Chapter 17

"Why am I doing this? Is the sex really THAT good I have to degrade myself like this?" Tahlia muttered to herself, pulling on the lingerie she'd bought and stared in the cracked mirror, feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

This wasn't her style or practical, just a visual for Taker's pleasure. The lengths she was willing to go to for some dick was astounding. Out of the 5, she decided to start with the one she thought Taker would enjoy most and had only bought it because of him. It was a black mesh cutout strappy teddy, see-through everywhere. Featuring a sheer crocheted bodice and decorative multi straps, there were big holes that accented the center on both sides. The material was elastic for comfort, no lace.

The bottom featured high-cut thighs that flattered her slender strong legs and clung to her sexy curves. Bottom line, there was not much left to the imagination with this particular piece of lingerie and she ignored the fact her nipples were clearly showing through the mesh fabric. Pulling the black silk robe on she'd bought, –it rested just above the knee and once again wasn't lacy- Tahlia tied it tightly around her waist and stepped out of the bathroom.

Taker was not in the bedroom, not yet. He was downstairs, sipping a beer in the kitchen and staring broodingly at the faded and cracked wall, wondering just why the hell he had picked this place. Oh yes... because he didn't want Mabel getting loose and actually destroying something valuable. Mabel was steadfast in refusing and his bargaining was turning out to be baiting to try to get any of them near that cage door. Taker wanted him, badly, but at this point it was just to break the idiot and turn him into another mindless devotee That was about all he was going to be good for once he was done. He drained what was left of his beer and tossed it at the wall, growling. His gaze moved upward, towards the ceiling, where Tahlia was waiting on him no doubt. Smirking, Taker headed up to see what his little playmate had bought.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips not seeing Taker in the bedroom yet because it gave Tahlia plenty of time to push aside doubts. Taker would see right through them. He didn't want a woman who doubted herself and didn't think she was sexy. Tahlia had to channel sexy…somehow, but had no idea how to do it. Granted, her ring attire was sexy, but it also covered up all the important fragments of her body and she absolutely detested bra and panty matches. Vince had forced her into them prior to her becoming part of the Ministry.

Pacing back and forth, Tahlia chewed her thumbnail trying to channel sexy.

Sexy…it was in the attitude and how she carried herself, body language. Maybe her voice needed to be changed too. Sinking down on the bed with another groan, Tahlia buried her face in her hands and couldn't believe she sunk this low for her master. Her head snapped up when the doorknob twisted and immediately sat upright, pushing her left down hair out of her face impatiently. Sexy, think sexy, she mentally coached herself, looking up at him and swallowed hard, immediately sucking her bottom lip between her teeth.

Stepping into the room, Taker ducked his head in order to make it through the doorframe, turning to shut and lock it behind him. He shed his boots, socks and shirt before sighing and unfastening his long black hair, running his nimble fingers through it to loosen it from the braid he had been wearing it in all day. Finally, Taker shifted so he was facing her, his emerald green eyes widening as he took in what she was wearing.

"Stand up." He ordered, unable to keep the huskiness from seeping into the growled command.

Obeying, Tahlia slowly slid from the bed and felt a shiver rush through her at the sound of his voice dropping several octaves. It was already low, the huskiness made it sound nothing more than raging thunder. She kept her arms at her sides and didn't look down, knowing that wouldn't be smart on her part. Confidence, she had to show it and felt him circle her to stand behind her, pulling her back against his chest with his hands played on the robe over where it was tied.

"Wait." She gripped his wrist before he could undo the tie and let out a shaky breath, staring straight ahead not sure why she stopped him. This was all really new to her and Tahlia had definitely stepped out of her comfort zone doing this. "I hope what I picked out pleases you." Calling him sir, Lord and master wasn't happening, not since they were completely alone.

She was awkward, uncomfortable, and whatever she had picked out was obviously not something she would have normally selected. So... that meant Tahlia had gone out of her way to find something to please him, something beyond her comfort zone. Stroking his beard, he gently nudged her out away from the bed, more towards the middle of the room and began circling his prey. He trailed a finger along her shoulder, taking in the feel of her robe. When he was in front of her again, he reached for the ties, cocking an eyebrow when her hands convulsively flinched and undid them, letting the robe fall open.

"Remove it."

Another deep breath found the robe fluttered to the floor and pooling at her feet, once again her arms at her sides. It took a lot of willpower on Tahlia's part not to cover her breasts, which were nearly exposed completely through the mesh crochet material. The dark areolas of her breasts could clearly be seen, her pale skin making the teddy stand out. Tahlia didn't believe in tanning beds and had been pale all her life, preferring her skin to stay that way instead of roasting under a hot sun. Granted, she'd had a few sunburns in her days, but usually they never lasted and always turned into a tan. Watching his finger twirl, Tahlia slowly did a completely turn for him to let him get the full vision of her both front and back, amber eyes finally locking on smoldering dark green.

It took everything in him not to throw her down on the bed and ravage her. He knew his lust was displayed in his eyes, written across his face and he did not care. Seeing her in this outfit, something he knew she wouldn't have bought under any circumstances save pleasing him aroused something quite primal in him. Taker began circling her again, letting one single finger trace the outfit -if it could even be called that- rather enjoying the way she tremored under the slightest of touch. Finally coming to a halt behind her, he snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her back until her back was aligned against his chest.

"The things I'm going to do to you tonight..." It was a dark promise.

He was pleased with her selection and that alone made Tahlia breathe a silent breath of relief, her head lulling back against his muscular chest. She enjoyed feeling his arm around her and his touch…hell, everything about this man turned her on. His voice, the way he carried himself and exuded confidence and cockiness. Normally, that would've been a turn off, but on Taker it…fit.

"You approve then." It wasn't a question and her voice was warm, soft and seductive all wrapped in one. Tahlia felt her own confidence in the way she looked rise, knowing it was because of the man standing behind her, holding her and caressing her stomach through the mesh material of her lingerie. "Mmm I look forward to finding out what you plan on doing to me, Taker…"

If he would have been any other man, Taker would have right then and there felt just the tiniest bit of remorse for what he was planning for her, but... he didn't. At all. He would do what he promised, ravage her and leave her reeling, senseless, and then... then he would put into action the plan he had been musing on for quite some time. Women, he had learned, were much more receptive to suggestions after they had been made to see stars. Growling, he stooped and scooped Tahlia into his arms, lowering his head to meet hers in a greedy kiss.

Stars, a white blinding light and hours of foreplay followed by possibly the best sex of her life left Tahlia a heavy breathing, sweaty and satisfied mess. The lingerie she wore was in tatters on the floor while she lay on top of Taker, his own sweat mixing with hers. It was a delicious feeling and one she never wanted to pull away from. Taker had made good on his promise and shown her passion beyond imagination, pushing her body to the absolute limit. Every part of her quivered and pulsated in both pain and pleasure – another exquisite feeling. If Tahlia wasn't careful, she would fall in love with this man and that could not happen; she had to keep reminding herself this was sex between them and nothing more, even though it felt like so much more. Rolling off of him, Tahlia landed on the back to stare up at the ceiling and felt her breathing slowly regulate again along with her heartbeat, her thighs still trembling.

It always felt like more, that was about the only downside to sex, especially when it came to women who were more than a onetime deal. He knew to just let the feeling dissipate on its own, it always did. Taker also knew better than to let her come down without a chat first, relying on those chemicals to assist him along. He rolled over so he was hovering over Tahlia, his black hair forming a curtain around them.

"Tahlia..." He whispered, his lips brushing hers.

It was time.

She sighed softly against his mouth, enjoying the soft touch of his lips against hers and reached up to caress his face with her hand, getting lost in those emerald gems. They were acidic when he was all business, but being with him alone like this…they were just emerald stones glittering back at her. When he was turned on, they were a dark forest green that was completely mesmerizing and Tahlia was sure this man would get away with murder by using just his eyes. That's how captivating they were.

"Taker…" She could see something brewing in his eyes and could tell he wanted to talk to her instead of going another round. "What's on your mind, my Lord?"

Considering her, Taker finally nodded and traced her lips with his tongue before pulling back. He made himself comfortable, sitting on the bed crisscross style and reached for her, pulling her into his lap. "I have a task for you, Tahlia." He said after a moment, draping his arms loosely around her waist, hands clasping just behind the small of her back. "You know who Shane McMahon is?" At her somewhat confused nod, he mentally sighed. Now or never. "I need you to get close to him."

Tahlia looked up at him, the confusion still registering in her amber eyes and nodded, remembering her vow to him. "Alright…" Whatever Taker wanted, she would do. Having a specific task bestowed upon her by the master showed he had enough faith in her to pull off what needed to be done. It was an honor…or so she thought. "Close how exactly?" If she wanted to do this right, everything had to be laid out for her and she could tell Taker was struggling with words, reaching up to glide her thumb across his lips. "Whatever it is, you know I'll do it, Taker. I won't let you or the Ministry down."

"I need an inside to the McMahon's." He said slowly, explaining to her as much as he was able, or willing, to be more honest. "And Vince would have you crucified if you approached him. Shane would be more receptive. Shane is rumored to have an eye for beautiful women." Tahlia was beautiful; his own gaze took her in appreciatively. "A weakness for them, if you will."

It took a moment to let that sink in fully, to comprehend what Taker was asking her to do. An eye for beautiful women…Tahlia felt the hard ball form in the pit of her stomach and took a deep breath. Getting close to Shane intimately is what he'd meant. She wasn't stupid and could read between the lines.

"I understand."

How the hell was she supposed to pull this off with Vince lurking in the shadows though? It would have to be done secretively, almost in a stalking sort of way. Could Tahlia really do that? Was she capable of performing this task? Second guessing wasn't an option and Tahlia had to come to terms with this order; there was no choice.

"I will do my best and…I'll be honest, I've never done something like this before. I'm going to need some instruction moving forward so I know exactly what you want, Taker."

He felt his lips curving upwards into a slight smirk. How like Tahlia, asking for a written map for a task she was ideally suited for. "Make yourself visible to him, Tahlia, and let him do the rest." Because he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, once Shane had seen her, properly seen her, and not in passing, Shane would begin casting out his nets to pull her in. "Be my eyes..." Taker ran his finger down the side of her face, not missing the look in those beautiful amber eyes of hers. "My ears..." His lips brushed her forehead. "And do whatever is necessary to ensure he does not suspect your true intentions." Then he'd join Vince in stringing her up and Taker liked his toys to not be broken by the people he loaned them to.

Doing this would mean she wouldn't be able to travel with the Ministry for a while, not until Taker's plan regarding Shane was completed. Be his eyes and ears…the Lord of Darkness…Undertaker had a lot of faith in her to pull this off. Then again, there was no one else to do this; Tahlia was the only woman in the Ministry. This also meant they wouldn't be together like this for a while either and the thought saddened her greatly. She had to look away from him and instead lowered her eyes to her lap, clasping her hands together. She would miss being with the Ministry, but if this was to be pulled off correctly; she had to disassociate herself for the time being.

"When do I leave?" It was a quiet question full of resignation and a hint of despair.

"In a day or so. You've already been scheduled for a match at the next house show; none of us will be there."

Paul had already arranged everything for her; this had been in the cards and Taker knew once Tahlia was alone with time to think and not be distracted by him or his presence, she would begin to question everything, including their sexual relationship. He wasn't stupid enough to believe she wouldn't eventually realize this was the plan all along, one of the reasons he had recruited her.

"If something happens, if you believe you are in any danger from them..." He hesitated, frowning and wondered if what he was about to say would jeopardize everything. "I will come for you." He would protect her.

As much as those words felt good to hear, Tahlia knew it was only because she was his property he would come for her. Not because he cared about her. The man didn't care; she was out of her mind to think otherwise. The kindness and compassion he had shown her was just a front, a smokescreen, for what he'd brought her into the Ministry for. Tahlia didn't need days to figure it out, she knew the moment Taker gave her the task with Shane McMahon.

"Don't worry about me. If I can't handle myself with little ol' Shane-O-Mac, then I don't belong in the Ministry."

Extracting herself from his arms, Tahlia needed some space and air to breathe without Taker, pulling her robe on, tying it tightly around her waist since she had nothing on beneath. Without realizing it, Tahlia had dismissed him. Whether she knew it or not was beyond him and Taker wasn't about to delve into the inner workings of her mind, not right now. Rising from the bed, he stretched and turned to retrieve his clothing. He dressed in silence, trying to envision how this would all go down, how his little game would play out.

"Paul has your plane ticket and motel room reservation. Transportation will be arranged." After that, she was in theory on her own.

Nodding, Tahlia walked out of the room and closed the door behind her, trying to stay strong as much as she could. Maybe with her gone, Mideon would calm down and finally be the minion Taker needed him to be. Hell, why was she even concerned about that idiot? Tahlia hadn't meant to dismiss him or show disrespect, but she honestly needed some time to mull over things. After stopping by Paul's room to grab her plane ticket and reservation, Tahlia went to her own room to start packing. How the hell was she supposed to gain Shane McMahon's attention? Asking for guidance from Taker was pointless because all he'd said was 'show yourself to him'. What the hell did that mean? Everyone in the company knew she was with the Ministry, so she'd have to put on one HELL of an act to pull this off.

"What a nightmare." She whispered, zipping her bag up after changing into a pair of pajama pants and long-sleeved shirt with undergarments, after showering.

Did Taker really bring her into the Ministry to do this one task?

Did her wrestling ability and performance in the ring not matter?

Apparently not.