TW: This chapter contains sexual acts that might be hard to read. It deals with how The Elite belittles and breaks down their victims. Everything in this chapter, while disturbing and wrong, has been consented to. Just wanted you to prepare for what is to come. Also, River is a dick. We all hate him.

Mercedes knew what she needed to do, what she had to do. But she also knew that Sam and Brax were not going to like it, that is why she couldn't tell them. She had to protect him, protect all of them. So, dialing Chad, she bit her bottom lip as she waited for him to answer.

Chad answered after few rings in. "Hey, Cedes."

"Hey, I need to talk to you; you got a minute?"

"Always have a minute for you."

"Cause you rock." She sighed. "Have you found anything else on Joey? So that he won't be held?"

"Merce, I told you he has a prior... and unfortunately, it was never taken off his record."

She sighed, "What does that mean?"

"We can clear him, but he'll have to be taken in at first."

"And if I get him out before you can take him in, will you look for him?"

"Depends on their paperwork. But, either way, he was sixteen, and it was a misdemeanor. So he'll be fine."

"Not if you take him in; he's terrified. If you take him in, it will break him." She said softly.

"I don't know what to say, Mercy."

"Do you have enough to take them down? Like, do you have someone on the inside?"

"I do."

"Who?" She asked curiously.

"Confidential."

She took a few breaths. "I am going in. And before you say anything...Chad, even if you stop them, they will start back up, and the first thing they will do, the moment they do, is go after Sam's family to make them or, more to the point, his baby brother pay his fee. They won't let Sam go because of the money they make off of him, but they honor contracts. So I am gonna take his place."

Chad didn't say anything for a while. "Mercedes... I don't think that's a good idea.*

"It's a horrible idea. But if I get Sam out, that also means that I can get Joey out during the raid."

"I don't know..."

"Chad, I need to do this. I have to protect Sam, he will be pissed, and Brax will be pissed, but if that means I can save Joey, then I am sure they will get it." She said confidentially.

"We'll get them out without you having to do this.*

"You know River and Rose and that there is a top guy there who is 1000 percent behind the scenes. I can help...and to be honest, a part of me is doing this to be selfish. I need to know how to reach Sam, and I can't do that if I can't see what he has been through."

"No. You're not putting yourself through that."

"You can't stop me, Chad. Trust me if Sam and Brax can't, neither can you." Granted, they didn't know that, but he didn't need to know.

"They would if they knew.*

"And how do you know they don't?" She defended.

"I know, Brax. He wouldn't let you do stupid shit like this."

She nodded. "Nope, but he would do it for me."

"You can't seriously think that you going in there will help Sam?"

"He's been in there a long time. He's using now; I need to get him out and away from them as soon as possible. Besides, we can't get back to where they will be held, which means they will have an exit plan if they see you coming. If this goes bad, I need to know Sam is on the outside."

"Using?" He hesitated for a moment. "So he'll go through withdrawal without you."

She exhaled; he didn't need her; he needed his family. "He will have his family, and they are already prepared to help him."

"I can't talk you out of this, can I?"

"Chad, I feel it in my soul. I have to do this. He's my person. Can you tell me if your person was in there and you could take their place, you wouldn't do it?"

"In a damn heartbeat."

"Then you understand why I have to do this?" She asked hopefully.

"I do... but I don't support it."

She sighed. "You wouldn't be you if you did. I need you to do one more thing for me."

"What's that?"

"I need you to tap my phone. River might not discuss this over the phone, but he will keep me on the phone long enough to find out if I am serious about it. That should give you something, you know?"

Chad sighed. "I'm still wary about this."

"I know, and I am too. But I know this is what I have t do. It will only three days so I won't have to go through much. Is there anything I should make sure I say?"

"Get him to reveal as much as he can."

She nodded. "Okay, if anything changes, you need to tell Brax...he might call you once I do this, but I will leave him a note that says I had to do this; I am also giving Sam's sister instructions.." She sighed, "I'll see you on the other side Chad."

"Godspeed, Mercy."

Mercedes hung up the phone and waited a good 45 minutes before picking it back up, she didn't know how long traces took, but she wanted to give them time. While she waited, she checked on Brax and Joey, who were cuddled on the couch. The movie had ended, and Brax wrapped Joey up in his arms. She pulled a blanket to cover both of them and went to her room, checking on Sam. He was sleeping peacefully, and it just reinforced her need to protect him. She kissed his forehead. "I love you, Sam." Then, standing, she went back to her office and dialed River, knowing his perverted self would be up. It was time to handle this.

River answered the phone almost immediately. "How can I help you?"

Mercedes cleared her throat. "Hi, Master River, it's Mercedes...Jones."

River smirked. "Ah, Miss Vixen..."

"I apologize for calling you so late, but I would appreciate it if you would humor me...just for a moment," she asked.

"I do hope that you aren't disappointed with your two toys for the weekend."

"No, sir, they have been really great. They are actually why I was calling you. I know that we were talking about me purchasing Sam, but I was hoping we could discuss something a little bit more... beneficial for you."

River paused for a moment. "I'm listening.

Mercedes swallowed hard. "I want to offer you a 2 for 1 trade."

"Oh? Really now. And who are you trading, hm?"

Mercedes bit her bottom lip. It was now or never. "Me. I want to offer myself up for Sam and Joey."

His smile grew and twisted. "I see. And why do you think that would be a fair trade?"

Mercedes sighed. "Because you have no one at your club like me. Untouched for the most part, curvy and strong. A powerful woman like me being reduced to a sub. Your clients will eat it up."

Oh no, he would eat it up. "I'm sure they will...

"So what do you say? Do you think we can make that trade?"

"I would be delighted."

Mercedes knew he would take the deal, but her heart still broke. "You know this comes with provisions, right?"

"We can talk over drinks."

"When?" She asked softly. "It has to be before Sam and Joey are due back."

"Tonight could work."

She checked the time; it was just after 11. "Where?"

"The Elite, of course. The night is young, sweet Vixen."

She frowned. "I have to change, but I can be there in an hour."

"That's a good girl."

He made her skin crawl, just all the time, but she needed to make sure that Sam and Joey were safe. "I will see you soon, Sir."

"See you soon." With that, he hung up.

Mercedes hated that she had to sneak out of the house; if things went wrong, she left a note in her side drawer for Sam and Brax explaining everything. She decided to show River just what she was working with, so she wore an above-the-knee, bodycon dress that clung to her curves. She let her hair fall in curls and wore a pair of 5-inch heels. Walking in, she glanced around, looking for River.

River smirked as he watched Mercedes enter from a distance. She was such a beautiful specimen, and he honestly couldn't wait to get his hands on her. He couldn't wait to show her what she was made to be. After a few minutes, he approached with a drink in his hand. "Come, Vixen. We have much to discuss.

Mercedes regretted this, but when she saw River standing in front of her, she knew that he had wanted to get his hands on her, and now she had no choice but to let him. So she accepted the drink and forced a smile. "Yes, Master River."

He led her down a hallway into one of the private rooms. He sat down and motioned to her to do the same. "I like the way my name rolls off your tongue."

She took a seat and gave a soft smile. "Well, I aim to please Master River." She said softly.

Her words made his smirk grow. "Now... you wished to speak. So speak."

"Thank you, sir." She swallowed and began. "I want to take Sam and Joey's place." She shook her head, "I would like permission to take their place. I am sure I can bring in more than enough to cover their debts to you, Master River."

"I'm not so sure of that. They bring in quite a bit of money for us."

She nodded. "I understand, but I really do think that I can do my part. I just need a chance."

"I think we can strike up a deal."

She moved closer to him. "I would like that, Master River."

"I have some paperwork for you to sign."

She nodded. "Could you, could you let me know what I am signing?"

"You can read it..." It was paperwork signing herself over to the club in exchange for Sam and Joey.

Mercedes took it and ready the things they required of her. "So Sam and Joey would be free and clear. And that includes their family. Forever?"

"As long as you don't break the contract."

She shook her head, "No, they are free and clear. I am here, and they never have to step foot in here again. If I do anything to break this contract, then I face the consequences. And Me alone."

"I can arrange that."

She nodded. "If they are safe and clean, then once we have a contract with that addendum in it, I will sign it."

"I will get that written up."

She nodded. "Thank you, Master River."

"Now, my sweet Vixen, why don't you show me what you're capable of."

Mercedes swallowed; she honestly had no idea what he wanted. Still, from what she heard from Sam and Joey, River liked Dominance and control. "Yes, Master River." She sauntered over to him and kneeled before him, lowering her head as to not look at him. "Whatever you want me to do, Master River, I will."

He smirked as he ran his hand through her hair. "That's a good girl."

She tried to remain still; he hadn't given her permission to move, so she wouldn't.

"Such pretty lips," he teased, brushing his thumb over Mercedes' full lips.

She looked up to him, letting him rub his disgusting thumb over her lips... Sam's lips. She was Sam's, but she had to protect him; this is what he endured so she could too.

Oh, River was going to have fun with her. He dreamed of this moment ever since the first time he saw her, and that was long before he saw her walk into the Elite. "Show me how much you want me."

'I don't want you,' she thought to herself. But if she didn't do this, the deal would fall through, and Sam would be back here, on drugs, beaten abused. "Yes, Master River." She said, closing her eyes. But when she opened it then, she saw Sam, and she could show Sam how much she wanted him. She stood from her bended knees and moved closer to him, running her hands up his thighs. His chest, straddling him with her hands on his shoulders, as she moved staring into those beautiful blue eyes of Sam's.

River let out a small groan at her touch, his hands gripping her hips. "This is a treat, but that's not what I meant, doll."

Mercedes nodded. She had no idea what he meant. "I am sorry, sir, please tell me what to do; I am really inexperienced with all of this."

That made his smile twist. "You don't get up off your knees unless told to. That includes going from place to place."

She slowly moved back to her knees and nodded. "Yes, Master River."

"Good girl..." Oh, he was gonna have fun with this one. "Now.. show me how much you want to please me."

Mercedes closed her eyes, she had a sinking feeling of what he meant, but she couldn't will herself to move. "I don't know what you want me to do. Please tell me so I can prove to you how much I want to please you, please Master River."

He shook his head. "You need to use that brain of yours."

Mercedes felt like she was going to be sick; she swallowed hard and nodded. "P-permission to touch you, Master River?"

"Permission granted." He put his hand in her hair. "Trust me, you don't want me to have to tell you what to do."

His touch made her skin crawl; she wasn't sure she could do this, wasn't sure about anything. Moving closer to him, she shook her head, "I can't do this... I can't." She moved away from him, running her hands through her hair.

He looked at her. "Then consider the contract null and void."

She shook her head. "This is...I just." She shook her head, "I don't want that. I want to take their place; it's just not easy. I am sorry, let me try again. I know I can get it right." She would even if it killed her, which the way she felt it might.

He shook his head and sighed. "You have one more chance."

She nodded, moving back to her knees. She slowly moved towards him, knees burning with every move. Once she reached him, she had tears in her eyes. But, she had to do this. Her hands moved up his thighs slowly and landed on his belt.

"That's a good little whore," he smiled as he returned his hand to her hair.

She bit her tongue; this is how they broke them, this is how he broke Sam and Joey. She unbuttoned his pants, looking away as she gripped his cock in her hand. This was the lowest moment of her life, but she had no choice.

"Now... use those delightful lips..."

Mercedes swallowed and nodded. She moved forward, wrapped her lips around his cock, and did everything she could do to not gag. She kept her eyes closed as she started a rhythm.

He tangled his hands in her hair, waiting for this moment ever since she first walked into the Elite. "Good girl..." he praised, helping her a bit with her pace.

She just wanted him to let go, but she knew he wouldn't. So she kept his pace, tuning his groans out because she didn't want to hear it.

He picked up the pace for her, not caring at all for her comfort.

She let him lead her, disassociating herself from him and just going through the motions. She wanted him to finish and fast, so she added her hand, not that there was much to add.

Oh. He wouldn't finish for a while. "No hands. Take it all..."

She hesitated for a moment but removed her hands and continued her actions, God she wished she could knock him down a peg.

He pushed her further, still not caring about her. "Touch yourself."

Her mind blanked as she did what he said. Touching herself but not enjoying it, she couldn't want it; he was a monster.

He was quite the monster, and he was proud of it. He patted her face. "Now now... can't have you falling into your mind. Keep your eyes on me."

She looked up to him, she may have been giving him what he wanted, but he wouldn't break her; this is what she signed up for, this is the price she has to pay, and she would. This was the price of freedom.

"Don't make me upset, Vixen. You don't want to see me upset. I want to hear you moan."

She eyed him, fighting every urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she moved faster, still toughing herself at his request, moaning out; she had gotten really good at faking it. Really good at making people think she enjoyed them. Maybe she was meant for this place.

He sat back and let her go for nearly a minute. Then, "I think you can fit more in that mouth of yours."

She nodded, pulling away. "Yes, Master River." She moved to take his cock again, this time sinking down as far as she could go.

It still wasn't far enough, so he pushed on the back of her head.

She started to struggle, but that's what he wanted; he wanted her to gag and cry. 'Sam,' she said inside her head, remembering who this was for. She gave off a fake moan that would rival any real one, pretending to get more and more into it.

The struggle was what turned him on. "That's a good little slut. Choke for me."

She tried, she really tried to do what he wanted, but him holding her, him making her feel so dirty she couldn't. She tried to pull back, but he pushed her down, shoving more of himself in her, and she gags, fighting to pull back.

He let out a chuckle, holding her in place; this was why he got consent, so he could use her and do whatever he wanted to her; she was his now. "Good slut...". His cock twitched inside her warm mouth. "Get me nice and hard.*

She was struggling, he held her closer, and she tried to claw away from him, but his grip was too tight.

After a few more seconds, he released her. His cock was pretty hard at that point. "I don't know..."

She glanced at him. "Sir?"

"Your ability to give blowjobs is absolutely abysmal." He lied; she turned him on more than she anticipated.

Frowning, she looked down to the ground. "I'm sorry, so sorry, may I do it again?" Said, feeling smaller with every move he made

"No," he replied curtly. "You're pathetic... beautiful but pathetic."

She looked down, balling her hands in a fist. She wanted to say more, but she couldn't risk it. Risk River changing his mind.

River stared at her. His phone made a noise, and he grinned. "New contract is here.*

She nodded. "I am ready to sign." She said, knowing she wasn't ready, not ever prepared.

The door opened, and a scared woman walked in. She was corseted tightly, her breasts spilling out over the top of the corset. She walked a bit funny in her heels, but a skirt hid her torture. "For you, Master." She handed him the new contract.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he smiled, smacking her ass with a bit of force when she turned to leave.

He handed the contract over to Mercedes. "Sign."

Mercedes was still on her knees when he handed her the contract. She read over it, and it was indeed everything they had agreed to. She nodded. "Yes, Master River." She signed it, handing it back to him. It was done; Sam was free.

And she was his.

"Up," he commanded. "The fun hasn't even begun yet.*

She nodded, standing as he requested.

He led her over to another door (not the one she used to enter) and led her through it. "I'm going to enjoy this."

Mercedes let him lead her away. "Where are we going?"

"To your training room." He led her down several hallways before pushing her into a room. "Strip."

She turned towards him with a frown. "I thought I would go home to get things together."

"No. We own you now.*

She swallowed; this was not a part of the plan. "Master River, I need to let people know where I am, my job..."

"We can notify them."

She frowned. "That isn't what I was thinking. I would be able to do."

"That isn't my problem." He said bitterly. "Now... strip."

She glanced at him and frowned. "Strip?"

"Yes. Your clothes. Now."

She didn't like this whole situation, but she was in it now, had no choice but to do as he said. She reached to her side and shakily unzipped her dress. She turned away from him as she started to pull her dress off.

"Faster. Don't make me do it for you. Good girls get clothes, and you haven't earned yours yet."

Mercedes closed her eyes as she quickly undressed.

He slowly circled around her, like a predatory circling its prey. "Hands behind your back, legs spread, chest out."

She did what he said, feeling so exposed and wanting to run away as fast as she could. But instead, she just stood still.

He smiled and fondled her breasts first, squeezing them rightly before pinching her nipples and pulling them towards him.

She closed her eyes as he touched her, making her feel so violated.

He twisted as he pulled, wanting to hear her at least whimper.

She bit her lip, hissing at the pain; she hated this, she hated him.

He let her breasts fall. He began circling again. Silent.

She shivered as he released her. Her shiver was due to pain and fear, but he could have assumed she liked it.

He ran his hands down her arms. "I'll train you up well..."

She swallowed hard, "Yes, Master River."

He caressed her ass. "Bed. Now!"

Fear crept inside her as she frowned; how the hell was she supposed to do this? How the hell could she. She slowly walked to the bed; this was about to be torture, pure torture.

It was. He'd make sure of it.