My first master was a real study in sociopathology. Is that even a word? Anyway, he was forever after women. I could never remember him without some beautiful socialite on his arm. Yes, he was quite an important person, some kind of diplomat or something. In light of that, the women he met and took with him to events he never slept with. But, like any other male he had needs. And that was where I came in. He didn’t have to relate with me on any level, except sexual. And he had some very…eclectic tastes. And, that’s putting it nicely.

There was nothing nice about him. He sure looked the part, though. Tall, blonde, blue eyes, you know, the Aryan type. He was athletic too. Track sports. Running was a favourite pastime. That and taking his frustrations out on me. I won’t bore you with details….though I always had to lick my wounds afterwards, so to speak. I wasn’t with him for long though, not that it was anything to be thankful for…he did a lot of damage, physically and psychologically. Though I never really thought of that part of it back then. All I knew was that when I was taken from him it was the biggest relief for a time.

“Val?”

My hand pauses above the page. Matt is frowning at me, keys jingling in his hand.

“Yeah?” I’m feeling more relaxed now. After a tense breakfast he left me to my own devices while he ran around doing some errands. He’s obviously back now, but the tension is still there; it’s evident in his voice. And that sets my nerves on edge, again.

Matt leans next to me. “We have to go out.”

I set the pen down. “Now, sir?”

He nods, grimacing. “I wish you’d stop calling me that.”

“Sorry. Habit. Where’re we going, Matt?”

Matt’s brow furrows even more if that’s possible. “The Guild. Denmore says they need to speak with us.”

I blanche. A sick feeling causes my stomach to clench. He watches me for a moment then leans forward to capture my hands in his own.

“Listen to me; I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Staring at him, I try to process what he’s saying, but it’s difficult.Breathe…just breathe… I close my eyes for a moment then nod slightly.

“Okay. I trust you.”

Matt smiles softly then frowns as his phone rings. He answers gruffly his words cut off as his eyebrows shoot up in shock. I blink at him, wondering who’s on the line. He holds a finger up to me as he listens, eyes darkening at each word that’s being said to him. By the time the call ends his expression is murderous and if looks could actually kill…

“Sonofabitch…”

I blink. “What is it?”

He looks at me with those hard, cold eyes. “Giovanni.” That one name rolls off his lips on a low growl. I stare at him and then a sudden resolve seems to settle over me, like a cloak. That name used to instil fear in me, but now I just feel disgust and…pity?

I shake my head. “We’re still going to the Guild, right?”

Matt lifts an eyebrow at me then nods his voice taut when he answers. “Yeah. Yeah, we’re still going.”

“And you’ll be right there.”

His lips twist into a semblance of a smile, but it’s the grimmest smile I’ve ever seen. “Yes, I’ll be right there.”

I nod. “Then we have nothing to worry about, sir.”

He rolls his eyes, but doesn’t correct me this time instead he just pulls me into his arms and holds me close to his chest. I nuzzle into his shirt for a moment. He chuckles above my head. Then sets me back, looking at me his expression softening.

“We’d best go. I’ll call the guys on the way.”

* * * * *

It’s busy at the Guild. Brian and Jimmy join us at the entrance. I stay close to Matt who has one hand resting at my elbow. He scans the front hall and I follow his gaze. His fingers tighten on my arm and the instant I feel that I see him.

“Giovanni!”

I blink as JD appears from one of the offices and strides toward the man who sold me to Matthew. Matt’s hand grips my arm harder; I wince slightly. He looks down at me, frowning. I wriggle my arm; he colours slightly, relaxing his grip and mouthing sorry. I just shake my head at him. He returns his eyes toward the two men, whose discussion has become heated. I can’t make out words, but Giovanni is turning a shade of puce that I don’t think I’ve ever seen, and JD…well if looks could kill…

Brian mutters, “We going over there, Shads?”

Matt nods; Jimmy grimaces, an uncharacteristic expression for him. Matt leads us over. The stiffness to his back is the only sign of discomfit that I can see. Then again, he’s very good at hiding his emotions, unless they get the better of him. The hard grip on my arm serves more of an indication of his state of mind than any expression he’s wearing.

As we get closer, I freeze. Because there is a third man crossing the floor to join them.

“Val?” Matt looks down at me. I don’t register, my sight fixed on the tall blonde male that is now standing next to Giovanni. A cold shiver runs down my spine and I step closer to Matt. “What is it, Val?”

I swallow hard, nodding to the third male. “That man…”

Matt’s eyes narrow. “Who is he to you?”

“Keith Arian, my first…” I let my voice trail off. Words really aren’t necessary and at any rate, JD sees us just as I finish talking and he waves us over. Matthew’s grip tightens on my arm once more as we join them. Though I do manage to stay slightly out of line of sight.

JD’s smile is brittle as if it’ll break at any moment. “Sanders, good of you to join us.” His eyes slew towards me and he nods as his expression softens. “Valary.”

I nod to him then duck my chin down, remaining close to Matt. He places a hand at my back, rubbing in slow circles. Relaxing at his touch, I peek up through my lashes and as I do, Keith catches my eye and a flash of recognition lights up his eyes. I shiver.

Keith looks at JD. “I know her.”

I observe JD’s expression that darkens considerably. “I’m aware of that.” He glances at us, speaking to Matt. “That’s why we’re meeting today.”

Matt’s hand stops moving and he says in a low tone, “What exactly are we here for?”

JD drags his fingers through his hair as he says, “Keith has some admissions to make.”

A chill runs through me. Since I’m standing here, whatever he has to say must by default have something to do with me. Matt’s hand starts moving again, a reassuring gesture. I anchor myself to his touch, breathing slowly as I wait.

Keith looks at me then at Matt then at his friends then turns his gaze back to me, his brow drawing tight. I lower my eyes unable to meet his all too transparent gaze. Matt’s hand slides up to the back of my neck and he squeezes; I relax into his touch.

“Talk,” he says, voice a low growl.

Keith starts to speak, and his words, well… what words they are…

Notes