Page 123 of Dark Duet: Platinum Edition

At the bottom of the stairway, Felipe greeted Caleb. “Good to have you join us, my friend. I see you have your lovely Kitten in tow. Everyone is looking forward to seeing her.”

“Felipe,” Caleb acknowledged. I couldn’t help but notice Caleb didn’t sound too pleased.

Our eyes met over Caleb’s shoulder, but he did not let on about my disobedience. In fact, he winked at me. We were sharing yet another moment, unbeknownst to my master. I flushed deeply.

“I thought you should know the boy is here with Mr. B tonight and will be part of the evening’s entertainment,” Felipe added in a whisper loud enough for me to hear. The statement had a mocking edge, as if he were poking fun at Caleb. I didn’t like it.

“Interesting,” Caleb replied, simple and abrupt. Caleb lifted his head and scanned the small gathering of people. Instinctually, I scanned the room as well and promptly received a continuous tug of shooting pain through my nipples for the effort.

“Eyes down,” Caleb said over his shoulder to me, his voice riddled with undisguised anger.

“Yes, Master,” I said in a jagged whisper. I wanted to scream from the pain torturing my nipples, but the tension on the chain lessened, and my breath spun out in a heavy sigh of relief.

Caleb moved past Felipe. I followed, fearful of the damn chain he held. We stepped off the marble stairway onto carpet and crossed the room. The soft touch of the plush carpeting massaged the bottom of my stocking feet.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” came a man’s Southern drawl, followed by a low whistle. “She’s a beauty. I’d love to test drive her, especially if she handles anything like this one Felipe gave my wife to try.” The man moved back for Caleb to look.

I dared raise my eyes only a bit, my head still bent toward the floor. From the corner of my eye, I saw a boy near my age standing on his knees. He was perhaps the most beautifully handsome boy I’d ever seen. Still, I could not shake the notion I knew him somehow. He raised his dark blue eyes just enough to connect with mine. My breath caught and my eyes opened wide.

“Kid!” I exclaimed before I could stop myself. Pain quickly overturned surprise as my nipples burned from incessant pressure.

“Eyes down, Kitten,” Caleb snapped.

I was slow in my obedience. I’d known Kid had been captured, but I hadn’t seen him since the night Caleb and I had arrived at the mansion. I wondered where he had been all this time. His hair was longer, his body leaner, and his demeanor signaled just how deeply he’d been broken down. Despite everything, he looked healthy – perhaps even happy. I didn’t know how to feel about seeing him. Kid reminded me too much of what had happened to me with the bikers. I tried hard to remember he had been the one to stop his friends from beating me to death.

Caleb tugged again, this time with only as much force as was necessary to demand my attention.

“Yes, Master,” I finally whispered, and Caleb held me still to untie my wrists.

“Keep your hands behind your back unless you need them for balance.”

Forced into close proximity, I couldn’t help but take in the sight of Kid dressed only in a loin cloth. His wrists were tethered, and he had clamps on his nipples. Around his neck, there was a collar with a leather leash attached. His body radiated heat against my legs. I wanted to cry out from the injustice of it all. I began to pant with anxiety – maybe even panic.

“Oh, she’s a feisty one. I think I’d like to play with her for a while,” Mr. B added, and a chuckle rumbled out, sounding like it came from the bottom of his belly.

“That won’t be possible,” Caleb said. His tone was somewhat harsh, and I couldn’t help but notice the way those near him stared at him. “Kitten is meant for other things.”

I raised my eyes slightly, looking through the fringe of my lashes as he led me toward a table dressed in white linen. Candelabras bathed a warm glow over the two couples at the table enjoying cocktails and conversation. They wore suits and gowns – aristocrats dressed up for an expensive night out.

A woman, dressed similar to me, sat on her knees near the table. Her body was poised, yet relaxed. Her eyes were cast down and her hands were folded over her thighs. Caleb stopped near her, dropping the chain into her hands. He pressed my shoulders down. I bent down to rest on my knees and the plug in my ass shifted. Sensations pulsed through my body, making me shake.

“I’ll be right back, Celia. Make sure Kitten remains here for a few minutes.”

I gasped, not recognizing Celia, but kept my eyes down. As soon as Caleb walked away, I raised my eyes slightly to get a better look. Celia looked exotic and beautiful. I knew, of course, she belonged to Felipe, but I had no idea she was subject to participating in anything like this. Last time, she had wielded the crop, but tonight, she was a prisoner like me – and, apparently, Kid.

Another couple, a tall woman and a short man, both dressed in white, approached. They were pulling a red-corseted woman behind them. The woman wore nipple chains, red silk stockings, and a red lace thong, with a red ribbon weaved through her long dark hair. The couple settled at the table, and the woman in red sat on her knees next to the man.

The classic formalwear and respectful murmur of voices intertwined with a gentle tinkle of laughter. Theirs was a different world from the one I was used to. Men with smiling faces, women dripping with sparkling jewelry and long polished nails, tugging behind them corseted half-naked women. I noticed Kid was the only male prisoner.

“Everyone, please find a seat. We are ready to serve your first course,” Felipe announced from the end of the table. Gentle music began playing in the background and more candles were lit around the room. Caleb came to get me at the same time Felipe came for Celia.

“Come on, Kitten, let’s have some dinner. I’m sure you’re hungry.” Caleb moved slowly so I could keep up crawling along on my knees the few feet to the table. He sat down at the table, positioning me next to him on the floor.

Servers dressed in scant uniforms, barely covering their breasts or backsides, placed platters of appetizers down the center of the table. Some refreshed water glasses, and others refilled wine glasses.

On the other side of me sat Felipe, Celia close to his side on the floor. The woman in white sat next to Caleb.

“Kitten, you’re behaving exemplarily tonight,” Felipe whispered and gently touched my shoulder. I remained in position, though his touch sent a shiver of mistrust down my arm. I turned my head slightly to see if Caleb noticed.