your throat.
โThatโs what you are now,โ Curtis scoffed, glancing at his brothers like what you had said was ridiculous. โSโall you are, baby. A shiny new toy for me to break and youโre here for a while, Sugar, a lot of time to find all the ways you can break.โ
โIโll find a wayโโ You attempted to plead with Pete. โYou have the money, please. I can figure itโโ
โNope! You wonโtโ You canโt!โ Pete cut off dramatically, leaning against the bar and giving you that sick, sly grin. โSo, once again, the choice: I can either line up a buyer, hand you over and you can pray to see next month, or you can stay here and work it off by keeping us all company, however we see fit.โ
โBe trafficked or be a communal fleshlightโ Wow, incredible options she hasโโ Steve mocked, shaking his head.
โWhy the fuck would you put it like that?โ The youngest one laughed, face scrunching up as they paced in front of the fireplace. โThat soundsโโ
โWrong?!โ Steve thundered, earning dismissive smirks and choked back laughs from his brothers. โDisgusting? Because thatโs what this is, Jake!โ
โShe doesnโt have to do anything,โ Ari attempted to sway, laughing it off like Steve was overreacting. โBut the longer she doesnโt, the longer she stays and the higher the debt climbs.โ
โThat isnโt a choiceโโ Steve let out a vexed growl, throwing his hands up before he headed towards the hallway, your eyes following his every move with a voice in the back of your head begging him to stay.ย โFuck it! Iโm done! Iโm leaving, I canโt be a part of thisโโ
โGo ahead,โ Pete dismissed. โOh,โ He said sharply, holding up a finger. โBut, whoโs gonna clean up Curtisโ mess?โ Pete pointed out, stopping Steve in his tracks. โThatโs why youโre here and everything.โ
โSee you Tuesday, Sugar,โ Curtis drawled provocatively, making your face scrunch up and turn away from the shitshow before you. โAw, the shy little baby,โ Curtis mocked, honeyed and low, making your hands fist up and tremble. โFucking adorable.โ
โHe wonโt give her a choice,โ Steve pleaded to Ari.
โThatโs why youโre needed,โ Ari stressed, standing and making his way over to Steve, hands on his shoulders, keeping him steady in place. โYour day counts no matter what she does. Fuck her, sing her a lullabyโ who fucking cares? Thatโs the point. Itโs up to us how itโs paid, and if she refuses thenโฆ Guess sheโs got another day of the week to make it upโโ
โWhat day is mine?โ Jake piped up.
โThursday,โ Pete replied.
โCool. Iโll leave you all to argue,โ Jake said coolly, as if heโd simply asked when dinner was going to be ready and didnโt spare you a second glance as he made his way around the back of the couch and his footsteps faded with each step on the stairs.
โWhatโs the total with interest?โ Ari asked, turning his attention to Pete.
Pete pondered for a moment, lips twitching from side to side as he calculated the sum in his head.
โHalf a mil,โ Pete said simply, turning to you with a cold glint in his eyes and a mocking smile. โMaybe just a little under.โ
โAnd per shift?โ Ari quizzed.
โWaiting for Lloyd to get back to me,โ Pete answered. โBut, I think itโs based on what you think sheโs earned. Heโs just gonna put a cap on it. She hasnโt actually decided yet what sheโs doing.โ
โWhatโs it gonna be, Sugar?โ Curtis piped up. โSold or stay?โ
โYou have the money,โ You protested with a whine, letting out a huff and twisting your face up as you planted your feet against the floor and leaped up off the couch. Steveโs jacket grazed your mid-thigh as you clutched it closed against your chest. โIโm not staying here,โ You bit out, eyes blazing and staring Pete dead in the eye. โIโm not being sold. Iโm not being passed around. Iโm not doing any of this. You can all go fuck yourselves.โ
Peteโs expression doesnโt change, but something flickers in his eyesโ amusement, maybe; perhaps interest, you werenโt sure, but you were sure of the fact you weren't staying with him for any longer than you needed to. You needed to find a way outโ quickly.
โBrave,โ Pete mused softly as he stepped closer to you. โStupid, but brave. Itโs a shame brave wonโt serve you well here, Sugar. Submission? Thatโll get you really far.โ
"And just so we're clear," Pete adds, leaning in close enough that you can smell the whiskey on his breath, "the longer you fight this, the longer you stay. Every time you refuse, every time you make this difficult, you add time to your debt. It could be weeks. It could be months. It could be years. Up to you."
"Then I'll fight for years," you snarl. "I'm not doing this."
โโSheโs a fiery one,โโ Curtis laughed, a low, ugly sound. โโI like that. Youโll be more fun to break, Sugar.โโ
โโTake her upstairs,โโ Pete ordered Ari. โโGet her settled. Youโll like your room, Sugar. A helluvaโ lot better than that hole you slept in.โโ
โโIโm not fucking staying here!โโ You cried out.
โโYou can get up, or I can get you up,โโ Ari said darkly, towering over you from the side of the couch, hands at the ready.
โYou heard your man, Sugar. The choice is yours. You can walk out of here on your own two feet, or he can carry you out kicking and screaming.โ
Pete stood aside and let Ari take his place, looming over you, his large shoulders blocking the view of the vast living room. He didnโt say a word, just stared down at you, with an expression that made your heart sink. He was actually enjoying this. He liked you trembling, cold, and scared. Ariโs hands flexed at his side, head tilted as he waited, just waitedโฆ as if he was waiting for the moment the reality of the situation burned out the fire inside of you and you were left with nothing but a crushed spiritโ or, for the sick thrill heโd get hauling you, wailing, up the manor stairs and into the dark.
โAri, please,โ You whispered. โJust tell me this is a joke.โ
โWhy would we joke about this?โ Ariโs voice was flat, devoid of empathy or regret.
He didnโt even blink; he just looked at you as if you werenโt a woman, but as an object that had been successfully delivered to its rightful owners. The silence that followed his words was a desolate suffocation, punctuated by the distant, rhythmic ticking of a grandfather clock somewhere in the manor. The betrayal was absolute. The man who you thought had seen you as you saw him was now looking at you as nothing more than a dollar sign.
โโI thoughtโฆโโ Your voice wavered as you spoke. โโOh, fuck.โโ
โOh, look at that,โ Pete drawled, his voice dropping to a mocking cop. โYouโve broken her heart, Ari.โ He let out a soft, sharp titter. โItโs a shame, really. Maybe weโre on the way to losing that spark that wouldโve been so fun to snuff out of you.โ
โIโd get all those pretty tears out now, Sugarโฆ Before Lloyd gets home,โ Curtis spoke, an ominous ring to his comment.
โPlus, tears donโt pay off the debt. Neither does disappointment,โ Pete added.
โWell, thereโll be a good payment for Lloyd. He loves it when they cry,โ Ari shrugged, his voice devoid of any warmth.
The comment was delivered with such a casual indifference that it felt more like a physical blow. Ari wasnโt just betraying you; he was willing to hand you over to someone who sounded far worse than himself, Peteโ even Curtis. You prayed silently to never meet the man behind the name, but you knew it was feeble, inevitable. Ari gestured to stand with a crook of his neck, acting as the gatekeeper to a grim future you couldnโt even begin to imagine.
Ari stepped back just an inch as you hesitantly braced yourself to stand, his gaze remained fixed on you; expectant and patience waning. The luxury of the manorโthe fire, the velvet of the curtains, the ornate rugs, and the expensive leather โ felt more like a gilded cage. Every extra second you spent hesitating felt like a gamble with a debt that was already spiraling out of your control.
โHow could you do this?โ You whispered as you looked up at him.
โIโm a professional,โ Ari offered, his gaze cold and his voice flat.
โYouโre an asshole,โ You corrected.
Ari didnโt flinch, didnโt show any offense; no malice, no amusement. The man who had just been whispering filth in your ear and pulling you into his chest was gone, replaced by a cruel stranger who looked at you as if you were nothing more than a piece of furniture he was getting ready to move. He shifted his weight with a heavy sigh, crossed his massive arms over his chest, biceps flexing as he created a wall of muscle that felt absolute, impenetrable. โYou were a job,โ Ari informed. โA way to bring you in without causing a scene, to stop you running. Please donโt mistake a few weeks of scattered pleasure for a friendship, a relationship. We donโt do that here. It doesnโt work. Iโm getting tired, and you need to move.โ
You let out a shaky sob, fingers flexing against the leather seat, and before you could even attempt to move yourself, Ariโs patience snapped. Hands grab you, rough and bruising, and you explode into motion. With a cry, you twisted and kicked in his grip as he spun you and hauled you up against his chest. You kicked into the open space as Ari began to walk you towards the stairs. You clawed at his forearms, nails raking across the skin, pebbles of red blooming in their wake, causing him to swear viciously.
โFucking bitchโโ
You screamed; a raw, primal sound, a sound torn from somewhere deep in your chest, pulled from the depths of your soul. You thrashed against his grip, bare feet kicking at his shins, hands slapping the meat of his arms. You fought with everything you had, but itโs no use. His grip tightened as he took the first step. You crane your head back, and your eyes lock with Steveโs. His face was pale, a hopeless worry creased into his forehead, his hands clenched tightly at his side; it looked like he could be sick, but he made no attempt to help you.
No one came to help you.
โLet me go! Let me fucking go!โ You screamed.
Ariโs fingers dug into your side with enough pressure to leave bruises. You planted your feet against a higher step, attempting to anchor yourself to the cold marble slabs as you twisted your head, teeth gunning for his arms, but he jerked you sharply with a snarl.
โFuck you!โ You wailed, thrashing harder. โFuck all of you!โ
โStop fucking fighting.โ His voice was an eerie calm. โYouโre only gonna make it worse.โ
With a grunt of effort, Ari lifted you higher, your feet dangled in the air as you were manhandled up the rest of the stairs. You didnโt stop fighting. With each agonizing step, you screamed until your throat was raw, kicked until your legs ached, twisted your body until your muscles burned; screamed, cried, and wailed out every curse your tongue had memorized, but itโs no use. By the time you reached the second floor, you were gasping for breath, your body trembled with exhaustion and fury.
You were carried through the dark of the hallway, portraits watched you with judgmental eyes, and a row of doors taunted you as you passed each one. Ari didnโt say another word through your continued struggle, each moment making your bones scream, and your lungs beg for mercy. The silence from him was a wall, unclimbable; inescapable.
He stopped at the end of the hall, double doors towering above you both. He managed to keep a tight grip on you as he reached for the handles and pushed them open, revealing a bedroom that was staggeringly opulent. A luxurious space with a massive canopy bed with silk sheets, detailed dressers, ornate chairs, and gold accents peppered around the room. Any other time, the sight wouldโve been welcomed, but the sight made you sick. He kicked the doors closed behind you with a loud thud and dropped you to the floor.
โJacket,โ He ordered with a snap of his finger and a held-out hand.
You clutched it tight around you as you scrambled to your feet and put as much distance between you both as you could; Ari was left standing at the door while you shrank yourself into the shadows of the towering windows.
โSteve gave it to me,โ You sniffled. โHow could you do this to me? You canโt do this to me!โ
โI can, and I am,โ He replied, an exasperated huff expelling from his chest, as if dealing with you was a chore heโd rather forget.
โYou liked me, you didโฆ I know you did.โ
โNo, I didnโt,โ He said with a grim smile. โI like obedience. Give me the jacket, Sugar.โ
โNo!โ You cried. โFuck you! We had something, we were going to have something, you know it!โ
A flicker of boredom flashes across Ariโs eyes. He made no attempt to move; he simply watched you with a detached curiosity, as if you were attempting to explain a concept that sounded deranged and tedious. The massive scale of his frame seemed to shrink the room around you as you waited for him to break his slice, like he was the only thing your mind could focus on. He didnโt look at you with hatred, that wouldโve required an emotion he wasnโt willing to spare, but you had a clawing need to drag it out of him anyway.
He shifted his weight, the fabric of his shirt straining against the same shoulders you had clung to hours before. The silence, however, was broken, but not by Ari, but by the boisterous laughter of the family in the den below; a muffled reminder that your life had been meticulously, and maliciously partitioned into days of the week.
โWhy are you all like this?โ You whispered.
โLike what?โ Ari challenged, his expression remaining flat.
It seemed like, to Ari, that the question seemed entirely illogical, as if you were asking why the rain was wet or why a predator hunted its prey. There was no guilt, no empathy, nothing in his eyes; no flicker of regret for the way he had used your body to bridge the gap between your trust and your capture.
โTwisted,โ You spat. โWrong.โ
He took slow, calculated steps forward, his feet padding against the thick, piled carpet, the distance between you closing at an agonizing pace. His shadow swallowed you whole as you backed into the wall between the windows, trapped in the darkness. He didnโt touch you, but the heat radiating from him was palpable, a warning of the strength he could use to crush you if he ever decided to stop being patient.
โโThe world is twisted, Sugar. Itโs how it works. We just know how to navigate the curves. You take what you can, and when you canโt take anymoreโฆ You pay the price. You thought you were playing a game with the house, and the house always wins, baby. Thatโs not twisted, itโs not wrongโฆ Itโs just math.โโ Ari paused for a moment, his eyes landed on your trembling lips as his words twisted around your throat, something flickered in his expressionโ not pity, but perhaps the ghost of a memory, something humanโ before the stone mask slammed back down. โโNow, give me the jacket.โโ
โโNo, you said firmly.
โโSugarโโโ
โโIf it's okay for you to take, why can't I?โโ
Ariโs eyes narrowed slightly, a genuine amusement finding its way into them as he let out a short, dry huff of a laugh, though his face remained devoid of any real humor.
โโBecause youโre weak,โโ Ari answered. โโYou thought you were playing the game. You thought you were clever, stealing pennies from a mountain. You thought you could get away with it. We know we can.โโ
Your bottom lip trembled as Ari brought up a hand to cup your cheek.
โNow, stop trying to argue. I donโt know what gave you the idea that youโre even in a position to object, because the only position youโre in right nowโฆโ Ari trailed off, sliding a hand to the nape of your neck and then suddenly sliding it up to seize a sharp handful of your hair by your crown. โIs to obey.โ
He gave a quick tug, forcing you closer to him; the sounds of your cries fell on deaf ears.
โโYou think I get to say โnoโ? โSorry, Pete. Sorry, Lloyd, I donโt feel like doing that shit today, Iโd rather go andโฆ Bask in the sunshine, or whatever the fuck normal people do? Weโre all stuck, Sugar, just some more than others. Get used to it.โ His eyes shifted from yours to the leather that encased your frame. โJacket. Off. Iโm not asking again, and Iโm really starting to lose my patience.โ
The sounds of the ruffling leather were loud in the grim silence of the room. The clink of the zipper and the shaky breaths mixed together in a symphony of misery. Your fingers shook violently as you pulled the jacket sleeves and slipped it off your shoulders, exposing the pale, wavering skin that Ari had fraudulently worshipped.
It was only when you stood bare, completely exposed, your vulnerability stark against the backdrop of the room's calculated luxury, and held out the jacket in the space between you both that Ari released the harsh grip on your hair and snatched the jacket from your hands.
His gaze scanned your body with a cold, professional detachment; almost as if he was inspecting a new piece of inventory. He made no move to touch you, nor did his eyes show any sign of the hunger that had once pooled there. He wasnโt looking at you for pleasure; he was ensuring the total erasure of your old life. You tried to cover yourself under his intense stare, boredom settling in the deep blues, as if modesty to him wasnโt a virtue or a boundary; it was inefficiency. A delay in the process that the men of the manor had set forth.
Ari reached out, large fingers gripping your wrist and pulling it from your body; firm and capable, his voice dropping to a low rumble.
โYou donโt have a right to privacy anymore, Sugar. Everything you are, every inch of this skin, belongs to the house now.โ
Ari shoved your arm back at you before turning, jacket clutched in his hand along with the rest of your dignity, and walked towards the doors. He pressed the pad of his thumb against the handle, and with a beep, the lock clicked. You stared after him, unable to move as he opened the door. He paused for a moment, his silhouette blotting out the light from the corridor, and then looked back at youโ naked, shivering, and wide-eyed.
The dynamic between you both had shifted completely; no longer potential lovers, but a stripped-down object at the mercy of its master.
โGet in the bed. Stay there. Someone will bring you breakfast in the morning.โ
โAs long as itโs not you,โ You threw at him, swallowing the lump in your throat. โI wonโt ever sleep with you again. I hope you know that. Iโll go to each one of them, but never, ever you.โ
Ariโs hand freezes on the handle of the door. You can see the slight tension pull tight across his back and pinch at his jaw. The silence that enveloped you afterward was heavy, stretching out until the only sound was your own frantic heartbeat. The air thickened, and for the first time since youโd learned your fate, Ariโs composure cracked. He doesnโt turn, but his hand grips the handle of the door tightly, and a rumble, almost a growl, settles deep in his chest.
โFine by me,โ Ari spat back at you.
Then he stepped over the threshold, and without a second glance, he slammed the door shut, and the lock clicked.
For a moment, you just stood there; chest heaving, hands shaking, quick shuddering breaths before a white-hot fire ran through your veins, which made you lunge at the doors, slamming your fists against the wood.
โAri! Let me out! You canโt do this! Let me the fuck out.โ
You pounded until your hands ached, until your knuckles were raw and droplets of blood mocked your feeble attempt. You screamed until your voice cracked, until your throat felt like you had swallowed glass. You kicked, threw your weight, and pried at the seam, but it didnโt budge. You moved to the window next; the grounds were lit by scattered lampposts, intricate and dim. The round driveway beckoned you, the gates in the distance called your name, and the trees in the small woodland waved you over.
Freedom was right there, so close that you could almost taste it.
You didnโt bother trying the handles; instead, you grabbed the edge of the window frame and pulled, trying to pull it open from the hinges, but the nails didn't budge. You let out a growl as your hands slapped your bare sides before your eyes darted around the room searching for somethingโ anythingโ to use as a lever. You moved quickly, pulling open drawers, looking under furniture, and finding bolts to keep them secured to the floor.
You grabbed a small wooden chair by the vanity, ignoring the panicked woman in the reflection, and moved to swing it at the window. The impact sent a jolt up your arms, but the glass remained intact; the reinforced glass wobbling as a middle finger to your efforts. You swung again, and again, and again. Until your arms were shaking and the chair legs cut into your hands.
You drop the chair, depleted, and sink to the floor, hiding in the shadows once again. You backed against the wall, the cool brick sending a shiver through you as you pulled your knees to your chest. Your whole body was tremblingโ rage, fear, exhaustion crashing over you in a series of waves that threatened to pull you under.
But youโre not done. Just resting. Youโll figure it outโฆ You have to figure it out.
You let your forehead rest on your knees, taking a few deep breaths and exhaling slowly. When you bring your head back up to find your next plan, you spot two divots in the light that shines through under the door. You stared for a moment until you saw the shadows shuffle, and you sprang into action, practically flying across the room and slamming your hand against the wood of the double doors.
โAri?!โ You called out, pausing to press your ear against the door. โAri, is that you?! Please, Iโm sorry, please open the door!โ
You waited for a response, but got nothing.
โAri, please, please listenโโ You hesitated, pressing your ear against the door again, and listening closely. The shoes shuffle against the carpet, but not like Ariโs would. Ariโs heavy boots, his feet, crushed the piles under the sheer weight he carried; this was lighter, more carefulโฆ
It had to be Steve.
โSteve?โ You asked softly, โIs that you? Please let me out. You know this is wrong, please, please, Steve, please.โ
You hear him beyond the wood, a deep breath and a long exhale. You wait, and you hope, but nothing comes.
No words.
No movement from the handle.
No click.
No light.
Nothing.
โSteve!โ You shout, slamming your hand against the door. โOpen the door!โ
But he doesnโt. He just stands there for a few more seconds, and then the shadows from his footsteps retreat from the light and leave you alone in the dark.
The morning came slowly.
Light filtered through the tall windows, casting amber and pink along the cream carpet. You hadnโt moved from the space between, back against the wall, arms hugged around your bare legs. Each time you closed your eyes, you saw Peteโs face, heard Curtisโs voice, and felt the vacant stare of Ari. Sleep wasnโt an option, and not something you wanted anyway.
The doorโs lock clicking open rang out like someone pulling a pin from a grenade, and when it opened, Jake appeared. He was carrying a trayโeggs, toast, orange juiceโand set it down on the dresser with a smile that made your skin crawl. His eyes were downcast on the tray as he ensured he settled it correctly before dusting his hands.
He was dressed in grey sweats and a black shirt that stretched across his frame. He wasnโt as big as the others, sure, but nothing to scoff at. His blond hair was tussled from sleep, and mismatched socks padded towards you.
โMorning,โ Jake chirped brightly, like the morning routine was perfectly normal to him. โThought you might be hungryโฆโ He trailed off, and his face fell slightly as he finally laid eyes on you. โYou know thereโs clothes in here, right?โ
You make no attempt to reply, no muscle twitches to move, your face set in stone, and your eyes boring into his.
โCome on,โ He attempted to coax, waving a hand to get you to stand. โLetโs find something for you to wear, and then you need to eat.โ
โGet. Out,โ You bite out, voice hoarse from the screaming.
Jakeโs smile fell slightly, but his tone didnโt โYou should reallyโโ
โI said get out.โ
He stared at you for a long moment, his eyes didnโt harden the way Ariโs wouldโve, he didnโt make a move to pull you off the floor; he simply shrugged and turned to walk back towards the door.
โSuit yourself,โ He said calmly and left.
You sat there, eyes glued to the wood grain, and let out a long breath. You made no move to grab the tray. Not out of fearโ out of defiance. The only power you had left was to refuse whatever they brought through that door, and you were going to use it until you couldnโt anymore.
The morning dragged on.
Muffled footsteps came and went, voices drifted from the rooms surrounding, youโd hear the occasional slamming of the door, and piece by piece you were gathering together the rhythms of the houseโ whoโs where, when, and how often. Pete was downstairs most of the time, choosing to waste his day in the living room. Curtis and Ari came and went, taking it in turns to call out to each other to hurry upย and Steveโฆ Steve was harder to track, quieter, almost as if he was hiding.
Sleep was pulling at your eyelids, settling heavy in your bones. Your eyes fell on the silk sheets, and you let out a groan as you pushed yourself up from the floor. You walked to the dresser and found neat stacks of soft shirts and shorts, and picked the first set, slipping them on before trudging over to the bed. You pulled back the sheets and climbed in before lying down, facing the door.
You told yourself that youโd just have a rest, ten minutes, but a few hours later, the sun was setting heavy in the sky, and you awoke to the sound of the lock disengaging and the door swinging open. Your eyes slowly peeled open, and you found Jake, once again, standing in the doorway, with that wide, beaming smile and another tray of food in his hands.
โOh! โShit,โ he cursed apologetically, โWere you sleeping?โ Iโm so sorry.โ
He stepped further into the room, letting the door swing shut, and brought over the tray, pausing at the edge of the bed. His expression was open and friendly, which only made the whole situation feel more surreal and terrifying. He set the tray on the nightstand and looked down at you, and a grin of surprise set on his lips.
โAnd youโre dressed! Do you feel better? Is the bed comfy?โ
Jake didnโt seem to possess the malice of the other men, or he was just more inclined to keep it well hidden. You shuffled yourself up, leaning back against the headboard as you simply stared at him, only giving a quick glance at the cup of steaming coffee on the tray. He grabbed the cup as he sat himself down on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight. He held out the mug and gave you a small smile as you cautiously took it from him.
As you took a sip, he reached out, and you flinched back, earning a tut and a shake of his head as he ignored the action and flicked away a stray hair from your tear-stained cheek, catching the scent of citrus and expensive soap stuck to his skin as he tucked it behind your ear gently.
โYou really need to eat, or Peteโs gonna come in here, and neither of us wants that, right?โ Jake attempted to appeal as he leaned to pluck up the plate of pastries and place them on your lap. โI made sure they got the almond croissants; theyโre stupidly good. Iโd eat the whole box if Lloyd let me.โ
Jakeโs demeanor was an unsettling contrast to the horrors of the previous night. His eyes didnโt possess the predatory hunger of Peteโs, the manic intensity of Curtisโ, or the coldness of Ariโs, but as he watched you, his gaze didnโt stop at your face. It drifted down slowly, lingering on the band in your shorts and the way the shirt clung to your frame. The kindness was there, but it was wrapped in the same possessive entitlement as the rest of the family.
โCan you stop staring before I lose my appetite, before I even get the chance to have one in the first place?โ
Jake blinked, paused, and then let out a loud, delighted laugh, leaning back slightly with his hands raised.
โThere she is!โ He grinned. โI was wondering when some of that fire would come back. Welcome home, Sugar!โ
Jake didnโt look offended, far from it. The snap of your tone acted like a spark, bringing a glimmer of genuine amusement to his expression. He didnโt rush to calm his gaze or apologize, though; instead, he looked at you with a renewed curiosity, as if youโd just performed a clever trick. It seemed as though, at least to Jake, that the more stubborn aspects of your personality, your defiance, werenโt just a boundaryโ it was entertainment.
โSorry, Sugar,โ he apologized sweetly, light and playful, as you reached for a pastry and inspected it. โItโs justโฆ Youโre really something. Most girls are just shaking and crying by the time they wake up here. Youโve still got a little bite to you. I really like that.โ
Your head snapped up.
โMost girls?โ You questioned. โAs inโฆ Youโve done this before?โ
Jakeโs smile didnโt waver, not even for a second, as he shrugged with a casual ease.
โWell, yeah?โ He laughed. โYou donโt pick up a new hobby like this overnight, right? Now, come on, you really need to eat.โ
โI willโ I just canโt right now.โ You dropped the pastry back onto the plate and stared at his smile. โSo, Iโm not the first to stay here?โ
โTo stay?โ He confirmed your questioning. โYeah, like to actually stay, and be with us, but the girls who pissed Pete off tend to spend a night or two before whoever picks them up. Curt or Ari would give them a taste of what theyโre in for, thoughโโ
โOh my God,โ You groaned as your stomach lurched.
Jakeโs admissions were delivered with a lightness that was bone-chilling. He revealed family secrets, their sordid activities, as if he were talking about nothing more than a mundane family tradition, like Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings. There wasnโt an ounce of shame in the voice, no hesitation. It seemed like, at least to him, that the cycle of bringing in women to the manor, stripping them of their lives and using them to pay off fabricatedโ or realโ debts was simply the way the world functioned and you couldnโt help but hear Ariโs words from the night before, providing his notion about how this is how the world is was a shared delusion to all of them.
โHey, Ariโs only following orders,โ Jake attempted to fix. โHe hasnโt done that in a long time, " he said. He was supposed to bring you in straight away and didnโtโ Do you need me to grab the trash can?โ
You shook your head and swallowed the lump in your throat before chasing it with the hot coffee.
โWhy didnโt he?โ You asked. โBring me in right away?โ
โGuess he liked you,โ Jake replied, and you got the sense that Jakeโs honesty got him in trouble a lot. โSaid you were different. I just thought his head was like, all messed up from the divorce, but nope. Here you are, and he was right.โ
You opened your mouth to speak, but Jake got there quicker.
โHey, what did you say to Ari last night? Heโs been in a mood all morningโโ
โI want Steve,โ You cut in.
โIs that what you said to him?โ
โNo, Jake,โ You sighed as you pitched the bridge of your nose. โI want you to go and get Steve.โ
โOh,โ Jake replied, sounding slightly wounded. His face fell slightly, and he nodded slowly as he got to his feet. โYeah, sure, okay, Iโllโฆ Iโll go do that.โ
Without another word, he left. He closed the door firmly behind him, and the lock immediately engaged with a definitive click. The room fell silent again, save for the faint sounds of Jakeโs retreating footsteps in the hall. You placed the plate and mug back onto the tray and smoothed down the sheets whilst staring at the door. You sat there for a while, waiting for the lock to click open again, but nothingโ no oneโ came.
You sighed, threw back the covers, and crossed the room quickly. Your hand closed around the cold metal of the door handle. You twisted and pulled, but it still doesnโt budge. The lock held a firm, silent, unyielding reminder of your captivity.
You were well and truly sealed in. No matter how much you tried to be anything else.
You pressed your ear against the cool wood, straining to hear, but there was nothing but the heavy silence of the manor. Not footsteps, no voices, no slamming of the doors. You turned and placed your back against the wood and stared out the window, watching as the afternoon light set in. You stayed there, watching the trees and passing cars in the distance, until the sound of footsteps traveled up the hall.
The footsteps, cautious and familiar, paused just outside your door, and for a moment, you thought theyโd disappear again; instead, a soft, hesitant knock followed. The sound was so surreal in a house of men that had shown in the short time youโd spent there that theyโd found no need to knock. You edged away from the door, stepping back slightly as the lock clicked and the door cracked open gently.
Steve stepped into the room, eyes widening at the sight of you standing there, before what seemed like guilt settled heavily in the sea-blues of his eyes. He was dressed in simple, dark trousers and a soft grey sweater, his face etched with genuine concern, and he had shaved, which made him look years younger. His posture was slightly slumped as he closed the door and shoved his hands into his pockets, looking less like the usual predators that lurked in the doorway and more like a man who had been sent to clean up a mess he felt guilty about.
โJake said you asked for me,โ Steve said, voice soft and gentle. โI know apologies must mean nothing to you right now, but I amโฆ I am so sorry. I tried to talk them out of it, but when Pete and Lloyd make a decision, they follow. No questions, no push back. Iโm so sorry.โ
Steve looked around the room, his eyes falling on the full trays.
โHave you eaten?โ He asked. You shook your head, and he sighed. โYouโve had a really long night. You should try to eat something.โ
He took another steady step forward, his eyes searching yours. He looked genuinely pained by your obvious fear, his brow furrowed with concern. He was a stark contrast to the brutal honesty of Ari, the upbeat chipper of Jake, and the cold calculation of Pete. He stood there, watching, waiting, his shoulders relaxing slightly as you nodded and moved towards the bed, and relief washed over his face as you took a small bite of the pastry.
Steve shifted his weight, his gaze dropping to the floor for a second before he looked back at you.
โYou shaved,โ You stated, really looking at him as you pulled a piece away from the pastry. โYou look better without it.โ
He gave a shy smile and a small nod.
โI know you hate all of us right now,โ He shared quietly. โAnd youโve every right in the world to, butโฆ I want you to know that not everything here has to be a fight.โ
โHow can it not be?โ You challenged.
Steveโs shoulders tense again, the weight of your question seeming to push down on him. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, a gesture that looked tired, almost defeated.
โWhat am I supposed to do? Just let you all use me?โ You fired at him.
โHey, I have no intentionโโ
โWould you do that? Would you just accept it? Well, I guess I have the answer to that, considering you're the ones whose finger works on that damn lock. And I'm the one stuck in the room.โ
You threw the pastry back onto the plate and sat yourself down on the edge of the bed as Steve flinched, as if youโd struck him. His jaw tightened, and he looked away, unable to hold your gaze. The quiet of the manor felt louder now, pressing down on both of you. He swallowed hard, Adam's apple bobbing before he looked at you again. His voice was low and strained as he spoke.
โYou think I like being the one who facilitates this? You think I enjoy this?โ He gestured vaguely around the room, his hand trembling, eyes shadowed with a conflict you had seen the others possess. โI donโt like this, Sugar. I didnโt want this for you.โ
โThen help me leave.โ
Steveโs expression tightened, a war playing out behind his eyes. His gaze shifted between you and the locked door, his face a mask of conflicted agony, and you wondered if, and when, the kindness he showed was fragile. He shook his head, took a half step back as if physically recoiling from your plea.
โI... I owe them. Just like you. I can't just.. let you go. It's not my place to do so.โ His voice was barely above a whisper, strained and heavy.
He looked down at his hands, his expression hardening further with a resolve that seemed to cost him something. โLook, Sugar,โ He sighed heavily. โI know none of this is fair, but if you justโฆ Cooperate, itโll be easier. I'll make sure your time with me is easy; Iโll take care of you. If you wanna stay in here on Wednesdays and not see me at all, we can do that. I can offer you space, but thatโs about it. At least, for right now.โ
โI don't wanna be here. I didn't... Not all of that money was mine. You have to believe me,โ You plead.
His face softened, giving a small nod, but itโs a sad, weary kind of softness.
โI believe you, Sugar, I do. But it doesnโt matter. If Pete believes it, then thatโs the only truth that counts here. The numbers are whatever he says they are. Arguing about it will only make Pete and Lloyd dig their heels in deeper.โ He stepped closer to you, forcing you to tilt your head back to meet his gaze, intense and pleading. โPlease, justโฆ let me... let me try to make your time with me as painless as I can. That's the only power I have right now.โ
Steve held your gaze for a long moment, and you searched his eyes for a shred of trust to hold on to; a hopeful solace in a house of horrors.
โJust give me some time to figure the rest out, okay?โ
He said the last part with a grimace, as if the advice left a sour taste in his mouth. He looked down at his hands and then back at you, his face twisted with a mixture of guilt and a desperate need for you to understand the precariousness of your situation.
โAri and Jake... they won't force you into anything you don't wanna do. Not really. Curtis and Lloyd... you're best just playing along with them. I know it'll be hard, but it'll keep you safe. And with Pete... he sighs, rubbing his temples, just grit your teeth and bear it. It'll be over quicker. It's easier to do than the others. Just get through it, the best you can.โ
He looked at you with a pleading in his eyes, begging you to absorb his words, to understand that it was the only lifeline he could offer. The weight of his own powerlessness seemed to settle on him, making him appear older than his years; the youth that you had found on his face when he first came in seemed to vanish.
โSomeoneโฆโ You started, hesitating for a moment. โSomeone was outside my door last night. After Ari left. Was it you?โ
His expression became unreadable for a moment, flickers of emotions scattering across his features until he settled into a weary resignation. The silence stretches, thick with anticipation.
โLast night?โ He asked, voice low and cautious, before he shook his head. โNo, Sugar, it wasnโt me. Maybe Ari felt badโโ
โIt wasnโt Ari.โ
โPete, maybe,โ He offered, scuffing a hand through the back of his hair and rubbing at the back of his neck. โHe probably did the rounds, made sure the door was locked.โ
He said the last words with a clear distaste, his jaw tightening, the muscle jumping under the skin. The admission hung heavy in the air, confirming your fears that your privacy here was simply an illusion, that you were constantly being watched.
โDefinitely wasnโt Pete. No one tried the handle. They just stood there.โ
โI donโt know then.โ His eyes scanned your face, seeming to be choosing his next words carefully, almost weighing them. โWhy donโt youโโ
โIโve been through so much shit in not even twenty-four hours. Please donโt lie to me,โ You attempted to appeal.
The causal weariness dropped from his posture, replaced by a sudden sharp tension. His eyes darted from the door and then back to you before landing on the floor. You caught a flicker of alarm in his deep blues. He took in a slow breath, as if steadying himself.
The air in the room seemed to grow colder. Steve lifted his head, and his gaze had intensified; the previous softness had hardened into something more guarded. He studied you, as if reassessing you entirely. The fact that you could distinguish the footfalls of the various predators of the manor marked you as more observant, more attuned to your environment than he had perhaps presumed.
โYou heard me screaming... And did nothing. And you come in here, being nice and giving me advice, and you do nothing to help me. When you had the opportunity to do so, and then you lied to me after spewing bullshit about wanting this to be painless.โ
The accusation hung heavy in the air, sharp and absolute. Steve didnโt flinch, but the color drained from his face. The carefully constructed mask seemed to shatter, leaving behind the raw truth. For the first time, thereโs no apology in his eyes; only a bleak, chilling acknowledgment.
His voice was flat, stripped of all pretense.
โYouโre right.โ
He made no attempt to justify it. He didnโt look away. He stood there, accepting the weight of your words, and the silence that followed was heavier than any that had come before, filled with the unspoken horror of what his inaction meant. He took a slight step backward, rocking slightly on his feet.
โI heard you, and I did nothing,โ He admitted sullenly. โBecause helping you was the one thing that couldโve gotten you hurt moreโฆ Worse, even. They wouldnโt have taken that out on meโฆ It wouldโve been you, and I wonโt be the reason, I wonโt give them a reason, for you to be hurt. I will not do it. You need to trust me, as hard as that will be, and trust that I want to help.โ
You ponder for a moment, unable to find any more lies in his eyes. The longer you look at him, the more you wonder how a man like Steve could end up in a family like this, how a seemingly gentle soul wound up in a den of wolves. You relent, giving a small nod, needing to find somethingโ someoneโ to hold on to in order to keep yourself sane, and Steve seemed to be the safest option next to Jake.
โAlright,โ You agreed.
โIs there anything I can do? Get for you?โ
You shook your head despite your stomach growling, protesting the lack of food in your system. It must have been loud because Steveโs eyebrow ticked up and he offered a small, knowing smile.
โIโll grab you something light. Iโll be right back.โ
You nodded, looked around the room, eyes falling on a small table by the window, and opted to take a seat, leaning back in your chair as Steve left. The afternoon light was slowly beginning to fade, casting long shadows across the carpet, the breeze outside picking up, causing the trees to sway; birds danced in the sky, and you envied their wings, and you couldnโt help but wonder if Steve envied them too.
It wasnโt long before he returned, a bowl balanced in his palm on top of a cloth, steam rising and releasing a rich, savory scent of soup. He walked over and placed the bowl carefully in front of you, revealing a simple, clear broth with a few pieces of chicken and vegetables. It looks plain, simpleโ honest.ย He reached into his back pocket to present and offer a spoon.
โHopefully, this will be easier on your stomach. Eat what you can, and then Iโll find you something else laterโ Well, if you want,โ Steve offered, tone light.
He stood back, hands hiding in his pockets again, and watched you with an expression that read as a mix of guilt and a grim sense of family duty.
โThanks.โ You smiled and took the spoon, sipping a little; the soup was surprisingly comforting.
Steve pulled out the chair across from you, the very same one you had attempted to break the window with, and sat down heavily, his gaze drifting out of the window to the manicured grounds below. For a long moment, neither of you spoke; the only sound was the mixture of your breaths and the clink of the spoon against the bowl.
โJake said Ari was married.โ
Steveโs gaze snapped back from the window and fell on you, his eyebrows lifted in surprise. He seemed thrown by the sudden breaking of the silence and the shift in conversation, especially by your chosen subject. He leaned back in his chair, a conflict pulling at his brows as if he was weighing how much he wanted, or could, share.
โYeah,โ He answered, letting out a slow breath. โHe was. For a few years. His wifeโฆ She left, took the kid with her.โ He looked down at his hands, folded on the table. His voice was low and tinged with something that didnโt seem like sympathy, more like a general weariness with the familyโs dramas. โItโs part of why heโsโฆ Well, why is he the way he is now? Closed off. He thinks he canโt trust anyone anymore. Thinks caring about someone just gives them a weapon to use against you later. Fails to see the part he played in it all.โ
Steve nodded to himself, his eyes stuck on his hands. The admission hung heavy in the air, and you couldnโt quite find the words to reply as he shared a rare moment of candidness about the familyโs grip on its members; the fading light cast long shadows across his face, emphasizing the lines of tension there.
โShe wanted him out,โ he continued to share. โTo leave this all behind, butโฆ I guess he was in too deep. I think we probably all are.โ
He finally looked up at you, his blue eyes holding yours with a stark, unvarnished honesty, showing he was just a man who acknowledged he was trapped in the same cage you were.
โSo, I take it that the club and trafficking girls is only the tip of the icebergโฆโ You attempted to pry.
Steveโs whole body seemed to tighten as he glanced around the room, as if checking for peering eyes and perked up ears. He rubbed at the back of his neck before his voice dropped quietly.
โThe clubs the public face. Almost legitimate. Everything else happens elsewhere.โ
โEverything else?โ You probed, scooping up another spoonful of soup.
โIf you can think of it, weโre in it,โ Steve answered ambiguously. โIf thereโs a way to make a dirty dollar, weโve got a hand in it. Peteโs Place is justโฆ The prettiest part of the machine. Donโt ask me anything else, and donโt you even think about asking any of them, or youโll really end up stuck here.โ
Steve looked as if he had already shared too much; his shoulders tensed as he tried to lean back as far as the chair would allow, putting distance between you both. The brief moment of shared confidence was over.
โYou donโt seem the type,โ You said. โTo do such things.โ
Steve gave a small, wry smile that didnโt reach his eyes. He looked down at his hands, turning them over as if inspecting them for stains.
โIโm not,โ He said quietly. โNot really. Iโ I haveโฆ I have a knack for finding things. I guess. Information, mostly. People, sometimesโฆ but, my hands tend to stayโฆ relatively clean.โ
He let out a breath, his smile fading. His eyes drifted back to the window, the gold light of the fading daylight bled into the blue.
โWere you following me?โ You asked bluntly, dropping the spoon into the bowl. โIs that how they knew?โ
The question hung heavy in the air, sharp and direct. Steveโs posture seemed stiffened immediately, and for a moment, it didnโt look like he was going to acknowledge your questions, but he eventually met your gaze, the blue holding something complex, kind of like relief; as if he could finally give an honest, full answer. He shook his head, voice firm as he spoke.
โNo, I wasnโt following you, Sugar. Iโve beenโฆ away for a while. Dealing with my own shit. I had no need to find you; Pete had already done that. Heโd had his eyes on you from the start. He let you believe you were getting away with it, he let the debt build and waited for the right moment to call it in.โ
He leaned forward slightly, expression earnest, as if willing you to believe this particular truth, which you did. The confession about his absence seemed to carry its own weight, a private burden he wasnโt ready to unpack.
โDo you promise that youโll never ask meโฆโ You paused, struggling to find the words. โThat youโll never want me like that? Like how they do?โ
The question caught Steve off guard. He looked at you, really looked at you, and the weariness in his eyes seemed to deepen. He didnโt answer straight away, perhaps weighing the truth of his own desires against the promise you were desperately asking forโ hoping for. His gaze softened, but it was a sad, resigned kind of softness, as you let out a breath of relief.
โHad this been any other situation,โ He started, voice sounding sincere and soft. โIn a bar, or a coffee shopโ Hell, even the clubโฆ. I wouldโve been trying every single shitty technique in the book to get you to come home with me. But this?โ He gestured vaguely to the room around you. โThis? I donโt want you like this. I wonโt try a single thing. I swear to you.โ
You pause for a moment, searching his face, his eyes, everything about him to try and find a shred of dishonesty; there isnโt any, or at least there doesnโt seem to be any. How you got lucky to find a bear in a wolfโs den youโd never know, but how grateful you were to have done so. You knew he couldnโt be there to keep them at bay, but he could be there to undo the damage and offer you rest in a house that was determined to keep you running.
โHow do I deal with Curtis? With Lloyd? I know you already said to give in, but how? How do I give in to that? I can handle Pete; Iโve been doing that for months. Jake seemsโฆ Fine? I guess, if you can call it that. Ariโs an asshole, but again, easy to deal with. You were so upset about them, Iโโ
โHey, hey,โ Steve cut in, hand reaching out for yours hesitantly, and despite the pull for comfort, you slid your hand back. โLloyd wonโt force you. Not physically. But, heโll make you feel like you wish he had. Itโs a game to him. He wants to see you break, to give in because you want it all to stop. Justโฆ Donโt cry. It spurs him on.โ He ran a hand over his face, the weight of the advice clearly costing him parts of his sanity. โCurtโฆ Heโs a blunt instrument. That's the best way I can put it. He doesnโt play games the way Lloyd does. Donโt fight him; itโll only excite him. The best thing to do is to give in and let him get bored. Iโll be there at his door wanting, and Iโll help you, Iโll care for you. Itโs gonna be hard, and itโs gonna suckโฆโ He trailed off, shaking his head as if he couldnโt find the words to finish explaining. โI donโt know what else I can do or say to prepare you.โ
You nodded, unable to do anything else as you let the grim advice sink in. The soup sat unfinished between you both, growing cold along with your souls. Steve checked his watch as the sun dipped lower before he reached across the table and moved the bowl away from you. His movements were careful, like he was afraid that any sudden motion could shatter the fragile truce between you.
โIs thereโฆ Is there anything I can do for you?โ Steve asked. โA bath, maybe? Let you clean up beforeโฆ everything starts?โ
โAriโs fucking dreaming if he thinks Iโm ever sleeping with him again.โ
A short laugh escaped Steve, the corner of your own mouth ticking up slightly, a sound that surprised you both. Itโs devoid of any real humor, more of a release of tension that you both desperately needed. He shook his head, an almost pitying smile tugging at his lips.
โWell, to relax then.โ
He glanced towards the en-suite bathroom door, then back at you; a mixture of genuine concern and the grim understanding of whatโs to come. โA hot bath might help? I mean, itโs better than just sitting hereโฆ waiting, and then you could try and get some more sleep.โ
You nodded, knowing he was right, and drifting in hot water didnโt sound awful.
โA bath sounds good,โ You agreed.
Steve nodded and got to his feet, the chair moving softly against the carpet. He crossed the room and disappeared into the bathroom, and soon after, you heard the faucet turn on, and the sound of running water filled the room. He returned a moment later, leaning against the doorframe and drying his hands on a small hand towel. He beckoned you over with a flick of his head and a small smile.
โItโs running, Iโll give you some privacy. I can leaveโโ
โCan you stay? Just for a bit longer?โ
โYeah,โ he agreed. โIโll be right here. Call me if you need anything.โ
You got to your feet and made your way across the room. Steve stepped aside to let you pass. You paused for a moment, staring up at him, and a sudden need for comfort clawed at your gut, but you pushed it down.
โThank you.โ
โOf course,โ Steve replied, and stepped further into the bedroom.
You closed the bathroom door behind you with a parting smile. It was spacious, done up in the same gold and cream tones as the bedroom, with marble countertops and a deep, freestanding tub that sent over a luring scent of lavender as the bubbles inside climbed higher. The air grew warm and humid as you began to undress, realizing the smell of Ari and the sticky sickliness of the club still clung to your skinโ a sordid mix of cologne, sweat, and smoke. You catch your reflection in the mirror; hair tangled and eyes wide with a mixture of fear, desolation, and the smoldering flame of your waning defiance.
You averted your gaze and stepped into the water, the heat a shocking comfort against your tense muscles. The cuts on your hands stung as they hit the water, acting as a harsh reminder that you were still here, still stuck. The steam rose around you, and for a few precious moments, the water washed away the grime of the club, the touches from Ari, and let you forget your cage. You leaned your head back against the cool porcelain, let your eyes fall closed, and allowed yourself to enjoy these last few moments of peace before the storm closed in.
You stayed submerged until the warmth had seeped deep into your bones, offering a temporary numbness. The water had begun to cool, and you reluctantly pulled yourself out; the air felt cool against your skin, making you shiver.er. You stepped out and reached for a thick, plush power and quickly dried yourself before plucking a robe hanging from the door. It swallowed you, sitting heavy on your shoulders and smelling faintly of clean linen.
As you stepped back into the bedroom, you found the space transformed. The trays of food had gone, the room was tidy, the bed neatly made up; the corner of the covers pulled back slightly to welcome you inside. Steve was perched on the window ledge, one knee drawn up; fingers clapped over his knee as he stared out at the darkening grounds. He turned as you entered, a soft smile touched his lips as he studied you.
โFeeling better?โ He sought out. He nodded towards the nightstand, drawing your attention to a tall glass of water that now sat next to a small, wrapped chocolate. It was a small, almost childish gesture of care, starkly out of place. โFigured you might be thirsty.โ
You nodded and grabbed the glass before sitting down on the edge of the bed. You drank the water slowly, the cool liquid a sharp contrast to the bathโs warmth. You felt Steveโs eyes on you from across the room. The silence was heavy, but not uncomfortable; it was the quiet of two people, both trapped in the same terrible situation, who had hoped to find a temporary peace. You heard Steve get to his feet as you placed the glass down, and you turned your head to meet his eyes as he walked around the bed's frame and came before you.ou. He offered out a hand, which you cautiously took, finding it warm and surprisingly gentle. He guided you up and led you a few steps back from the bed, his movement careful, almost reverent. He pulled back the heavy duvet and crisp sheets further.
He doesnโt say a word as he helps you into the bed, pulling up the covers as you slip underneath. He tucked the duvet around your shoulders, his touch lingering for a brief second before he pulled away.
โSo?โ He asked softly.
You wondered for a moment before realizing you hadnโt answered his previous question.
โOh, umโฆโ Your nose scrunched up as you offered an apologetic smile. โNo, not really. Maybe for a moment.โ
โIโm sorry,โ Steve said, voice a soft murmur. โGet some rest. Iโll come check on you beforeโฆ well, you know.โ
He gave you one last, long lookโ pity, guilt, and something else you couldnโt quite nameโ before he turned and walked to the door. He paused at the threshold, hand on the handle until it clicked open, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the wood. Without turning back, he opened the door, stepped through, and pulled it shut; the sound was softer this time, almost an apology in and of itself.ย ย
You were left alone in the vast, silent room. The only light came from the moon outside the window and the short glare from under the door. The bed's comfort felt like a mockery. You closed your eyes despite sleep feeling like a distant country; the sounds of your own breathing and the creeping dread of what was to come were your only comfort, and as much as the logical side of you warned you to be careful, a deeper need begged for Steve to return quickly.
When your eyes next opened, the room was enveloped in darkness, and you found yourself lost in the time you fell asleep; however, where there should be silence, the sound of crisp burning filled your ears. You sat up, eyes darting to the corner of the room where you found Ari standing by the open window, smoke drifting around him.
โGet out,โ You bit out.
Ari huffed out a laugh, almost coughing as he exhaled the smoke from his lungs.
โSโafter midnight, Sugar,โ Ari informed you smugly.
โI donโt care. I told you last night. Iโm not giving you anythingโโ
โYeah, thatโs not gonna work,โ He continued, as if you didnโt speak. โFighting, screaming, attempting to starve yourself. All youโre doing is making it worse.โ
"Then let me go."
"You know I can't do that."
"You mean you won't."
Ariโs jaw tightened as he took one last drag of his cigarette and threw the stub out of the window before pulling a small key from his pocket and shutting the window and locking it shut.
"You owe Pete. You broke the rules. This is the consequence,โ He tried to embed, and you wondered if he was trying to convince you or himself.
"This is kidnapping," you spat. "This isโ"
"This is survival," Ari interrupted,his voice hard. "Yours and mine. You think I want to be here? You think I want to do this?" He stepped closer to the bed, and you pressed yourself back against the headboard. "But I don't have a choice. And neither do you."
"There's always a choice."
"Not for you. Not anymore." He crouched down beside the bed so he was at eye level with you. His expression was cold. "You can keep fighting. Keep refusing. Keep making this difficult. And every time you do, Lloyd will add time to your debt. Every time you scream, every time you refuse to eat, every time you make Curtis or Pete or any of us work harder to keep you in lineโyou stay longer."
Your chest tightened.
"Or," Ari continued, rising up slowly to his feet, "you can accept it. Play along. Do what you're told. And maybeโmaybeโyou get out of here in a few months instead of a few years."
"I'm not going toโ"
"Yes, you are." His voice is flat, harsh, and final. "Because the alternative is worse. Trust me. Today, you're mineโ Whether you like it or not. And if you keep fighting me?" He leaned down towards the bed, fists pushing into the mattress as he glared over at you, something dark in his eyes. "You'll regret it."
And for the first time, the full weight of your situation crashed down on you like it hadnโt before. It sat deep in your chest and snaked around your throat. You weren't getting out; not by fighting, not by screaming, not by pleading. They had thought of everything. Every possible play you thought you had was already meticulously mapped out.
You found Ari was right about one thing:
This was survival, and you had every intention of getting out of there as quickly as you could.
Oh, we hate Ari so much. Because what some of the other men are gonna do is horrible, of course, but Ari lied to her. And made her think that he actually cared about her, he's actually the worst one.
meet some of the pete's place regulars!
ห โก โง.* : ฬฬโ requests by: two anons, @welight-theway, @crokitheloki, @hansensgirl, @buggy14, @leaderofthebadbitchbrigade.
โง.*เณโโท pete's place | the intro | opening night | the playlist เผ*ยทห
this is a dark au/verse. minors need not interact. happy endings don't happen here.
๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐ซ
41 years old.
6โ2โโ.
Suburban dad with a dark side.ย
Likes flashing the cash for a look as he doesnโt get much attention back home.
Never misses stopping by when heโs in town.
Has a type and it just so happens to be you.
Brings you gifts; new outfits, new shoes, gold chains, etc, every single time he visits the club.
Will spend the whole night promising you the worldโ and his wallet, if you just go home with him.
Top Three: Daddy Kink, Overstimulation, Praise Kink.ย
๐๐ฎ๐๐ค๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฌ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ
45 years old.
6โ4โโ.
Oh, what a nice manโ
Warning sirens sound in the distance.
Danger! Danger!ย
The man will make you beg, make you cry, rearrange your insides, make you fall in love and break you down all within a night.
The man is all kinds of fucked up. But knows how to hide it well.
Under Lloyds employement so like, you can guess the kinds of fucked up.ย
Did awful things while serving in the army, brought some of that back home with him.
Protect you? More like slaughter anyone who gives you a momentary glance.ย
Top Three: Rough (Violent) Sex, Service Kink, Corruption Kink.
๐๐จ๐ก๐ง๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ค๐๐จ๐ฒ
28 years old.
6โ1โโ.
Cocky motherfucker, hot and he knows it.
The embodiment of a hyper puppy.ย
Acts like heโs always got the zoomies whenever heโs in the club.
Annoys the absolute shit out of all the girls but heโs hot, so they deal with it.
Secretly a sweetheart but never shuts his mouth.
Gets a little too handsy when heโs had a drinkโ or five.ย
Always asking Pete to loan him one of his girls for the night.
Donโt get him twisted, the guy FUCKS. and he's NASTY about it
Top Three: Dirty Talk, Deepthroating, Body Worship (receiving).ย
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ซ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐๐
43 years old.
6โ0โโ.
Corrupt little wank, likeโs to make Pete nervous when he comes around, but heโd never spill on the shady things as he likes the clubโs views.ย
Talks big shit but youโll find him in the VIP rooms on a Saturday night.ย
A little wrong in the head, but treat him right and heโll make you scream.ย
Can get a little rough with the girls when he's had a few.
Tight with money so always tries it on for a discount for not opening his mouth.
Has a big cock and is smug about it.
Likes 'em on their knees with an wide open mouth.
Top Three: Daddy Kink, Corruption Kink, Choking.ย
๐๐ข๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐ซ
32 years old
6โ0โโ.
Troubled addict thatโs in the club; Every. Single. Night.
Likes just to watch, girls kinda hate him in the club because he wonโt even throw a dollar bill but will spend a paycheck on drinks and other things.
Spends money he doesnโt have, does the odd job for Pete when heโs in a little legal trouble which gets him the odd night in the VIP rooms.
Donโt underestimate him though.
Will have you crawling back for seconds.
While not the roughest by any means, get him high enough and annoyed enough, heโll make sure youโre not walking for the next two weeks.
Top Three: High Sex, Overstimulation, Throat-Fucking.ย
๐๐ญ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐
35 years old
6โ1โโ.
Idk, fam, somethings off about this one but we're gonna ignore it, okay?
Stares a little too long, kinda like heโs hunting.
Makes your heart race a little being around himโ fuck or fight i guess. I know which Iโm doing.ย
Tips nicely but never wants a private dance, likes to watch and drop cash at your feet after.
Weirdo tbh. Itโs not like he ainโt got the money.ย
Sucks to be you if you decide to go home with him.
You ain't coming back, honey.
Top Three: Blood Play, Knife Play, Bondage/Rope.
*** if by chance, i have missed your req and you know you sent it before reqs were closed, please let me know asap so i can add it to this list!! thank u all sm for u patience. i love u all<33
๐๐๐ค, ๐ ๐๐ โ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐โฆ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐คโ๐๐ก ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ย ๐๐ข๐๐ย โ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐?
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ เผ*ยทห | take a peak here! โขยฐ. *เฟ
โง* meet the brothers | meet the uncles | check out the playlist *โง
the concept *โง เผ*ยทห
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> gif set one - pete finds out
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> gif set two - ari meets with his uncle
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> gif set three - the boys are arguing, again
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> gif set four - anywhere you want | pete brenner
meet the family *โง เผ*ยทห
๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ: ๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐
*updated daily!
the introduction *โง เผ*ยทห
opening night *โง เผ*ยทห
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> pete's place: the regulars
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> visitor: ransom drysdale
pete's place presents: the drabbles. *โง เผ*ยทห
๐๐๐ญ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> Chapter One
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> Chapter Two
ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห -> Chapter Three
*minors need not interact. this is a 18+ space.
*this is a dark au, with heavy topics & triggers. happy endings do not happen here.
uh oh it's almost August !

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3 months plus to go but you know donโt lose sight of it!

