I made my way to the bottom of the stairs and flipped on the lights over the bed. “How does he know the code?”

“They all have their own code. It was Mr. Harrington’s idea. He also didn’t want to leave you alone downstairs to open the door.”

I didn’t want to think about Stewart remaining in his chair to protect me—I couldn’t. “What can you see with your cameras?”

“Everything. Not just the bed area—I can see the entire interior. Part of my job was to be sure that the friends or Mr. Harrington weren’t interrupted.”

“But no one other than Stewart, not even Parker, knew that you were here?”

“I never had to make my presence known.”

I looked around and sighed. “I guess that was a good thing.”

“Yes, Mrs.… I mean, Victoria, it was a good thing. Someone is entering the code. Remember, you’re not alone.”

I ended the call and nodded toward the ceiling, not knowing exactly where the cameras were located. I placed my gift for Parker in Stewart’s chair. It was a long silver box with a big white bow. It might have been overkill, but if he fell for it, I would be showing the new owner of my contract how compliant I could be.

“Victoria,” Parker’s voice billowed throughout the cavernous room as he reached the bottom step.

I turned toward him, my eyes open wide.

“My, my, I’m not used to seeing you here fully dressed.”

“I’m not used to seeing you here at all,” I replied.

He came closer and brushed his fingers against my cheek. I fought the revulsion growing within as I remained statuesque. His voice was thick with anticipation. “I believe before we leave here today, we’ll need to revisit some of those fond memories. You do know where the blindfold is, don’t you?”

“My proof, Parker. I need to see this birth certificate you talked about.”

He slowly walked around me, scanning me from my Christian Louboutin heels to the scooped neckline on my Versace peasant-styled blouse. His voice continued to echo against the brick wall. “It will be a rude awakening for you, Victoria, to lose all that money and all the possessions that my dear friend was so willing to give to you.” Parker’s cold finger traced a path along my collar, tugging my blouse sleeve off my shoulder onto my arm. “No bra strap.” His eyes widened. “That’s a good girl. Perhaps that will earn you some leniency during our hours of education.”

“Parker, please, show me the proof.”

Pulling the other shoulder of my blouse he stood back and assessed. “I have friends, lots of friends. If you decide to fight me on this contract and force me to make your real birthdate public knowledge, I just want you to know that they’re interested in your expertise.” He looked down at my shoes again. “It’s not like you’ll be able to afford shoes like those, but you’ll be able to survive. I’ve steered many cunts like you their direction. I already know that they’re particularly interested in you.” His forehead furrowed. “You have a famous pussy. The friends are calling me already.”

Silently, I remained still as he pulled my blouse down, exposing my breasts. “You’re being very compliant. I was hoping for a little more fight.” He pinched one of my nipples. “I must admit to enjoying a little fight.”

Oh, asshole, I can fucking fight. “Please, Parker, let me see what you have. I know what’s at stake.”

Parker placed his briefcase on the bed and opened it wide. I gasped at the contents. There were papers, but there were also sex toys, the most noticeable was a whip, coiled into a circle.

“Do you like what you see?” he asked with a slimy, toothy grin.

I momentarily closed my eyes and gathered my strength. When I opened them, I stood taller, reassured myself that I wasn’t alone, and reached for my blouse. Before Parker could say a word, I pulled it over my head, reached for the zipper of my skirt, and allowed it to fall to the floor. Standing in only a black thong and heels, I smiled my best smile, and said, “I do. I like all that I see.” I took a step toward him and ran the tips of my fingers over his shoulders. “I wasn’t sure what your plans would be for today, but I have to tell you that so far your bad-boy routine is making me all hot and bothered.” I reached for my breasts and twisted my nipples. “But I guess that’s obvious.”

Parker reached for my hair but before he could grab a hold, I took a step backward and shook my head. “Parker, Parker, show me your proof and I’m all yours. You don’t need to be rough… unless that’s what you like.”

He mumbled something under his breath about bitches and playing him as he rummaged through his briefcase. Finally, he pulled out a familiar-looking folder.

As he began to hand it to me, I shook my head again and allowed my long, dark hair to sway over my back. “The one thing this warehouse lacks is…” Wood. “…a solid desk to review contracts. You know, your good friend Stewart liked doing it on his desk. Do you like that?”

“You’re not fucking playing me. I’ve got your goddamn proof,” he said, as he followed me toward the kitchen, in the far corner of the warehouse. I didn’t know how much the friends saw of the building. I only knew that this area wasn’t visible from the bed.

I reached for a robe that was draped over one of the bar stools and wrapped it around me. “Here.” I patted the stool beside me as I sat. “First, let me see your papers.”