Author's Notes: A trip to The Hole brings about an interesting twist for one of our maids.

WARNING! For graphic sexual content and adult language. If this sort of content offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All other readers please continue on and...

Enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

Chapter updated: 06/19/2020

A Gilded Cage Just For Me

Chapter Seven

~ Skyler

"But you promised you would take me along!"

"Virginia, I already told you, no! And I'm not going to change my mind!"

I rolled my eyes as she huffed and plopped herself down on my mattress. Virginia was like a bulldog and apparently wasn't going to let the subject drop but I was just as stubborn. I knelt by the trunk filled with the few possessions I had and pulled out a simple red dress. It wasn't anything fancy but it did the job. Most of us didn't have or own much and all that was worth anything was kept in the trunk we were given upon our assignment as house maids. It was a stark reminder of our miserable lot.

The "lucky ones" as we were labeled seemed to attach the value of a life long forgotten to memories kept safely inside— old family pictures, a worn out teddy bear, a scarf or handkerchief from dear old grandma; a lover's note. I had none of those things. I would rather have forgotten my life and damned the day in which I was born.

I sighed heftily, as Virginia's whining hadn't ceased. I was not about to have the brat ruin my evening. And getting my kicks was the plan tonight. After all, Ashton couldn't be the only one getting fucked tonight.

"You promised. You and Ashton promised you would take me to The Hole for my birthday!"

"I know!" I cried, slipping out of my maid's uniform.

"It's been past my birthday for over two weeks now!"

"Yessss...I knoooow! But Ashton's not here, is she?"

"Well...no, but," she paused, twisting her lips, "I don't see why you can't just take me."

"Because I don't want to. You're just a child, anyway."

"I'm eighteen! I'm not a child anymore," she protested. And then added with an air of sass, "I can kiss a boy if I want to you know."

I cocked a brow as I slipped my arms through the sleeves of my red dress. "You wouldn't know what to do with a boy if he landed straight on your lap. Now zip me up."

Shooting up from the bed, Virginia stood behind me. "Well, I'm not saying I do but I'm not dumb either," she said as she tugged on the zipper. "I know what men and women do. I've... I've seen pictures."

"Pictures? Really now?" I was intrigued. Little Virginia wasn't as innocent as I'd made her out to be.

Her cheeks bloomed with a tinge of redness. "Don't look so surprised, Skyler. I've seen many." And for emphasis, added, "I have," lifting her chin with pride.

"Pictures may be one thing but the real thing is a different ball of wax, little sister and you're not ready."

"Why not? And if you felt that way in the first place why did you even mention it?"

It's not that she wasn't ready, I just didn't want to be bothered. After all, it had been over a month since I had had any male companionship which was a record for me. And I was ready to lose my mind.

"I just want to dance and have a good time. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. But The Hole isn't like those silly fairy tale stories you like to dream about. You won't find any charming princes there."

"Will you stop talking down to me like I'm an idiot?" She snapped. "I know all about The Hole and what goes on there...drinking, gambling and dancing..."

I eyed her as I pulled my hair into a loose pony tail, draping the end over a shoulder.

"Come on, Skyler. Pleeease." She begged. I admired the girl's tenacity. She reminded me of myself. "I won't be any trouble."

~Ashton

Jeremy grunted behind me as I absorbed the thickness of his cock thundering into me. His hips snapped against my ass and I couldn't get enough of him. I knew I should've been back by now but I couldn't gather the will to leave this room, to leave Jeremy or his delicious dick. My fingers gripped the pillows and I buried my face into the downy surface to muffle my cries of ecstasy. His hands held fast on my hips as he moved in and out of me; pulling me to him and pushing against my tender walls. I had never been fucked so hard and I welcomed my own lustful greed. As long as I was in Jeremy's hands I had nothing to fret. I could let myself go and enjoy this. Enjoy him. Enjoy us.

"Ohhh fuuuck..." I groaned into the pillow, biting down into it as I felt myself come undone. Even in the midst of passionate lovemaking and many orgasms in between, we still needed to be careful. Keeping quiet was proving to be more of a challenge with each session. Jeremy Markson was just unbelievable in bed.

"Ashton!" Markson said my name with a painful groan and I knew if he were free to do so, he would sing my name at the top of his lungs. But this would do and it still made me happy. Shivers of pure pleasure rippled down the length of my spine as I felt him stiffen behind me and with each groan he uttered, I knew he was releasing into me.

We collapsed, both spent unto the mattress. Our bodies were slick with sweat and our breaths gloriously ragged.

"You're fantastic," he murmured in my ear. I gave a little laugh.

"And you, sir...are phenomenal."

I loved feeling his sweet kisses on my neck and shoulders. I could imagine this...us, forever.

"I really should get going," I said.

"I don't want you to. Can you stay a little longer?" he asked, kissing my ear. He moved and I missed his body immediately. He laid next to me, yanking me into his warm body. I couldn't help but laugh.

"I can't!" I giggled, pushing him by his shoulders as he assaulted my neck. "I've already stayed longer than we agreed. We have to be careful."

He touched my hair. "I know. But," he sighed. His gaze bored into mine. "I want to... I wish we could..."

I silenced him with a kiss. I had a good idea what he was about to say. "You've already gotten your way... repeatedly," I teased.

"No. Not quite." He took my hand and kissed the back of it. Then pressed it over his heart. "This is where you are. Every second of every minute of my day."

I shook my head, looking down between us. "Jeremy... please..."

"Hear me out, Ashton. I love being with you. God only knows how I love making love to you... but this isn't enough for me."

"I know..." I replied quietly.

"I understand you're not ready but I know you love me. I can feel it. And I love you. You know my intentions. I've made them clear. I won't leave this place without you."

"Jer..." I don't have a chance to respond before his mouth is on mine again. And I'm lost... in his kiss, in his touch, in his scent. I feel heady and confused. If he proposed to me right now I'd probably be a fool and tell him, yes.

He softly broke the kiss. His hand cupped about my face. "I'm a patient man. I want you, Ashton. And there's nothing that's going to change my mind."

~ The Hole

"I can't believe it. This is just how I imagined it to be!" Virginia whispered, excitement shooting from her eyeballs like the tail from a roman candle as we entered The Hole.

I rolled my eyes, quickly turning to Virginia. "Try not to make an idiot of yourself. Act like you've got a clue at least," I hissed.

To her credit, Virginia wiped the impish grin off her face as best she could though she radiated nothing but innocence. It was easy to scent new, untouched flesh in the crowd. I could already see the sharks in the water, circling about us, ready to sink their jaws into fresh meat as we walked further inside.

The Hole was alive and already hopping. This place got my blood pumping. It me feel alive as laughter, music and cigarette smoke filled the room. The faint smell of Mary Jane wafted around us making me smile. I immediately regretted caving to Virginia's whining. But I pushed my annoyance aside. As long as she followed the rules.

Music played from the live band made up of guards, former Fives who were talented enough with an instrument. It seemed like they played the same old tunes but at least it was better than nothing. And it sort of lifted the spirits of the crowds that gathered here.

"Remember the rules," I said, glaring over at Virginia.

"I knooow," her annoyance was clear. "Don't leave the premises."

"And..."

"Buy your own drink... I know!"

I could taste her impatience. She was like a race horse set to bolt out of the gate at the sound of the gun. My brow crinkled. "You should sound a bit more grateful. I don't like having babysitting duties either, you know."

"I am grateful. But I don't want you coddling me."

"I don't coddle. Ever."

Virginia smirked as if she didn't believe what she'd just heard me say. "Skyler, I'm here to have fun! I won't do anything stupid. I already promised not to."

"Right," I scoffed. "I don't want your stupidity ruining my evening."

"Skyler Whitney," I heard a deep, throaty voice from behind me. "Don't you look like sin incarnate."

I felt a chill of disgust run down my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight at the sound of his voice. I pushed down the sudden tinge of fear that crawled up into my chest and with the prettiest of smiles, turned to meet the eyes of none other than Sebastian. The Devil in the flesh.

"Now, Sebastian. Mind your words... and your manners."

He gave a chuckle low in his throat as his eyes raked over me. "I was never very good at either."

"Well... that makes two of us." I smiled. I let Sebastian get his fill. Had he been any other I would've mouthed off some smart ass remark but I wasn't that stupid. He could gawk all he wanted but he was never going to get a piece of this.

He sucked in a breath. "You always know the right things to say to me."

Sebastian was a handsome bastard. We all knew he oozed power and wielded it with no trace of regret or shame. I had managed to stay in his good graces thus far and avoided ending up as one of his fuck toys. Not that he hadn't tried to bed me. He had tried. I just wasn't as weak-willed or as easily to manipulate as others and I knew better than to become a target.

"Whose your little friend?" he cocked his head at Virginia.

Virginia's eyes went wide as saucers and to my surprise not in the shy, innocent girl sort of way either. I could feel her almost leaping out of her shoes the moment Sebastian acknowledged her. "My name's Virginia." The words rushed out in one breathless swoosh. The reality hit me quite suddenly. Virginia, whose eyes were fired and curious with a sexual energy readied to be unleashed unto the world would be no easy task to keep under control. To my dismay, the evening wasn't going to be as relaxing as I'd hoped after all. So much for my plans.

He grinned. "Virginia," He ran his tongue over his lips as if tasting the air around her. "A pretty name for such a lovely thing."

Virginia almost combusted, her face flaming crimson red.

"I hadn't seen you here before," Sebastian added with a daring feline smile.

His eyes were intense and she stuttered, "I-It's...my first...time."

"Well, then...Welcome."

Virginia's smile widened and the glint in Sebastian's eye was telling. I wouldn't put it past him to take advantage of this situation. Or of Virginia.

Intervening, I cocked a brow and daringly said, "Did you come over to make small talk or is there something you wanted?"

What the hell was I doing putting myself in the line of fire? But some stupid instinct in me wanted to shield Virginia from the Big Bad Wolf. I must've lost my damn fucking mind!

Sebastian quickly turned his attention to me. He flashed a daring smile in return. "I'm looking at what I want. So what's your pleasure this evening?"

"The usual. Something...hard." I pushed back brazenly. I had found that Sebastian loved a woman with fire because a pushover was easy game. Like a cat playing with a mouse. I was far from a pushover. And I played it to my advantage because I knew men like Sebastian. They enjoyed the chase. The conquest.

He bit his bottom lip. He was about to say something but the sound of his name from across the room called his attention. His head turned in the direction of the officer seated at the poker table. "Hold your horses, damn it!" he shouted. Then turning back to me said, "Don't go too far."

"I'm sure you'll be able find me."

He grinned, "You can count on it," and turned towards his anxious friend.

When he'd finally joined his group at the poker table, I yanked Virginia by the arm, hauling her to a corner. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"What? What did I do wrong?!"

"Do you realize who that is?!" I asked, my frown a deep furrow.

"I know who it is. I'm not..."

"Yes, you are! Stupid girl." I took a breath, letting go of her arm. She rubbed it but I didn't feel sorry. "Let me make something very clear to you. You stay away from Sebastian. He is not the kind of man you want to screw around with."

"But..."

"I mean it Virginia!"

"Okay! I'll stay clear."

"I'm already starting to regret bringing you here," I grumbled. Turning with a fiery glare I told her, "Just... do as I say, Virginia. Stay away from Sebastian."

"So... am I ever going to get to kiss those lips tonight?" Sebastian asked as we danced slowly to the music. His hands were cuffed around my waist as we swayed, mine linked around this neck.

"Only if you wish to be wearing a pointy dagger staked to your chest," I replied sweetly.

He bellowed, his head falling back. "How the hell do I let you get away talking to me like that?" He smiled, the words a whisper, his eyes sparkling like two diamonds. They're fired with amusement and I chalk it up to the drinks he's had because I certainly don't need to complicate my life.

I sighed. "I'm a challenge. And I know you love a challenge."

His eyes darkened and I saw his throat bob. "I want to make love to you, Skyler." His tone is smooth, silky.

My body shivered, my nipples perked under my dress because in all honesty, Sebastian turned me on. Of course I'd never let on to that fact but something about him called to a dark, debased place in me. I wanted to know what it was like to be all skin and sweat with him. To submit to him. For now, I fought the urge to dig my fingers into the mass of muscle about his shoulders. I could feel the strength of one muscular thigh pressing between my legs as we slowly swayed.

"Is that what it'll be? Making love? Not just fucking me like you do your other little playthings?"

"I'd like to do that too," he said, his voice husky. Then leaning to my ear, whispered, "And I know you'd like me to, wouldn't you?"

WTH? Did the man have some sort of a sixth sense or was I giving off that much pheromones? "You are tempting me," I added, though inside I would break his hand if he ever tried.

"Tempting you, am I? Well, that's encouraging. Better than a dagger staked in my chest."

I laughed and he dipped me before we stood face to face again.

"I love the way you laugh."

"Do you now?"

"And I'd love to love every part of you, Skyler. If you'd only let me."

I froze in his arms, stopping our dance. Looking at him with mocked surprise, "Is that an offer of marriage?"

He laughed but soon the glint in his eyes and the lightness in his countenance faded. "Marriage?" He shook his head and we resumed the slow sway to the music. "We're not marriage material you and I." Sebastian looked at me with almost a hint of sadness. I had never seen any dent in that hard metal armor he proudly wore. But it had been there and gone too soon. "We're not like normal people, Skyler. No...You and I aren't destined for a happily-ever-after."

He had hit a mark. And he was right. "Then what are we destined for?" I asked, softly, not meaning to sound so vulnerable. Whatever the powers that be, my path would not end with a husband or a house with a white picket fence. Or children. I would waste away my youth, my vitality here in this wretched place. My life had been snatched away from me. I lived in my own hell and somehow, I welcomed it.

"People like us...we live, we love, we take what we want and die with smiles on our faces because the world was never good enough for us. This world will never be good enough for us."

I said nothing in response. Sebastian was right. The world was cruel, unforgiving. I lived for today. Would it be so wrong to take all I wanted from it? To grab what I could?Without regret? Without penance? I let his words, poisonous words drip into my veins. "That doesn't sound so bad after all." I flashed a wide smile. He matched it and then I was swept away as the music picked up to a lively tune.

We danced and laughed and in this moment I was free.

After a few more drinks, opting always to purchase my own and a couple of more dances, Sebastian had left my company to join a table for what he termed, "Another friendly round of poker." I pitied the fool who would gamble against Sebastian.

I took a seat at the bar, watching Virginia dancing the night away with any guard that asked her. Luckily, Sebastian hadn't been one of them. I had kept an eagle's eye on her and actually smiled inwardly. She looked like she was having a blast. And as long as Sebastian stayed away from her, I could breathe easier. Virginia, to her credit had been smart enough to heed my warning.

Sebastian was known for his indulgent appetite which wasn't limited to only food and drink. Sex was at the top of his list. He was the alpha male here now. He took what he wanted, when he wanted it. And females were not excluded especially new, virgin flesh. That sort ranked the highest on his target list. We had all come to know him and respect him as a dangerous man. A man you didn't dare cross. He didn't have power, no, Sebastian was power and he knew it. We were nothing to him but pieces on a game board he maneuvered and shuffled for his pleasure.

That being the case, there weren't many maids foolish enough that refused his bed. They willingly spread their legs wide open to him, allowing him to do as he pleased with their bodies until his appetite quelled or they became a bore— cast off by him as useless trash. The ones that refused him fared worse. He would get to them eventually, one way or the other. There had been stories of maids waking up the morning after, naked in some room about the palace, bruises on their bodies, soreness between their legs and the reality of assault clearly evident. These ones he reportedly had drugged by one of his many cronies who had slipped them a substance in their drink though no evidence ever pointed to him. And the guards that did his bidding wouldn't ever dare point a finger in his direction if they liked breathing that is.

"Hello there, beautiful."

I turned to the male voice who out of the corner of my eye I saw had taken to lean up against the bar next to me. Smoldering green eyes greeted me.

I groaned. "What do you want, Ramsey?"

He gave a one shouldered shrug. "Saw you over here all alone. I was wondering if...you know..." he leaned into my ear, "you'd like to get out of here."

I couldn't help the incredulous laugh that boomed out of me. "You have got to be joking! After that stunt you pulled with Marguerite?"

"Come on, Skyler," he said in a low, slimy tone. "Marguerite... you know... it's a casual thing."

"Oh…?" I cocked a brow. "Just a casual thing. Of course." I regarded him with an air of nonchalance.

"She doesn't mean anything. She's got ideas stuck in that head of hers. It's you that I really want." He brushed a finger down my bare arm. I grabbed it and wrenched it as hard as I could, bending it back with full force. Ramsey yelped, grabbing my arm, fingers digging into the soft flesh.

It was because of him that Marguerite wasn't speaking to me in the first place. Granted, I hadn't helped the situation by baring my thigh to him in order to convince Marguerite, who aside from all of my good advice about Ramsey's reputation with the maids, had been foolish enough to fall in love with the guard. Stupid girl.

"You fucking bitch!" No sooner had the words left his mouth, a large hand was clamped about Ramsey's throat.

Sebastian.

"Touch her again and I will rip your fucking throat out." His face was pure rage as he spat the words, snarling at Ramsey.

"Sorry... My mistake," he choked out, "Sir."

"I thought so." Sebastian loosed his grip shoving Ramsey into the nearest table.

Ramsey stumbled into the table whose occupants instantly scattered some with their drinks in hand. Glasses half-filled with liquor crashed and poker chips went scattering over the floor as he scrambled to his feet. His hand clasped about his throat as Sebastian ordered, "Get this piece of shit out of here!" he shouted at the guards he'd been playing poker with. I stood there shell shocked. If I expected them to hesitate they didn't. They swarmed around Ramsey, hauling his ass out of the room as he cursed and struggled against them.

Sebastian turned to me.

"Are you alright?" He asked with genuine concern, a gentle hand on my arm where the notches of Ramsey's fingerprints began to bloom. It was unnerving.

"I don't need your damn protection." I glared at Sebastian, furious that he'd been so presumptuous to think I needed rescuing. I had been able to stand on my own two feet and fend for myself since I was abandoned in this damn place. I didn't need Sebastian or anyone else to do it for me. "I can take care of myself." Suddenly the room was too quiet and began closing in on me.

Sebastian returned my glare with one of his own. I could see there was rage behind it. Whatever he wished to say, he wasn't allowing himself to speak and for once I was relieved. I knew I had offended him but at the moment I didn't care. Still, I didn't snatch my arm out of his hold in case he thought me ungrateful for coming to my aid. I swallowed. My heart was a lump in my throat. I braved a glance down at his hand on my arm and noticing, he released me.

My feet were moving before my brain could process. I grabbed hold of Virginia.

"It's time to go."

I know it's been some time since I updated this story. Many, many distractions! However, I will try to do a better job to move this story along.

Don't forget to review!! I'd like to hear from more of you about this story.

More Notes: For those of you familiar with the series "A Court of Thorns and Roses" aka "ACOTAR" I have started a new series of stories featuring my new favorite ship: Feysand. The title is "Rhysand and Feyre: Sexy Tales from the Night Court". Go check it out!

Chapter 8 Coming Soon!