So I know I know. I now have three stories going at once. I'm hoping this helps to keep me motivated and helps prevent too much writer's block. I'm going to try and update each story once a week here moving forward. That is if you guys like them enough to keep them going anyway.
First things first. This story starts off with human trafficking so if you're triggered by that please just wait until chapter 2 to start the story. This is going to be a little darker than the other two I've started. I wanted something a little more adult themed. Of course I don't own EEE, just my story and any OC's I throw in. I have no idea how long of a story this will be, so hope you guys are ready to ride the coaster with me. Enjoy!
Chatter of people flooded his ears through the black fabric that currently encased his head. His mind felt full of fog as it worked to pull memories of the past twenty four hours up to the surface. Much to Kevin's dismay, he couldn't remember a single thing that lead up to this moment. He strained to hear what the people were discussing but it was as if his ears were full of cotton. He audibly groaned from the throb in his head, he had to have been drugged. The voices died down and the redhead was jerked up from his kneeling position making the metal cuffs on his wrists chafe his tanned skin. His stumbling footsteps echoed along the hallway as his captors shoved him every so often.
This is bad. So very bad. he thought when a hand crashed into his shoulder once more almost knocking him to the ground. His arms ached from being behind his back for who knows how long at this point. Light barely broke through the hood, not even enough to help him watch where he was going. Instead he could only tell when he passed a light. How am I going to get out of this? Kevin's thoughts were cut short when an amplified voice sounded.
"SOLD! To number 32!" a deep gravelly voice said into a microphone. Kevin was once more forced to his knees, the bag ripped from his head in one motion. He blinked rapidly as the bright fluorescent lights above him blinded him. Hundreds of people stood before him, all grinning sadistically. The wicked intent he saw among their faces was palpable which in turn made him nauseous.
"That's right ladies and gents. Step up and inspect the last item up for bidding tonight. As you can see this particular item is of rare value. Green eyes with fiery hair, he's also the ripe age of 23. This one also lives up to appearances according to the reports of when acquisition occurred. He took down three of our best," the auctioneer droned on as those in front of Kevin poked and prodded him. His body was twisted, turned, fully inspected. The redhead couldn't find his voice to object to his mistreatment at their hands. "Let's start the bidding at fifty thousand," Kevin's head spun as larger numbers were called out, each higher than the last.
"I hear four hundred thousand. Now five hundred. Now six," the auctioneer's words were so quick that Kevin struggled to keep up in his groggy state. His mind had still yet to fully process what was happening, he was being sold. "Seven hundred and fifty thousand! Eight hundred! Eight twenty five,"
"One point five million," A deep tenor said from his left. Kevin's head sluggishly turned to the owner of the voice. First thing to come into his line of sight were shined black dress shoes followed by stone gray slacks. His gaze traveled up the person's body finding a deep maroon button down with the sleeves shoved up past the elbows. Finally his emerald eyes rested on a face but the only feature he could make out happened to be piercing ice blue orbs. Silence had fallen over the room until the auctioneer seemed to recollect his thoughts as he spoke into the microphone. "One point five mil. Are there any other bids? Going once? Twice? SOLD! To number 23!" Kevin's head snapped over to the auctioneer at his words. He felt his breathing quicken as fear set in. He had really just been sold. He felt the walls closing in on him as he began to hyperventilate. His frantic eyes rested once more on the man to his left. He slowly stepped away as two other men picked Kevin up from the ground. Whether due to the exertion from his panic or the drugs still pumping through his system the redhead passed out in their arms.
Sunlight peeked through floor length blue curtains making the redhead stir awake. He was on an overly plush bed with cyan silk sheets cooling his too warm skin. His eyes slowly opened while his brain attempted to process what it remembered from the previous night. The entire room was outfitted with mahogany furniture that had been polished to a shine. He sat up but instantly regretted the movement as pain surged throughout his skull. His hand flew to his forehead to apply slight pressure to help it subside quicker. When it dissipated enough for him to feel like he could stand he swung his legs to the floor. Cold tile on his feet sent goosebumps racing over his flesh bringing to his attention that he wasn't in his own clothes but instead a pair of pajama bottoms. He stood on wobbly legs and made his way over to the door of the room. Doing his best to open it quietly he sighed in relief when no sound was announced from the thing. He slipped past it and found himself in a hallway. There were three doors on his right and two on his left. Kevin silently prayed that the man from last night was still asleep in his own room. He tiptoed down the hall only to have the hope crushed when he spotted the man seated on a stark white couch with coffee mug and newspaper in hand.
He stood awkwardly at the end of the hallway since the man had yet to notice his presence. He knew there was no way to sneak past the man now. Kevin was about to turn around when those same ice blue eyes from the previous night flicked up to meet his own. The man folded his newspaper and dropped it into his lap.
"Ah you're awake. I hope you rested well," the man's tenor rang out. "I u-uh I guess so," Kevin said as he rubbed the back of his neck in nervous habit. Setting the newspaper on the glass coffee table in the center of the living room. "Would you like some coffee?" Kevin watched as the man stood, it wasn't unlike a cat uncurling from it's nap. He made his way to the kitchen to start his task while Kevin had still yet to budge from the hallway. "One cube or two?" He asked. "Uh two," "You know you can approach me, I wont bite. Not yet anyways," the man teased. "If you want your coffee you're going to have to come to me. I'm no servant," the other bit out when Kevin failed to move from his spot. The ginger approached him with as much caution as any prey would give a predator. Chrome barstools lined the outside of the kitchen so Kevin claimed a seat and took the proffered mug. He blew away some of the steam and stared at the man before him, assessing him. He was an average height of what Kevin guess was five foot eleven. Gray slacks and black shined shoes were adorned just like previously. However he now wore a blue button down instead of the maroon. A charcoal tie in a double Windsor knot fell right in place. No blemish could be seen on his porcelain skin making him look as if he had been carved from marble. Ebony hair fell in small waves to his chin while his ice blue eyes stared back into Kevin's own.
The redhead gulped at having been caught gazing at the man, "What exactly do you want from me?" he asked his eyes now staring down at his coffee. The man in front of him leaned onto the granite counter top crossing his arms. "I haven't really decided to be honest," the man replied feigning boredom with a wave of his hand. Kevin scoffed at the response. "That's bullshit. No one drops over a million dollars without knowing what the fuck they-" A booming sound had silenced his words. Strong hands had slammed on the counter and the sapphire eyes had hardened. "You're on dangerous ground. I do not allow such foul language in my home. You will learn to accept my answers at face value," the man retorted. His tenor voice was calm but the malicious intent was hard to conceal. Kevin gave a half nod in acknowledgement and gulped down his coffee. When he finished he placed the empty mug on the counter, scooted off the barstool, and retreated to the room he had woken up in.
Eddward Rockwell sighed in frustration as he ran a hand through his mildly tangled hair. This was not at all how he intended for the morning to go. He just hated hearing such disgusting language in his home. A buzzing sound from the coffee table drew his attention. He made his way over and picked up the device. When the caller ID showed the name he groaned in annoyance but answered nonetheless
"This is Eddward," he snipped into the receiver.
"Well hi to you too. What's got your feathers ruffled so early in the morning?"
"Just a slight amount of buyer's remorse. What is it Eddy"
"Uh Okay. Anyway you coming into the office today?"
Eddward pinched the bridge of his nose. He had told his partner that it was his weekend to watch the business. Apparently his best friend turned business partner failed to remember that.
"No Eddy I'm not. Now unless its an emergency, don't call me again and I will see you on Monday,"
"Alright fine then Double D. See ya!" With that the call ended and Eddward growled in annoyance that he still couldn't escape the childhood nickname his best friend had bestowed upon him. With nothing left to distract him his gaze turned to the guest bedroom at the end of the hallway. The memories from the previous night came rushing back.
Eddward had agreed to meet a potential client at a club they had designated. Something about testing his ability to keep a secret. He approached the metal door the given address had led him to and knocked firmly. The sound of metal grating on metal made him wince. It had been opened merely a crack and Eddward dug out the business card he'd been given and handed it over. A few moments later the door swung wide and he stepped inside. Plumes of smoke flooded the place as it's patrons imbibed in cigarettes. He had to stop himself from covering his mouth and nose so as not to offend anyone. He couldn't afford a brawl with a drunk who had something to prove. Eddward pushed his way through the crowd looking for the client. He finally spotted him at a booth in the corner with a martini in front of him. He made his way over and slid into the booth across from the man. "Mr. Rockwell. Glad to see you could make it," the man said with a grin on his face. "Mr. Jones if we could discuss business-" he fell silent when Mr. Jones placed his hand in front of Eddward's face. "There will be time for that later. You should enjoy the festivities a little first," the man said his grin widening further. "Just what kind of place is this exactly?" Eddward asked as his eyes scanned the club. "One where people come to indulge in things they dare not discuss amongst civilized company," Mr. Jones said wickedly.
Lights flicked on bringing Eddward's attention to a stage that looked poorly constructed. A man was standing right under the spotlight with microphone in hand while a person was shoved to their knees by his feet. People swamped to the stage and Eddward's stomach churned when he realized what was going on. This was a club for human trafficking. He gave Mr. Jones an incredulous look but only received a shrug of the shoulders in response. The man pulled a black mask with the number 23 painted on it in red from his jacket. He slid the item over to Eddward, "You'll need this if you intend on bidding. They demand anonymity if you bid," Mr. jones said. Eddward could feel bile rise in his throat as person after person was auctioned off. He stood to leave but a hush over the crowd drew his attention. There on the stage at the feet of the auctioneer was a redhead male. He decided on having a closer look and slipped the mask Mr. Jones had offered on to his face. He walked through the crowd and approached the stage. Eddward watched as the redhead was thoroughly inspected by the other potential bidders. The man had fiery hair and green eyes according to the auctioneer. His head was bowed and he was obviously disoriented.
Bids began pouring in for the man who apparently was a rare commodity in this world. Eddward stepped closer as those around him yelled out in an attempt to buy the man. Tan flesh was covered in purple bruises from a brawl that Eddward could only assume was from an attempted escape leaving the man's clothes in tatters. The bids began to slow as they reached nearly a million dollars. Without explanation Eddward raised his hand, his tenor voice hushing the crowd. "One point five million," All eyes had flicked to him but he ignored every set save for the forest greens that bored into his aqua ones. When the auctioneer yelled sold, Eddward turned and allowed the employees to pick up the man and carry him to where he led. As he walked past Mr. Jones to make his true payment, he slipped the mask back to the man. "I do apologize for the inconvenience but we won't be doing business," Eddward said as he followed the employees. Mr. Jones merely chuckled.
One wire transfer of funds later and the redhead male was being hauled into Eddward's car by the employees. He had passed out which was probably for the best given the circumstances. Eddward drove home in utter silence and when he pulled into the parking garage of his building he quietly got out of the vehicle. He made his way over to the passenger side and opened the door. He picked the unconscious man up bridal style, grateful for all his years on the swim team in high school. Eddward adjusted the man slightly as he pushed the call button for the elevator. Once inside he snuck a peek at the still sleeping man. His face had a dusting of freckles from too much sun exposure, his red hair long enough to fall in his eyes. Eddward readjusted him once more which made the man nuzzle into his chest. At last the elevator opened to his floor and he stepped out. He opened his front door with ease and quietly closed it using his heel. He carried the ginger down the hallway to the guest bedroom and laid him on the bed. Eddward retrieved a pair of old pajama bottoms he kept as a spare and silently redressed the man. He tucked the comforter around the ginger and silently left the room. Retreating to his own he didn't bother with changing, choosing instead to pass out on his bed immediately.
Eddward snapped out of his reverie and stared at the door more intently. With a determined huff he marched down the hallway to the guest bedroom.
Kevin had searched the entire room for his clothes to no avail. A knock sounded on the door but he chose to ignore it, he didn't want to face that man right now. With an annoyed grumble he sat on the corner of the queen bed and crossed his arms. He had to figure a way out of this but he was at a complete loss if he was being honest. The door creaked open but he didn't bother turning around. "I apologize for my intrusion but I do need to speak with you," came the tenor voice. "I know my personality can be, well, abrasive. I just have rules that must be followed," the man tried but Kevin still refused to budge.
"I just want to know what you want with me," Kevin finally huffed. "I told you. I don't know yet. Last night was sort of an impulse," the redhead turned to face the man. "Don't you think people will be out there looking for me?" "They would if the establishment hadn't made up some bogus alibi for your whereabouts," His fight or flight response began to take hold when he saw his door still open. Kevin's eyes flicked around the room looking for any object he could use to defend himself but found nothing. He assessed the other's demeanor, realizing the man was relaxed enough that he could probably get one hit in which would give him enough time to escape. He'd have to time it perfect though. "Please don't think about trying to run," the man said with a smirk. Kevin's eyes widened in disbelief at the man having figured out his plan so quickly. "I'm an excellent reader of body language. Have to be in my line of work. Your eyes flicked to the door and then around the room. Looking for a weapon perhaps?" humor danced in his blue orbs making Kevin gulp. "Or maybe you were looking for physical weak spots on myself. I can assure you though that I am a better fighter than you," he continued.
Kevin sighed and accepted that this was his fate for the time being. "What's your name?" "Eddward Rockwell," the man said. Kevin's mouth fell open as he stared in disbelief. "Wait. As in Rockwell Technologies? The boy genius who made a solar power computer and runs the largest computer chip company in Peach City?" his enthusiasm at the revelation made Eddward's cheeks flush slightly. "The one and only," "Holy sh-cow" Kevin quickly covered the almost swear word when cold blue eyes landed on him. "I Uh. I'm Kevin Barr," the redhead said as he extended his hand to the other. They shook hands and Kevin still couldn't conceal his excitement of being in his presence. "Well then, now that introductions are out of the way. How does breakfast sound?" Eddward asked. "Breakfast sounds good," Kevin stood from the bed and followed the other back into the living room. Eddward busied himself in the kitchen preparing eggs and bacon for them both. "So you seriously have no idea what you want from me?" Kevin tried yet again as he slid back on to the barstool he had sat on earlier. "Oh I didn't said I had no idea. I merely meant I was undecided," Eddward mused from the stove. He turned his attention back to the redhead, "There's really only one thing you should concern yourself with Kevin," he continued. "What's that?" "That from today on. I. Own. You." the malicious intent had returned as had the wicked gleam in those icy depths of irises. The ginger bristled at the thought of what that meant. "Just what does that mean though?" his voice was barely audible but the raven haired man in front of him still caught his words.
"What that means is simply this. You will do as I say regardless of request. I will not injure you in any way so you can erase that from your mind," Eddward was reclined on the counter next to the stove as the bacon sizzled. Kevin's opened his mouth to speak but Eddward continued. "Enough questions on that matter for now. I would prefer to finish cooking and enjoy a meal with you. I would like to find out more about you since well, you will be spending quite some time in my home,"