– Stay with me. – Gran Fort was sitting completely naked while I sucked him, he had taught me how to do it, in the way he liked to feel my mouth sliding over his warm member. My eyes welled up with tears from the pressure; it wasn't bad, I liked feeling the sensation running through my whole body, proud to be giving pleasure to my lord. – This mediocre job doesn't suit you, your physique is only good to be my whore.
– No. You know my answer, sir. – I pulled my lips away with saliva stuck to his member, the man's hands went to my hair and pushed my face back onto his hard phallus. Normally William would have discarded me in the first year, it was always like that, he found a boy, had sex, and then threw him away like he was nothing. Our relationship was the longest lasting.
– You were born for this. – His conviction confused me; I didn't believe my fate was this, so I would look for something better than living my life giving pleasure to Lord William Gran Fort II. I wouldn't be his whore forever despite his desire, even though I wavered fearing my future outside, I wouldn't keep just sucking him whenever he wanted anymore, no matter the riches and luxuries he could give me.
It was cold... I opened my eyes and those memories that came as dreams started to bother me. When I got up I noticed Félix was no longer in the infirmary. The place full of beds with the only nurse responsible, the on-duty doctor was normally called when something serious happened or they took the agent straight to the hospital. That place was scary and poorly lit, curtains covered the morning sun giving an even more gloomy air to that large room. I got myself ready as best as I could and walked to the chief's office; before I could touch the door, I heard voices from inside, the door was ajar.
– What do you mean Félix? Did Blauth do something wrong to make this request? – The chief's voice was totally impatient and angry, the tone of surprise was obvious despite the overriding primal feelings. – The boy was the best in his class and you need a partner, if Blauth wasn't there you would have burned to death.
– I know all that, but he's a nuisance. I prefer to work alone in this case, at least I don't need someone to protect and get in my way. – Eric's impatient voice only disturbed me because every word seemed true. It was as if my presence was torture for him, I just didn't understand why the night before he seemed protective, damn investigator! Was it his intention to confuse me with a fake kindness?
– Excuse me. – I turned to look at the expert, he was short, so I had to look down on him, which was funny because normally everyone else was taller, he wore glasses, blue eyes, curly red hair, I had never noticed him, he was even cute and seemed easy to be devoured. I stepped aside and let him pass, entering right after.
– Blauth. – The chief seemed surprised and possibly both knew that their conversation hadn't escaped my sharp ears.
– Sir, I found out who Bartolomeu Crow is. – The boy named Oliver Taylor was a cute and defenseless creature in my view, I wanted to squeeze him, he looked like a rabbit that would be very well taken care of.
– Can I hear the information or am I off the case? – I didn't care about the damn Félix's opinion, I would only leave the case if the chief ordered it, I wouldn't give up while I had the chance to become an excellent investigator. I wouldn't yield no matter how many people spoke against me. It was my choice. Even with the disappointment and anguish I felt, I wouldn't show my dislike.
– You're in, of course. – The chief said exasperated looking at Eric who sighed irritated as always. At least there was someone sensible in the room who wouldn't be led by unfounded whims.
– Speak up, Taylor. – Félix scared the boy who had nothing to do with his bad mood. The younger man grabbed the report and got confused, dropping the papers on the floor. His hands trembled under everyone's gaze.
– S-sorry. – Yeah, I noticed the boy couldn't work under pressure. I helped with the sheets and placed them under his arms, I was thanked with a knowing look. – Crow works at the port for Mr. Gregório Von Stan, Mr. Stan owns the companies with the same name, responsible for import and export mainly of spices from the Americas. Crow is the deputy head of one of the divisions of this cargo transport, he is not someone exceptionally important. That's all, sirs.
– You may go, Taylor, and calm down, you're shaking. – The chief continued with his impatient tone, his furrowed brow his main feature, now understanding why Eric and the superior were such friends, they matched even in personality. Oliver nodded and left the room, thankful to be dismissed.
– So our next step is to find out about Bartolomeu and Stan's possible involvement in this case, since that bastard controls basically all maritime trade. But first, we'll tail this Crow. – The chief said knowing it would give us a major headache messing with someone so big, he paused looking at the two of us. – Go rest Félix, I want to talk to Blauth alone.
– Tsc. – I watched him leave with a face full of displeasure, unable to hold it in, not that Félix was known for faking his emotions, he normally said exactly what came to mind despite being rude most of the time, I stayed silent, there was nothing to say in front of him.
– That damn grump, don't take him seriously, I believe Eric looks out for your safety, he just doesn't want you to get hurt, that's why he acts like an ignoramus. – I didn't know if it was true, but it relieved me a little, I didn't want to be hated by someone I worked with and admired, yet I didn't understand why Eric's opinion affected me so much.
– Alright, sir. That won't discourage me. – I tried to stay calm, it was true, I was there to help people, grow in my job, I would follow law and order, prove to myself and the world I was capable of continuing on that path, I was no whore nor made just for sex.
– Great, I have a mission for you. Eric will spend a few days taking care of his shoulder, so I need you to investigate something. There's an old prostitute named Rachel, she's a former opium user, I want you to interrogate her. – The chief handed me the paper with the woman's address. I was happy to be trusted enough to have a secondary mission without the main investigator, that could prove I wasn't in Félix's life just to bother him, however, it could bring useful information to the case.
– Thank you, sir. – I said as I left the room, walking towards the carriage, I wanted to show Eric that he didn't need to protect me or feel bothered by my presence, I would do my job right. Maybe I was just seeking his admiration, it wasn't bad to want someone so skilled to pay some attention to you.
Getting into the carriage, I asked the driver to take me to the house I had rented in the suburb, at that hour there weren't many people on the streets, mainly because workers were in factories. The house was small and comfortable, besides being messy, my books were in every room, even the kitchen, clothes too, I looked for something to wear, something more elegant. When I finally felt water on my scratches, the burning spread through me, would Eric be able to bathe alone? Imagining his body washing, I shuddered and touched my sex, I couldn't resist. Even though Eric was rude and bad-tempered, I couldn't deny how attractive he was, I moaned softly when I reached climax imagining his member inside me, relaxing under the water. I was going to make him regret what he had told the chief about removing me from the case, every word that left his beautiful lips, I begged forgiveness on my knees. Arrogant man.
I couldn't waste time on personal pleasure. I headed to Rachel's house. The streets were busy, workers, passersby, trains, new vehicles, carriages, the London chaos. The sky seemed cloudier those days due to factories and their smoke, totally different from the mansion where I lived, away from everything with its big garden, that paradise only couldn't compete with the royal universe that seemed separate and detached from reality. I was surprised when I arrived; I had been so distracted, Félix was right about my daydreaming.
I knocked on the door, the apartment was smaller than mine. I heard footsteps and then the door opening, the woman who opened was different from what one expects of a prostitute. She looked old, with dark circles and messy hair, besides wrinkles that existed in her expression, her lips cracked and dry. I had heard of opium's consequences but didn't know they were so overwhelming like that.
– What do you want? – The voice was rough and indicated she hadn't had a good day. Everyone seemed angry all the time, maybe it was the London climate.
– Sorry, I'm investigator Nathan Blauth and I came to interrogate you. – I showed the badge, at that moment she seemed to consider whether to let me in, as if she had nothing to lose, she let me pass. I noticed meowing, there were many cats, really many cats. I didn't know where to sit with so many felines.
– Sit. – She shooed some cats off the armchair, I hesitated but I couldn't ask questions standing, so I sat regretting coming in one of my best suits.
– Aren't you too young to be an investigator? – She asked sitting on a cat that meowed and ran away.
– Yes. Can you tell me when you started using that drug and why, besides who supplied it? – I asked, taking out my notebook, I would record everything I found important. I decided not to answer the question, I wouldn't beat around the bush about my age, capability, and experience because of a few years. We weren't there to talk about me. I had to be professional.
– What an impatient boy. – She settled better in the chair as if to sleep, thinking about what words would be best to use. I felt relieved she decided to cooperate with the investigation, it could have been a very hard question for the situation and Rachel. – When I became a prostitute I was still a girl full of dreams, I didn't want that kind of work, but my parents sold me and I had no choice, we were very poor, they both worked a lot and couldn't raise so many children. That time was a real hell, selling my body, even if it was in a luxury cabaret, was still too much for my young mind, until I met opium, that was the greatest pleasure of my life, don't get me wrong, but thanks to constant use I was able to do everything and helped other girls too. For years I used it, until I was kicked out because of my dependency, it was painful, I thought about ending my life, almost died, but in the end... here I am talking to you. – She coughed a little, looking at me puzzled. Maybe because my expression was harder, I couldn't help it, I was afraid to hear the answer to my next question.
– What kind of brothel was that? – My voice trembled slightly because I felt in my being what that answer would be, years in that mansion taught me what kind of business the owner had, I heard a lot, though understood little.
– Don't you know Mr. Gran Fort's luxury brothels? They are the best in London. – She spoke as if it were obvious and it really was. – Crimson Rose is one of them, it's where I came from.
I stood up, we wouldn't last long there, I put my hand over my mouth, only heard the woman call me frightened. I went towards the nearest alley beside the house, leaned against the wall, and vomited the lunch I hadn't eaten. I couldn't believe that man was involved. I couldn't breathe properly, shortness of breath, I crouched trying to keep breathing. Sweat ran down my forehead, the bad taste in my mouth remained, not enough to forget what I had just heard. I should have left everything behind, I was being flooded with conflicting feelings, memories, and sensations.
– You know I intend to leave. I want to become an investigator. – My words were firm, I was just months shy of twenty-one, I wouldn't hesitate to leave. I had made that decision so long ago it was just a matter of time until I completed what I really wanted. At that moment I was in that man's mansion office, I felt nervous but resolute. It's not like I ever intended to stay forever.
– So this talk again? Are you really willing to do this Nathan? – That man didn't seem shaken by my decision, which could be a relief, but I knew there was no acceptance. I learned Gran Fort always got what he wanted, that could include me.
– Yes. I don't intend to keep being your source of pleasure. – I trembled saying that. It was true, I was being used for his personal satisfaction, that wasn't the life I wanted.
– It's no use, Nathan. Your nature is that, you can seduce anyone you want, your body will open doors for you, but don't fool yourself, I'll only let you go so you can know this world, I could force you to stay, your mother depends on me. But soon you'll return to my arms desiring me, seeing how dependent you are, because your body will remember every sensation I gave you. – The possessiveness in that powerful man's voice was scary. – I'll be waiting for your return.
– I-it won't be like that. – I faltered, I didn't want to falter in front of William, that showed my weakness, insecurity, and uncertainty.
– Yes, it will be, and you will see your dependence on me and who your true master is. – He said authoritatively. – No matter where you are, I'll be there, you have nowhere to run. Now take off your clothes.
Those words marked my mind. I could do nothing but strip in front of that domineering man, but I would change my destiny, I would run from that monster's claws.
I coughed, wiping my mouth, what an unpleasant memory. Would I ever really be able to escape? Those words didn't help me be positive.
I had to gather strength.