The flames lick at my hand and it hurts so much, but I don’t let go. A hand grabs hold of my neck and I’m flung backwards, slamming into a hard wall.

My father is huge and scary as he towers over me. He looks at Sven when he says, “It’s time for the boy to start earning his keep. Put him with the other slaves.”

I don’t understand what that means. My eyes fall on Momma and the flames eating at her. I can’t tear my eyes away from her. My eyes burn from the fire. My hand burns from the fire. My heart burns because I know that I won’t see Momma’s smile again.

Everything burns.

~*~

Chapter One

Jack~

(Twenty-seven years old…)

I wipe the corner of my mouth and throw the napkin on the plate before I go back to staring out the window. Winter is almost over and then the roses will bloom again. I need to go trim the bushes and trees.

It’s one of the few pleasures I’m allowed.

If I cooperate then I’m allowed outside so I can tend to the gardens and my greenhouse.

If I cooperate then David is safe and taken care of.

If I cooperate then I’m allowed to move freely around the estate.

But if I don’t cooperate then those three privileges are taken away and I’m beaten. If I don’t cooperate then they threaten to sell David into a life of slavery.

So I cooperate. I promised to look after my baby brother and as long as it’s in my power to keep that promise, I will.

I have a need to be close to Momma. Not a day has gone by that I don’t miss her. Years later and I still have nightmares of that horrible day. I can still smell her burning flesh.

I leave my room in a hurry to get outside. I go straight to my greenhouse. It was given to me when Cameron realized he could make a lot of money with me. He won’t admit it to me but I’ve heard him brag that I’m his greatest asset.

I start to water the plants, it always calms me. Here and there I remove a dead leaf. I love being surrounded by nature. It reminds me that somewhere there is life, even though I’m dead inside. I get to live through nature, draw off its energy and vibrant colors. For a moment I get to forget where I am and what my life entails. Yeah, I’d rather be a flower that only blossoms once before it dies, and then nourishes the ground with its remains - than this empty soul that’s stuck in a dead shell.

There was a time I thought Cameron was my father but after Momma died he told me that I’m not his son. Only David is. He said Momma had me before she married him. I don’t know who my real father is and I don’t care. All I care about is David and keeping my promise to Momma.

When I’m done watering all the plants and my small collection of bonsai trees, I decide to go work in the rose garden. Because of all the gardening I do, I’m built well, and because of that I’m in demand with Cameron’s clients, men and women alike.

Mistress Claire especially likes me. She always asks for private visits with me. I don’t mind her so much. She may be much older than me but at least she’s gentle.

Master and Mistress Westbrook are the ones that make my skin crawl. I’m normally good at switching off, but with them it’s hard.

A few months ago I stopped getting hard and none of the clients could get me to climax. That certainly wasn’t good for Cameron’s business, so now I have to take medication. Before parties I have to take two pills. It gets my cock hard, but no one has been able to make me come. It feels as if I’ve regained some power over my body. They can fuck me all they want, but I get the satisfaction of not coming- not giving in.

I get lost in tending to the rose garden and work until sweat is dripping into my eyes. I stand up and take off my shirt, wiping my face and neck. I should most probably go get ready for tonight’s party.

I hear voices and turn to see Cameron heading in my direction. As always, Sven, Eduardo and Luca are flanking him. Luca joined his team of bodyguards four years back. Sven and Eduardo aren’t that young anymore so Cameron is bringing in fresh blood. I’m surprised that he has kept Sven and Eduardo for so long. Nothing lasts around here.

Today there’s a woman with him. A man is hovering to her left. He must be her husband or perhaps her bodyguard. The man looks like a guard, he gives off that vibe. I’ve learned that the worst of the worst have guards to protect them, because they have so many enemies.

“This is the slave I was telling you about,” Cameron says as he stops a few feet from me. He never comes too close. He has Sven, Eduardo and Luca to do his dirty work.

I drop to one knee and look down. “Master,” is all I say. This is the way they want it. The more submissive you are the better things will be for you.

“As you can see he is in excellent condition.” You can hear the arrogant tone in Cameron’s voice, as if I’m a possession. I guess I am.

I hear the woman clearing her throat and then she asks, “Do you have many male slaves?”

Cameron chuckles darkly. “No, he is my only male slave. The males can be quite troublesome, and to break them takes much more work than with the females. Most of the men die, but if you get it right to train one … it’s a beautiful thing.” Cameron sighs and then continues, “This one has been with me since before he could walk, so it was easy to train him.”

“Stand, Slave!” Cameron barks and I swiftly rise to my full length. Cameron is much shorter than me and built scrawny. One day I will get my revenge. One day when David is safely away from this place. But for now I’ll listen and do as I’m told. I keep telling myself over and over that David’s safety is all that matters.

Cameron waves a hand over the length of me. “He is trained well as you’ll see tonight at the party.”

“What time does the party start again?” The woman asks and for the first time I look at her. I’m surprised when she makes eye contact with me. You’re not allowed to make eye contact with a Master or Mistress unless they give you permission, but she has eyes that look like melted chocolate. Her brown hair falls in soft waves to her shoulders. She’s prettier and younger than all the other Mistresses. I’ve never seen one so young. It’s normally the older women who love to come here because they won’t get fucked by a younger man elsewhere.

“Eyes!” Cameron snaps and instantly Sven takes a step in my direction.

“It’s okay,” the woman says and then she steps forward until she’s right in front of me. “I gave him permission,” she murmurs. She looks up at me and I quickly let my eyes dart over her head, focusing on the apple trees in the distance.

I hear her giggle and I have to stop myself from frowning. She didn’t look like the type that giggled. “This one is simply divine. I have to have him.”

“How much for a night with this slave?” the man asks.

“Mr. Ryland,” Cameron says and I can hear the pleasure in his voice. He’s about to make a lot of money and that’s the only thing he loves. “As I’ve told you this slave is one of my greatest assets. A night with this one is quite costly but well worth it.”

“We’ve paid to attend your party,” the woman snaps, “we can afford any price you ask for him!” She sounds pissed and taken aback that Cameron would think they can’t afford me.

Cameron laughs and I feel him step closer to us. “Mrs. Ryland, I’m sure you can afford him, but let’s talk business inside. The slave needs to go prepare for the party.”

“You may leave, Slave,” he snaps at me.

I leave quickly, not clearing the bags I’ve filled with dead twigs and leaves.

~*~

I shower, brush my teeth and shave. I apply one of the many aftershaves I have.

Cameron makes sure I have everything. I live in the mansion and should I need something it’s given to me. I can have everything but my freedom. But even if Cameron offered me my freedom I wouldn’t leave without David and Cameron knows that.