I felt the boat slowing as we neared the Cuban port. My heart rate jacked up and I craned my neck to see out the window. My view was not good. When we stopped, could I chance a bloodcurdling scream for help? Would anyone outside care enough to report it? And the bigger question was, would anyone dare to go against a man like Marco Ruiz?
Aside from the heated moment where he’d shouted at Fernando, Marco had seemed nothing but distinguished and controlled—the sort of wealthy and refined man who oozed confidence and control over his surroundings. His mustached smile was warm, but his eyes missed nothing. He was rich, and if necessary, ruthless.
No. With a sinking feeling I acknowledged that screaming would get me nothing but a bed at the bottom of the ocean.
As the engines cut off, sounds of bustling around and raised voices came from around the boat. My door opened and I jumped, immediately tensing. I’d have felt more comfortable if I at least had on underwear.
A guy walked in carrying some clothes, and closed the door behind himself. He had a soft half-grin on his face, and stood relaxed in his lanky, toned body. He had brown hair down to his chin, and he dressed stylishly like Fernando. His face was beautiful—pretty even—pronounced cheekbones, full lips, and dark lashes that made his eyes look weepy and lined. But he didn’t move with the confidence and bravado that Fernando or the other men on this boat moved like. He moved with the same unhurried ease as Perla. And like her, he wore a black collar around his neck.
“Hello, Angel.” Even his voice was pretty, a light tenor with soft Spanish tones.
“Hi,” I said, wishing it hadn’t come out quite so timid.
He sat on the bed next to me and I scooted away. He was unperturbed, studying me in a different way than Marco and the other men had. This guy seemed...curious.
“I am Josef.” He smiled and I smiled and it was a little awkward. He didn’t seem threatening, but after Fernando I didn’t know if I could trust my instincts anymore.
“You are sore?” he asked, nodding down my body.
“Oh…um…a little.”
His casual attitude about my post-rape condition rattled me a bit. I didn’t want to be casual about it. I didn’t want to pretend any part of this was normal or okay.
“I bring ointment in case you need. You take shower now, sí?”
This is not normal. It’s not okay. This is all so wrong.
He reached across me to unlock my cuff and I got a whiff of the same cologne Fernando wore. A moment of terrified panic consumed me and I let out a scream, scrunching away from him as my heart pounded.
“Whoa. Relax, Angel peque?o, I no hurt you.” He took off the cuff and rubbed my wrist. My eyes stung.
“You smell like him,” I whispered. I shouldn’t have said it.
Josef cocked his head to the side. “Who? Oh…sí. Cologne. His son choose it para me.”
I was confused. Fernando recommended for Marco’s henchmen to wear cologne?
“I am slave,” Josef explained. “Like you.”
My eyes widened. I looked at my uncuffed hands, and the fact that this other slave was in charge of me. Before I could concoct any brave plans, Josef spoke again.
“I am loyal to Master, Angel. He trust. Do not make problem for us, por favor.”
He held out a hand and I placed mine inside it, letting him lead me to the bathroom. When we got inside he closed the door behind us and turned on the shower.
“You need toilet?” he asked.
I shook my head. At his prompting I climbed into the shower. He peeked in a few times, I assumed to make sure I wasn’t poisoning myself by drinking the shampoo or something. Afterward I dried and put on a white cotton pullover dress that landed just above my knees. It was a low cut V-neck, sleeveless. No underwear. I hated not wearing underwear.
When we entered the room again Josef sat me on the bed and handcuffed me to the headboard again. Then he surprised me by sitting behind me and brushing my wet hair. It felt nice. I shivered and almost fell asleep. With a jolt I wondered if I had any business feeling this comfortable with a man who was loyal to Marco. Then I wondered.
“Josef…are you gay?”
I didn’t turn, but I thought I heard a smile in his voice when he said, “I pleasure men y women.”
“Oh.”
When he was done he said, “Time for lunch.”
Someone had brought in a tray while I showered. Josef lifted the lid and revealed a sandwich. At that moment Marco opened the door. Josef slid to his knees on the floor and dropped his head in reverence.
I stared up at Marco.
“Angel?” he said.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Do you see how Josef kneels and lowers his head and eyes when I approach?”
Uh-oh. I didn’t like where this was going.