6. Alex

CHAPTER 6

The last thing I want to do is help this bitch get ready to send a message to her dad, but my love needs it. She has to look beautiful enough to fool his business acquaintances, but not so good that word gets back to her father that she's being treated well. I've already chosen the dress she'll wear and will have people come in to do her hair and make-up before it. People who'll be able to handle the brief. I find myself thinking about Kase and his growing fascination with the girl. He was indifferent, at most, before she got here, but he's beginning to see past the anger and need for vengeance. I can see it - even if he doesn't. It's in the softness that sometimes passes across his face when he looks at her. The irritation in his voice and demeanor when she's in the box too long. Last night was the first time that I thought he might be growing a conscience about what he was doing. The first time he fucked me harder to drown out her crying and whimpering. I underestimated his hatred for her, even though his desire to avenge his father's murder grows.

He'll be back by 5pm and has promised me a night on the town. I need her seen to and out of his sight. Even putting her in the box might cause his mood to shift. I call down to the kitchen with instructions for her to be fed at 7. I go down to her room and open the door without knocking. She's lying on the bed and staring out of the small window. She gets up when I enter and looks at the floor. I inspect her - I'm pretty sure about her size and weight. The dress will be suitable. I need to make sure that they're briefed on her skin tone and which jewels will suit her. Strangely aroused by her trembling with fear every time I raise my hand to touch her hair or check if her ears are pierced. I lift her chin and look at her. The eyes don't lie. No matter how good she looks on Thursday, the look of fear and desperation will be obvious to anyone who knows her. That should make Kase happy.

"At the dinner - the same rules will apply. You speak only when spoken to. Although these men think that this is just a casual business event -it's actually to send a message to your father. So, you need to be miserable for the ones he knows. Got it." I tell her and she nods. "Good girl. If Kase is happy with the outcome, then I'll be happy and maybe...just maybe- your life here will be a little easier." I start laughing and leave her trembling as I leave the room.

I go down to the office and make the call. I need to organize everything for Thursday evening and then I go to the kitchen to discuss the seating and menu for the night. I feel like Mrs. Kase Quill already. I am so in love with him and so desperate for him to know how valuable I could be to him. I know he doesn't love me yet, but there are moments when I can feel tenderness and affection and it gives me hope. The chef has a list of everyone's particular dietary requirements and has prepared for them before, but nothing can go wrong. A lot's riding on that night - not just for Kase but for me. If he can see that I can fit easily into his world maybe, he'll let go of this irrational fear that they'll see him as weak and an easy mark instead of the ruthless businessman he's worked to become since his father's murder. When I'm sure that the staff has a handle on the food and decor, I feel comfortable moving on to the next part of the plan, which is to convince Kase that I should be there to keep an eye on the girl. To make sure that she's never alone with anyone long enough to tell them anything about our little situation. Even though she seems harmless and he's all but convinced that she knows what's at stake, it wouldn't hurt to stoke his fears. I know it's manipulative, but I need something. Unlike her, I cannot afford to make any wrong moves and risk being cast out. Kase is my future and I'm his, whether he knows it or not.