Chapter Thirty-Seven
Bruce blinked deciding not to dwell on the thought at the moment. Right now he had to play the part in their game. How can I when there maybe more at stake than my wife? Pregnant? He looked at her eyes full of questions. And was only half aware of what Daggett said in response to her last comment.
"Don't worry so much about what the press thinks Selina," Daggett entreated.
"Maybe we should wait to do this until Selina is feeling better," Bruce suggested. Not sure it was wise to let the game play out.
"No, I'll be fine I'll just eat a light lunch," Selina said not wanting Bruce to go. As irritating as it would be to have Daggett hanging on her she'd rather not be alone with him at the moment. It was alone when she was most venerable to his attacks and if there was any chance she was pregnant she didn't want to risk harm to the new life.
"You sure kitten?" Daggett asked hoping she was he had looked forward to the days games.
"Yes," she replied. "Is that okay with you Bruce?" She asked her questions once again layering to hide their underlying conversation.
"Yes," he replied his voice certain. He was okay with it. Having a child was never something he'd thought of, in fact as much as he'd longed for a wife he'd never expected to find one. He'd figured on a life alone but he knew instantly that if his wife, was pregnant, he'd be blessed with a life he'd never hoped for. He also knew that he'd need to get Selina out of Daggett's path.
As the Limo pulled to a stop Bruce stepped out and considered what to do to change the game and keep those involved in one piece. Selina lifted her head as soon as Bruce was out of the car and glared at Daggett briefly before getting out of the car a smile pasted on her face as she tried not to worry.
She could see though Bruce was with her physically his mind was busy working through the potential changes in the game. She couldn't think about it now. It had to wait until later stay in the moment don't let your thoughts get to far ahead, she told herself again as they followed the waiter to a table in the back.
Selina slid into the booth and Daggett sat down next to her. Bruce took the seat across from Selina. He watched as Daggett once again drew her close to him and let his hands take liberty with her body that he had no right to. Bruce acted as though he didn't notice but he did and at the moment he wanted to pull Selina from the booth and tell the creep holding her she was already married and perhaps even pregnant. But he repressed the response knowing that Daggett was unpredictable and at the moment keeping Selina safe was his main concern.
"What do you say Bruce shall we start lunch with a glass of champagne to toast our futures?" Daggett asked.
"That's fine by me, but as I recall Selina doesn't drink," Bruce replied.
Daggett looked at her surprised by this comment. "Is that true pet?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Why not?" Daggett asked.
"It tends to bring out the worst in me," she admitted.
"Yes, we wouldn't want Catwoman creating a scene now, would we Bruce," Daggett said.
"No, we wouldn't," Bruce replied to the comment as if it were pleasant conversation, but he knew it was a reminder of his poor response to her last scene and what it had cost him.
"What would you like to drink my dear?" Daggett asked.
"Water for now. I'm not all that thirsty and I don't want to upset my stomach."
"Of course."
When the waiter walked over to the table Daggett ordered a bottle of their finest champagne. The waiter set out three glasses of water and then left to get the champagne. Selina sipped at her water and closed her eyes trying to relax. A soft music filtered through the air and chatter of the other patrons lulling her wary body towards sleep.
"Shall we get an appetizer?" Daggett's voice snapped Selina from her drowsy state.
"Sounds good," Bruce replied, trying to stay focused on the conversation at hand. He wanted to talk to his wife alone, but didn't know if that was possible and he didn't want to risk continuing their underlying discussion any further because Daggett might pick up on it. Daggett. What do I do to get Selina out of Daggett's hands? I could have her arrested on some trumped up charges, but he'd only bail her out again. If he found her gone there would be further threat to her safety. If he bails her out he'll retaliate. How to do this so she doesn't get hurt?
"The Calamari perhaps," Daggett suggested.
"That's fine," Bruce answered before turning his attention to the menu and trying to decide what he'd be eating.
Selina picked up her menu and tried to decide what to eat and sighed she hoped Bruce came out of his thoughts and back into focus on the moment his lack of response and show in front of Daggett would only serve to anger and frustrate the man which would be an ill thing for her later of that she was certain.
The waiter chose this moment to return with the champagne. He poured a glass for Daggett and Bruce and took out a third for Selina.
"I'll not be drinking this afternoon," Selina said politely and the waiter nodded setting the bottle in a bucket of ice he set a plate of strawberries on the table.
"Can I interest you in an appetizer before your meal?" the waiter asked.
"Yes, we'll have a plate of the Calamari," Daggett replied.
"Very good sir. Are you ready to order or would you like a few minutes?"
"I think we're going to need a few more minutes," Daggett replied and he watched as the waiter withdrew.
Bruce set his menu down having made up his mind he looked over at Selina. Still trying to figure out a way for them to speak unheard. His focus fell to the room around him and having an idea he spoke. "Selina, as long as your fiancée doesn't mind too much will you grace me with the honor of a dance?"
Selina blinked and staying in character said. "Bruce, I…"
Daggett interrupted her liking the idea. Seeing it as away to both, test her adherence to their contract and to taunt Bruce further he said, "Go ahead Selina he is are guest be polite."
"Are you sure?" Selina asked.
"Yes." Daggett let go of Selina and stood up. He watched as she slid out of the booth to stand at his side. He drew her against him and kissed her lips briefly, before whispering "Behave."
Selina nodded and watched as Bruce stood up he took her hand in his and steered her towards the dance floor. Pulling her into his arms he began to dance. Aware that Daggett would be watching but unable to hear. He kept the distance between them an arms length and friendly.
"Pregnant?" he whispered.
"I don't know," she answered.
"Are you okay?"
"I think so, but if I am…"
"Then we've got to find away to get you out of there safely." Bruce said ending her thought.
"Did you think of anything?"
"Not anything valid all my solutions could get you hurt."
"We have another problem."
"What?"
"Daggett won't have me followed this weekend but I'm sure he'll have the manor watched if I show up there he won't be happy. He'll probably retaliate. I'll have to sneak in."
"Let them see you."
"But…"
"When he confronts you tell him about our marriage."
"Why?"
"Do you trust me?" Bruce asked
"Of course," she whispered.
"Tell him."
"Okay."
Bruce drew her a little closer to him and whispered, "I love you. Don't ever forget that."
"I love you too."
Seeing it was time to head back to the table before Daggett got to suspicious Bruce said clearly, "I'm sorry Selina."
"It's too late for apologies Bruce you left me to rot."
"Selina please give me another chance."
"I'm marrying Daggett Bruce, he loves me."
"Do you love him?"
"Of course I do."
"Selina what about us? "
"There is no us any more Bruce. You don't trust me." She said and with that she moved out of his grasp and returned to the table. Daggett laughed pleased by the show and watched as Bruce Wayne returned to the table defeated. The earlier conversation he'd heard nothing of and he'd have to ask Selina about it later.
The waiter returned with their calamari and took their orders. Bruce fists clinched under the table as Daggett once again put a possessive arm around Selina and even went so far as to order her meal for her. The man's need to control her every action was disgusting one of Selina's strengths was her independence and Daggett seemed determined to crush it out of her.
Selina said nothing more she simply sipped at her water and listened to the two men talk business as was expected of her. She watched Bruce's reactions and was relieved to find him back in the moment. What ever he had in mind to do she'd do as he asked she did trust him. He wouldn't risk her safety of that she was sure.
As they finished lunch Daggett offered to give Bruce a ride back to his car, but Bruce declined saying he'd get a cab.
"Okay, dinner is at seven."
"Seven, okay I'll see you then," Bruce replied before he left.
Once they were alone Daggett looked at Selina and smiled. "Well done pet," he whispered as he stroked her cheek.
Selina turned away from the unwanted touch feeling dirty somehow for doing his bidding.
"What were you talking about on the dance floor before he apologized?"
"He wanted to know how I was doing. If I was happy with you that sort of thing," Selina replied.
"Lets go home we have a dinner to prepare for."
"I told you before don't use me to bait him. I don't want any part in it."
"Mind your manors kitten. You'll play your part or you'll find I can think of more creative ways than just hitting you to punish you. I told you before I own you now Selina and you'll do as I ask when I ask or you'll not find me so accommodating."
"You're a monster," she hissed.
"No, I'm your master and you'd be wise to remember it." Daggett said as he grabbed her by the wrist and stood up He wrapped his arm around her once more and led her out of the restaurant.
Selina looked down at her wrist and noted the angry red fingerprints around her ivory wrist. She stepped into the limo suddenly wishing Bruce hadn't left but knowing it was necessary for his role. She slid across the seat and noted immediately the partition was up again. A shiver ran down her back as the car door slammed looking over she was met by angry steel gray eyes and panic rose within her as she realized she'd crossed a line and was about to face his temper.
Daggett grabbed her arm bellow the elbow and yanked her across the seat nearly taking her arm out of the socket.
His right hand cracked against her left cheek followed by the right before he grabbed a fist full of her hair and pulled her to eye level. "If you ever under-mine me again in public I'll do far worse than hit you. Make no mistakes pet I'm in control here. You do as your told and you're treated well your personal space kept personal for now, but disobedience and defiance will not be tolerated ever." He roared at her.
"I told you I'd not be a party to your games with Bruce."
"You'll do as you're told or certain privileges will be stripped from you."
"What privileges? All I get are orders. I can't even decide what I'll have to eat," Selina spat.
"You're privacy is a privilege, your empty bed, your day off, all are privileges. I allow them provided you're obedient. If you cross me again you'll lose them."
"What privacy, you've got camera's watching me constantly and you can come and go as you please? I feel like a tiger in a cage."
"I left this morning Miss Kyle I didn't stand around and watch as you got dressed," that is the privacy I allow you. I allow you your space Selina. Show some gratitude."
"Gratitude…"
"Yes, be thankful for what space I allow you or I'll take it from you. Make no mistake Miss Kyle you're bought and paid for. I own you the same as I own anyone else that works for me."
"You can't control me Daggett and you can't keep me like a dog or some caged animal," Selina snapped, as she broke free of his hold.
Daggett pushed her and she fell back against the seat her head hitting the armrest at the other end of the limo. He leaned down over her and pressed his body flush against hers pinning her arms above her head beneath his grasp. His mouth was within a hairs breath of hers and his gray eyes burned with barely contained rage.
" You're mine now, Selina. I will take what I please when I please by force if necessary. I have the ability to do so right now and you'd be powerless to stop it. I do control you Selina I decide each day what you wear, what you say, what you eat and what you do. I decide each night to allow you the space you want. I'm the one that keeps your sleep unhindered. If it weren't for me my security team would have had their way with you already. So don't tell me I don't own you. You're bought and paid for. The only reason you're not dead is because I allow it. I allow you to live because I want, you. I always get what I want pet. So I suggest you get used to me kitten because I'm your new keeper and I plan to have you for a long time," Daggett said before his lips pressed against hers in a brutal kiss.
Selina laid stiff knowing not to anger him any further. She kissed him back obediently and waited for the storm to quiet.
Daggett sat up pulling her with him. His hands released her wrists and pulled her into his lap. He then busied himself with fondling her. His lips parted hers. "That's better kitten much better," he breathed before his lips trailed down the side of her neck. Selina wanted to retaliate but until they were back in the house she could do nothing. As the fingers of his left hand brushed over her garters and towards her underwear she squired in his lap moving out of his reach. Denying him permission to touch her further in such a fashion.
Daggett let the offence go deciding he'd continue this game later in front of Wayne. He'd be sure to leave Mr. Wayne crystal clear that Selina was no longer interested. By the time Bruce left he'd have the full impression that his hosts were going to be enjoying a wild night of hot passion.
Selina stepped out of the limo and headed for the house.
"I'll be back at six, Bruce will be here at Seven I expect you to dress in a way that will make our game more interesting and Selina cover your face well. We don't want to give our guest the wrong impression."
"Of course."
"Until later my pet," Daggett said he drew her down and kissed her before allowing her to retreat into the house. He slammed the door and told the driver to take him to the office.
