Page 6 of Ashes to New

She was going to get sick if she thought too hard about what would come next. The other man was a mystery, but Clark Preston greeted him like an old friend. That bothered her even more than the judge—or rather, the looks the newcomer gave Forest. The bottom drop out of her world. This new man was dangerous.

A polished individual, he wore cuff links that sparkled in the light cast from the chandelier overhead. Clark Preston shook the man’s hand and exchanged pleasantries. A roll of cash passed between them.

Judge Johnson pulled out a stack of bills as well. Clark Preston lay the money down on the inlaid tile table, not bothering to count it. The cash would be locked in the safe behind the painting hanging over the massive mahogany desk in the library.

Fire burned in her cheeks and settled in her gut. That money stole her innocence one evening at a time.

“So, John, how was your flight?” Clark Preston asked.

Elsbeth breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth, trying to ease her anxiety with the slow breaths.

The newcomer ran long fingers through his mop of black hair, combing the waves into submission. “The flight was uneventful but long. You know how international travel can be.”

“It wears you out, but I have the solution to that.” He gestured to Elsbeth and Forest. “What do you think?”

The swell of pride in his tone soured her stomach. She and Forest were nothing more than objects to be used, and she hated that she allowed it. She despised how easily her will had been broken.

The strange man approached Forest. “Delectable, as you mentioned.” He reached out and then withdrew, turning back to Clark Preston. “May I?”

Clark Preston nodded. “Of course. Forest, meet John Snowden. You’re his for the evening. Elsbeth, once Judge Johnson is finished, you will serve Mr. Snowden as well.”

“And I can do whatever I wish?” Snowden asked.

A shudder rippled down her spine.

“Within reason. You can’t do anything that will permanently harm them, but that’s stated in the contract.”

“Of course.” John Snowden traced the angle of Forest’s jaw, tilting his head up. “I wouldn’t dream of harming your property, but you did mention harder play.”

Forest gave no reaction to the man’s words, holding himself perfectly still.

Elsbeth’s gut twisted and seethed.Tonight would be difficult.

The judge joined them, his step heavy and ponderous, and his fat hand pulled at her hair as he lifted it to sniff the strands. “You’re in for a treat tonight, John. Clark’s pets are incredibly well trained and obedient.” He released her hair and marched past, no doubt headed to the liquor cabinet.

“The boy is a fine specimen,” John Snowden proclaimed. “As is the girl. I can’t wait to begin.”

Clark Preston gestured down the hall. “Soon, but first, can I interest you in a drink? I have whiskey, scotch, or beer, if you prefer.”

“Do you have Gentleman Jack?”

“I was betting you were a Jack fan. Two fingers, neat?”

John Snowden nodded. “Please.”

The men left Elsbeth and Forest in the hall. In that sliver of a moment, Forest reached for her hand, curling his fingers around hers. They weren’t allowed to speak, but everything that needed to be said was communicated in the squeeze of his fingers. He was there for her, as much as she would be for him.

Forest mouthed,Time will pass.

And, indeed, it would.

“Elsbeth!” Clark Preston’s command snapped her to her feet. “Judge Johnson desires your attention.”

She hustled to the great room, unsurprised to find the judge reclined in one of the two leather seats. A couch separated the two facing chairs. Clark Preston busied himself at the bar while the judge and John Snowden took residence in the camel-colored chairs.

Judge Johnson had his belt unbuckled and his trousers unzipped. There was no reason to ask for direction.

“Boy,” John Snowden snapped, “come here.”