a world so cold.

Elena whimpered as Benjamin praised her. She wanted so badly to beg him to stop but she knew she had upset him earlier, she wouldn't dare say a word of protest. She clamped her eyes shut, a chill running down her spine as he whispered in her ear. "Y-You are, master," she cried out, her back arching as if it would help alleviate any of the pain being inflicted on her. She grimaced, shaking her head slightly. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes as she squirmed on the bed. "T-They get p-punished," she choked out, her eyes opening just slightly. Elena gripped the sheets, biting into her bottom lip. Crying out as Ben pushed the toys deeper, Elena shook her head again. It was the only protest that she would ever dare offer.

Pressing her lips together, Elena tried desperately to focus on keeping herself together. She knew it was wrong to say bad words and with all the new sensations that she was feeling, Elena wasn't so sure she could keep herself together. "Y-You, master," Elena croaked when Benjamin prompted her again. Her shoulders sagged slightly when Benjamin pulled the toy out of her pussy, knowing full well what was coming. She knew where this was going but she was fighting to keep her composure.

Elena jolted when her knees hit the carpet, a shiver running down her spine. Ben started to fuck her, causing small whimpers and moans to sound from her lips. It was an entirely new experience, Ben fucking her while her other entrance was full. Elena clamped her eyes shut, trying to lift her knees off of the carpet when it started to rub her skin raw. Ben gave a particularly rough thrust and Elena gasped, her eyes widening. "F-Fuck," she couldn't stop herself, her hips pushing back against his. Despite this being a punishment, the pain started to morph into a pleasure that she hadn't been prepared for. Elena tensed, knowing that if she dared cum without permission that this would not be anywhere near over.

"P-Please," Elena stuttered, lifting her head as she glanced toward the bed in front of her. She grabbed at the bed and tried to push herself forward, the idea of trying to move away from him a lot better than cumming without permission. Fear had settled int he pit of her stomach and she was doing her best to focus on anything else. "L-Let me.. f-finish y-ou," she tried to speak, running her tongue over her bottom lip as her eyes rolled in pleasure. She hoped that she'd conveyed her desires as well as she could. If she could just finish Ben with her mouth... maybe she could avoid an even worse punishment.

@ castle.
Of all the sounds that were escaping from Elena, Ben found the most satisfying ones to be when she begged to suck him. To have her juices that coated his cock to be in her mouth and take in all of his seeds that craved to coat those walls of hers. To leave his mark on her soft flesh on her insides while his nails dug into her hips.

"Fuck." Ben groaned as he all but pushed Elena away from him as he gave in to her request. This was a punishment, but it seemed that it was more for him the longer he had to keep it in. He needed a release. He really didn't care if he didn't get her off. She wasn't allowed to. Elena had to handle being on the edge. She was being denied something she wanted for herself as she had disobeyed him earlier.

"On your damn knees, Elena," Ben said as he motioned for her to get on her hands and knees. "I want you to take me in, all of me. Don't you fucking dare forget to swallow my cum when I release." He told her as he waited for her to take his member into that plump little mouth of hers.

A small groan would then emit from the man as he'd feel Elena's lips wrapping around him. Not to mention the sweet, sweet feeling of her sucking him like a lollipop. "Fuck." Ben would groan out, his head tossing back ever so slightly as he enjoyed the feeling of her pleasuring him with her mouth. "Yes, just like that." He's moan out, his head leaning back as he started to feel himself getting close to orgasming.

"Yes, sir," Elena spoke through a moan, moving to her knees almost before she'd even finished speaking. Her eyes were locked on us, showing that she was ready to do as she was told. She would never directly disobey Ben. His disobedience had been beaten out of her time and time again. She didn't think she could disobey Ben even if there was a gun held to her head. Even the thought of doing anything but what she was told to do was enough to send her heart racing.

Leaning forward, Elena wrapped her lips around the tip of his cock. She moaned as she took him into her mouth, clamping her eyes shut. She gagged as his tip touched the back of her throat but she didn't dare pull away from him. Elena knew that Ben liked when she was in pain and when she struggled for him so she would do it. Even if it meant her struggling. Because Ben wanted her to.

Wrapping her fingers around the base of his cock, Elena's hand followed her mouth. She moaned around him, inching closer. She wanted more of Ben, she wanted every part of him. She was nothing more than a slave but she loved Ben; she'd do anything to make him happy. Each time she pulled away from Ben, her tongue circled around his tip. "Please," she spoke, gasping for air as she looked up to him. "Please cum for me," she begged, taking Ben's cock back between her lips.

@ castle.
Years, it had been years since Ben had acquired Elena. She was raised by Ben with a heavy fist and tight balls. She was a smart girl, caught on quick when Ben punished her or praised her. She was the perfect little pet, and he was quite happy with the investment that he had made in purchasing her all those years ago.

"Fuck." Ben spit out as he felt his cock twitching at the warmth of her mouth wrapped around him. The feel of her soft hands holding onto him as she helped pleasure the parts that didn't fit into her pretty little mouth. Reaching forward, Ben grabbed a fist full of her hair and held her in place as he started to rock his hips, fucking her mouth in the process.

Another grunt escaped from the man as he released inside of Elena's mouth. His seed coating her tongue. "Fuck, you better fucking swallow it." Ben sneered as he rode out his orgasm before all but pushing her away from him. A light pant escaping from Ben as he closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. Damn, it's been a while since she blew him so well. He really did train her well.

Once Ben had caught his breath, he reached over and grabbed his boxers and slid them on. He really didn't care to look at Elena, nor did he have any intentions to allow her any pleasure. She had awarded another man something that was to only be his, she was not getting anything from Ben. Not today, maybe not for a while. He hadn't decided yet. "Go make me something to drink, we're going out in a few," Ben ordered, then moved to his private bathroom to clean up.

Elena gagged as Ben started to fuck her mouth. She raised her hands on instinct, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to push him away so that she could breathe. But she didn't. Instead, her hands faltered before dropping to her lap. Elena moaned around him, swallowing almost greedily when Ben came. She winced as she was pushed away from him, reaching up to wipe her mouth at the back of her hand. She was left gasping for air as Ben moved about the room, not daring to so much as sit up without being told to. When she had managed to mess up so badly, Elena didn't do anything without his say so. She knew what his temper could do like, she didn't want to make it any worse.

"Yes, sir," Elena answered in a small voice. She raised to her feet, taking a shaky step toward the door. She was aching for more, she was desperate to Ben's touch but she had a sinking feeling he wouldn't let her have any sense of pleasure any time soon. Her stomach turned as she stepped into her small, bedroom.

Elena was quick to pull on a miniskirt and an off the shoulder crop top. It showed off her curves and allowed for easy access if Ben so wanted it. She knew it was probably silly to even hope for it but she also knew that if she dressed sexy, it would please Ben. Smoothing her hand down her stomach, Elena chewed on her bottom lip. She brushed her hair out before deciding to just leave it straight.

Once she was downstairs by the front door, Elena pulled a pair of sandals on. She hung her hand, clasping her hands in front of her as she listened to the sounds of the house. Elena had no clue where they were going but she had a feeling that it wasn't going to be somewhere she enjoyed. She just hoped that she'd done a good enough job pleasing him that it wouldn't be too terribly bad.

@ castle.

Rain patted loudly on the room as it poured from the heavens. The front door was open and two tall figures stood there, faces blurred except for their mouths. A strike of lightning stuck then and lit the words Republic Special Force on their chests. One of the people kneeled down to be at eye level, their hand reaching out and gently petting the young child's head. A touch of affection, before standing. The figure then stood, closing the door to the house, but not before the few sweet words that have long since been forgotten rang out. "Be good, we'll be back soon. We love you, Lia." Then silence.

"Wait! Don't go!" Aelia's voice rang out as she ran towards the door, both of her small hands clutching the door handle as she tried to open it. "What the fuck are you doing?" The chilling voice of her uncle sounded from behind her. Slowly, she turned. Watching as he poured some white stuff onto the table in a straight line. He was supposed to be clean, but, it looked like that was a lie as Lia watched him plug one nostril and then breath in the stuff through a rolled-up dollar bill. "Ah, get me a beer will ya?" He called out as he threw his head back in extasy.
Aelia didn't move, she just stared at her uncle. Both staying still for a moment before he slowly lowered his head to look towards the kid. "Did you not fucking hear me?!" He yelled as he stood up abruptly and knocked an ashtray onto the floor. "I said get me a fucking beer!" He yelled once more, and this time, Lia listened.

As she came back to the disaster of a living room that her uncle owned, Lia saw her uncle relaxing in his seat once more. She walked silently towards him and handed him the beer. He took one glance towards the cold brew in his hand and scowled. "You couldn't fucking open it?" He growled out, grabbing the neck of the bottle and then smashing it on an end table. "I should fucking kill you for your stupidity!" He growled as he swung the shattered neck towards the young girl. Aelia squeaked as she stumbled back. "You stupid bitch." Her uncle growled out as he stood. Terrified, Aelia quickly turned and headed towards her room, or rather, the storage closet. "Hey, get back here!" Her uncle yelled, holding the broken bottle as he chased the kid. "M-momma!" Aelia screamed out as she ran.

"Mom!" Aelia yelled out as she shot up in a bed. The loud beeping of medical machines echoing in the room. Glancing to the side, bright blue eyes stared around at the white walls. Confusion appeared on her face as she quietly panted. 'Where am I?' She wondered as she took in everything. "M-master?" Lia spoke quietly, a small frown on her face as she realized she was alone. An overwhelming wave of sadness washed over Lia then as memories of what had just happened surfaced in her mind. Her right hand moving to her left shoulder that was bandaged. She was broken now, scared, surely her master left her here alone because he didn't want her anymore. She wasn't nice to look at anymore. Tears started to fall from Aelia's blue eyes as she removed the hand from her sore shoulder to her eyes to try and hide them from the world.

-------

Nothing was better for Ben than a good release and a hot shower afterward. Those two acts just seem to, wash away all of the tension that he seemed to have had. Elena having fucked him over, or that stupid smug face his so-called friend had when he won the bet. None of it mattered. It was like, the water washed everything away.

Getting out of the shower, Ben dried off with a towel that was in his private bathroom before moving on to get dressed. Putting on a pair on black pants, and a button up dark grey shirt, Ben made sure that he looked dignified and respectable before he went down to see what Elena was up to. If she wasn't ready, he'll be sure to let her know his belt wasn't happy that she was disrespecting him so much in one day.

A nod of approval was all that Ben gave his little pet as he walked past her and out the door. Straightening the cuffs of his shirt as he got to his car. "Come on Elena, get your ass in the car." Ben called over his shoulder to the girl as he slipped into the passenger seat.

Once his little pet was in her seat and buckled up, Ben pulled out of the driveway of his rather large home and started to drive. Not daring to say anything to Elena for the longest moment until they were almost to the casino. "I want you on your best behavior." He told her as he kept his eyes on the road. "Do not speak unless you are spoken to." He cast a glance her way, eyeing what she was wearing for a moment before he looked ahead once more. "You better not be wearing any underwear, I might want a quick fuck soon and don't want to deal with pulling them off of you."

As Ben pulled up to the large casino that his friend Richie owned, he pulled into the valet. "Keep it close, I don't know how long I'll be here." He told the valet as he handed his keys over and went to Elena's side. Ben opened her door for her, acting like a gentleman and offering her a hand to help her out. "Remember, best behavior." He told her, then placed her hand on his arm and led her into the building. The place was loud and lively at this time of evening. Couples were all about, friends were gathered. Everyone was just, happy.

Leading Elena to the back of the hotel, he led her down a few stairs and then through a secret entrance. The room was dim, but he could clearly see that they were on a raised seating platform, and there was a crowd of people underneath and surrounding a stage. "Stand." He told her as he took one of the two seats that were available. His friend would be joining them soon, after all, neither wanted to miss watching this year's semi-annual slave sale.

James had left the hospital room almost as soon as he had been allowed into Lia's room. He had merely wanted to see that she was safe and according to the doctors, she would be okay. She was going to need a lot of rest and time to heal but eventually, she would be fine again. The only thing that he felt at the moment was a desire for blood. James stormed out of the hospital, returning to his car. Pulling the door open, he barely even reacted when he slammed the door behind himself. A moment later, his wheels squealed on the ground as he took off for his home

It was nearly half an hour before he arrived at his mansion, it was located so far away from the rest of the city for privacy reasons. James slammed on his brakes, sneering as he climbed out, storming inside with only one thing on his mind. He shifted, not even bothering to look at anyone as he threw the door open. His face was hard and his servants scattered when they spotted James, for it was obvious just how angry he was. They had all heard about what happened to Aelia. No one harmed his property but him. James exercised total control over those beneath him, nothing happened to or for them without his permission.

James nearly ripped the basement door off the hinges as he started down the stairs. Snarling at the man in the center of the floor, James didn't even say a thing as his foot hit the bottom of the stairs. There was nothing to say to the man who had tried to kill him, only to end up injuring his slave in the process. Instead of uttering a single word, he did all of his talking with his fists until his arms grew tired and he realized the man beneath him was barely recognizable.

James stood and made his way up the stairs, toward his bedroom so that he could freshen up. He was suddenly feeling incredibly tired but that was going to have to wait. He wasn't about to let Aelia go through tonight alone. She may have been a slave to him but that didn't mean he was going to keep comfort from her after such a traumatic experience.

It was nearly another hour before James finally walked through the doors of the hospital, being recognized almost right away. One of the nurses rushed forward, urging James toward Aelia's room. His face remained void of emotion but the moment he stepped through the door, James shoved the door closed. It was obvious to him that Aelia was worked up - she looked like she'd been crying for awhile. He could all but taste the emotion in the room.

"Aelia," his voice had a hard edge to it, hoping it would offer her some sort of comfort. "Settle," his voice came out, a bit softer this time around. James moved forward, taking a seat on the side of her bed. "There is no need for all of this."

---

Elena curled her shoulders in on herself as she took her seat beside Ben. She gave a hurried nod of her head as he gave her instuctions, grasping her hands in her lap. She had no idea where Ben was taking her but she wasn't going to question him, that wasn't her place. She had learned what her place was, she wasn't going to dare step a toe out of line after the trouble she had gotten herself into earlier in the evening. Her eyes widened at Ben's comment about panties. She gulped, nodding as she braced herself against the floor. Elena raised her hips, shimmying her panties down her thighs. She balled them up and slid them under the seat so that the valet wouldn't see them.

Her eyes widened slightly when Ben stepped around the car and helped her out, unsure of why he was being so kind to her. But she certainly wasn't going to argue with him. If Ben was choosing to be kind to her, Elena was going to bask in it.It wasn't very often that he touched her in such a kind way that Elena almost felt like she'd been thrown off her game because she didn't know how to react to it.

When they were led into the back of the casino and further into a back room, Elena felt a sense of dread. She couldn't remember the last time that Ben had brought her to one of these sales. She bit down on her bottom lip, her stomach twisting into an uncomfortable knot. She had no idea what Ben was planning as she took her place standing behind him. Was he going to sell her? Had she really done that bad? Would it be a permanent thing or a temporary? Just standing there, Elena's thoughts began to race as her heart pounded in her chest. She was convinced that Ben was here to get rid of her in some fashion and she was fighting to keep herself calm. She didn't want to make a scene... she was sure if she did, that would serve to piss Ben off.

Elena shifted her weight from one side to the other, not daring to so much as lift her eyes long enough to look around. Her attention focused on her feet, trying to make herself as small as possible as the auction began.

@ castle.
The sudden sound of her name caused a hitch in her breathing. Her whole body stiffened as recognition filled the young girl. Lia knew that voice! Pulling her hand from her eyes, she couldn't help the feeling of surprise and relief wash over her. James was here, he didn't abandon her after all.

"Master." Aelia squeaked out as she sat up straight in the hospital bed. The quick movement caused Lia to flinch from the sudden movement, but otherwise, excitement filled Lia. She was extremely happy to have the dangerous man in her hospital room. Just knowing that he was here was enough to cause the young girl to forget all the things that have happened to her. He might be abusive, but he was her lifeline. He was all she had in this world.

Shifting into the position that Lia knew that James liked her sitting in. Her knees folded under her, legs parted slightly. Her unhurt hand rested on her knee as she looked down but still glanced up as she spoke quietly. Not sure if he'd allow her to speak freely to him even though they were in a hospital. "My apologies master." She said quietly, not able to help the sniffle that escaped from her as she was still a little upset. Her right hand raised as she tried to wipe away more tears that were threatening to fall.

To be honest, Aelia thought she was going to die. She was ready to do so. She'd protect her master at any cost, she'd do anything for him. That's why she was so scared. She'd done her purpose, she had protected him, and now she was injured. Scared with a permanent reminder that she'd failed to risk her own life for the man who raised her into what she was. She was nothing but a failure.

--

Just as the lights started to dim, Ben's friend Richard arrived and took the seat next to him. The two friends shook hands in greeting before they both looked ahead at the stage. Interest in this years auction filling most of their conversations. Not a care in the world that the woman behind them were both bought from this very auction that they were now spectating.

Glancing behind himself thought the corner of his eye, Ben couldn't help but smirk at how uncomfortable Elena seemed. This was what he wanted, he wanted her to remember where she came from. That she was nothing but dirt under Ben's feet. She was owned, she was not free. She might live in a large estate, with nice clothing and occasionally good food, but. He still owned her and could take anything he wanted away from her.

"I bought this beauty a few years ago, she's turning into quite the little vixen," Rich said as he put a hand back and ran his fingers along his pet's bare leg. Ben could hear the girl sigh and saw her fidget in her place. "She doesn't seem fully trained, you sure you're comfortable having her in a place like this?" Ben asked as he rested his elbow on the arm of his chair. His gaze locked on his friend who seemed to relaxed to Ben. "I have security stationed along with the hotel, Ben. She tries to run, she'll be shot." His worlds held no emotion as he watched the auction.

"What a lot of an investment," Ben mumbled as he raised his free hand and snapped his fingers. "Elena, down." He motioned for the girl to move towards his side. Wanting her on her knees at his side so that he could run his fingers through her hair. To treat her like the pet that she was to him. "Elena's pretty close to being fully trained, there's not much she wouldn't do for me." Be said as he eyed the young girl. "Right? Elena?" His tone, daring her to disobey him and face his wrath in the open.

James' anger was barely being kept at bay as he watched Aelia struggle to even sit up in bed. There was no reason that she should feel like this, there was no reason that she should be in any sort of pain. After all, James was her master. James was the one that would always have sway over her and he certainly hadn't been the one to cause that harm to her. While he had dealt with the problem already, it didn't stop his anger. Exhaling slowly, James shook his head as he held his hand up.

A warm feeling blossomed in his chest as he watched her move so that she was presenting for him. James couldn't help but smirk as he moved to his feet. "Good girl," he praised her quietly, knowing full well that it would help ease her own nerves. She lived to please him, James had molded her into the perfect little pet.

"Lay back down," James demanded, supporting his arm behind her shoulders so that he could help her lay back without causing too much pain. Or so he hoped. He bit back a sigh as he looked over her, his anger flaring up as he saw the wound on her shoulder. "You did good, Aelia," he spoke softly, reaching out to run his fingers through her hair. "I'm proud of you for what you did," he said, pulling the chair closer to the bed. James sat, reaching forward to hold her hand now.

"We are going on vacation," James declared suddenly, his eyes finding hers. "After what you did, it is the least that you deserve," He murmured. While he owned her and she was nothing more than a slave to him, she had saved his life. He would have been dead if it wasn't for the choice that she had made. He had to repay the choice that she'd made, it was easy enough for him to decide. "Tell me where you want to go and we'll go. Soon as you're cleared by the doctors."

---

Elena wanted nothing more than to turn to the girl standing beside her and tell her she needed to stop fidgeting. That she needed to stay still and look at her feet, unless her master told her otherwise. Elena knew what causing attention on herself meant; if the girl beside her didn't quite understand... Elena wanted to help her. She wanted to so badly but she wouldn't dare say a thing, afraid of what it would mean if she upset Ben more than she already had. She wasn't going to do anything that might get herself in trouble because it would end up hurting the girl as well. Elena wasn't foolish.

Shifting her weight just slightly, Elena swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. She listened as the men discussed the auction in front of them and it made her skin crawl. Was Benjamin going to buy another girl? The thought nearly made her jealous but she wouldn't object. Exhaling quietly, her head snapped up when Ben's fingers snapped together.

Elena rushed forward, moving to her knees beside him. She steeled herself against the shiver that threatened to run down her spine when ben's fingers brushed through her hair.

"Yes, master," Elena answered in a small voice. She gave a quick nod of her head to agree, not wanting Ben to ever down her loyalty. She would do anything to keep him happy. She leaned into his touch, wanting to show him that she could listen to him. That she could be the good girl that he wanted from her, whatever it meant to him. Elena knew that Ben was volatile, she just hoped that she could show him how good she could be. "Anything for you," she added quietly and she meant it. If Ben told her to do something, she would do it. There was nothing that she wouldn't do, if it meant pleasing Ben.

@ castle.
Good girl, they were simple words, but they were enough to cause Aelia to relax. James praise was what she lived for. She was his pet, his toy, his disposable object. Those two words were what she aimed to receive daily. A sense of warmth washed over the young girl as she bathed in those two words. Wanting to remember his tone as he spoke them to her for as long as she could.

Slowly, Aelia started to lean back on the hospital bed. She was thankful for his help to lay back down, but, sadly there was no way that would stop the pain. A small whimper escaped Lia's lips as she laid back against the bed. The uncomfortable bed did little for the ache in her shoulder and the meds were wearing off. The doctors should be coming in soon to offer her more pain medicine.

"Vacation?" Aelia repeated quietly as she looked up towards James. A tired look appearing in her eyes as she started to grow tired from the pain. Her lips pursed together as she thought. They haven't really gone to many places, so she really didn't know where she'd like to go. Although, there was one place that Lia always dreamed of seeing. Especially since she saw the image once in TV commercials. "The beach?" Lia suggested, her voice quiet as she looked up at the older man innocently, curious as to what he'd say. Or if he'd even agree to such a thing.

--

A small hum escaped from Ben as he ran his fingers through Elena's hair. Her answer pleased him. She was acting just as he had hoped that she would. Rather she was saying those words because she meant them or because she was scared he'd actually sell her in the auction like all of those other pets. "It's been many years since you were up there. Hasn't it?" Ben mused as he eyed Elena through the corner of his eyes. "How many, Elena? How many since you were bough by me?"

Looking forward again, Ben watched as a beautiful young blonde was brought onto the stage. Dressed in nothing, just like the others. Her legs shook and her head was held down. She was supposed to have been owned previously, and so was put at a rather cheap price. "That things lucky if someone even wants to pay a grand for her," Ben mumbled, then stopped running his fingers through Elena's hair.

"Elena, up." Ben patten his lap. Wanting her to sit on him as he watched the auction. His arm would wrap around Elena as soon as she'd do as she was told. His hand would rest lazily against the soft skin on her leg. "What would you pay for her?" Ben asked, his thumb rubbing soft circles on her soft skin. "If you could own another person, what would you pay for them?" Ben was curious as he leaned back in his chair. His eyes would glance up towards Elena, wanting to see what she was thinking. Wanting to watch the process as she took in his words meaning. Wanting to know if she could put a price on someone's head as he did for her all those years ago.

James raised an eyebrow when Amelia said she wanted to go to the beach. It was such a simple destination that he hadn't even considered that as an option until Amelia mentioned it. He had thought she might want to go somewhere specific... like London or Paris. Or the Mediterranean. He hummed as he considered the options, tilting his head to the side as he eyed Amelia. "Very well. Why don't you get some more rest? The doctor said that you should be able to go home in the morning, once they're sure that there's no infection starting," he said quietly. He reached out and gave Amelia's hand a tight squeeze before he settled back in his seat.

He pulled out his phone and got to work, looking at various options of where they could go. James knew that since he had squashed out the man who had shot Amelia, no one would dare come against him any time soon. It was clear that they would not make it out alive on the other side. He would leave the business to his trusted advisors while he took Amelia on a short vacation to reward her for what she had done. She had saved his life, she deserved something as a reward. And truth be told, James wanted to get away as well. He couldn't even begin to describe how angry he was over the whole thing that went done.

---

"Yes, master," Elena answered in a small voice. SHe gave a tiny nod of her head, chewing on the inside of her lip. She honestly wasn't sure quite how long it had been since she had been bought by Ben. It had been so many years and she had been so young, that she didn't even really remember her life before Ben buying her. "Many years, I don't remember much before my life with you," Elena spoke, hoping her answer was satisfactory enough. It wasn't a number but she hoped that it was something that would please him. Just the thought of upsetting him right now was enough to terrify her.

Elena was quick to stand, moving to sit on Ben's lap at his instruction. She chewed on the inside of her lip, panic flooding her features at his question. She looked up to the blonde girl on the stage, frowning at the sight. The girl was obviously terrified of what was coming her way - she was previously owned, she would only be bought by someone who wanted something to destroy completely. The thought was enough to sour her stomach.

"I-I.. I don't know, sir. I'm sorry," Elena mumbled, wincing. It wasn't the sort of answer that Ben had wanted but she honestly didn't think she could even place a price to another human's life. The idea of owning someone in the same way she was owned... it wasn't something that she wanted to be a part of. She wasn't a leader, she never took charge - she listened and she did as she was told. She wasn't the one giving orders. Elena shifted her weight a bit, pressing closer to Ben in an attempt to silently apologize for not being able to answer him properly.

@ castle.
Doing as she was told, Aelia slowly closed her eyes. She breathed in deeply through her nose before slowly exhaling through her mouth. The medicine that she was getting from the IV in her right arm was starting up again, causing her to become drowsy. Although, she did feel James grab her hand and hold it before she fell into a deep sleep once more. A faint smile playing along her lips as she was content that James hadn't abandoned her.

The next morning was a little slow. Aelia had woken up to a doctor taking out her IV. Followed by them asking her if she felt okay and taking her temperature and things. Then, they brought out food that Lia was sure tasted like the first things she ever cooked. Bland and horrible, but edible. She was told she was being discharged soon though. Only if she finished her orange juice though as they didn't want her being dehydrated since she had slept so much.

After her tray had been taken away, Aelia sat up in her hospital bed. Her large cup of orange juice in her hands. Her bright green eyes were focused outside, just watching the world as it moved along. She wasn't in as much pain today, as they decided to give her Oxycodone for her pain. It was so strong, that she barely felt anything.

--

For the most part, Ben was pleased with Elena's responses. She was such a innocent girl, she didn't quite understand how a lot of the real world worked at times. "Hmm, so you acquired her at a young age then?" Richard asked as he eyed his friend and his little pet, amusement dancing along in his eyes. "Did know you were such a big spender." He mused, referring to how buying a child was more expensive than an adult as they were usually unruly and quite annoying to have to train.

"I did, she was about five or six. Started her off on doing basic housework before teaching her how to please me." Ben said as he leaned back in his seat, Admiring how beautiful Elena was, just sitting on his lap."She barely had any tantrums as a child." Ben smirked, remembering putting her in her place quite quickly whenever she'd raise her voice at him. It was safe to say, she only needed to be punished barely a handful of times before she fell in line.

After a few more moments, Richard sighed and stood up. "Care to get to actual business?" He asked, motioning with his head towards the door. "Yes." Was all Ben said before tapping Elena's thigh's, a sign that he wanted her to stand up. Then, he grabbed onto Elena's hand, pulling her along as they moved towards Richards office that was at the top of the hotel.

James had left Aelia only long enough to go home and to shower so that he wasn't just sitting around in the hospital room endlessly. He was quick to shower and stop at a nearby fast food restaurant for a bite to eat. He wasn't about to eat hospital food and he figured that Aelia would be fine eating it. Aelia needed nutrients and had to be careful while she healed from her injury. On his way out of the hospital, James had paused at the nurse's station to get a sort of time frame on Aelia's healing. Aelia would likely be able to start returning to her normal duties.

He was planning their trip down to Cancun, where Aelia could heal the rest of the way. Before they returned home, James expected that Aelia would be fully healed. He thought that a vacation would be good for them because at least Aelia would be able to heal in peace, away from their home. After the situation that James had to deal with the night before, James needed to get away from home for a bit as well. He'd already begun to make arrangements for his business while he was away as well.

James decided to stop and grab Aelia a latte as a treat. He rarely ever bought her anything but given the circumstances, he thought it was appropriate to treat her. James cleared his throat as he stepped in Aelia's room, latte in hand. He grinned as he noticed she was awake. She looked tired but he thought the latte would help cheer her up.

"Here, Aelia," he murmured, holding it out to her. "Got you a little something to cheer you up, hm?"

---

Elena did her best to ignore the conversation going on around her. She listened to Richard ask about her and she swallowed, chewing on the inside of her lip as Ben answered. His words sent a sense of panic through her because she remembered just how bad those first few beatings had been. She would either do something worng or she would talk back or raise her voice. After being punished the first few times, Elena realized that it was better to do as she was told. It kept Ben happy and if he was happy, then he didn't hurt her as much. It was a lesson that she learned fairly quickly.

Moving off of Ben's lap the moment he tapped her thigh, Elena tugged the bottom of her dress down as much as she could. It didn't do much to cover her skin but it made her feel slightly better. Elena happily took Ben's hand, her head lowered as she followed both him and Richard into Rich's office.

Chewing on the inside of her lip as she moved to stand behind Ben's chair, Elena clasped her hands in front of her. Her stomach twisted as she resisted the urge to fidget, Ben's warning to stay on her best behavior running through her mind.