Page 11 of Ashes to New

But was that the truth? Would either of them ever be okay? And, when ClarkPreston went too far, what would happen? What would it take to free her and Forest? There weren’t too many answers to that question. Would she be strong enough? Could she?

When she glanced at Forest, the answer materialized. She’d be strong enough for whatever it took.

Chapter Six

CLARK PRESTON’S CONTROL,while powerful, paled next to the deliberate practice of John Snowden.

Over the first week of summer, he shaped and honed Elsbeth’s responses, using cruelty and coercion mixed with reward. The reward was the one thing she cared about most—him not touching Forest. Master John, as she was forced to address him, applied his sadistic principles to condition her responses. Her body broke under his demands, but even more damaging was how he settled himself deep within the crevices of her mind. His dark commands would whisper through her dreams, turning nightmares into reality with the coming of dawn.

One week into summer, it was Sunday, seven long days after his arrival. The door to the dungeon remained closed but only because Master John had a flight to catch. Elsbeth and Forest would soon be free of his calculating manipulation, and she wept with relief.

Her gaze kept cutting to the clock on the mantel, watching the minutes tick by.

“How long this time, John?” Clark Preston wrapped his fingers in Elsbeth’s hair and let the long strands slip through his grip.

He was in a gentle mood, and she stilled, terrified the wrong movement would make all that change.

The same could not be said of Master John. He’d been especially horrid this morning. She’d been able to save Forest frommost of his attention, but he had wanted a parting gift and brought out the whip. Forest had continued to resist, and she didn’t understand why.

As his body matured into that of a man, he would become harder to control, if not impossible. If she’d considered that possibility, Clark Preston had, too, and fighting wasn’t helping anyone. For now, Forest’s gangly body and lack of coordination kept the balance of power firmly seated where it had always been.

“Negotiations on this one are tricky,” Master John said. “With so many agencies involved, the legal land mines are impressive. I anticipate a few weeks, maybe longer.” He gripped the chain attached to Forest’s collar, pulling Forest’s face tighter against his own lap. “I’m going to miss your boy.”

Clark Preston chuckled. “As I’m certain, he’ll miss you. It’s been quite…educational, having you visit.”

Master John released the chain and grabbed Forest’s head, his large hands palming Forest’s ears, controlling the up and down motion. His hard stare latched on to what Forest was doing with his mouth, and his jaw clenched with the sensations Forest drew from his body.

Elaborately knotted rope secured Forest’s arms to his back, and a webbing of intricate ties bound his legs, forcing him into a precarious position on his knees. Heavy welts covered his back, marks from a whip endured less than an hour ago. A cut over his hip, angry and raw, had finally stopped bleeding.

Elsbeth laid her cheek against Clark Preston’s thigh and closed her eyes.

“And your plans upon your return?”

Master John tilted his head back. His jugulars stood in relief over the strain of muscles in his neck. Elsbeth entertained a brief fantasy involving a sharp knife. With growl he released, and then he pushed Forest away and tucked his cock behind the zipper of hisexpensive suit. Forest wobbled, desperately trying to maintain his balance.

Icy revulsion rippled through Elsbeth’s body.

Clark Preston played with her hair, pulling on the strands. As he stood, he brought her from her knees to her feet. “You should say good-bye.” He palmed her neck, steering her toward Master John.

Forest lost the battle with his balance and fell over onto his side. A whoosh of air escaped with a grunt. Still heaving, his chest billowed in and out with each breath. While he had to be in excruciating pain, he remained still, not resisting the rope binding him.

“Good-bye, Master John.” Keeping her voice contrite challenged every fiber of her being, but with a glance at Forest’s struggle, she found the strength she desperately needed. Unsure as to what was expected in a farewell, Elsbeth dropped to her knees. As with the ritualized greeting, she stretched out and placed her lips on the top of his shoe.

Master John’s gentle chuckle gutted her. “Ah, my sweet pet. I’ll spend my evenings thinking of the deliciousness of your screams and fisting my cock to memories of your moans calling out for me. You’re a true treasure and well worth what I paid.”

She remained silent, maintaining her pose of obeisance.

He lowered himself to a crouch, cupped her jaw, and tilted her head up. “I’ll be back. In the meantime, Clark will continue your training. You have much to learn.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Clark Preston was a horrible man, but John Snowden was the true monster.Did this mean his presence would be a recurring thing?

“She’s shaking,” Clark Preston said as he stepped close. “Impressive.”

“You’re the one doing an impressive job. I only laid down the finishing touches. But she still needs work before I take possession.” Master John released her chin.

Blood drained from her face, and her heart slammed against the cage of her chest. She dropped her chin, letting the long curtain of her hair hide her shock. She could barely breathe as his words tumbled in her head.No! She had a future planned. Clark Preston had stolen her childhood,and now,this man planned on stealing her entire life?

“You know what it takes and use the boy to reinforce her training. I don’t want her getting used to coming only with the wand.”