Innocence Enslaved Read Online Free PDF Page A

grabbed her, holding her in place as she listened to the dull thump of his steps retreating.
    “And here is what I promised,” the auctioneer boomed suddenly in her ear, making her jump. “Yet another spirited one that will be a pleasure to tame.”
    His hands fell to her shoulders, though he stayed near, so close that his body brushed against her. She was assailed by the stench of sweat and the hot odor of ale on his breath. She grimaced, trying to pull away, when the sharp crack of two searing blows echoed in the heavy air as something, a lash perhaps, connected with her backside.
    The crowd erupted in cheers as she squealed in surprise.
    “Be still or there’ll be more of that, beauty,” the auctioneer droned low.
    She froze, the stinging heat on her bottom having captured her attention fully. Not daring to risk the whipping he spoke of earlier, she did as she was told and stood still.
    “Good girl,” he said quietly. “Now, I’m going to remove the blindfold and let the bidders see your lovely face. A word of warning, it will be bright after being in the dark so long.”
    The black cloth fell away. Hues of pink and gold prickled behind her eyelids as the man offered her up to the hungry clamoring crowd. Even with her eyes clamped shut, she knew they stared at her, feeling their desirous eyes on her bare skin. She could picture their leering expressions. In her mind, they were a lustful, depraved, salivating horde and nothing she ever wanted to see. Perhaps if she kept her eyes closed, she wouldn’t ever have to know which smirking face belonged to the man they called Bart, the madame, or any of the other corrupt men who preyed on helpless innocents such as herself and the many unfortunates who had gone before her.
    She prayed fervently that no one would bid on her, or by some divine intervention, her father would arrive and whisk her away to the safety of her childhood home. Like the others, she had recited these petitions repeatedly, offering up pleas for mercy, both silently and aloud, yet they remained unanswered.
    “A stunning young beauty,” the slave monger announced. “So timid and delicate, but with a fire that matches that of her hair. And my fine gentlemen and lady, she has been confirmed to be pure.” A tide of surprised murmurs and whispers about virgins slithered through the crowd like a snake. The auctioneer began to slowly walk around her, a vulture circling its prey, touching her constantly and pointing out her assets.
    “See how her fiery tresses glisten in the sun, some of the thick strands shining like the purest gold.” He picked up a long wavy lock from where it lay across her breast, tugging it as he rubbed it between his fingers. “Its silky texture is unsurpassed. She is indeed a treasure, with eyes as green as the finest emeralds.”
    Stepping behind her, he curved his rough hand beneath her chin and lifted it, angling her face toward the crowd. “Open your pretty eyes,” he urged her. “Show the good folks what they came to see, girl.”
    She shook her head, pleading with garbled grunts. Daringly, she resisted, scrunching her lids tighter, refusing in this, not wanting to see the fate that awaited her.
    “Fine, have it your way. We will move on to your other assets.”
    His cool, determined tone sent shivers through her despite the day being warm. She tensed, trembling like a tender leaf in the slightest breeze. After listening to the two women before her be auctioned off first, she knew without a doubt what assets he would promote next.
    “Look at her breasts, such ripe young beauties.” He curved his hands beneath them, molding and lifting while she cringed, tears burning beneath her lids. “They quiver in my hands, yet to know the touch of a lustful, laving tongue. Ripe for the picking like the most succulent of fruit. Imagine being the first to sample their sweet taste.” As he spoke, he moved his fingers and thumb to her nipples, pinching them, not harshly, but the