With Ajax gone I was left in the dark closet, on my knees and panting. I was mortified with what I had just done, but was unable to take it back. I had just orgasm with nothing but Ajax's rough voice to push me over the edge. I hadn't even kissed the man, but I had been on my knees, toying with my hard nipples and moaning at each of his words. And I had loved every second of it.

Now, feeling sober and dirty, I couldn't believe that I had done that. I couldn't believe that I had wanted it. It seemed impossible that my body was even capable of orgasming without more input. And it seemed crazy that I would ever lose my rational head and let a man who had kidnapped me talk me through a sexual heat like that. Yet, it had happened.

Ajax had known just want to do. When he heard the sound of my voice and those little whimpers he had taken complete control. And he had enjoyed it just the same. I couldn't be certain but I had a strong inclination leading me to believe that he had stroked his cock until he finished while listening to my breathy moans. It would seem that whatever had struck me had a similar result on him. The thought made my cheeks flame red but the warmth between my legs ignited again.

Thankfully, when I wished it away this time it complied.

I rushed around my room, trying to keep my mind busy so I wouldn't have my thoughts going down that kind of path. I wasn't sure that I would kick the door shut if this happened a second time. I already knew that if the door hadn't been in between us I would've been all over Ajax. I would've run my fingers through that soft auburn hair. I would've kissed those lips that always turned up in easy smile and smirks. I would've bitten the delicate skin on the side of his neck and grabbed at this muscular back, trying to pull him closer to me. And he would've given in because he wanted me just as badly.

I shook my head. I couldn't do this again. Not now.

After a brush was run through my hair- before slicking it into a ponytail-and my teeth were brushed, I put on a set of clean- and dry- clothing and ventured out of my room. When I hit the bottom of the stairs a man in a uniform nodded his head for me to follow him.

For the first time I got to see more of this palace than just my bedroom and the foyer. And it was grand. High ceilings were in every room. Modern light fixtures off set the age given by older crown molding and Victorian styling. It was a peculiar mix that only a highly trained interior designer could master. It was glamour and high style while being timeless and classy all at once.

And walking around in work out leggings and a plain shirt I felt completely out of place.

And that feeling heightened when we entered into a formal dining room. Queen Adeline was perched on the edge of her chair, carefully pushing away a stray thread off the shoulder of her blazer while her husband was wearing a suit, talking with Ajax. It was like something out of a magazine with the glittering tiara and the fine china used as dishes.

"King Orion, Queen Adeline," the man in uniform announced, snagging everyone's attention. I squirmed when they all glanced over. "Keiko, please have a seat next to Prince Ajax."

My legs automatically took me over to Ajax, watching his bright smile glow when his eyes drifted over me. I winced when I noticed that he was also wearing a full suit, complete with an accent pocket square and a narrow tie. If I hadn't been so embarrassed about being horrendously underdressed my mouth would've watered at the sight of him, but it only made me feel worse about myself.

"How are you this morning?" the king asked with bright, kind eyes.

"Fine, thank you, King Orion," I answered, settling into the plush chair beside Ajax. It felt strange to say such words. Just as it felt strange to sit on such expensive furniture. My eyes fell into my lap.

"Just call me Ryan," he shot back with an easy smile.

I nodded and said nothing.

"What do you want for breakfast?" Ajax whispered in my ear as his hand settled on my thigh.

"Cereal is fine," I answered, shoving his hand away immediately. His touch felt nice, amazing in fact. I was just terrified of what it could trigger.

"I think our chef would storm up here and yell at all of us if we sent that request down. How about pancakes? Waffles? An omelet? Anything with more than two ingredients is on the table as far as choices go."

"Waffles are fine," I whispered, still staring down at my hands.

Ajax put through my suggestion and the man in the uniform disappeared to inform the chef.

"How was your adventure in my car?" Adeline asked, daintily placing a piece of her eggs in her mouth.

My face flamed and I wished so badly that the world would open up and swallow me whole. Of course I had taken the queen's car. Damn it, why hadn't Ajax warned me? Now, on top of being disrespectful by wearing unacceptable clothes I had also taken her car out for a joy ride.

"She is a speed demon," Ajax answered for me, his smile only growing. And for the first time ever I noticed the dimples on his cheeks. It only made my face heat up more.

"It is a very fun car," Adeline mused, "Are you a car girl?" She seemed genuinely interested, but I was almost certain that she was just trying to be polite.

"No," I answered softly.

"Ah, that's alright, Ryan isn't much of a car man either. When I first found out I was devastated, but now we don't argue about cars. I just buy what I want and he drives what he feels like. But, if you aren't a car girl then what are you into?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Between work and my college courses I didn't have much time for anything else."

"Oh, where do you work?"

I felt Ajax stiffen beside me, but the words were out of my mouth before I could reconsider them, "I strip."

King Orion made an awful noise as he choked on some of his food. Then, his wild blue eyes were on my face and he looked oddly entertained. "I've heard that you can make outstanding money doing that, is it true?" The question was directed at me but I dint miss the way his eyes flickered over to Ajax.

"The money is great and the work is really good for what it is," I replied, surprised by his willingness. I had expected an instant rejection and snarky comments.

"She's not going to back to it," Ajax piped up hotly from beside me.

"That's not your choice to make," I spat back, forgetting who I was in front of in an instant.

"Yes it is, you are mine," Ajax snarled back, "This isn't up for discussion. My word is law around here."

"Screw you," I snapped, leaping to my feet, "You don't get to kidnap me and control me or my finances. And I'm not yours." I felt like my blood was boiling under my skin. My hands were clenched into fists at my sides and I wondered if I would feel bad for hitting him. because, damn, I wanted to.

"You are mine," Ajax shot back. "And if I tell you to stop stripping you will."

My mouth opened to bite back at him. But just as it did my knees gave out with a sickening sound. Like bones were breaking. I crumpled to the floor. Then pain was tearing through my body. It felt like my bones were shifting underneath the skin, like my jaw and nose had been broken. My vision blurred as I heard something ripping.

I let out a violent scream. 

*****Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays all! I hope this year has been kind to you.*****