Victor Lawrence stood in front of the small mirror in his hotel room checking his reflection. A small grimace pursed his lips as he gingerly stroked the deep claw marks on his cheek. 'You live up to your name don't you Tiger.'
Straightening his tie he asked. "So you found the house?"
"Yeah. I followed Jack out there when he went to get Kitty. I didn't go all the way in he has guards staked out around the place. I didn't want to take the chance."
"Good. Where is Jack now?" Victor asked slipping into his jacket.
"Last time I saw him he was with that deputy, that Chester character. He took his partner's body over to the undertakers, then walked over to the marshal's office."
"That's fine, just fine. Now I want you to get back out to that house and take care of business."
"All of them Vic?"
Taking one last look in the mirror at his handsome face, and running his massive hand though his dark brown locks he confirmed. "All of them."
"What about Jack and that marshal?" Tom asked.
"You just leave them to me." An evil grin spread across the madman's face as he considered the possibilities. Then shaking his head as if to clear his mind he said. "But for now I have more important business to attend to." Placing the black hat on his head and settling it low on his brow he explained. "I have a Tiger to tame."
"Do you have a better idea?" Mae snapped in Annie's direction when the brunette questioned the logic of her plan.
"Mae, please just listen. I know you want to help Kitty. We all do. But Mae, there is nothing we can do." Sallie tried to reason.
"Let me ask you two something. If it were you that Victor had with him, wouldn't you want help? Look Victor knows Jack or the marshal are going to try and get her out. He's even expecting it. But not us. We can take him by surprise. There's three of us and just one of him …"
Mae's desperate explanation was cut short by Sallie's observation. "Yeah, but look who that one is." Pleading Sallie tried once again to reason with the determined redhead. "Mae, we are no match for Victor and I'm afraid we will only make it worse for Kitty if we try and go in after her. I mean, what if we fail. And what about Tom? There is no way we could take them both. And Kitty would be caught in the middle. Please Mae."
Mae listened to her friend's reasoning, and she had to admit it did make sense. The last thing she would ever want to do would be put Kitty's life in jeopardy. But still she just couldn't sit and do nothing.
Kitty stood in front of the full length mirror. The green dress and necklace completed the transformation. The dress had been a special order from a seamstress in St. Louis. Never once had Kitty noticed that it was almost an exact replica of the dress that Victor had bought her all those years ago.
Images of that night, that first time he came to her room, came back vividly as she ran her hands across the smooth satin. Absently she reached up and touched to cool stones of her necklace. Closing her eyes she could almost feel his hot breath and his deft fingers as they fastened a similar ornament around her neck.
That night he had taken her, forced himself on her. That night his will had become hers. With his hands, his mouth, his body he had driven her past the point of no return. She had become his slave, putty in his hands. She was young and alone. He had offered her love and a home. Victor lavished her with gifts, her every hearts desire. She had been grateful, indebted. But not now, now she was twelve years older, twelve years wiser. She supplied her own hearts desires. She wasn't the grateful young girl she used to be. She didn't owe him a damn thing. The bastard had been paid in full.
She didn't move as she listened to the footsteps on the landing outside her door come closer. Her heart began to pound as she heard him insert the key into the lock on the other side of the door. She felt the rush of blood as the door slowly opened and he stepped inside. Lifting her eyes slightly, she looked at him through the reflection of the mirror. Her eyes followed his movements as he closed the door behind him and re-locked the door, leaving the key in the lock.
A smile of satisfaction spread across his handsome face as he openly admired her. The look in his brown eyes declared yet another victory as they locked with hers through the reflection of the mirror.
Kitty studied her adversary as he entered the room. He hadn't changed much in the past twelve years. Prison life wasn't as harsh on him as she might have expected. His fine, classic good looks seemed to have been enhanced over the years rather than deteriorated. Deep lines around his full mouth and dark, bedroom eyes added a new sensuousness to him. Strands of grey sprinkled throughout his dark brown hair gave the illusion of wisdom and experience. His massive body still strong and lean, was well kept even after all these years. With his broad shoulders, muscular arms, narrow hips and long legs he appeared more like a Greek god rather than a mortal man. His hands, though large, were not the hands of a working man. His hands were smooth, nails short, clean, well-manicured. The hands that were designed to pleasure a woman, taking her to the brink of ecstasy were the same hands that could punish that same woman, inflicting brutal, sadistic pain.
Victor's eyes never left Kitty's image in the mirror as he took of his hat, tossing it in a nearby chair. His black suit jacket was the next to come off as he moved further into the dimly lit bedroom. He loosened his black tie as his dark eyes traveled possessively up and down her body stopping to admire the full swell of her breasts and the shapely curve of her hips. He couldn't help but admire how well she had aged. This beautiful redhead before him now was no longer a young girl to be easily manipulated, eager to please her master, her creator. The tiny lines around her sapphire blue eyes and ruby red lips were signs that she had matured, grown, experienced life to its fullest, and passionately embraced it. Most men would see the strands of grey in her hair as age, an older woman, Victor Lawrence, however, saw them as strands of knowledge, experience.
Twelve years ago he had been her teacher. He had taught her the intricacies of making love to a man. How to please a man in the most erotic, sensuous of ways. But now, tonight, there would be no teaching, no learning, no teacher, no student. Tonight he would reap the rewards of his many visits to her bed, and the past twelve years of experience she had gained.
"You look beautiful Tiger." Victor whispered as he stepped up behind her and lightly tugged the tendrils of auburn hair hanging loosely down her back. "I see you remembered." He smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
"Yes Victor I remembered. How could I forget?" She answered through clenched teeth and pulled away. She knew her defiance would cost her, but she was determined to make him fight for what he got.
Victor stayed put as she moved away from him. Instead of being angry, he found her boldness exciting, arousing. Resistance would make the game more challenging, thus making the victory that much sweeter.
Out of arms reach Kitty turned to face him, waiting for the inevitable punishment that always followed acts of defiance. Seeing he had seemingly overlooked her defiant act, she pushed her luck a little further. "What did you offer Jack to sell me out?" Kitty didn't try to hide her anger at the federal agent who was supposed to protect her.
His answer was short and to the point. "His life."
"His life!?"
"His life along with the other four girls." Victor explained. "You see I made Jack an offer he couldn't refuse. I told him all he had to do was deliver you to me and he and the others could walk away. Free and clear."
"And if he didn't …?"
"He'd die." Again Victor's tone was cold leaving no doubt that he would follow through with any threat he made. "But let's not talk about Jack right now. Let's talk about you and me." Victor said moving closer.
Kitty stepped back as he reached out to touch her. When she turned away he moved to stand behind her. His large hands resting on her slender shoulders, holding her in place, gently kneaded the soft flesh beneath the satin fabric. His breath hot and moist as he whispered seductively into her hair. "I have dreamed about you every night for the past twelve years. Dreamed of this night."
Full, sensuous lips trailed over the milky white flesh of her neck and shoulders, while large, searching hands explored the once familiar territory of her body. She struggled against him as his hands sought out and found her full breasts. She grabbed his fondling hands, pulling them away and slipped through his arms and ran for the door. Her adversary was quicker than she however, and with long arms and legs easily overtook her and jerked her back to him.
Enjoying her vain attempts at escape he smiled condescendingly down at her while pressing his tense body tightly to hers, making sure she felt his intense desire. The harder she fought for freedom, the tighter his grip held her. "Easy now Tiger." He cautioned while trying to control his fighting feline.
Finally securing her arms and pinning them behind her, he looked victoriously into the depths of her beautiful sapphire eyes and whispered. "You can fight all you like my little Tiger. But I promise you will be mine before this night is over." Tears glistened in her blue eyes as Victor sealed her fate with his promise.
His neck snapped like a twig when Tom Stone stealthily crept up on the young guard and coiled his arm around the young man's neck. Leaving the lifeless body propped against a tree, Tom moved carefully and quietly, keeping himself hidden in the shadows, towards the house. He leaned his ear against the door of the bunkhouse. All quiet. The only sound that could be heard was the gentle snoring of one of the men. As a lion stalking it's prey Tom quietly and cautiously made his way to the darkened house.
They had all decided to try and sleep even though they knew it would be useless. The three women couldn't help but think about Kitty and what she was going through right now. Annie and Sallie were in their room and Mae had retired to her room, which was extremely lonely without her roommate. After changing into a nightgown Mae had finally lay down and closed her eyes. Sleep didn't come but she did relax a bit. Instead of dwelling on Kitty's situation she tried thinking of Charles and her upcoming wedding plans.
Mae sat upright in the bed when she heard the soft squeak of the third step from the bottom. Quietly getting out of bed Mae crept to the bedroom door. She pressed her ear to the door and wrapped her long fingers around the knob. Slowly she turned the knob and pulled the door slightly open. The landing was pitch black. She opened the door a little wider to allow the dim light from the bedroom to shine into the darkness.
The hand came from nowhere and cupped over her mouth. The intruder's body pressed against hers, pushing her back into the bedroom. Her green eyes grew wide with fear as she recognized her assailant.
"Scream and I'll break your neck." Tom Stone promised in a whispered voice as he removed his hand from her mouth and closed the door behind them. Keeping one hand pressed in her back he guided her backward to the bed where he laid her down. Placing his body on top of hers and pinning her hands beneath her he whispered. "You and me are gonna' have a little party Rose. You do still like to party now don't you?"
Savagely Tom captured her mouth in a hard kiss. She struggled helplessly beneath him trying to free herself from his brutal mouth. "I see you've missed me." He jeered as his victim bucked wildly under him. "Well then my pretty Rose I won't make you wait any longer." Tom rolled slightly to the side and grabbed her knee bringing it up. He pushed her gown high above her waist, unfastened his own pants then repositioned himself back down between her legs.
As he thrust himself inside her she fought frantically to free herself from his grasp. "That's a girl. That's just the way ole' Tom likes it now." Tom was careful to keep his voice low as he taunted her. With his free hand he roughly grabbed her mane of red hair and jerked her head still. He pulled back exposing the bare milky white skin of her throat. Mae bit down hard on her lower lip to stifle the scream begging to get out as the madman bit her neck like a hungry lion.
"Oh god." She whimpered as his mouth traveled down her bared chest and found her breast. She held her breath and arched her body high as he once again savagely bit down on the tender flesh. He was relentless as he bit and sucked on her nipple. "You're hurting me." She cried as the pain grew unbearable.
"I'll hurt you a lot worse than this whore if you don't shut up." He spat out then slapped her hard across the face.
With her hands pinned beneath her she was helpless to get loose. Her mind spun frantically trying to figure out a way of escape. Remembering her old trade she decided on another tactic. "Tom," She whispered breathlessly in his ear. "Ummmm Tom." She moaned a little louder. "It's been along time since a man has treated me like this. You're so good." It was all she could not to throw up as her words spurred him on.
"Like it don't ya'? All you whores are just a like. You only know one way, rough."
Mae tried to ignore the pain and focus on getting free. Tom was so aroused by her compliments that his grip on her hands was loosening a bit. "Why don't you let me take care of you now big boy?" She cooed cautiously not wanting to seem too eager and thus blow her ruse. Tom looked suspiciously into her emerald eyes. "Maybe one of my specials?" She offered. Drool formed as he considered her proposal. "For old time sake." She used her most alluring smile and subtly ground her hips up and down rubbing herself against his throbbing desire.
The temptation was just too much for a mere mortal man. Tom Stone lifted himself off of her and rolled over on the bed. Slowly and seductively Mae rolled up and leaned over him letting her bare breast lay against his shirt. He lay still, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth, waiting for her special. "Just close your eyes and relax now big boy and Rose is gonna' take good care of you." His body seemed to relax some, with the exception of the large protrusion at this midsection. Tenderly she took him in her hand and gently began to pump up and down. "Do you like that Tom?" She questioned. His growing smile was his only response. "How about this?" She asked lowering her head. This time he answered her with a guttural moan.
An evil grin spread across her pretty face. "See how you like this big boy." Placing him back in her mouth she bit down as hard as she could. He bolted upright sending her crashing to the floor.
"You bitch!" He shouted as he grabbed himself and doubled over in pain.
Mae didn't hesitate as she got herself to her feet and got to the door. She was almost home free when his long arm reached out and yanked her back inside the room.
"Damn you!" He cursed and threw her against the opposite wall. "You damn whore." Tom stormed at her. One hand still cupped his wounded groin while the other swung around and struck her hard across the face splitting her lower lip.
"Mae?! Mae what's going on in there?" Sallie yelled as she and Annie raced down the hall. Both women stopped short as they got to the open door. The gasps were muffled as their hands flew almost simultaneously to their mouths.
"NO!" Annie screamed seeing Tom Stone standing above a fallen Mae.
"Welcome to the party ladies. Glad you could join us." Stone grabbed Mae by the hair and yanked her up to her feet. He pulled his knife and laid it at the base of her throat. "Scream and she dies." Annie and Sallie stood in the doorway frozen in fear.
"Get in here." Tom ordered.
"Don't do it run. Get help!" Mae shouted at the two women. A hard yank of her hair and a swift jerk of her head were her reward for her valiant effort. "You bastard!" She screamed.
Tom ignored her name calling for the moment. "I said get in here now." He warned the women while he pressed the knife into Mae's flesh. "Now or she dies." He once again ordered. He dug the tip of the blade into her throat piercing the skin, creating a small trickle of blood. Seeing the blood was all it took. Annie and Sallie both stepped into the room without another moment's hesitation.
Annie and Sallie sat down on the edge of the empty bed, both women trembling in fear.
"What do you want Tom?" Annie asked trying to control the trembling in her voice.
"I just want to get reacquainted with you girls is all. Rose and I have already started, haven't we?" Tom jerked her head and bit her neck.
"Victor promised he'd leave us alone if he got Kitty." Sallie reminded him feeling more than a little guilty.
"He lied." Tom stated flatly. "And besides Victor's not the only one who spent time in jail because of you girls. I figure I got something coming to me too."
Tom, still holding on to Mae, walked over to Sallie and stroked her face with the blade of his knife. "And besides you girls don't want Tiger to have all the fun now do you?" His evil laugh filled the dimly lit room.
Roughly Tom pushed Mae down on the bed beside the other two. The three women stared at their captor wondering what he would do next. They didn't have to wonder long however. Tom reached out and grabbed Sallie by the arm, jerking her up and pulling her to him. "Well now my pretty little magnolia blossom how about you and me get reacquainted, uh?"
Fear seized Sallie as the madman turned his attentions to her. Her body trembled against his. Tears slid down her face remembering what he was like. In some ways Tom was worse than Victor. Tom Stone seemed to take an even greater pleasure in torturing the girls than Victor did. He used his position as Victor's right hand man to his fullest advantage. When Tom was ordered to issue punishment he seemed to get a gleam in his eye. He thoroughly enjoyed doling out beatings, watching them suffer under his hand.
Tom's blue eyes turned icy as he started unbuttoning Sallie's gown. His breath quickened as his hand came in contact with her bare flesh. An evil grin spread across his face as he massaged her breast, rubbing his thumb over her hardening nipple. "I see you've missed me." He whispered breathlessly in her ear.
Embarrassed and confused by her body's involuntary reaction to his touch she tried to pull away. Vivid pictures of the past came rushing at her making her head spin in confusion. His hand on her breast and his mouth on her neck seemed to bewilder her even more. Sallie seemed to be drifting as if an unseen force was guiding her as she stepped closer to him and laid her head back allowing him free range. One hand slipped down and stroked his growing bulge while the other slid upward and caressed his chest. A low moan escaped her lips as she went deeper and deeper into her trance.
Annie and Mae exchanged worried glances as they watched the seduction taking place before them. They were helpless to stop Tom as he molested Sallie. He held his bowie knife pressed to her throat. Sallie was weak. She had never fully recovered from her ordeal in New Orleans. They both recalled her odd behavior towards Doctor Adams at the dinner table a couple of nights ago. Each one knew that if they didn't stop her immediately it would be too late.
"Tom stop it! Leave her alone!" Mae shouted from across the room.
Mae's words seemed to jerk Sallie from her daze, and she quickly tried to pull away. Tom held tight to his captive and warned the other two. "You'd better sit down and shut up or Sallie here will pay." Tom looked back to Sallie. "Now where were we?" He asked and placed her hand back on his groin, and roughly captured her mouth in a hard kiss.
Instantly Sallie jerked her hand away and attempted once again to escape her tormentor's grasp.
Her struggles both amused and angered Tom. Brutally he struck her across the face and laughed. "Go ahead try again. Try and get away."
Tears stung the blonde's eyes as she cradled her face with her hand.
Once again he placed her hand at his groin forcing her hand to move up and down. "That's a girl." He moaned enjoying the sensations her touch was bringing. Suddenly the erotic pleasure was replaced by a sharp pain. "Damn you!" He yelled as he pried her tight fingers from his full sac. Savagely the madman knocked Sallie to the floor with a hard blow to her head. Still reacting to the pain she had inflicted he kicked her hard in the stomach taking her breath away.
Annie and Mae jumped at the maniac, one attacking from the front and the other from the back. Even together they were no match for the big man. Almost effortlessly he slung Annie from his back sending her reeling into the wall and pushed a clinging Mae hard enough to send her landing against the vanity table across the room. Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events and the temporary loss of control big Tom rushed to the other side of the room, pulled his derringer and aimed it at the three women. He was poised and ready. They wouldn't take him by surprise again. The party was over, it was time to take care of
business.