On the Auction Block (Closed to DungeonsofDread)

[ChaseMePleez]

The crowded square in London was a spectacle that not many could pass up. People owing money were to be set up to be auctioned to the highest bidder to work off their debt. The highest bidder would purchase the debt owed from the auctioneer and do with the man or woman as they pleased. The crowd watched ub excitement as several people were brought up to the auction block with their heads hung low in shame, accepting the fate that was given to them. Miss Constance Denton was not one to conform to the people who held her prisoner.

Her black hair had been sheered short, barely hiding the fierceness of those hazel eyes. She was dressed in a light blue dress which was badly worn and torn in some areas. Her curvy figure made her the center of attention very easily. The top of her dress was open to reveal the generous swell of her breasts and creamy skin. Constance's brother had incurred a massive debt to a very dangerous man. When time came for him to pay up, her beloved brother only too happily let them cart her off.

Two burly men dragged her to the block. "Take your hands off of me, you fucking bastards!" A lady in this day and age wasn't heard of but Constance really didn't care at the moment. She was about to be sold! Ladies in the crowd gasped in shock at her language. "I'll fucking kill anyone who even tries to buy me. I will rip the manhood off of any bastards who tries to buy me into his bed."

Born with an Irish temper, Constance's mouth usually got her into more trouble than she can deal with. Today was no different. She was so weak from hunger that she could barely stand but she was determined to put up a fight. "Heaven help you if you're stupid enough to let me in your home."

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas Stevenson stood proud amongst the crowd gathered at the auction block. He easily towered over the throng of people watching the action unfold. He noted several shy glances from the women in the crowd especially those that knew of his status.

For those that didn't know of him only saw his strong built frame below a handsome face. His beard and mustache sat clean and neat on his powerful masculine jaw. The short dark brown hair upon his head was styled to the current trend and his dark brown eyes were full of confidence. He wore a long black overcoat on top of his specially designed white vest, his knee breeches were made of expensive cotton and his leather boots were tailor designed for his purposes. Thomas flashed his casual admirers with a knowing smile, most responded with a modest blush but others returned a much less wholesome expression.

Thomas came from a very wealthy family. The Stevenson Ranch was the most prestigious horse breeding and taming farm in London and Thomas was the head of the business. Due to his vast wealth he became very frivolous with his spending. Buying all manner of extravagant objects legal or otherwise. Also he participated in a variety of extra curricular activities, some of which were not socially acceptable.

Today, Thomas was not interested in the horses or the women in the crowd. Instead he was satisfying one of his more unscrupulous hobbies, the buying and selling of slaves. As the auction began Thomas neutralized his expression as he had done many times before. Though few could ever hope to outbid him, the thrill of acquiring his prize at minimal cost still excited him.

As the day wore on many men and women were presented to the crowd, all of them seemed dull and lifeless. That is until he saw her. She was a beautiful creature to be sure; with her short black hair and the torn blue dress any man would have little trouble conjuring a dark fantasy in his mind. However it was not her outward appearance that excited him. She shouted angrily at the crowd, cursing and flailing against her captors. She taunted any would be man who would dare to raise his hand , threatening to end anybody who tried. This woman. This prize was what he had sort after for so long. Many of his previous purchases had been so tedious and short lived. This firecracker of a woman might finally give him the challenge he sought.

The crowd became silent as the auction master called for bids, she continued screaming profanities as he spoke. Thomas scanned the crowd for any competition, they all seemed to frightened of the crazed woman.

"One thousand pounds" Thomas called out confidently. The crowd gasped, such an amount had never been offered especially for someone such as her. Thomas waited for any counter bids but was confident none would match him.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Some of the males in the front of the crowd were leering at Constance in sexual hunger and she spit in their faces. She laughed evilly at their outraged faces. The crowd laughed at her outrageous behavior but it didn't bother her. An older man with balding gray hair and a crooked smile shook his head at her. "Please calm yourself, young one. This can only go badly for you if you don't."

Her heart thawed for the old man with lonely green eyes. He was looking at her with such compassion and she watched as someone shoved him down. Her anger got the better of her and she wrenched from her guards and kicked the idiot who hurt him in the face. "As you can see, folks, this girl is in sore need of taming. Who's brave enough to tame London's shrew?"

Constance saw a number of people start to back away from the auction block. She let out a cry when she heard a deep masculine voice bid 'one thousand pounds'. She was confused. Why would he want her after she had displayed such venom? Constance had given all full warning if they bought her only to rape her.

She fought to keep the tears from showing. The auctioneer smiled cheerfully. "Sold. Looks like we have found a home for the shrew. I wish you luck, sir." Constance began to fight in earnest, terrified as to her fate with the mysterious male. She was taken to where the winner could collect her and pay for his purchase.

Constance was given the usual warnings about her behavior but paid them no heed. When finally she got a good look at him, Constance knew she was in trouble. The man was no dirty old man or thin dandy who needed a new maid for his home. This man was handsome and had a knowledge in his eyes that made her heart thud against the bones of her ribcage.

The guards tipped their hats to the man. "Would you like her dispatched to one of your men to transport yourself or would you like us to deliver her to your estate, sir?" Constance growled at the guard who pinches at her skin, likely leaving a bruise. Her beautiful hazel eyes darted from the guard to her new owner, wondering exactly what would happen to her.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas smiled as the auctioneer finalised the bid. The girl seemed quite shocked at his actions which only curbed his fascination for her. With her open display of resistance and profanity, she was probably counting on the fact that no man would dare put their money let alone their manhood out in the open for her to bite at. He'd never been privy to the details of what happened when a piece was not sold, yet perhaps this woman was willing to take the risk of it being better. Perhaps it was better.

The auctioneer asked him whether he would use his own employ to escort the woman, one of the guards holding her pinched her uniquely olive skin, leaving a mark. She growled in response and looked between himself and the guard, her stunning hazel eyes full of determination and defiance.

"That woman is now my property, I will not have her manhandled by these thugs of yours." he angrily stated, directing his attention to the guard who injured her.

"Mathew, Micheal. Take my new prize to our carriage." He asked. Two large burly men stepped beside him and cracked their knuckles in unison. One of them held a pair of shackles which he held out to the woman.

"You best be coming along without any fuss miss, the master can be very impatient at times" Micheal told her. His voice was a gentle deep baritone and there was very little intelligence in his eyes but Thomas didn't employ him for his head.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance could barely contain her frustrated anger as she was loaded into the carriage. Instead of blasting the man with a barrage of curses, she stayed quiet and examined her surroundings. She peered up at the man who paid so much for her. Indeed he was a handsome man with the distinction that came from the rich. The carriage bumped and heaved as they were taken god knows where. Constance didn't know much about the gentry in these parts.

She guessed he must have felt her staring at him because she finally caught his eye. Her mother once told her that you can see a man's soul when you look into his eyes. What Constance saw confused her. This man definitely had a deliberate intent when he bought her. There was knowledgeable sensuality that made her shiver. This man was dangerous and not just to her safety.

There was no way she was going to stay with him. After what seemed like an hour long ride, the carriage finally came to a stop. When the door to the carriage was opened, Constance kicked out, nailing one of the men in his face. Heaving herself upright, Constance jumped out of the carriage, feet first and slammed the door to keep her owner inside.

Swinging her tied hands she managed to knock out another of the men with a good whack to the head. She saw the knife protruding from the boot of one of the men and went for it. Quickly she used it to untie her wrists but before she could get to her legs, someone took a hold of her in a hold she'd never seen used before. A blindfold was placed over her eyes and she was being carried by someone. Now what was to become of her?

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas watched with curiosity as the woman cooperated with his men and allowed herself to loaded into his carriage. When she was secured inside, Mathew and Micheal sat on top of the carriage with the driver, Thomas sat opposite her glancing in her direction with mild interest. . She was most definitely a fine specimen, a true gem for any man's collection. Thomas made note of the rounded orbs of flesh barely contained in her bodice, her smooth creamy white skin enticed his arousal.

By his command the driver spurred the horses on and they lurched forward toward their destination. Stevenson Ranch. The Ranch was situated on the outskirts of the city in the farm lands to the north. Thomas was glad to be away from the hustle and bustle of London and when they passed the city limits he breathed deeply the clean crisp country air. He spent most of the journey ignoring his new companion as it was not proper to speak to one such as her directly, at least not here.

When Thomas grew weary of the rolling hills and vast country side he dared a look at his new acquisition. She stared directly into his eyes, the brilliant hazel hue penetrating his soul. If her intent was to frighten him she would be sorely disappointed, Thomas had not reached his position of power by faltering to the stare of a mere slave girl. Still though, he couldn't help sense a slight amount of guarded sensuality behind her gaze, there was so much more to her than what she presented.

When they arrived. Matthew opened the door for the woman to step out, without warning she pushed outward knocking Mathew to the ground and suddenly turned around to slam the door in his face. Thomas fumbled with the latch to try and reopen the door. He spied Micheal jump down to block her, with a well placed blow she disabled him swiftly. Thomas managed to get the door open and leapt out of the carriage to apprehend her. He managed to grapple her from behind just as she was freeing herself from her bonds. She flailed against him trying to get free, although Thomas presented himself to the outside world as a mild mannered business man he had learned his fair share of unique skills perfect for this situation. Using a special technique he had learned from a Chinese martial artist he used his forefingers and thumb on the pressure point where her neck met her shoulder, the effect was instantaneous and her body slumped weakly against him. By this time Matthew had recovered and passed Thomas a blindfold. In her weakened state Thomas was easily able to carry her to his specially designed wash room.

The room appeared almost as any other bathroom, the walls and floors were tiled in the current design of the time and in the center sat a large bath. This bath unlike others in the house however had specially designed tether points each with a purpose made rope system. Four ropes in total bound the subject to the bath; the two ropes for the legs and ankles kept the subject firmly secured to the base of the bath, whilst the two ropes for the wrists allowed for enough movement so the subject could reach almost each part of their own body. Thomas had dubbed this particular contraption one of his "teaching tools" for the less cooperative. With Matthew's assistance they stripped and secured the girl to the bath, they positioned her on her hands and knees and double checked her restraints. After they were satisfied, Thomas dismissed Mathew commanding him to guard the door. Thomas stripped off his lascivious overcoat and boots leaving him only his his shirt and breeches. With another touch to her neck line he brought using the opposing technique he returned the circulation back into her body to a normal state.

As her body slowly came back into awareness Thomas began to run the water into the bath and placed several bath salts in the mix. With her blindfold on, completely naked and helpless Thomas felt the arousal within in loins growing.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

She barely felt the motion that put her under. The darkness bore a welcomed embrace. Constance enjoyed the temporary reprieve from reality. She had been fighting for so long. She was so tired of everything and wanted to be able to give in to someone. Someone who she felt safe with. Throughout the years she never found a man that she trusted enough to take care of her. She wanted a man that could control her but also cherish her.

Constance shivered as she started to come back to reality. At first she thought it was due to being unconscious but as she felt that she had been stripped. There was a blindfold over her eyes. She tried to take it off but her hands been restrained. "Bastard! What is all this?" She could smell the bath salts that had scented the water that was filling the tub. Constance pulled at her bindings, trying to cover herself from his eyes. A man had never seen her in such a state. The embarrassment she felt was almost humiliating.

Constance hid the tear that slid down her cheek with her outrage. "I'm not some common whore. You have no right to strip me bare without my consent." By God, she would make this man regret how he made her feel. She gave an audible grunt as she pulled at her bindings. Her efforts must have knocked something because she heard something crash to the floor.

She tried to kneel up and her body came crashing into his. Constance knew it was new owner from his scent. It was sensual and masculine, a scent that could allure a woman and seduce all the common sense from her. She could still see those piercing eyes in her mind's eye. What she saw in his eyes scared her.

((I know its short. Sorry))

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

((No problem, I was going to apologise for mine being too long, I get carried away sometimes. Oh btw I hope you had a nice Christmas ))

As expected she cursed and verbally assaulted him upon waking, in her attempt to get free she knocked the bottle of bath salt onto the ground, it smashed on the floor. It didn't bother him in the slightest, though expensive Thomas could well afford more. She paused only slightly before resuming her previous banter, he couldn't blame her of course but with her current temperament he was in no way inclined to allow her loose upon his house.

"I must apoligise for you current predicament, but I believe my dear, you are in of need some lessons in behavior and manners." He spoke softy and soothingly, closely breathing his words into her ear, his hands firmly grasped her shoulders to hold her in place. When the water level reached an acceptable amount he leaned over her and turned the tap off.

"If you behave and do as I say you shall be rewarded. " he explained, to demonstrate this, he reached below the bath to retrieve a small wash cloth. Thomas placed the wash cloth in the warm water and rung out the water, he kept all his movements purposefully slow, elongating the tease of his actions. Using the wash cloth, he gently rubbed her naked back for a few seconds.

"If you do not behave." he warned with a slight grumble in his tone. Thomas twirled the towel until it twisted into a rope like shape, then without warning he swatted her shapely backside. A loud crack could be heard echoing in acoustics of the room.

"Your first test, my fiery little vixen, is to tell me your name." he asked politely.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance became appalled that he considered himself the one to teach her anything. She gasped in shocked outrage. His touch was unnerving her rather well and it was getting harder for her to sit still. "You could apologize until the sun sets, my lord. I reserve my manners for people I deem worthy of my company. Did you really expect me to be like any of mainstream society's wilting females?"

She wanted him to stop touching her. Constance almost jumped when she felt the warm cloth against her raw back. There had been a guard that had tried numerous times to get under her skirt. After kicking him in the face, the man had beaten her for rejecting him. She was almost healed but some bruises and welts were still evident. Behave? He talked about her as if she were a pet.

She growled and jumped in place when she felt the sting to her ass. Her animosity turned on him. Between clenched teeth she growled out, "Constance Denton." There was no way she was going to stay in his presence. "If you wish for something to be at your beck and call then I suggest you get a dog. " Just for spite she pulled at his arm, pulling him into the tub.

Constance could see nothing but just the sounds that commenced were highly amusing. She giggled. "This is what happens to men who think they can tame me. Now let me out of these bindings." By god if he didn't let her out on his own, she would rip them out herself. He had her caged and it scared her to death. From the silent overtones, she knew she was in trouble.

Damn her temper for always getting her into trouble. She calmed herself. "I don't understand. Most sold on the auction block are used as staff somewhere or cheap labor. What do you want from me." Her voice was meek and betrayed the fear he had inspired in her.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

She reacted well to his "teaching" introducing herself immediately after being reprimanded. Constance Denton, although he already knew her name from the paperwork he'd signed he enjoyed the way she said it. The words rolled of her tongue proudly, as if she were royalty and not a woman recently bought by him. He took the time to observe the small markings of days old bruises and scratches along her body, he felt a slight amount of anger pelt up inside, unsure of where it stemmed from. Perhaps a part of him now felt responsible for this woman's well being and her mistreatment was his responsibility now.

Without warning he felt himself pulled downward into the water. There was not enough room to join her but he did receive a fair amount of water on him, soaking his shirt and wetting his breeches, she seemed quite amused by his plight but he showed little reaction. Reaching back over he swatted her again with his towel to reprimand her for actions, the shock released him from her grasp and he sat back up to remove his shirt revealing his muscular frame as she continued to spout meaningless insults at him. Her question did however pique his interest and he decided to grace her with his explanation.

"A pleasure to meet you Constance Denton, I am Lord Thomas Stevenson of the Stevenson Ranch. But you shall refer to me as Master, you are not to touch me again without permission. Is that understood?" he explained.

"As to your current condition, I expect all of my staff including you to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and thus, your first task for me is to demonstrate your skills in self hygiene." he added.

"If I wanted a mere servant I would have bought the lowly scum that preceded you on the Auction Block. You my dear, are something more. I shall begin telling you a story about a mare I once acquired and will continue the story as your time with me grows. When she was first brought to me by a disgruntled owner she displayed a wild fierceness that could not be controlled, no rider had ever managed to tame her and thus I was tasked with her teaching. " he told her.

"Now show me how you wash." he commanded. He stood back further this time, if she hesitated he would not be slow on the towel whipping however he would reward her for good behavior.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance managed to get her blindfold off in time to see her 'Master' shed his wet shirt. Her mouth suddenly went dry, having never seen a man in such a state of undress before. She turned her head, a bright scarlet blush staining her cheeks and nodded that she understood. Seeing as he looked as if pushing him would only make him angrier, Constance obeyed.

It was highly embarrassing for her to be watched as she bathed but it had be done at the prison as well. There was a bar of soap to her right that she took hold of. It was scent lightly with jasmine and vanilla. Constance took a moment to let the scent sink in. It had been a long time since she had such a luxury. The first thing she washed was her face. It felt so good when the hot water sloshed against her skin.

Her mother had taught her that she should choose her battles so for the time being, she would do as he asked. She used a washcloth to wash her body, removing the dirt and grime from her breasts, arms and legs. She thanked God that the tub had a high rim so her 'Master' couldn't see as she washed her more intimate areas. Last on her list was her hair. She found a small bottle next to where the soap had lay and smelled it.

The hair soap was scented with roses. Constance leaned back and wet her hair, then pouring a small amount of the soap into her short hair. She worked it into her tresses slowly, enjoying the feel and scent of it. When it was done she dunked her head in the water to rinse it off. She pushed back her went hair from her face and centered on him.

She looked at him with a serious demeanor. Constance had no idea what kind of a man he was and this whole 'Master' thing didn't sit well with her to begin with. The attraction she was feeling had thrown her for a loop. " I am clean now, Master. Where did my dress go?" She addressed him in all seriousness. "Do not mistake my compliance with obedience. I do what I do to survive, nothing more. No man will ever bring me to heel."

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas watched with mild amusement as Constance gazed at his naked torso upon removing her blindfold. Although she tried to hide her embarrassment he caught the hint of her pure white cheeks transform into a bright shade of crimson.

She complied perfectly washing her naked skin, although could not see her wash the most intimate parts of her body from his current angle, his imagination was already going wild with heated lust. Thomas was a patient man and a prize as wondrous as the jewel before him was well worth the wait. In time perhaps she would desire as much as he did her.

When she finished with what she could reach in the confined space, she turned to him to explain the reason for her compliance. He couldn't help but allow the smirk he'd been holding back to play across normally serious look.

"You are smart my dear, smarter than most women and even some men. It can be a gift and a curse, I know this all to well." he began, in the nearby sink he wet and rinsed his wash cloth again.

"But as always in life, there are lessons to be learned. I did not give you permission to remove your blindfold." he reprimanded her. With a quick swipe the cloth sailed into the air and contacted the bare skin of her shoulder, targeting the arm that had removed the blindfold.

"However as you have said, you did do exactly as I ordered. And so a reward is in order. I believe you missed a spot but in your current state I am willing to oblige you." he added in a much softer tone. Moving behind her slowly Thomas approached with his wet cloth, he knelt down keeping a close eye on her arms. With carefully controlled movements he reached over to one of the soap bottles and squeezed a generous amount on the cloth. Using a slow gentle caress he cleaned the remainder of her back and upper backside, his eyes never leaving hers. When his work was done he stood back up and placed the cloth back into its former container.

"Now, put your blindfold back on and we will see about some clothing." he commanded with slightly less authority this time.

"Mathew, fetch Clairese and tell her to bring the young lady some appropriate clothing." He called out to his manservant standing outside the door.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance noticed the tinge of amusement in his eyes but she could not stop herself from taking small peeks at his glistening damp chest. Her mouth had gone dry and she was fighting back the feelings of lust in her body. Her nipples were hard and she was trying to hide them from his gaze. "I am well aware of that. A woman in these day and age is not supposed to speak her mind. If she is not married then her male family members are charged with making her decisions for her. No one expects that she may be an educated individual."

Her eyes locked on his. "I went to school even though we had little money. My mother wanted me to be able to read and write. I exceeded her expectations with my need to educate myself. My grandfather loved books and I spent my free time with my nose usually stuck in one of them."

Her body flinched when she felt the snap of the towel against her shoulder. Constance was ready to yell at him for doing that again but her anger died in her throat as he washed her back. The warm towel felt so good against her bruised and battered skin. A small tear escaped her eye and she quickly turned away so he wouldn't see. She wouldn't show weakness in front of this man. "Thank you." She could at least do that for his compassion.

Fighting with him would only result in her staying as she was. Her modesty begged that she put on some clothing. Constance put the blindfold back on willingly and waited for someone to bring her some clothing. She could hear the scurry of small feet as someone came into the room. To her relief she was soon dressed but not in her dress. The material was comfortable and in tact.

She was unsure if it was Thomas or one of his male servants but a strong hand took hers, guiding her somewhere. Her foot got caught on a rug, sending her pitching forward. Strong arms caught her, her body smashed up against him. Constance could tell from his scent that it was indeed Thomas. Her heart jumped into her throat and she felt her cheeks heat. "May I ask where you are taking me now?"

Once she was on her feet again she felt completely embarrassed. It angered her that he had the ability to effect her so much. She wasn't sure what he had planned but there was no way she would be compliant. Constance was an honest woman who would work off the debt she owed with manual labor. Not by selling her soul to this man.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Constance placed her blindfold back on as instructed. Though she showed so much defiance he could sense that she fought not because she wished to but more because she felt she had to. For a woman of her education and intelligence it must have been a strong insult to see others treated so badly, even now in her current predicament, it showed how her own family had forsaken her to this life. Thomas felt as though he needed not to teach her to behave, but perhaps instead give her reason to and not just because he desired it.

Thomas reached over and pulled the plug for the bath. As a reward for her obedience he fetched a nearby towel to dry her down. As much as she pleaded with him he could not yet justify letting his woman loose around his mansion, she was as much of a danger to herself and the others.

He started by drying her back and hair, when Clairese arrived, she and Mathew helped Thomas remove her bindings. Mathew held her by the shoulders lest she thought to escape again and Thomas continued drying her body. When he first undressed her he paid little attention to her body, her outburst from the carriage left him in a sour mood. This time however he took a moment to appreciate the fine curves of the devilish woman before him. With the blindfold secure again he knew she would not notice his longing gaze.

Her body was well formed, any man would find it difficult to resist her. He resumed drying her starting from her neckline and slowly worked his way downward. He made sure that the towel made most of the contact with her skin in a feeble attempt to maintain a small sense of his chivalry. Her rounded breasts were pert and the skin around he discovered accidentally was incredibly smooth to the touch. Her nipples were pointed and erect though he assumed it was due more to the cold air licking her wet body. His mind imagined a much darker reason but there would be time to dwell on that later. Her stomach was overly thin and he suddenly wondered when the girl last ate, it would certainly be his first task to feed her. When he reached the edge of her mound, even though he felt a great desire to take advantage of the situation Thomas handed the towel to his maid. She understood immediately and steeped in front of him to finish the task. What he did catch however, was the teasing splash of triangle shaped hair leading to what he could only picture in his mind. Not yet he told himself and he felt a slight twitch in his lower regions and made to adjust his pants slightly.

When Clairese was done she proceeded to dress Constance in a simple maids outfit. Thomas decided that her first lesson in trust would be now, he took her hand in his and guided her out of the bathroom and toward the dinning hall, with the blindfold on she missed her step and fell forward, Thomas quickly adjusted his position and caught her in his strong embrace.

"We are headed to the Dinning Hall, from what I can gather it has been some time since your last meal." he commented.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance didn't enjoy being led around like some common canine but held her tongue. At the mention of a meal, her stomach gave a grateful growl loud enough to be heard by the both of them. At this rate her cheeks would be permanently stained red from her blush. She cleared her throat in obvious embarrassment and murmured a 'thank you' under her breath.

He guided her down a long hallway with a high ceiling that echoed their steps as they went by. His firm hands helped her to avoid what must have been furniture in the room. They stopped at a certain point and Constance heard the scraping of a chair against the floor. His arm urged her into the chair and scooted it closer to the table. Constance's hands went out to touch.

The table was made from a strong wood, she guessed. There were carvings that lined the rim of the table. Her fingers traced them carefully and whisper, "...celtic patterns." In the distance she could smell something cooking. Her stomach decided to make itself known again with loud rumble. Constance placed a hand on her lower stomach.

Someone pulled out the chair next to her and set down a tray. The smells coming from it were practically heaven to her. It had been three days since her last decent meal. The garbage they offered to her in her prison was not fit for human consumption. Sometimes a guard would have pity on her and give her an apple from the tree that grew outside the building.

What many people did not know was that the head auctioneer ran the show at the prison. He also liked to cut costs when it came to providing for the prisoners. They had one a day instead of three and the servings were a forth of what they should have been per person.

A small feminine hand place a napkin in her lap but no utensils. Constance frowned. "May I ask how I am to eat in this state?" Surely he wasn't going to feed her himself? She needed to keep her contact with him to a minimum. He was getting past her guards, sneaking in and making her feel out of control.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas kept a close eye on the furniture and floor rugs to ensure his new companion didn't have any more accidents. After her initial fall, she seemed a lot less resistant to his guidance, she even leaned toward him for balance.

When they arrived in the Dining Hall Thomas sat her down and noted her hands stroking the rim of the table.

"I see you appreciate the fine art decor of my home. Everything I own has been picked out specifically by myself, including you my dear." he commented.

Michael came into the room and brought him a new shirt and breeches. The warmth of the day had already filtered into the house and he no longer desired an overcoat. Clairese set a napkin on Constance's lap after setting their lunch on the table.

Constance's question brought another smile to his lips, she wouldn't see it because of the blindfold but he suspected she would hear it in his voice. Her confident sassy attitude did not anger him at all, in fact he was beginning to welcome it.

"My dear Constance, you are a smart woman. If I were to say, arm you with a simple knife and fork you would sooner stab me in the neck and escape before you even contemplated slicing your meat. Alas that is also the reason you will remain wearing the blindfold." he explained happily. Thomas had no intention of keeping her on such a tight leash indefinately, however, as long as she was in his possession he also had no intention of releasing her, perhaps, in time, when they earned a mutual trust there would be no need for such things, at least not emotionally.

Thomas sliced the meat and cut the vegetables on her plate, when he was satisfied with their individual sizes he slowly fed them to her one by one.

"Perhaps you would like to continue hearing the story about the mare?" he asked rhetorically.

"As I said before she was wild and full of spirit. Her owner tried to sell her to me cheaply but I paid full price. You see, she was a strong healthy Thoroughbred. Everything about her was exquisite, her coat gleamed brightly, her mane was long and flowing, and she could out gallop any other in her class." he began. He wiped the side of Constance's mouth with the napkin and offered her a drink.

"When she first came to me, none could get near her. I spent hours circling her, avoiding her powerful legs from striking me. Eventually she either tired herself out or perhaps she saw me for what I was. A fighter, like her. She allowed me to approach her and stroke her magnificent coat and mane. From then on I was the only one she ever let near her." Thomas concluded this part of the tale and also finished feeding her lunch.

"I do not see you as an animal anymore than I saw that mare as one. I saw her potential and brilliance. I saw an equal. Now you asked me what I had planned for you and now that you are fed and well I believe you are ready to know. You are to be my personal servant, yes I know I have many servants in attendance, but they all work around the grounds and are not always with me. You however, will be with me at all times. Your duties will be like any other house maid with the exception of free time, at least for the moment. I will be keeping a very close eye upon you Constance." he explained carefully.

When the table was cleared Thomas guided her into his study. He removed her blindfold and handed her a cleaning cloth and duster.

"Whilst I work on my daily paperwork, you are to clean and dust the shelves and books in his room." he commanded.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance looked toward his voice. "My godfather was an Irishman that built furniture for families in Dublin. He used such patterns in his work." Franc Connelly had saved her mother's life before she and her father had ever met. He became like a second father to her and he had remained a dear friend until he died from a bad fever took him.

She balked at his assumption that she was capable of such a thing. "I can assure you that I would not harm anyone unless given a just reason. I am no murderer." Constance felt insulted at the insinuation. "A woman's trust isn't so easily attained. And no human being enjoys being kept in captivity." She kept her voice civil and calm.

There was a comfortable silence as he fed her. Constance moaned lightly at the taste of the food. It was far better than the food she had been given before he had bought her. It had been so long since she had been given anything remotely edible. She said nothing as he offered to continue his tale and listened as he spoke.

It was curious to her how he saw things. Their situation was far more complicated than that of an animal and it's master. "An animal lives by instinct alone but even they need time to trust anyone.A human being is more complicated." Some part of her wanted to trust him. Those few moments in the carriage when she stared into those eyes had almost undone her.

Constance knew he would be watching her because of her initial reaction to his ownership. At the moment she felt at war with herself. On one hand she wanted to escape and find a way to her cousin's home. On the other hand she wanted to know him more and to explore the feeling he inspired in her when he was close. She would bide her time until it was safe for her to make another attempt.

Feigning compliance for the moment, she allowed him to guide her to another room. Manual labor is the one thing Constance was used and actually preferred than wondering what her purpose was. She admired the collection of books that lined the walls of the room. Her love of the written word had provided her with a passable knowledge of history, poetry and philosophy.

She took the cleaning cloth and duster without much of an expression. In a steady silence she went about her work without a fuss. Constance actually smiled when she found an edition of Lord Byron's work on the shelf. It shocked her that he was the type of man that admired such a style of poetry. Byron had been among Constance's favorites for a long time.

It was like finding a treasure trove for her but she didn't let it distract her from her task. In truth she found an amount of peace in what she was doing and unknowingly had begun to hum to herself. The soft melody of her voice accompanied her as she went from shelf to shelf. Every so often she looke d back at Thomas and each time her heart would skip a beat.

Constance also paid close attention to what she could see of the home. She needed to learn the layout of the impressive house if she was to every escape her new owner. So lost in her thinking Constance accidentally knocked over a book to the floor. She leaned down to pick it up when a hand covered hers as she got a grip on the book. Constance looked up and into his eyes.

She gulped down the jittery feeling that had overcome her. Did he know he had this effect on her?

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Constance went about her work as Thomas read over his paperwork. Several contracts needed to be amended and sent back, he meticulously read and organised his daily mail as well and double checked the financial reports of his company. As usual, everything seemed in order.

Every now and again Thomas would look up at Constance in the corner of his eye. She seemed much more relaxed conducting domestic duties, he took careful note of the way she studied his vast collection of texts that lined the walls of the study. She paid particular interest to a favourite of his 'Lord Byron', it seemed that this girl was not only well educated for a female but also interested in the art of poetry.

Constance slowly made her way from the far shelves and progressed closer to his desk. She accidentally dropped a book from the shelf and as she leaned down to pick it up Thomas did the same, his strong masculine hand came to lightly rest on her soft delicate ones. She looked directly into her eyes, what he saw was not a strong willed defiant woman trying to escape her captors but a lost soul trying to find answers.

"Sorrow is knowledge, those that know the most must mourn the deepest, the tree of knowledge is not the tree of life." he recited a quote from 'Lord Bryon'

"I have finished my paperwork for the afternoon. Come with me to the sitting room, I have a meeting with Mr Johnston; a long time business partner of mine." he explained. Thomas then led her to the sitting room near the entrance of the house. It had a lasciviously decorated lounge with a small table in front of it, place mats for afternoon tea had already been set up.

"Your task will be to attend to me whilst we talk, however you are not to leave my side, the other staff will collect and distribute anything we require, you are only to keep my area organised and tea cup full." he explained.

Thomas sat on the lounge and he directed Constance to stand by his side. One of his other maids approached them and with a bow informed him of Mr Johnston's arrival.

"Good, thank you Angela, would you see him in please." he told the pretty maid politely. She curtsied and did as asked. Moments later Richard Johnston; a rather large and rounded fellow enter the room. He had a long beard and small beady eyes. On top of his head sat a large hat and a monocle was squeezed tightly over one of his eyes. Richard was head of the horse racing organisation, he and Thomas had a long rich history between them, all involving the acquisition and management of equines.

"Ah Thomas my old friend, it is good to see you." Mr Johnston greeted him.

"Very good Richard, and how is the family?" Thomas asked politely. Richard's overcoat was removed and he sat next to Thomas. His weight bowed the seat slightly and Thomas had to readjust to accommodate the gentleman's size.

"Well as usual my wife is pulling me closer to my grave as she organises this damned party." he complained. The party was well known in these parts and Mrs Johnston took great care in making sure all those of significant standing always attended. Thomas himself had attended from time to time mainly as a favour to his friend and less because he wished to mingle.

"Now you see why I loathe to marry." Thomas replied jokingly. Richard bellowed loudly at his response.

"My boy, the woman who would dare take up the mantle of Mrs Stevenson better have bigger balls than the Prime Minister." Richard commented. Thomas couldn't help but look up at Constance with a smile as she filled his cup.

"Alas you are right, Richard. Now shall we get down to business." Thomas suggested.

"Yes, Yes. Always business with you isn't it, I suppose, in truth you are married to your work and money is your mistress." Richard commented. Thomas merely nodded in response, it was true that Thomas did spend a great deal of his life organising his business but he had found very little save for the few hobbies he indulged in that interested him.

They spent the next few hours discussing various parts of the company. Mr Johnston spent most of the time talking every now and again however he would glance over at Constance in a less than wholesome way. At the conclusion of their business Thomas escorted Richard from his home.

"Well, another successful business meeting and as always we are both still rich, well you are. In my case, the wife will continue to suck the life from me." Richard joked.

"Yes of course Richard. Give my best to your wife for me please." Thomas said as he bid him farewell.

"Oh one more thing, that new maid of yours is quite the little vixen. You wouldn't mind if I borrowed her for the night." Richard spoke softly in the hopes no other could hear him.

"She's not for trade nor sale my friend but thank you for the compliment I shall pass it on." Thomas replied in dismissal. Richard bowed his head and departed as Thomas with Constance in tow, went back inside the house.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance just looked at him, amazed at the emotion behind the words as he recited them. Seldom had she met anyone who saw what was behind them when Lord Byron put pen to paper. Forgetting herself if only for a moment she recited a verse from her favorite poem:

"But bid the strain be wild and deep,
Nor let thy notes of joy be first:
I tell thee, minstrel, I must weep,
Or else this heavy heart will burst;
For it hath been by sorrow nursed,
And ached in sleepless silence, long;
And now 'tis doomed to know the worst,
And break at once - or yield to song. "
​

She said nothing as they moved to the sitting room. Constance was feeling more and more conflicted where Thomas was concerned as time went by. She watched as his friend entered the room and got a bad feeling from him. She stayed at Thomas's side as he asked. The two exchanged pleasantries and asked as to the welfare of each others families. Constance arched a brow at Thomas, slightly amused at his obvious disdain of marriage.

Constance pretended to cough to hide the small laugh that escaped her lips.She wasn't sure how the Prime Minister would take such a comment. When Thomas looked up at her with a smile she felt her face heating. It wasn't fair that the man was so handsome.

She almost felt sorry for Thomas if all he indulged in was money. Those who chose that path lived their lives without truly knowing the joy in life. It was like being able to see but only in black and white. It sucked all the color from your life.

Constance felt her skin crawl as the man kept looking at her. She knew that look. It was a look that she got when she was up on that auction block. They were the ones who wanted to use her body. Most didn't care if she were willing or not. Luckily she hadn't been stuck in a situation where she could be raped yet.

She gave Thomas a panicked look when the bastard asked to borrow her like she were a book or horse. The fact that he thought her too stupid to know his a intentions spoke volumes as to his intelligence. Constance saw the man walk off and she knew she was safe. As Thomas walked up to her, she spoke. "Thank you for not giving me over to him."

Not caring how it looked or how polite society could react Constance leaned in and kissed his cheek. Her cheeks turned beet red and she retreated back into the house with Thomas behind her. She was starting to feel safe with him and that scared her.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

The feel of her lips on his cheek sent shivers radiating down his spine. Even though he suspected she only meant the gesture as a part of her thanks, to him, it felt like something more. Could the shrew of London have a soft side? It would be his greatest challenge to discover more.

At the departure of his friend the evening had crept upon them. His servants rushed around lighting the various gas lamps around his home as he guided Constance back to the Dining Hall for dinner.

Thomas sat in his usual seat whilst Constance remained at his side to attend to him. It felt odd Dining as he always had with company so close to him, normally his servants served his meal and only returned when he required something. He knew that he had already dictated her position in the household for him but he longed for the quality conversation, he knew she could provide. As Constance refilled his wine glass he decided to try and open a line of communication.

"I must apologise about my friend, Richard has a tendency toward the indecent side of human nature. Although I am not without sin, he tends to lean toward the less tasteful and vulgar forms of pleasure." Thomas commented.

"I wish to know more about you my dear Constance, to me you are still an enigma. It is rare these days to meet a woman of your stature who can read let alone understand the intricacy's of poetry. Please, tell me about your family." Thomas inquired.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance saw the small reaction but she decided it best not to bring attention to it. Men didn't enjoy having to explain themselves and she was too tired to deal with another argument today. When they returned to the dining hall, she did as was expected of her. She didn't expect him to apologize to her. "I do not blame you for his intentions. His kind are everywhere. I learned to live with that a long time ago."

He wished to know her story? Considering he asked in the way he did, she could give him that. "My mother was the grandchild of a wealthy Irish lord back in Ireland. She fell in love with a simple stable hand with delusions of grandeur. Despite his lack of ability, they ran off together and married. Irish weren't exactly welcome back then if you can remember the riots."

It had been a particular violent time in England's more impoverished areas. "My mother found work caring for a duchess's twin girls. My father worked in the stables as he had done in Ireland. I came along a year later and my brother 2 years later from that. Two children and a lack of education left my father short on funds even with my mother's wages. He had started to drink and had gotten caught up in a gambling ring that ran out of a small pub."

She could still remember the screaming at night. Her mother couldn't fathom why her father would do such things. "It got really bad when I was six. My father got caught stealing from the duchess and we were all kicked out onto the streets. Mother wrote my godfather, a decent man that loved my mother like a daughter. He packed up his whole life to come to our rescue. He brought what money he had and set us up in a small cottage. To give my father something legit to do, he taught him the carpentry trade. It worked until I hit about 18 years old. By then my godfather had practically raised me himself."

A small tear slid down her cheek and she swiftly swiped it away. "He died a year ago from a fever. My father became indebted to the wrong people and dragged my only brother with him. The two of them visited the gambling houses together while I waited at home, hoping they would stay alive. This time my father could not pay the debt and instead of killing him, they offered me up to settle things."

It angered that her father cared absolutely nothing for her welfare. "I thought of writing to my family in Ireland. Perhaps you know of a family named O'Fallon? Only thing I remember my mother saying about them was that the coat of arms for our family bore a falcon with its wings spread." She blushed, embarrassed for speaking so much. "May I ask why the curiosity about me? I am no one special, my lord. Just a poor girl no one wants anymore."

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Thomas continued dining as she explained her family history. It seemed that even though her life started on the whims of love she herself had never experienced such. He could sense the strong bond she felt for her god-father and strong distaste for her own father and brother. It was true however, that in an age such as this, women were nothing more than bargaining tools whose only purpose was to serve those they belonged to.

Thomas himself was no innocent on the matter he'd bought many servants including Constance which only served to fuel the demand for such a tasteless market. Yet never before had he purchased one such as her, her strong outspoken personality was so rare that he knew there was more to her than just another piece of property.

By the time she had finished her story Thomas had finished his meal, she began to clean up his plate to be collected when he stopped her short with a light touch of her hand. When the next servant came in to collect his dishes Thomas caught his attention.

"Earl, after you have taken my plate, please bring in a meal for Miss Denton." Thomas requested.

"Sir?" Earl asked, his face was lined with slight confusion. Thomas knew that it wasn't proper for a servant to have dinner with their master but he still had no inclination to let her out of his sight and her story had piqued his interest greatly.

"Yes, Earl. Thank you." Thomas confirmed.

"Of course sir, right away." Earl replied and hastily took the plate from Constance's hands before returning to the kitchen. When the doors behind him closed Thomas answered her question.

"Every story is important milady." he answered with a slight jest in his tone.

"From the Royal family to the beggar down the street, each story is a part of a larger history that is important when one wishes to understand the world." he explained.

"Take myself for example, if you were to ask any that knew of my name including my friends, they would all tell you that I inherited my fortune from my late father. They would most likely describe me as a spoilt rich boy without any knowledge of the real world. However the truth is far more complicated." Thomas began. Earl returned with another plate of food similar to the one Thomas had been previously dining on. He placed the meal in the adjacent seat and Thomas motioned Constance to sit down next to him, he handed her his knife and fork with a sly smile on his face. When Earl departed again Thomas resumed his story.

"It is true that my father started the business, in the beginning all he had was one horse and a dream. As it turns out my father had a debilitating mental illness and was completely unsuitable to work let alone run a business. It was actually my mother who continued took up the mantle using my father as a figure head. She informed all of their initial business partners that my father was so busy working he had little time to attend meetings of any sort and so she brokered many deals on his behalf. She even went as far as to forge his signature behind closed doors, claiming that my father preferred to read contracts in his own time in his own space." Thomas continued as he watched Constance eat her meal.

"My mother knew that my father's condition was deteriorating and so she brought me along to her meetings and instructed me in the craft of horse training and breeding, in fact from the moment I was strong enough it was my duty to aid my mother in running the business. When we had attained enough money we were able to hire others to help but my mother insisted that I still be a large part of how everything was run. When my father died all his assets and lands reverted to me, by this time I was already running everything and so there was little change on my half." Thomas concluded just as Constance had almost finished her dinner.

"So you see my dear, every story is important. It speaks volumes about one's past, present and future. It was with this knowledge that my mother became such a successful business woman and I her faithful student." he commented.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance felt the lightness of his touch all the way to the bone. For a servant to share a meal with their master, it was absurd. She finished cleaning up after Thomas and returned back to his side in time for the man servant to bring in the meal. She gave him a genuine smile when he called her milady. She couldn't help but wonder at he contradictions in his reputation and who he was with her.

She waited to be seated next to him and wondered if he would allow her to feed herself this time. Constance listened to his story with avid interest. For some reason he fascinated her. She smiled gratefully when he handed her his utensils to feed herself. So he had decided to trust her with them this time. Constance remembered her plan to escape but couldn't find the inspiration in her to harm Thomas.

The food was mouth-watering as before. She placed the napkin in her lap and started in on her meal while keeping her attention on Thomas. "So much for one so young to take on." Constance felt a pang of sympathy for the young boy who needed his father at such an age. "I'm sorry about your father. It can't have been an easy task, seeing him like that."

She felt a respect for his mother. It was seldom that a woman is in a position of power and handles it with such grace. "Not many women have the knowledge or the where with all to manage in such a situation. She sounds like quite a woman." Constance was impressed. His love and respect for his mother was very clear to her and she liked that he had such reverence for the woman who gave him life.

Once Constance finished her meal she placed the utensils on the empty plate. "You call me an enigma but you are completely different than any man I have ever met. No one has treated me as you do. As for you being spoiled, only a fool would assume that. Even after so a little a time, I can see that you as much as you enjoy extravagances you're not afraid to do things yourself. I would have thought to be given up to the servants to be dealt with once I arrived but you did so yourself."

Constance realized how she was going on and blushed, looking down at her empty plate. "I do believe I misjudged you when I first arrived." Her eyes met his and she felt an urge just to touch his face but beat it back down. As lenient as he had been with her, Constance knew it wasn't her place to touch him.

 

[DungeonsOfDread]

Thomas Stevenson

Constance showed genuine interest in his story which he was grateful for, very few knew the truth behind his public persona and even fewer had ever been close to him emotionally.

It was for this reason why he declined so many offers of marriage. He'd never once met a woman whom he would call an equal, most would be brides seemed only after the fame and fortune he could offer but few wanted to actually know who he was. When Constance's hand moved to touch his face he almost leaned forward toward her, the last time any had ever offered to console him emotionally was his mother moments before her passing. Thomas did not allow himself the pleasure of her touch, he knew that in time perhaps he may deserve it but for now, despite the telling of each others story they were still more strangers than friends.

"I wish you could have met my mother, I'm sure the two of you would have gotten on handsomely. Alas she died last year. I had her placed next to my father up on the hill at the highest point of our land, despite his illness my mother truly loved him with all her heart, she never did once blame him for leaving her with such an enormous responsibility." Thomas explained sadly.

When Constance finished her meal and began packing up, Thomas couldn't help but thinking about the effect this woman was having on him. She was breaking down all the emotional barriers he so easily kept up with just simple words and gestures. Dinner had taken much longer than usual this evening and Thomas felt the strain of the day catching up on him.

"Leave the rest for the others, I wish to retire for the night. Come." he instructed with an open hand gesture.

Thomas led her to the upper level of his mansion and into his personal chambers. The room was efficiently designed with a large four poster bed in the center, several sets of cupboards and draws were placed strategically around the room and a small desk in the corner. The design of each piece of furniture matched the theme and style of the rest of the house. There was one door at the side of his room which Thomas moved to open, it revealed yet another room not nearly as lavishly designed but still neat and tidy.

"This shall be your room, the windows are bared and this door is the only way in and out, I shall lock it when you have retired to bed." Thomas explained.

As she moved to observe her new living arrangements Thomas caught sight of the skin on the back of her neck. He was reminded of the scratches and bruises he'd seen earlier when bathing and drying her, the sight of which angered him slightly. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen such marks on a woman before, in fact he was usually the cause of such things. He however, had never given out of malice or hate but instead for other more lust filled reasons. It wasn't as if he abused the women he bedded, it was more a style of sensual activity one could enjoy by mixing the effects of pleasure and pain.

Even though he didn't want to view her as an object seeing such marks on her felt like his property had been damaged by a clumsy user without any regard for her natural beauty. Thomas pulled her hair aside from behind to garner a closer look. When she flinched at his touch he pulled back slightly. He moved over to the desk and retrieved the chair next to it pulling it over to her.

"Please sit." he commanded.

 

[ChaseMePleez]

Constance smiled at him, her hazel eyes twinkling. "I'm sure you're right." Her heart ached for him as he spoke of her loss. "Oh I am so sorry. You must miss her very much. She sounds like a dear woman." It seemed that death had visited them both plenty of times in their lives.

She nodded when he stated his desire to retire. It was late and sun had long set in the sky. Constance followed him to upper level but balked a little once she realized these were his personal chambers. She sighed in relief when he showed her to the smaller room connected to his. The room was far better than she was used to .

Constance was a little confused when he asked her to sit until she felt him brush her hair aside. She almost squealed in shock when he undid the back of her dress. A warm hand examined the marks that had been left during the last beating she had suffered. A part of her felt slightly ashamed of him seeing her like this. . Next she felt a soothing cream being spread on the angry welts on her back.

She sighed in relief as the sore ache that had plagued her today eased. A tear slid down her cheek and she swiped it away. "Thank you." It was an act of compassion that she seldom experienced from anyone. Constance couldn't stand having her injuries exposed to him. She pulled slightly, her eyes so sad. "Please?"

There was a clap of thunder that hinted at a thunderstorm that was about to start. Once he released her, Constance entered her new room and heard the click of the lock behind her. In the chest of drawers, she found a nightdress and prepared herself for bed. An uneasy hurt stayed with her heart as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Old memories decided to haunt her mind even in sleep. The taunting voice of her jailor returned to her and she suddenly saw him again, the cane in his hand, raised above his head and ready to strike. She cried out. "Please stop! Good god no. You're killing me! Someone help!" The tears drowned her cheeks as her body shook in awesome terror. In her mind she attempted to run away only for her father and brother to hold her down.

Her sobs echoed in the small room, speaking to the terror in her mind. The thunderstorm clattered some of the windowpanes as she screamed out. The door to her room slammed open and Constance felt someone's warm arms around her. She whispered lowly to herself. "Don't let them take me, Papa. I'll work harder. I want to stay with you and Moma."

Someone was calling her name as she cuddled closer into a very male chest. She had a grip on someone's waist while she shivered in raw fear. Constance's eyes slowly began to open and the nightmare faded into the back of her mind. She focused in on the male figure before her. "Thomas?" Her cheeks instantly reddened but she'd forgotten about the grip she bore on his waist.