A/N: TRIGGER WARNING- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUBTLE HINTS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

Chapter Three

The Gala

Mercedes was happy her bruises had finally went away, it had been a whole month since she left the house and it wasn't easy staying put because every time he would come home she would intentionally go to the opposite side of the house to avoid him. Their home was a large estate with more than twelve bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two guest houses and living quarters for the butler and maids. She would often stay to herself after he would beat on her but their butler Roderick knew and tried many times to convince her to leave but she would just tell him it was okay and not to worry and to never mention it to anyone else or Shane would go after him.

She was getting dressed for a gala that would be held at their house and even though her ribs were still swollen she was excited to see other people even if that meant being ornamental for the night. Shane picked out a rather dull white gown that only showed a sliver of her curves, he requested she wear her hair straight instead of her natural curls and that took a great deal of doing being that it was hard for her to lift her arms above her head but she managed. He also asked that she keep her make up natural and muted which meant no lipstick or bright colors on her face to draw attention to herself. She gave herself a once over making sure she did as he was asked and sure enough she hit every request perfectly, when she heard their bedroom door open she bit her lip nervously and took a deep breath because he could either hate it or love it but one thing was for certain she didn't have the energy to fight him off tonight. He walked over to where she was standing and looked her up and down before giving her a small smile and tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear then leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. She started to flinch but knew that would anger him so she leaned into instead and smiled the best she could when he pulled away.

"You look good." He said nicely.

"Well you did pick everything out so all credit goes to you." She replied knowing all he wanted was his damn ego stroked.

"Hmm… I guess it does huh?" He said more so to his self as he admired his suit in the full length mirror before looking at her once more and nodding her over so they can make their grand entrance. She smiled and grabbed his arm as he lead them out of their room and down the hall before they reached the stairs.

"Now don't embarrass me tonight and we won't have any issues." He said smiling and talking through gritted teeth. She just nodded and places a sweet smile on her face as they began walking down their spiral staircase.

Their lavish home was transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland with garland draping the railing on their stairs and blue light fixtures adorning the ceiling with a snow machine sprinkling snow every so often to get their guest into the holiday spirit. They had a large Christmas tree centered in their foyer that was decorated in deep blues and bright gold and there was festive music playing though their home. They had tabled set up in their ballroom that had large centerpieces with ice fixtures and flowers, Mercedes was proud of the work she had done transforming their home to this beautiful masterpiece but she could tell by his jaw clenching he wasn't as impressed as she was and knew it was going to be along night for her.

He paraded her around for what seemed like hours introducing her to some potential new colleagues and investors. One thing Shane could do is put on a show, she was starting to believe he genuinely loved having her next to him and she was the perfect wife. That was until his mistress walked in and he suddenly turned cold as she made her way talking to the men and women who stopped her, occasionally looking over her shoulder at him challenging him to come and speak to her. Mercedes decided to make it easier on him and excused herself to grab a drink and she was shocked that he let her go without even a second thought. She saw him make a beeline to the woman and rolled her eyes when that sly grin crossed his lips but she said a silent thank you because that meant he might not stay home tonight and she could have the place, though vast to herself.

She made it to the drinks station and ordered a simple ginger ale and waited patiently for her drink, she felt like she was being watched and looked around her but didn't see anyone. She shrugged off the feeling and decided to grab a little something to eat while she had the chance before Shane decided he needed to keep up appearances.

"Hi there." A voice said from behind her she turned and smiled at the familiar face.

"Mr. Evans, I see we meet again. How are you?" She said walking over to the food table looking around to make sure Shane was still occupied with his mistress and he was luckily for her.

"I'm doing well, you look amazing by the way and I hope I'm being to forward but whatever perfume you're wearing is… invigorating." Sam replied blushing slightly at his boldness and knew he should probably put the whiskey down before he got fired for hitting on his boss's wife.

"Oh umm… thank you but I'm not wearing any perfume. Shane doesn't, umm he has a sensitive nose." She said feeling eyes on her and knew she needed to end this conversation before it went any further but just as she was about to say something Sam moved closer to her looking at her concerned.

"Are you okay?" He asked looking at into her eyes intensely, she didn't notice the first time they met but his eyes were the most gorgeous shade of green and could feel herself getting pulled into them and had to look away.

"I'm fine. Thank you for asking." She replied licking her nips nervously the feeling of eyes on her began to grow she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Mercedes?" Why does my name sound so sexy when he says it? Oh dear Lord I need to get away from this man before…

"Umm… can you excuse me?" She asked moving away from Sam.

"Ah.. sure. I'm sorry if I over stepped, I don't usually… it's the dark liquor and I don't drink often."

"Sam… its not anything you've done I just need to get some air. I-i umm..." She started looking around and noticed that Shane was still enthralled with his mistress so she grabbed Sam's hand and quickly lead him through the back outside and she saw Roderick standing there, he shot her a knowing look and nodded her off letting her know he would cover for her. She gave him a thankful smile and continued leading him to one of the guest houses, she grabbed the spare key and opened the door and nodded him in before following.

"Mercedes, what's going on?"

"Please stop saying my name..." She said breathing deeply and nervously rubbing her hands together.

"Are you okay?" He asked gently grabbing her but quickly backed away when she winced.

"Explain now." Sam said sobering up quickly and looking at her directly and she grew worried about what would happen if she didn't explain but she knew if she did Shane would react the way he always does. She shook her head and backed away from him closing her eyes trying to figure out what to say and why the hell she even brought him there. She began to panic because she wasn't coming up with anything fast enough and began to feel tears forming. Just say something but don't tell him anything about Shane…

"Ah.. I don't think this was a good idea. I'm just clumsy… we should probably get back to the event." Mercedes said trying to convince herself more than the man in front of her she could feel him moving closer to her and she moved back reaching for the door handle but when his hand gently fell on hers she stopped.

"We can go back to the event." He said softly and moving away from her so she could open the door and just as the door opened Roderick was standing there he shook his head and gently pushed her back into the guesthouse.

"Mrs. Mercy, it's best you stay here just a little while longer however you guest should probably leave." Roderick said calmly.

"Okay thank you Roderick." She replied moving aside and allowing Sam to leave, he hesitated for a moment looking at her once more before leaving.

After Sam left she paced the floor before hearing the door open again and she prepared herself for who was coming through it but was surprised when Sam reemerged and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I don't know you and I can't shake this feeling that I can't leave you here… so if you need to get out please come with me now and I will take you somewhere safe with no question." Sam said holding out a hand, Mercedes felt the tears falling down her face and looked at his hand wanting so badly to take it but she knew better.

"That is very sweet, however I can't do that and I am fine… just please allow Roderick to take you back to the gala for me please." She said squeezing his hand gently before letting it go and stepping back wiping her tears.

"Okay, good night Mrs. Tinsley." Sam said nodding and leaving with Roderick guiding him back to the gala.

She let out a shaky breath and turned around shaking away what tears that were left. She headed towards on of the rooms and sat on the bed rubbing her temples waiting for Roderick to come back for her and let her know it was okay it was to return to the party. She was deep in thought thinking of what would have happened if she went with Sam. Where would he have taken me? What feeling was he talking about? Should I run after him… I should. I'm going. She was just about to get up and run to the door before she heard clapping and pressed her lips together before turning around slowly.

"I'm proud of you, you handled that really well. I was waiting to see how long it was going to take you to change your mind and I see that you didn't. Good girl… but you still brought a man out here during my event." Shane said looking at her and shaking his head.

"Shane I didn't… you don't have to do this. Please don't do this baby… I messed up." Mercedes pleaded backing up but she didn't have anywhere to go and knew he wouldn't hit her not with guest around but she also didn't want him to take her forcibly again either.

"Take it off." He barked sitting down on the couch with his arm draped across the back of the couch after unbutton his shirt and waited patiently for her to do as he told. She shook her head with tears falling slowly down from her eyes and felt herself shaking slightly before she reached to move the sleeve down her right arm. She kept her head upwards as she removed the other sleeve and pulled it down her chest exposing her strapless bra and bruised skin the dress slowly fell down her body getting snagged on her hips and ample ass, she pulled slightly and the dress became a pool around her feet.

"Mmm… did I ever tell you how much I like looking at you body?" Shane asked looking her up and down. Mercedes just nodded and wished he would hurry up with whatever he wanted to do in this moment. He stood up and walked over to where she stood and pulled her into him forcibly ignoring her yelp when grabbed her near her bruised rib and he ignore when she screamed as he squeezed her side making her topple over. She felt his hand in her hair and was yanked up and slammed into the wall so hard that her eye site went blurry and the last thing she remember was being drug to the bedroom.

BARE WITH ME... Sam's figuring somethings out and she will get out soon!