Page 24 of Maxim

I freeze, knowing I’ve been caught.

Think, Olena. Think.

Wiping my face quickly, I let his jacket fall to the ground. Then I sit on the couch naked, staring at the door waiting.

I would do anything for my siblings. Even play the part with this man so that I can get to them. I only need him to relax enough to fall asleep. Then I make a break for it.

Getting into my father’s home will be harder, but I can do it.

The door clicks open, revealing the man who purchased me. He is attractive, no doubt, but I cannot forget the monster he is. What kind of person exchanges money for another human being? No one I want to be involved with.

I watch as he enters in the code, cursing myself for not hiding and trying to learn it. It doesn’t matter now, though. I need to leave tonight. I cannot leave my siblings with my father for even one night. It’s too dangerous.

When Maxim turns toward the living room, he stops short, staring at me.

Quietly, I stand, walking over to him. Then I drop to my knees.

“How can I please you?”

For a second, he just looks at me. Then his face fills with disgust.

“Get up.”

When I don’t do what he says, he grabs my arm, pulling me up.

“Get dressed. We need to talk about ground rules. Number one being that you are to remain clothed when I am present.” He looks away from me, making me feel ashamed.

I thought this is what he wanted. Why did he buy me if he didn’t want to use me?

“I have no clothes,” I whisper, suddenly feeling like a fool.

“Follow me.”

I do as he asks, following him into the bedroom he said was mine. He shuffles through a couple of drawers, pulling out a T-shirt and sweatpants.

“Put these on, then meet me in the living room.”

He leaves without a word, making me wonder what his game is. How is he cruel?

I put the clothes on quickly before heading back into the living room. I find him standing in the middle of it, staring at the wall. When he turns to face me, his eyes roam my body.

I feel self-conscious. I am covered, but I feel vulnerable anyway. This man controls my life. My plan has fallen apart. I need to get my siblings, but how can I if this man cannot be distracted with my body? What else do I have?

“Sit.”

I do as he asks, waiting for the other shoe to fall.

“I want you to give me your measurements. I will have clothing for you by tomorrow. As for the rest of the rules, there is no leaving this place without me. It is not safe for you. Your father is watching our every move. If he thinks for a second that you aren’t what I claimed you are to me, he will kill us both and likely the two young children at his house too.”

My heart catches as I gasp. “No.”

Not them. I can’t lose them.

Looking up at the monster, I realize it’s hopeless.

I can’t save anyone.

I can’t even save myself.