OBSESSION.
By E.L Beth.
Chapter 1.
Miranda awoke feeling the start of a head ache. She blinked away sleep and opened her eye. Why did her body feel so heavy? She moaned and tried to turn. "Your awake then?" A mans deep voice startled her and woke her up completely. What in G.o.ds name was going on and where the h.e.l.l was she? She turned in the direction of the voice only to see a man sitting on an armchair with his legs wide apart in his khaki shorts and his thick arms folded.
Miranda started to feel her body working again and quickly sat up putting both her hands up as if to prevent him from nearing. Although he hadn"t even moved. Slowly memories of her uncle and their conversation resurfaced in her mind. She was a means to an end. He betrayed her! He willingly fed her to the wolves to save his sorry a.s.s, and stupid Miranda agreed to help him...again.
Alec sat back patiently watching the young lady figure out why she was here. She still hadn"t said a word to him. Watching her emotions flicker over her face was quite entertaining. Okay there was no use delaying the inevitable, he wanted this to go smoothly. He really didn"t have the time or patience to deal with spoilt kids. He wanted his money back and she was the only thing guaranteed to make sure that happened.
"Let"s cut to the chase," he began. Alec noticed the girl look so scared wide eyed with her hazel eyes about to pop out of her head. "You are here because your uncle is a lowlife s.h.i.+t who cares for n.o.body but himself. He has traded you as equity until he can repay me." Saying it out aloud disgusted Alec. "Rules are quite simple," he continued. Never taking is eyes off the girl who looked as scared as mouse. Her hands still held up in front of her as if to ward him off. "Don"t try to escape you will find it fruitless. I would suggest you always do what you are told, I don"t like mayhem and I don"t like chaos."
He was giving her rules now? Miranda was on the verge of crying. She really wanted to say something but really what could she say? Her own uncle did this to her. She had no choice but to get through this as best as she could. "What"s your name?" His voice startled her awake from her thoughts. Miranda just stared at him. "I asked you a question," he seemed irritated that she hadn"t replied. "Your name?" Seeing the change in his demeanor made her heart pound so hard. Miranda noticed his blue eyes darken to almost black.
"Miranda ... My name is Miranda" she whispered. He nodded.
"Okay Miranda, firstly you will always answer my questions immediately when asked. You will also address me as sir. This is no holiday, I am taking this like a job... Merely a way to get things to pa.s.s... If your uncle stays true to his word then this will be over in no time at all." Was he for real? Sir? Who the h.e.l.l did he think he was?
"Understood?" Miranda was thinking how to reply to this man who was demanding things from her. So she nodded her head instead of saying what she really thought.
"I asked you a direct question Miranda, I expect a verbal response, I don"t do delinquents." He spoke softly but the way he spoke laid a threat that Miranda sensed was looming.
"Yes," she replied. Okay so she was testing the waters to see how he would react to her deliberately not saying sir.
Alec gave a slow menacing smile. He stood up and slowly walked over to the bed. He was impressed with Miranda seeing how far she could push him. He deliberately moved around so he was hovering above her. He sat on the bed beside her and watched as her breathing quickened.
"Miranda it"s in your best interest to do as you"re told. Choose your battles wisely kid." Miranda watched him raise his eyebrows antic.i.p.ating her answer. She was finding him very hard to read. "Understood?"
"Yes ...sir" she replied quietly.
"Good girl. It"s simple really do as you"re told and I won"t need to punish you," she watched him as though he was a lion ready to pounce on his prey.
"There"s a shower with all your needs in there," he said pointing in the direction of the room"s ensuite. "Clean your self up and meet me downstairs." With that he left the room. Miranda felt as if she was paralyzed. She heard the door close and let out a breath she didn"t know she was holding.
She recalled her uncle dropping her off here last night, she was ushered into the room by an elderly lady, nothing much was said, she was shown to the room and it was locked behind her. Miranda had no idea how long it took her to sleep, her head had been pounding, how she accepted to help her uncle she had no idea.
He was always doing this like this to her, always playing the victim, he was supposed to be the one for her to turn to for help, not the other way around. Now here she was once again cleaning after his mess. Only this time he had better pull through and get the money he owed this Alec dude... Miranda was not going to be a prisoner to anybody who wanted her to call them sir... What planet did this guy come from? Had she not been so unsettled she would have given him a piece of her mind.... Just saying... He was so lucky she did not give him her sa.s.s... Treating her like a b.l.o.o.d.y child... Yeah right, not in this life time.
Ok I can do this, Miranda thought. After her shower she studied herself in the mirror. Her dark chestnut hair was damp and put in a loose bun atop her head. Her hazel eyes were extra light today. They seemed to be that way when she was afraid. Taking a deep breath she adjusted her bright pink s.h.i.+rt with her faded worn out jeans that sat on her hipbone.
Flashes of her packing her bags rushed in her mind. Oh how she cried when she realized her uncle had made this deal! Sure he wasn"t the most n.o.ble man in the world and had a gambling problem but ever since her parents died five years ago she had only him left, and he did nothing but look out for himself, then spent her entire inheritance.
After her money was gone he didn"t really bother with her. Miranda thought maybe she should tell "sir" that she was merely a scapegoat. But would he believe her? And if so what would happen to her uncle?
Shaking her head Miranda walked out of the bathroom and notice her lush surroundings. Huge king size bed with a golden quilt comforter. Big sliding door with a balcony that overlooked acres and acres of manicured land. A girl could get used to this...
Somebody had unpacked her suit bags already. Feeling overwhelmed and a little dizzy Miranda sat down, this all felt so surreal, like out of the ordinary. This Alec dude was way more intimidating then she had antic.i.p.ated him to be. Her dumb a.s.s uncle made it out like he was just another one of his normal dealers. Turns out he was hot and he was rich... And not to mention scary as h.e.l.l.
Just open the door and walk out, she thought. It"s not a big deal just see what this all about so you can know what you"re dealing with.
Already Miranda recalled her captor"s eyes, so very intensely blue yet his pupils dilated till they covered his eyes when he seemed unpleased. Yes the term Captor maybe a little much, maybe more her employer, her boss... But if Miranda was being honest with herself, she did feel a lot like a captive. Despite her oversized and over the top room, being here against her will was really a lot like being a prisoner.
Miranda thought about Alec"s physic, it was downright overwhelming! Not like a body builder, more like he earned his broad chest and bulky arms from fights and hard labor. Something about his dark hair and the bit of tattoo she saw on his neck told her he could be trouble.
Ok Miranda stop dawdling!!! That"s it I"m going down now! She encouraged herself. Slowly she stood and opened the door. Here goes nothing...
Walking down the grand stairs Miranda was overwhelmed with the size of this mansion. Slowly descending down she saw a lady who had let her in last night. "h.e.l.lo dear, my name is Maria, Mr deAngelo is waiting for you." Sweet enough lady, didn"t say much last night but nice all the same. She directed Miranda to a living area that looked like it came out of a home decorating magazine.
She noticed that Alec was sitting with a porcelain looking women almost on his lap whispering something in his ear. He lifted his eyes as if suddenly aware of Miranda"s presence. "Ah Miranda you"re here," he signaled for her to approach him.
Walking slowly towards them Miranda was suddenly very nervous. "This is Crystal," he said putting his hand on her lap. Crystal beamed with happiness. Dressed in a white suit she looked amazing. Miranda noticed her strawberry blond hair was styled with loose curls. Her blue eyes and thick lashes made her look like a movie star.
Miranda felt intimidated by her looks. She felt underdressed with her off the shoulder bright pink tee-s.h.i.+rt, her faded jeans and her simple flats. She must look a sight to them, Miranda cringed to herself. She must look a sight to them.
"Take a seat kid," The way Alec spoke was with so much authority, so much confidence. Nodding her head, Miranda walked to the furthest lounge away from them.
"So Miranda, how old are you?" Miss porcelain doll asked. Her voice matching her looks, sweet and exotic.
"I"m twenty four."
"Wow Alec she"s just a baby" she said looking at Alec. "What things does a twenty four year old like you do these days?" Miranda sensed that she was being mocked by miss gorgeous. "From your dress sense I a.s.sume you get very creative out in the big world?"
"Um, my dress sense?" That"s it Miranda wasn"t going to sit here and listen to this c.r.a.p from miss perfect. "It"s called not trying to impress anybody," oh her blood was boiling. How the h.e.l.l dare she think to treat her like a moron?
"I was just suggesting that you look very...how can I put it colorful, no need to get defensive?" Crystal looked at Alec with a smirk.
Alec looked at Miranda and saw her struggle with her emotions. He couldn"t believe she spoke out to Crystal like that. People usually a.s.sumed Crystal was nice because she insulted people with a fixed smile on her face. Miranda seemed to catch on quickly... Interesting.
"As an employer, you are to respect your bosses. Have you ever worked before Miranda?" Was this d.i.c.khead for real? She nodded her head. "And do you speak to your boss that way?" Having nothing more to do she dumbly shook her head. "Apologize to Crystal Miranda." Alec said coolly. Waiting to see how this was going to play out. He was so wanting her to crack, it would be the only way to deal with her and put her in her place once and for all just no mishaps occur. Better get it right from the beginning. He really had no time for this c.r.a.p.
Miranda"s eyes went almost gla.s.sy looking. Her cheeks flushed a red that suited her thick full lips.
"Apologize? Um, I"m sorry for what?" That"s it! Enough was enough. "Look, Sir Alec or whatever the h.e.l.l your name is. I am here purely because my uncle is an a.s.shole. I am not your anything. I think I have changed my mind..." She paused for a second. "Yeah, I think I"m outta here." Miranda stood to leave, f.u.c.k her uncle. This was so not part of the plan. If she accept this kind of treatment, next he would be whoring her out. Miranda headed for the stairs... She was going home. Her d.i.c.khead uncle could deal with this alone.
"Get back here kid." Alec said calmly. His voice so level, not a hint of anger. She stood frozen trying to figure out what to do. He had no rights over her. He could not do anything to her. f.u.c.k him...
"That"s two Miranda," he said holding up two fingers. Two what? This guy was like weird.
Fighting an inner battle with herself Miranda didn"t know how to approach the situation. Had she over reacted? No, her instincts were always right, and at this particular moment her instincts were warning her that Alec wasn"t happy with her at all. She really wanted to throw caution to the wind but feared the repercussions. For some reason she swallowed her pride. Miranda looked over at a very intrigued looking Crystal.
"I"m sorry Crystal." That"s it Miranda, apologize and leave.
"Come here, "Alec gestured for her to approach, it would seem that Alec had other ideas. The last thing she wanted to do was go near him. Still she cautiously walked toward him, she saw his pupils dilate, that must be a sign of his discontent.
Alec stood up towering over Miranda. He walked towards her and lifted her chin, a slight grip nothing to cower over just yet, it seemed more threatening that he did it so softly. Miranda looked at him aware of the intensity of his eyes. She could almost drown in them... almost.
"This isn"t starting out too well for you, already you"ve earned yourself two punishments." His voice so soft yet so full of promise. "Why are you sorry Miranda?" he asked. Jesus was this guy for real? She already said she was sorry! Miranda although not a stubborn girl decided that she really has nothing to be sorry about. To h.e.l.l with it let him do his worst! She was so outta there anyways.
"I"m sorry that Crystal is an obnoxious woman who feels superior when she insults people, I"m sorry that I ever agreed to this c.r.a.p," shut up Miranda what the h.e.l.l are you doing? Yet her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. "I"m sorry that my uncle ever went into business with you and I"m especially sorry for ever knowing either of you." There she said it. It felt so much better getting it out of her system. "So I"m gone... Thanks for the night. Room was great, will recommend you to all my friends." She said sarcastically. Miranda shook her head at the absurdity of this entire situation. Dumb f.u.c.king d.i.c.khead. Miranda hated nothing more than arrogant a.s.sholes who a.s.sumed that having money gave them the right to order people around like they were they"re superiors or something. Alec did that from the moment he spoke to her. Saying he was her boss and all... Yeah, f.u.c.k off a.s.shole. He was not above her, what was money anyway? It cannot bring you back once you are dead... Her parents couldn"t come back... Money or not they were dead.
Alec was dumbfounded! In all his thirty six years he had never been struck dumb as he had this particular moment. n.o.body had ever dared speak to him like that. Anybody who spoke out of line with him were dealt with. The few that thought they could challenge him usually ended up dead. He always had a no tolerance policy for things if they didn"t go his way. And this situation didn"t go his way at all.
Aware that Crystal and Maria the housekeeper were waiting to see his reaction to Miranda"s outburst, and although he really didn"t want to punish her so early in the game he needed to a.s.sert his dominance so n.o.body would think they could f.u.c.k with him. His main issue here was he couldn"t lose face. Crystal mingled around with the elite in society of whom his colleagues and enemies were a part of. He couldn"t let her spread the word that he has gone soft. One word here, one word there and rumors escalate... Then big time f.u.c.ker would think he had gone soft and want to take him on.
He tsked and shook his head. Miranda wanted to scream so loud and tell them all to go to h.e.l.l. Oh she so wanted this over with, hurry up and talk you f.u.c.ker, she wanted to go home. "Okay Miranda here"s what"s going to happen. You will be locked in your room for two weeks, one week per punishment, nothing except you and four walls. "Miranda started shaking her head! That"s it! That"s the punishment? Bring it on dude! She liked being with herself anyway! Beats hanging around these jerks!
"What? Your grounding me? Seems a little juvenile don"t you think?" She said tartly. "Look, Alec, or sir, whatever, I am leaving, I am not going to be a part of this bulls.h.i.+t. My uncle and you need to work out another plan. Me I will not be a part of this." Idiot thinking to punish her.
"Three weeks," was he"s reply to that. Miranda"s mouth dropped open. She must look so comical to him.
"Seriously this is ridiculous! You can"t treat me like this! You have no right to demand anything from me! I"m like so leaving, you can bargain with Marcus for something else! You and my uncle can both go to h.e.l.l!"
Suddenly Alec"s hand twisted in her hair so hard she thought her scalp was coming off. He tugged on her hair forcing her to look up at him.
"Four weeks" he said a little too close to her face. "One more outburst from you and I"ll guarantee you will be sorry!" Play time was over! She needed to know who was boss. She might think four weeks is nothing, but after the first week she"ll be begging for company. He"ll break her one way or another! "I can make your stay here a living h.e.l.l kid! You really don"t want to see the ugly side of me," he said while still gripping her hair. "Understood?" he pulled on her hair tighter while waiting for her response.
"Yes sir." Miranda replied wincing from the pain. She ceded, out of pure shock she ceded. He abruptly let her go making her stagger backwards and almost fall. She felt so embarra.s.sed to be in this predicament.
"Carlos!" In a second Carlos was in the room. "Escort Ms. Branford to her room, and make sure you secure the code lock." Carlos nodded his head and gestured for Miranda to follow him.
Carlos was Alec"s wing man! He sorted out the s.h.i.+t in Alec"s world. He dealt with security and would die happily taking a bullet for Alec.
Turning back to Crystal he notice a glee in her eye. "My my baby," she purred, "Do you think you can deal with this itty bitty brat? Seems like she"s going to be a handful. I mean really, disrespecting you in front of company? Does she not know who you are?"
Alec returned to his seat beside her. "She"s just a kid Crystal, I can deal with her, just needs to learn her place."
"Are you sure of that Alec. I mean you need to be careful hon, you know Ethan and what he is capable of. What would Ethan think if he heard you were going soft?" f.u.c.k, he knew she would bring Ethan Cunningham into this.
"Ethan the f.u.c.ker can go to h.e.l.l! You know that if it wasn"t for his father he"d be a dead man!"
"I know baby it"s just that he"s really stepping up in the world. You know how any weakness you show will be a weapon for him. I"m only looking out for you honey, I"ve heard through the grapevine that he intends to bring you and your whole operation down."
"I can deal with Cunningham. And I can deal with Miranda no need to worry. She"ll be outta here by the time her punishments up. I"m not going to have to deal with her. She can stay in there till her f.u.c.king uncle returns my money."
Crystal slowly rubbed her hands on Alec"s thighs, lifting her hand further and further until she reached his crotch. Rubbing him up and down she lifted herself and sat on his lap. "Let me make it better for you baby," she said as she unzipped and unb.u.t.toned his shorts. Freeing his semi erect c.o.c.k she rubbed the head of it. Never taking her eyes off him she licked her hand and slowly returned her moistened hand and began rubbing his c.o.c.k.
Crystal can always make it better he thought...
Chapter 2.
First week wasn"t so bad. Miranda entertained herself reading from the collection on the book shelf. Second week wasn"t as easy. She tried on numerous attempts to talk to Maria who would come once a day to clean the room. She also tried to start conversations with Carlos who would enter quietly serve her meals then leave. He wouldn"t even acknowledge her existence.
By the third week Miranda wanted to rip her hair out! She tried exercising to keep her mind off her boredom. But to no avail. Talk about regretting opening her big mouth! I can"t do this, Miranda thought. Another week alone and she was bound to go completely nuts.
Throwing herself on the bed Miranda starting counting the seconds before Carlos entered the room to serve her lunch. At twelve pm to the second he would punch in the code and the door would open. He would place her meal on the table adjacent to the bed, renter the code from the inside of the room and leave.
He was a handsome man. Mexican with dark skin a goatee and tattoos all over his arms. Alec"s goatee made him look ruthless yet Carlos"s facial hair made him look criminal like. His dark eyes and the scar on his right eyebrow indicated that Carlos was a force to be reckoned with.
And twelve pm sharp Miranda heard the beeping sound from the door and awaited her lunch. This time she decided to make no attempt to talk to him. Instead she continued to stare at the clock on the wall opposite her bed. Carlos entered the room, he looked over at her, not saying a word, he placed the tray of food on the table. Nothing, not a single word, he leaves her alone to face another lonely night.
She could smell the aroma of the food and although she was hungry didn"t think she could stomach the food. It smelt glorious but Miranda wasn"t in the mood for food.
When Carlos entered her room again, Miranda noticed he did a double take when he realized she had not touched her meal. It looked like he wanted to say something to her but refrained. Please talk to me... Nothing at all.
Alec told Carlos to report to him on the girl"s progress. Earlier he had informed him that Miranda had not touched a single meal. Alec had told him to continue with the routine, not to act affected. But it was becoming concerning.
For two days the girl hadn"t eaten a thing. Now it was serious. Alec would have to deal with this from here on end.
Alec walked into her room first thing in the morning. She was sitting on the bed looking at the clock. s.h.i.+t, he should not have maybe gone so hard on her. Had he pushed her too far? She needed to know that she couldn"t defy him, the earlier to establish that the better. Her f.u.c.ker of an uncle had not paid him yet. He wouldn"t allow him in his casino anymore. That was for sure. He was lucky he didn"t kill the b.a.s.t.a.r.d.
Still looking at the girl with her unkempt hair and her sad eyes tugged at his heart. It wasn"t her fault she was here. f.u.c.k it wasn"t his fault either. But until the duration of her stay she need to be obedient and follow all rules. He didn"t know how to live without control. Unfortunately for her she was under his control.
"Miranda, look at me," he said quietly as he made his way over to the bed. She remained still as if in a trance. "Miranda, look at me," he repeated. Alec gently shook her shoulders. "Miranda look at me kid," with that Miranda"s gla.s.sy hazel eyes turned slowly as if trying to focus. Finally focusing she looked directly into his soul. He withdrew his hands. "You not feeling well?" He asked really starting to get concerned. "Miranda I need you to reply to me"
She did not reply, gave him a pout and shook her shoulders weakly.
"Why aren"t you eating? Do you not like the food?" He was regretting leaving her here for so long. f.u.c.k!
"Not hungry." Her voice barely a whisper. s.h.i.+t! She looked dehydrated.
Alec ran his hand through his thick hair. Really getting frustrated with himself and her. "Okay kid get up and come with me," he was done with talking. He would get her better and then they would discuss what to do from there. "You will have breakfast with me today," Alec waited for her to respond.
"Not hungry." she replied.
"That wasn"t a request kid!" He didn"t like to worry, but this girl was pulling at something inside of him and it felt a lot like guilt. The last time he ever felt guilt was when he knocked a man out at the casino for trying to steal food at one of the restaurants only to see his little kid waiting outside and looked like she hadn"t eaten in days. After that Alec had stuffed hundred dollar bills in the man"s pocket and told him never to return to the casino.
She looked at him and then looked at her attire. She was donned in cotton shorts and a singlet with no bra. They were black but still felt very revealing to her. She suddenly became aware of her appearance and tried to cover up.
f.u.c.k Alec didn"t have time for this. He stood up grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. Walking out the door he noticed that she was almost limp didn"t have much of a fight in her. He also realized her a.s.s so near his face and her shorts riding up till he could almost see her cheeks. He felt a stirring in his loins that was not a good sign, his d.i.c.k was getting hard and he couldn"t be getting involved with her now. It would complicate everything, so his newly found l.u.s.t would need to keep at bay.
Finally reaching the dining room he sat her on a chair and took his seat at the head of the table. She was still within his reach. "Maria!" he called out. Within seconds Maria was beside him. "We are ready for breakfast,"
"Of course sir," she said as she hurried off.