Sold into Slavery Read Free Page B

safety of his arms, something surged through Leah, reenergizing her and making her body feel light, as if she could fly. It was, she realized with sudden, startled recognition, joy.
    Pure joy.
    Her eyes landed on the bullwhip, which lay curled like a sleeping snake on the sheets beside them. She reached for it, stroking the deceptively soft leather. Tilting her head to look into Devin’s handsome face, she asked, “So, what’s the verdict? Am I worthy?”
    His smile told her everything she needed to know.

Chapter 2
     
    Leah wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. Though it was only March, the day had dawned hot and wet, the temperature already over ninety degrees. While it had felt pleasant enough when lying on the beach with the sea breeze keeping her cool, here in the heart of the old shopping district with its close, narrow streets and throngs of people was another story.
    She touched the V at the hollow of her neck, feeling the lack there, and it made her smile. She was well and truly over Todd Benjamin. He was just a memory, and a fading one, at that.
    She’d spent the entire night in Devin’s arms. They’d made love again at dawn, this time taking it slower, exploring each other’s bodies with passion and tenderness. As Devin held her close, he whispered his promise that soon she would experience the stinging kiss of the whip and the sensual, hot comfort of binding rope.
    She’d slept deeply after that, not waking until after nine. When she’d reached for her new lover, she’d been dismayed to find the bed was empty and Devin nowhere in sight. He’d left her a note, written in a strong, masculine hand on the hotel’s stationery:
     
    Darling Leah,
    I couldn’t bring myself to wake you, as you look so beautiful lying there asleep, with that
    soft smile on your lips that I like to imagine I put there! I have to spend a dreary day with
    stodgy old businessmen, but I should be back in time for dinner. Feel free to order room
    service. I can’t wait to see you again, lovely girl. If we don’t connect sooner,
    meet me in the bar at 7:00. I do hope you are free for dinner and then…
    With wonderful, wicked thoughts of what I’m going to do to you, Devin
     
    Though she would have rather spent the morning in Devin’s arms, Leah contented herself with a breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice and hot rolls with butter and jam, after which she took a long, steamy soak in Devin’s hot tub. While in the tub, she’d removed the slave collar, no longer wanting someone else’s chain around her neck, even if it had lost its original meaning. She’d dropped it into the bathroom trashcan, wondering why she’d worn it for so long.
    When she finally headed back to her own room it was nearly one o’clock in the afternoon. Surveying her meager wardrobe, she decided she would buy a few new things—something nice for their dinner date, and definitely something sexy for the promised, “ and then…” in his note.
    Now Leah scanned the signs along the storefronts, weaving her way past the crowds as she looked for the jewelry and gem shop the concierge at the hotel had recommended. Again she touched her throat, thinking perhaps she’d find a pretty new necklace for herself, and maybe some gifts for friends and family back home.
    At first she’d been a little surprised the concierge had pushed the jewelry store so hard when she’d asked about clothing boutiques. She figured probably a family member owned it, which would explain why the guy had been so eager to show her the glossy color brochure featuring the finest jewels and gemstones available at the most reasonable prices. “ Tell them Jao sent you, and I can guarantee you will get the best price. They’ll know you’re not just any tourist, but an experienced traveler, with a good eye for a bargain. Let me know when you’re going,” he’d said eagerly. “I’ll call ahead so they’ll be ready with the finest gems, the ones they keep