Page 67 of Rescuing Rebel
If Kaufman only knew the forces in this room will one day take all this away from him, he wouldn’t be so smug. Ethan won’t tell me why he’s here with his team, but they are Guardians, and Guardians do only one thing.
And they’re experts at their job.
“Behold my latest inspiration. An elite class of willing Angels gentled into an eagerness to please.” Kaufman’s signet ring glints as he gestures toward the dancing Angels.
“I would think men with the ability to pay would find willing women on their own without difficulty.” Ethan’s eyes harden, jaw clenching.
Kaufman’s laughter grates harshly. “I simply provide a service to discerning clients. Some prefer more—spirited conquests.” His smile sharpens. “Others prefer them already broken. All of them wish to own them. A willing woman hanging on your arm must be bought and paid for day after day. Plying her with trinkets for her continued interest. That is not what my clients crave.”
Ethan tenses but betrays nothing. “I understood your clients sought more—aggressive services.” His tone drips contempt.
Kaufman bristles slightly but smooths his expression. “Indeed, the auction offerings attract those with particular proclivities. Prime specimens for clients with particular tastes. Men who value discretion aren’t afraid to take what they desire.” He runs a proprietary hand along my bare arm. “But Rebel convinced me an untapped market existed for more refined sensibilities. Men who don’t stomach the fine art of breaking a woman, but desire a willing, devoted—companion.”
“Is that what we’re calling slaves these days? Willing companions?”
“Only the Angels,” Kaufman smirks, then laughs as he pats my knee. “I still have many who relish that initial breaking-in period.”
I force myself to lean into Kaufman’s touch, suppressing a shudder of revulsion as I play my part.
Ethan bristles but betrays nothing.
Pride warms Kaufman’s eyes as he turns his attention to me. “Rebel screens new acquisitions, then takes only the most promising prospects. She then gentles them into willing pets. Eager to serve their new masters. Women who only need to beboughtone time.” His chest swells. “It was her brilliant idea.”
Bile scorches my throat at his twisted words. I demurely lower my gaze, the ultimate picture of compliant consent. Yet inwardly, I seethe, my fury a caged beast desperate to sink its teeth into Kaufman’s neck.
Soon,I silently vow.Soon, your fortress will fall.
Ethan inclines his head slightly. “Your business is yours. Forgive any bluntness or disinterest from my men. I’ve instructed them not to touch your offerings. Tracing your security breach is our sole focus.”
“I appreciate that, and this display is to demonstrate the quality of our offerings.”
“They are exquisite.” Storm clouds swirl in Ethan’s eyes.
Kaufman turns to me. “Rebel has become invaluable to me.”
I force myself to meet his gaze and smile.
“I’m sure she has.” Ethan’s eyes bore into mine across the table.
Kaufman misses the tense undercurrent. “Indeed. She is indispensable for transforming our more reluctant acquisitions.” His possessive hand on my knee makes me sick, but I know how to hide my revulsion and remain outwardly compliant.
Kaufman’s rings flash as he claps sharply, echoing through the room. “As a token of my thanks, you and your men should indulge in my hospitality.” He snaps his fingers, and Angels glide to the men, draping themselves over tense shoulders.
“Tempting as your gift may be, we’re here to work. My men must remain focused on the task at hand. Regrettably, we must graciously decline.”
Jeb shifts away from the dancer’s seeking hands, his cheeks flaming. Gabe stands abruptly, nearly toppling the petite blonde, pawing at his arm.
Kaufman pins Ethan with a look, his grip on my knee tightening until his rings bite into my flesh. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. Use the Angels as you wish, or don’t.” Kaufman rises, hauling me to my feet with him. “Good night, gentlemen.”
The Angels retreat, but Ethan’s stormy gaze follows me.
Does he know that behind my demure smile, fury smolders at the beasts who seek to control and possess me?
Our silent battle of wills continues, but deception cannot thrive in this place. I need to come clean with Ethan, but to do that, we need to be alone.
And that is something Kaufman will never allow.
TWENTY-FIVE