A/N: Thank you all for reading :), comments and Kudos are welcome of course ! Hope you're enjoying this story so far, I'm not yet sure where it's going but I'll do my best to make something good out of it ;)

Chapter Two

Dawn was slowly breaking outside, they had been rolling for at least fifteen minutes and Negan decided that the ride was too calm. ''Not much of a talker are you?''

She almost jumped ''Sorry, what ?''

''Never mind, it's good as it is. So, why the short hair, were you military or something back then ?'' Always the same question, Gillian could remember a few times when women asked her if she was wearing the short cut by choice, it got on her nerves sometimes.

''Why not ? What about you ?'' she answered curtly

''Now, now, are you tryin' to get me on my mood here ? I just want to know you a little fucking more, we're about to live together now…Sounds weird doesn't it haha, I mean we just met'' he was hoping for her to at least chill a little but she wasn't up for it at the moment. ''So ?'' he pointed her hair.

''I just like it…'' she said

Negan rose his eyebrows ''Care to elaborate…I'm just tryin' to converse a little, really'' he smiled and Gillian almost found it cute.

''It's simpler, especially nowadays, I don't wanna have it on my face while I'm out on a run or something''

''A run… so that's what you do for your people ?''

''That and other things, yes. So what exactly am I to do for you ?'' she decided to cut the bullshit, although the conversation was going nicely so far.

Negan tilted his head and smiled at her ''Well, nothing too complicated by me: fucking contribute, of course ! We'll see what you can do, what you're good at and you'll simply work for me. Ain't that a fucking opportunity of a lifetime, Sweetheart ?'' Gillian faked a smile. To be honest, after a few minutes spent with the guy she had thought he had other plans for her, in a more private sector…Not that she was disappointed, quite the opposite in fact, she was just surprised. Almost as if he had been reading her mind, ''Oh, and of course I'm looking forward to a little fucking gratitude from you, darlin', for letting you live ya' know… Be sure I'd be more than fucking happy to enjoy that fine little piece of ass of yours when I want it.''

''And I thought the world and men had changed…foolish, huh?'' The expression on his face changed suddenly and he now looked pretty damn serious.

''Look at me'' She didn't need to be told twice. His brown eyes were fixed on her, any sign of joke or anything like that gone ''I don't rape women, we don't rape women. Not one bit of that shit flies around my community. Did I make myself fucking clear?'' She nodded

''Sounds pretty clear to me'' she though necessary to add.

She couldn't quite wrap her head around that man yet. Few minutes ago he was ready to bash a pregnant woman's skull with a freaking barb-wired bat named ''Lucille'', yet he appeared to be a man of his words, worst, a man with principles…

Within a second his devilish grin was back on his face, his lips curling into a wide smile, revealing a perfect line of white teeth.

''Hell, don't get me wrong, Sweetheart, if you really are in need of amazing, unforgettable sex, I'd be more than happy to oblige'' He softly brought his hand to her face and lifted her chin so that she was directly looking at him…once again. ''I can be a real gentleman when I want to. Oh boy, we could have a fuckload of fun together, sweetie''

''So most men say'' she said sarcastically.

''I'm not most men'' he sounded serious again.

''Oh, believe me, you are definitely ''most men''. By the way, as generous as your offer might be, I think I'll keep my ass for myself, thank you.'' Smile back on.

''Right, suit yourself, I have no doubt your hand will do the job just right'' he said almost bursting out laughing while running his gaze along the curves of her body. ''As for that chatty little mouth of yours, mmmh'' he winked.

''Jesus, keep your distance'' she said, completely repulsed by his last words. ''I'm not interested''.

She couldn't help it, her mind started to run images of what he just said and it wasn't pretty. It was a very nasty habit of hers to illustrate everything people said and she hated it, especially when she was facing a cocky, arrogant guy constantly trying to get under her skin.

''I guess we'll fucking see about that princess, for now, as much as I'd like to continue this little talk with you, I believe we've reached your new castle and the first thing you need to do is get a little familiar with your new working place. Welcome to the Sanctuary! '' Negan proudly said, slightly pushing the curtains of the RV aside.

After arriving to Alexandria, Gillian thought that she would never see a bigger compound, as organized and protected. They had done a great job with it, managed to keep all the houses clean and livable, put every citizen to work for the good of everyone. Yet again she had been wrong, her breath was cut short as she got a glimpse of the huge factory or whatever that used to be, that was rising before her. They did not have the walls of Alexandria but they did have walkers, all tied up together to form chains that would dissuade anybody who would try to get close. As to how they managed to achieve something like that, Gillian had no answer, but was quickly enlightened.

Among the numerous walkers, she could discern some guys dressed in what seemed like some sort of prison outfit with a capital ''A'' written on their large sweatshirts. They looked really tired and the job didn't seem safe at all. Gillian guessed that most of these people, if not all of them, weren't doing this work by choice. As if the walkers were not enough, lots of menacing spikes filled the ground and created a path to the entrance of the factory. Gillian was taken aback as the RV abruptly stopped, it wasn't exactly a very functional engine anymore.

''Damn, what a piece of shit !'' Negan laughed, turning away from Gillian to contemplate his Sanctuary. ''So, what do you think darlin', she's a beauty, ain't she ?''

Holy hell, that man was proud of his own doings, she thought. Although she had to admit that she was impressed, she absolutely didn't want to say it for him, but he was waiting for an answer. ''It's…big'' she managed.

''Yeah, lots of big things about me…'' he smiled wickedly at her and she let out a flabbergasted sigh. ''Wait 'till you see the inside, it's quite cozy in there. Well, it depends on what you work on, though…''

Gillian wondered what he meant by that and if she was going to be part of the people living in the ''cozy area'' of the Sanctuary. Also, it occurred to her that Negan had a very organized way of running things, everything seemed to be working as in a…factory.

Negan, forever the gentleman, opened the door for her once again. Loads and loads of weapons was all she could see as she stepped foot on the ground. Every men and women standing at the gate had at least a rifle in their hands and a handgun at their belt. She counted more than a dozen ''guards'' here, and by the size of the factory she could only assume that there were plenty of others inside. She thought about the time they had attacked the outpost, it seemed so damn stupid now, they had been so fucking wrong. In a way she hoped that this would teach them a lesson for later raids. Assuming, of course, that she would be part of it giving the actual context…

''I know the sight is awesome, Sweetheart, but if you don't mind we're gonna move inside. I'm freakin' freezin''. She was pulled from her thoughts when he put his hand behind her back and slowly pushed her towards the entrance.

''I don't wanna be disturbed fellas, Gil and I are in for a loooong discussion''. All his men nodded like a bunch of robots, it was a pretty simple request after all, but it was clear that there was no place for disagreement with Negan.

The inside of the compound was unsurprisingly very empty with endless dark corridors, then again, it was a factory. Along the way, they met two guys mopping the floor dressed the same as the ones chaining the walkers outside. As Negan walked passed them, they immediately stopped their activity to kneel. Gillian couldn't believe this, it was not community, it was fucking dictatorship. How could anyone agree to that in such difficult times ? She figured safety was probably the main reason.

''I expect you to do the same in sometime, Gillian'' he spoke close to her ear.

''That's not happening, not now, not tomorrow, never!'' she firmly said. There was no way she was going to submit to that man, not that much anyway, but it wasn't really up to her. Negan shoved her hard against the wall.

''I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear any of that''

''No no no, you heard me well, I will not kneel before you, ever!'' her voice rose a tad. ''Don't you think the world is enough fucked as it is ? Do you really need to add another weight on these people's shoulders and practically enslave them ? I mean what the fuck is this !?''

Standing up to Negan was not a great idea, Gillian knew that, and at the same time she had a feeling that he would not kill or harm her if she did. Nonetheless it was obvious that he was extremely pissed, he put one finger on her lips.

''Some piece of advice, Sweetheart, don't talk when you don't know shit. Do you think those guys are unwilling ? Every single person who works here is there by choice'' Gillian coughed ironically

''What choice ?'' And Negan's face lit up

''That, my dear, is exactly what I wanted to speak to you about. Let's not talk here, huh, you never know about little fucking ears wondering around. C'mon, you're so gonna love my quarters''

As they reached his rooms, Gillian noticed two men standing in front of a large wooden door. ''What's in there ?'' she asked. Negan turned to see what she was talking about.

''Oh, I don't wanna spoil the surprise, that comes later…if you're willing, of course''

''Wha-''

''Just come inside'' he interrupted, holding the door for her.

Gillian stepped inside the large room and couldn't hold back the ''wow'' that was on her tongue for a good moment. The dark paper paint gave a lot of charm to the room, the place was very spacious and looked like one of those expensive appartements you could find back in the days. Large bowls of fruits and other types of food had been laid on the counter, Gillian suddenly felt hungry. Leather sofas, bookshelfs, various plants that looked too green to be real, whisky on the table and even some god damn hunting trophies on the walls. Just by standing in that room could make you forget about the apocalypse outside. Gillian's eyes stopped on what she supposed to be Negan's bed, kingsized with silk sheets and way too many pillows for one person. She was almost tempted to just crawl on it, the day had been exhausting and she could do with a little rest right now. Of course she didn't do it, getting on his bed was out of the question. Instead she decided to take a look around, she was like a child in a candy shop. Houses in Alexandria weren't bad but they weren't that good either.

Seing her all amazed and lost brought Negan a strange feeling, something between pride and gratification. It was the second time now that this woman made him feel funny and he wasn't sure if he liked that or not.

''Hey, have a sit down, you look like you're gonna pass out'' he proposed as he made himself comfortable on one of the sofas. Gillian sat on the opposite one as she felt better with a table between them rather than nothing at all.

''Care for a glass of something ? Water ? Whisky ?'' he proposed

''No, thanks, I'll be fine''

''Right,… I'm sure you've noticed a part of my crew on our way down here. The ones with the guns, they work for me. They get the food and supplies they need for their own use and also get to live in a nice little room, not as nice as mine, of course, but still rooms people would kill for.'' He got up, poured himself a glass of whisky and rose it in the air before sitting back down ''Cheers. You've got multiple options here, Gillian. If you want to, that's the work you can have, you just have to ask. Or, you can work for points, with the guys outside or the ones mopping the fucking floor all day. Honestly you'd quickly realize that death would be better. Option number three…my personal favorite when it comes to you. C'mon, gotta show you a little something.'' He got up, and led the way to the corridor. Gillian understood that they were going for the mysterious wooden door she had noticed before. Just before opening it Negan threw her a glance ''Ready ?'' he said playfully.

The heavy door squeaked as he pushed it, she wondered if he was hiding some kind of treasure inside. She fell from high as a group of women who lacked clothes appeared before her. It wasn't exactly cold inside but wearing only bras and panties seemed slightly light to her…

''Good morning ladies, please let us not disturb you'' he turned to Gillian ''So, what do you think of my wives ?''

She stared at him, wide-eyed ''Your wives ?'' she couldn't believe it.

''Yeah, my wives. I know how that must sound but they're really nice girls, trust me''

''I need a moment'' She practically ran out of the room to lay against the wall of the corridor, away from his guards. She needed to gather her thoughts for a minute. People were dying outside and this man just felt like he needed several fucking wives to keep him warm ?! And were they even willing was the first thing she asked herself. She remembered what Negan had said about rape and all that but come on, who would accept this ? She tried to calm herself down as she heard his footsteps getting closer.

''You alright, darlin' ?''

''Stop calling me that'' she cut him

''What's wrong ?'' he shrugged

''What's wrong ? What the fuck is this ?!'' She almost shouted

''This is option number three, Gil'. If you don't wanna work for me the way I suggested a few minutes before, that's how you work, you become my wi- one of my wives.'' He corrected himself '' Food, supplies, extras and a fuckload of other things, in exchange you simply sell your soul to me…If you know what I mean''. Gillian thought she was going to punch him, she couldn't believe how calm he was about the subject.

''Were you seriously hoping for me to chose this option when you spared me ? You dumb fuck'' Negan took one step forward

''That is right, I fucking spared you, you could be in the fucking ground right now but you are here'' He kept walking towards her as he spoke ''You don't wanna join the harem, fine, that is entirely up to you, like I said you have two other options, but don't you fucking dare call me a dumb fuck, especially when my men are around'' He had her trapped against the wall and put his hands on either side of her head. ''So, how about a fucking sorry for starters, Gillian…'' Somehow she found the strength to look him in the eye the all time, but her throat was beyond dry right now.

''I'm sorry'' she managed.

''Who are you speaking to ?''

She rolled her eyes ''I'm sorry, Negan''

''Good girl'' he smiled and hummed her hair, her neck, his lips coming dangerously close to hers. Gillian didn't dare make a move ''You smell good''

''…Thank you'' she whispered ''Could you stop doing that, …please ?'' she asked, only too conscious of the awkwardness of the situation.

''Mmmmh, please consider option number three, Gil' '' He said as he drew back

''Yeah, I don't think so'' she assured him

''Damn, you don't scare easy…I like that. Well, it's breakfast time anyway, why don't you take some time to think about all this.'' He walked towards the stairs, yelling ''Arat ! Come up here for a second'' He addressed Gillian again ''Arat's gonna take you to your room, I have stuff to do, as you imagine. She'll take you down to the main hall for lunch too.'' With that he was gone and the woman named Arat was waiting for Gillian where another corridor crossed. She was dressed in a military vest and a white shirt, with slim pants and boots. Her skin was mixed and her curly hair was tied back in a messy bun, she was pretty and there was no doubt, she looked very healthy. Negan hadn't been lying about the way people could live in the Sanctuary.

''Hi, you must be Gillian, I'm Arat. Come on, it's this way'' she motioned for Gillian to follow her. Apparently her room was on the same level as Negan's. There were a lot of other rooms in the hallway, she supposed that it was where most of his men stayed.

''How do you like the Sanctuary ?'' Arat asked her

''Oh, it's…cozy, I guess''

''It is for some, not at all for others, but I'm sure he went over that with you'' Gillian acquiesced ''Met his wives yet ?''

''I have, not personally but still…Am I the only one who thinks that's nuts ?''

''I don't know, those girl's have been given a choice, they chose. There's a hell of a lot to say about Negan but he has always been straight with us girls, that's rare today, I know some of our crew members who wouldn't be has…understanding if they were in charge.''

They arrived at her room, as Negan had said, it was not as nice as his but hell, there was a nice looking bed, a tiny kitchen set with a dining table and a personal bathroom in the back. ''Well, there you go, I think you will be able to take your own clothing and stuff like that when we head to your community…Alexandria, is it ?''

''Yes'' For some reasons Gillian had forgotten about it for a little while

''Take your time to settle, I'll come back to get you for lunch. If Negan hasn't asked you yet, I can take you around the Sanctuary after, if you want ?'' Arat proposed

''Hum, sure, yeah I'' she was lost in her thoughts again ''I'm sorry, it's just-''

''Hey, it's all right, I'll leave you some time alone'' she smiled and took her leave, closing the door behind her.

Gillian laid on the large bed, looking at the ceiling. The room was very quiet, it was perfect for now, as she really had to start thinking what the hell she was going to do now.