Mastering the Virgin Box Set Five: A BDSM Ménage Erotic Romance novel Chapter 8

I lie beside her, in the dark, one arm crooked over her, my hand cupping the warmth of a breast as I wait for sleep to take her.

And all the while I think on her words.

I can speak of some of what happened freely enough. Elizabeth’s abduction, her imprisonment, Charlotte’s plan for their freedom….

But should I repeat to James and Michael the rest? Tell them Charlotte’s mother was a whore?

Dishonour her?

Without the chance to speak and defend herself?

Should I tell Will?

It’s part of the investigation….

Charlotte’s past….

Indecision gnaws at me, a cancer in my belly as I consider what is best to do. After what Charlotte has done for Elizabeth, how can I shame her?

When we get her back, that’s the time….

When we get her back….

Better to stay silent….

…. For now….

*****

Seven Years Ago

“Here, Jenny, can you take this out to Old Jacob in the barn, please.” Mrs Collier passes her a dish of meat and veggies, mash and gravy, placing a lid over the top. “The plate’s hot, so use a tray, otherwise you’ll burn your fingers.”

“Isn’t he eating with us?”

Mrs Collier sniffs. “Feeding him while he’s working here is part of the deal. Having the smell of him at the table isn’t.” She gives Jenny a pointed look. “Unless you want to sit next to him?

“Um…”

“Yes. Um. Old Jacob's not too keen on spending his money on soap and water.” Mrs Collier’s lips settle into a flat line. “He always seems to have plenty for whiskey though. Anyway, he can eat out in the barn. Maybe Charlie and Maggie won’t mind too much.”

Jenny takes the meal across the yard to the barn, where she finds the tramp sitting on a bale of hay, a couple of bluebottles zipping around his head.

“Well if it isn’t young Jenny with vittles for a worker.” He pats the bale next to his. “Why don’t you come keep me company while I eat.”

Jenny eyes the zig-zagging flies with distaste. And….

…. there is something in Old Jacob’s eye that she doesn’t quite care for.

“I can’t stop right now. Mrs Collier’s just serving up dinner.”

He grunts, lifting the plate away, releasing a curl of savoury steam. It smells good, but he looks disgruntled. “Never any time for an old man. Maybe next time, eh?”

“Maybe.”

When she returns to the kitchen, everyone has gathered for dinner. Chatter and clatter and laughter echoes around as she takes her place.

“And how was your day at school, Jenny?” Mrs Collier passes her a dish loaded with beans and greens and carrots.

Even after all this time, Jenny feels guilty at having so much food to enjoy. But still, she is always encouraged to fill her plate. She scoops veggies up high, then passes the bowl to Brett as Nathaniel hands her a dish of succulent, sliced pork, the flesh glistening, the skin crisped and fragrant. Diane, Nathaniel’s hugely pregnant wife, slides a gravy boat across to her.

“My day? It was great,” she says, through a mouthful of mash. Mrs Collier casts her a look and Jenny works to swallow her food before she opens her mouth again to speak.