A/N Welcome to another one-shot! As always, let me know what you think. I appreciate positive criticism and no copy-writing of any sort without my permission. Cheers :)

Warning – sexual content, age-gap of fourteen years between main characters

1868, London

The market place is awfully busy today.

The air is thick and it smells putrid; rotting animal carcases, raw sewage and the bodily stench of those around me. An abundance of haggling men and woman dressed in raged clothing crowded all around to buy their food and anything else they might need. Grimacing, an old man with yellowed teeth coughed and spluttered into the open air as he walked past with a shove of his tall lanky body.

Gripping the handle of my woven basket tighter, I picked up the pace and nudged my way through the dense crowd. Heading toward one of my regular stops for produce, I stepped under the canopy that protects the vegetables from the harsh rays of the sun. There's not a single cloud in site today and I can feel the sweat dripping down the back of my neck and curve of my spine.

"Morning Adeline" called Greta, the old lady from behind the wooden selling counter. She gave a short wave of her bony wrinkled hand.

"Morning" I called back as I started to pick out the fruits and vegetables from the stacked wooden crates and stands.

Most of the food on offer isn't that nice, but I can always manage to find reasonably untarnished ones that are edible. Filling up my basket with what I needed, I lined up in the small que of people. When I reached the front, Greta inspected all the things I'd collected to come up with a sum.

"How's your Mother faring these day?" she asked.

"Not good unfortunately. She's getting worse and we can't afford anymore Doctor visits, let alone the medicine he'll no doubt prescribe. The best thing for her now is to rest and pray that it'll all pass" I replied with a sad tone.

Eight months ago my Mother had developed a serious cough. She tried to hide her condition for as long as she could so that me and my two little brothers wouldn't worry. However, she collapsed one day in the middle of kitchen and after that, we realised that the illness she suffered is Consumption. A horrible sickness that's turned the beautiful woman I know into someone frail and glum.

Everyone I've talked with apart from the Doctor says it's incurable, but I refuse to believe it to be true. I know she'll survive if she just gets the proper care – she has to. I wouldn't know what to do if she died. My Father is already dead and I can't look after two little boys the age of five and seven all by myself, as well as being able to hold down a decent job.

It wouldn't be possible.

"Give her my best and you look after yourself. I know there's a lot of responsibility resting on your shoulders and such, but don't forget about yourself" I nodded as I swapped Greta coins for the basket full of goods.

"Thank you and I will" I replied with a smile "I'll see you next week then?"

"Next week" she nodded "Take care"

Heading back into the chaos of the crowd, I pulled my throw over coat tighter around my shoulders. Living in the slums isn't pleasant and it certainly isn't safe. Men stare plainly at my full bosom and slender waist, and the whores along the alley bark and scratch at me whenever I have to walk past. I suppose they don't like the thought of anyone pretty stealing what customers they have.

There's been recent times when I've thought about working in the brothels or perhaps on my own. It's decent coin and I know it'd put hot food on the table and maybe even pay for the care that my Mother desperately needs. The only thing stopping me is the nasty stories I'd hear about prostitutes; they'd go missing or the men would get too rough. There's also the important fact that I've never been intimate with a man before.

If I were to get into the business of pleasure, I'd have to throw away the only thing that's really mine. I curse the idea, but as things become more and more tight financially – desperate times call for desperate measures. I know my Mother certainly wouldn't agree, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

Walking along the side of the cobbled street, I came upon the splintered wooden door of my home; a small two bedroom place. Myself and my brothers all sleep in the same room, while our Mother resides in the main bedroom; snuggled under the soft duvet of her cot. She's usually asleep, which is good. It saves her the pain if only for a few hours.

"Adeline's home!" called Joseph. He's seven with short wispy brown hair and deep eyes to match. He looks a lot like myself.

It wasn't long until five year old Charlie came rushing out to greet me. He looks more like our Father than anyone else in the family, with brown locks and green eyes "Sissy. What do you have?" he asked while eyeing the woven basket as I sat it down at the three seater dinner table pushed up against the wall.

"Food from the market" I replied. The floor boards of the home creaked as I walked around. Opening the small window above the kitchen counter, I turned to look at the boys as they sifted through the contents of the basket "Don't sneak any of that away" I spoke firmly "It'll be feeding all of our tummies for the next week"

"There's not much Sissy" spoke Charlie as he turned to run over to me.

I ignored the comment "How's Mother? Did you two look after her while I've been away?"

Joseph nodded "She's sleeping now" he said "Had another coughing fit too"

"Was is bad?" I asked with a worried look. Joseph simply shrugged his shoulders. I sighed. This is why I hate leaving everyone alone, even if it is for a short while "Okay you two, time for your bath. Get going" I said while nudging them toward the wash room.

They both groaned and grumbled, but I simply ignored their protest. You'd think they'd be excited to feel clean instead of dirty, I certainly do after three days in this boring whether. Turning back to the stove, I filled up the kettle and boiled up some water on the woodstove; which also acts as our source of heat for the winter times.

Making my way into the washroom, I was relieved to see that Joseph had done what I'd asked him before I left for the market – which is to fill the tub with the rainwater collected from the buckets outside. They both stood there waiting for me as I mixed in the boiling water so that it wasn't so cold.

"Okay then. Get undressed and get clean" I instructed and I left as they started to strip.

I'm glad I don't have to stay and supervise anymore. Joseph is old enough to wash himself and look after his little brother. It's one less thing I have to worry about doing. Putting back the kettle, I went to work with preparing vegetables for dinner. It's normally a cabbage stew at night, with some extras thrown. Nothing exciting, but I try not to make it as bland as it usually is.

Once everything was in the pot and bubbling away, I stepped into Mothers bedroom. Laying on her side, her back faces me "Are you awake?" I asked lightly. She hadn't drunk any of the water I'd left by her bedside. Waiting, there was no reply and so I left her be.

Grabbing the straw broom, I brushed up some dirt around the house before sweeping it out the front door. I heard childish giggling coming from the wash room. A smile crept on my face. It's nice to hear those two laugh. Standing by the stove, I stirred the pot occasionally and turned at the sound of the boys sloshing around in the water. They came walking out wrapped in their towels and heading toward the bedroom.

Now I'll have to empty the tub.

Making my way into the washroom, I scooped the darkened water out with the buckets before carting them out the front door and tipping it out along the gutter. Wiping the sheen of sweat that had formed on my brow, I took a moment to breathe in the outside air as I stood on the curb. The sun is going down.

It's getting late.

Another hour passed when the stew was finally cooked. Heading into the second bedroom, I poked my head in to see the boys playing with their second hand toys on the floor "Dinner's ready. Come and get it" I said before turning and sitting at the table.

Spooning out the pot of stew, I made sure to reserve a bowl before carrying it into Mothers room and setting it down on the bedside table. She still laid on her side but she was coughing a little "Dinner, if you're hungry" I announced "Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine. Stop worrying about me Adeline" she replied with a raspy voice and another cough. I sighed before walking back out to the dining table and sitting down. Eating my own meal with a bit of bread, all of us three sat in relative silence apart from the wooden spoons clanging in our bowls.

Once we finished dinner, it was only a couple hours longer until I had to tuck the boys into bed. Making my way into the second bedroom, I filled up a wash bowl with a little water. Grabbing a rag, I cleaned myself so that I didn't smell and my skin appeared a little cleaner. Quickly dressing into my bed clothes, I placed a throw over coat to cover my shoulders. Slipping on my thigh-high stocking and shoes, I called the boys.

"Come on you two. It's time for bed" they staggered toward me, disappointed they had to sleep instead of play with their toys. Tucking them in, I gave a kiss to their foreheads.

Joseph grabbed my hand before I could get up from beside the double bed he shared with his brother "Where are you going?" he asked. Joseph is rather smart for his age, while Charlie is too young to pick up on things yet.

"I'll be back soon" I whispered "And you have to promise you won't tell Mother that I left"

"What if something happens?"

"I won't be long. Everything will be alright" I replied reassuringly.

Kissing his forehead once again, I got up from the floor and snuck out the back way of the little house instead of the front. Pulling my over coat tighter, the night had turned a little chilly. The stars gleamed above and the moon glowed to give me some light. Walking along the side of the street, a few stragglers and carriages went past, but I didn't pay them any mind.

Reaching one of the main streets of lower London, I saw glowing lamp lights and the large tavern came alive with its various customers as they drunk their fill of ale. I can hear their laughter and chatting become louder as I crossed the road. Some were stumbling out the front door and some were just heading in.

Following behind an older gentleman, the inside is rather large and illuminated with plenty of candle light. There's several tables scattered around as well as a large polished bar with stools running down the outer side. The air is ghosted with a bit of cigarette smoke, and all sorts of men slung boisterous words at each other. I can also see half-dressed females giggling as they draped themselves over their potential customers for the night.

The Punch Tavern is quite unique in a way.

It serves as a place you can purchase an abundance of alcohol, for fill your primal desires and bet your hard earned money on the fighting pit downstairs. I've only ever heard about the tavern, but now that I'm here, the chaos that permeates the place is hard to swallow. There's so much going on around me it's hard to keep up. I found myself becoming lost until a hand rested on my shoulder.

Jolting in fright, I turned around to be faced with a middle-aged woman with neatly curled black hair, a beauty spot below her left eye and a Marlboro cigarette in hand. She appeared elegant in an odd sort of way "I think you've stumbled into the wrong place Sweetheart. This establishment isn't for little angels like yourself" she took a drag of her cigarette and the smoke trailed into the already thick air.

"I'm looking for the Madam" I replied sheepishly.

"Lucky you then. You found her" she said "Now, what does a girl like you want in a place like this? Looking for your husband are we?"

I shook my head "No. I'm actually looking for a job"

"A job you say?" she laughed a low laugh "I don't think you're up for it Sweetheart. There's only one kind of job here and that ain't scrubbing the floors"

"I know"

Taking another drag of her Marlboro she looked me up and down "Well come on then" she spoke with a gesture of her head "Follow me into my office" turning, the woman weaved through the intricate crowd and I quickly followed behind.

Heading down a short and narrow hallway, we entered through the door at the very end. It's a small office with a desk and two brown leather lounge chairs "Can you help me?" I asked hesitantly. She hadn't exactly answered me in regards to anything.

"That depends" she replied "Now, hold up your arms and spread your legs"

I chocked on a bit of saliva. I didn't know if I heard her correctly "I beg your pardon?"

"You wanna work here, your gonna have to do as your told. Don't ask so many questions" she replied plain and simple.

Taking in a deep breath, I did as she'd instructed. Holding up my arms so that their level, I parted my legs only a little but the woman was quick to kick them further apart. Tugging off my throw over coat, she slung it over one of the lounge chairs. Feeling along my arms and squeezing my bosom, I flushed a bright red.

Turning my head this way and that, she touched my brown locks of hair and opened my mouth "Still got all your teeth?" she questioned before dousing her Marlboro in the ashtray on the desk.

I nodded "As far as I know"

"Good. How's the situation downstairs?" she questioned while lifting my thin skirt and inspecting along my legs and thighs "Anything nasty I need to know about?" she questioned "Be honest now. I don't need my customers complaining because one of my girls gave him the itch"

I shook my head. My eyes went straight to the floor as I lowered my arms and closed my legs "I've never been with a man before" I might as well not beat around the bush and be out with it. She'll no doubt find out sooner or later. I just hope it's not a huge problem.

"A rare little birdy" she grinned while crossing her arms "Well that's not going to serve me well in this here business. We don't live up-town Sweetheart. The fella's around these parts don't have that kind of coin to spend on popping your little red cherry"

I felt the heat spreading through my body, almost melting me with embarrassment "Does that mean you're not going to help me?" I asked nervously.

"Well I never said that, now did I?" she sighed and looked me up and down again "Your prettier than half my girls, and young. The jobs yours, but not until you rectify that situation of yours. You better hurry about it too. The sooner, the better. I don't hang on to slackers. If you don't serve, you don't get paid. Understand?"

I nodded. My fingers picked at one another from nervousness "How exactly could I find someone? Someone who'll –" swallowing nervously, I shifted on the spot "I don't normally do this"

"Of course not" the woman snickered "You're a sweet little thing" walking past me she opened the door to the office "Come on then. I don't have all night"

Quickly hurrying behind, I followed her back down the narrowed hallway and into the main lobby. Stopping at one of the tables that composed of three men and two working girls. The men all looked toward the women and then to me. I shied away under the direct attention and glanced to the scuffed floorboards.

"Fine little flower you got there" spoke one of the men. He wore a cap, and dense brown stubble covered his jaw. His pair of dull green eyes flickered along my body, like a predator eyeing its prey "She one of your girls?" he asked with a lick of his lips.

"Eye's off Ronald" spoke the middle-aged woman "You want a go? Then come back tomorrow. She's off limits tonight"

I had to stop myself from grimacing. I sound like cattle, or a toy waiting to be used. I suppose I am in a way, but it's the path I've chosen. I just have to remind myself that's it for the good of my family – my Mother. I can do it. I know I can.

"Ruby" spoke the woman. Immediately a little petite girl stood up from one of the men's laps. Her caramel skin and brown slanted eyes gave away her Asian heritage, and it earned her an exotic edge "I want you to take – " the woman paused, not knowing my name.

"Adeline" I replied.

"Adeline" confirmed the woman "I want you to take her downstairs and be sure to introduce the girl to Colton" she turned to me "Don't be shy Sweetheart. He doesn't bite too hard"

Ruby came over with a spring in her step and linked her arm with mine. I noticed that she's a full head shorter than me as we walked side by side "This way" spoke Ruby as she tugged me toward the fighting pit.

Heading down a flight of wooden stairs, the familiar laughing faded into loud cheering and an array of curse words. A crowd of rowdy males surrounded a raised square ring where two men proceeded to fight with bare torsos and bloody knuckles. The air still has the tang of alcohol only it's accompanied by the unpleasant smell of copper pennies.

Grimacing as flesh met flesh, Ruby tugged me a little closer but we dared not enter the surrounding hoard of men as they yelled. Holding a smile on her face, Ruby and I watched from the sidelines as both the fighters glistened with sweat. Cuts and bruises are clearly evident, although one appeared more beaten by the other as his left eyes is swollen shut.

Staggering, the battered man with an abundance of chest hair pushed himself off of the boundary rope to deliver a weak blow. His opponent, who was quick to move out of the way, I took particular notice to. Black inked tattoos littered the fighter's torso and arms. From a distance they appeared to consist of symbols and runic markings of some kind.

It's quite intriguing to look at.

Sidestepping, the tattooed man threw a hard punch to his opponent's cheek. Falling with blood dripping from his mouth, the hairy man collided with the floor with a loud thud. Listening, the audience either cheered at their win or cursed as they handed over their lost money. Watching as the unconscious man was hauled away, the audience began to clear a little and Ruby left me to head over to the arena.

Standing awkward and uncomfortable, I wasn't quite sure where to look or what to do? Was I supposed to follow? When my eyes trailed back to Ruby, I found the girl standing by the arena and talking with the recent victor – the man with all those mysterious tattoos. Leaning on the rope with his hands, the fighter listened to what Ruby was saying before she gestured to me with a nod of her head. The man looked over and my stomach immediately tensed and curdled.

Maybe I can't do this. Maybe I'm in way over my head.

My heart skipped and pounded beneath my chest. Quickly glancing at something else, I focused on the fraying laces of my shoes as my thoughts drifted this way and that. I should go – go before it's too late. A pair of brown boots stepped into my field of vision and I glanced up, my eyes trailing to meet a pair of hazel ones.

It's him – the man I could only assume to be Colton.

Standing as firm as a brick wall, his muddy brown hair, damp with a little sweat, remained swept back and a light stubble prickled his jaw "You look like you've seen a dead man" he spoke smoothly with a masculine tone.

"Excuse me?"

"Here you are, standing as crooked as a dogs hind leg and shaking like a leaf. I have to admit, it's not a pretty site" Colton replied.

Struggling, I didn't know what else to say and I blurted out "Sorry"

"Don't apologise – be better" he replied "You'll have to learn quick Sweetheart. Men might like the act of a timid prude, but it's never what they really want"

"A timid prude? I'm not –"

I was about to defend myself when he stepped forward and took my face in his rough hands. Planting his soft lips onto mine, I was caught off guard. He was quick like a viper. Squirming in the man's strong but gentle hold, I squealed when Colton slipped his wet tongue into my mouth before pulling away a few seconds later.

"A kiss tells a man everything he needs to know, and yours – it screams shy little virgin"

Taking a step back, I blushed a cherry red and wiped my mouth "Are you always so straightforward and – rude?"

"Straightforward, yes. Rude on the other hand, well, that depends on circumstance" he crossed his thick arms and sighed "I think you've made a terrible mistake walking in here"

"I didn't ask for your opinion" I snapped. I expected many things when I walked into the tavern and down those flight of stairs, but this isn't one of them. I didn't think he'd care. I didn't think I'd be interrogated and lectured over my own personal decisions. It makes me feel angry "I need the money to help my family, and to cure my Mother"

Colton shook his head disapprovingly "You're sending yourself down the rabbit hole Love. You might think you're doing the good thing by sacrificing yourself to the life of a whore, but you're wrong. The blokes upstairs, they don't care about your dainty little feelings. They'll eat you up and churn you out, one after the other. Is that really want you want?"

"If it means they can have a better life than what it is now, then yes – gladly"

"Women" he snickered. I don't know what came over me. Reaching out, I slapped Colton across the face. I admit, he's probably been hit worse, but it must have tingled at the very least. Uncrossing his arms, Colton glowered down at me with narrowed eyes "Watch it" he hissed.

"Or what?" I pressed with sudden courage "Are you going to scold me some more?"

He looked at me a little longer before sucking on his teeth "Feisty" he said "Maybe you're not such the innocent, weak-kneed little girl I thought you were"

"I'm many things, but never weak" I replied, my voice softer as the courage from before began to dwindle down. I've been through too many things to ever consider myself as being a weak person.

Colton sighed and his muscles relaxed from their tense state. He asked me seriously "Tell me why you're here"

"I'm here" I swallowed "I'm here for your help. The woman upstairs offered to let me work here, but I can't start until I change a few things" after talking this long, being here this long, it was inevitable that the subject would arise. It's still hard to talk about, especially with a complete stranger.

"And what do you want me to do about it?" he questioned. Colton acted serious, but I could see the knowing undertone written on his face and laced in his voice. He's trying to get me all flushed and shy. He's trying to get under my skin and watch me squirm. I can't let him.

"Have sex with me" I answered. It was blunt but to the point.

Colton hummed "You're not my type" he slowly circled around me "I like my women to have character and flare, and you – well, you're about as interesting as what you're wearing" the rejection and insult stabbed at me a little, but I tried not to let it get to me.

Colton's large warm hands rested on my waist "Then teach me how to be different – better" I quoted him from earlier.

Spinning me around, a gasp left my lips when he pulled me flush against his body. My bosom pressed firmly against Colton's chest as his thick arms wrapped around me "I have other things I could do with my time"

"Like what?" my eyebrow raised a little "Fighting? You'd rather have someone knock you left and right, than spare me a few minutes of your time?"

"It wouldn't be a few minutes" his hazel eyes were deep and intense as they stared down at me. I suddenly felt conscious about the arms wrapped me and the warm body pressing into mine. I tried not to breathe so heavy, but it was hard when my heart kept fluttering beneath my chest.

"If you won't do it, then I need to find someone who –"

I was interrupted "I'll tell you what, I'll reconsider your offer, but you have to do something for me first"

I looked at him sceptically. That didn't sound good "What is it?"

Colton's arms unwound from me and he took a step back "Strip" he replied.

My brows knitted together in confusion. I think I heard him incorrectly. He didn't actually want me to strip "I beg your pardon?"

"You can beg all you want Sweetheart, it's a favourite of mine. But if you want me to spread those little legs of yours, then you'll have to strip"

I swallowed. Once. Twice "Here?" my voice is shaky "In front of all these people?" there's a few men still lingering and chatting down in the pits, even though the fights are over for the night.

"Embarrassed?" he asked with a slight cock of his head "Don't be. I'm sure there all going to see it sooner or later. Why not give them a preview?" I didn't like the way Colton talked about it. Rubbing the facts in my face without regard.

"I don't think I can" I replied while glancing around

"Then I don't think this is the job for you"

I still don't understand why Colton's like this. Why he's so concerned about whether or not this is the job for me. Whether or not I can handle it. What does it matter to him? Maybe it's all just a game. I'm a bit of fun that he can twist and pick at.

"How much do I have to take off?" I asked.

"Until I say stop"

I took another look around before narrowing my vision onto my weathered shoes. Crouching down, I untied the frayed laces and pushed them off. Unbuttoning the row of fabric buttons down the centre of my top, the pinkish-beige corset showed beneath. Keeping my eyes down, I peeled off the top and immediately I heard a few cheers from behind. I ignored them and kept going.

Unlacing the tie of my outer skirt, my eyes closed for a moment before I let the fabric drop to a clump on the ground. Left in my corset, white thigh-high stockings and garter belt, Colton finally spoke the word "Stop" I was somewhat relieved.

My arms wrapped around myself to try and shield as much as I could from the eyes of all those prying men in the background. I could hear them mumbling and laughing. My cheeks felt like they're on fire, the embarrassment made it hard to breathe and a swell of butterflies erupted in my stomach causing me to feel sick. I didn't dare look up. I didn't want to see his face.

"I did what you said" I muttered.

My body shook a little. It suddenly felt cold. A pair of familiar boots stepped into the top of my vision before I became weightless. Hoisting me over his shoulder, I gasped as I was put off balance without warning "Don't worry Sweetheart. I'll take good care of you"

Carrying me over and up the stairs, Colton's shoulder dug into my lower stomach and his firm hands felt searing as they gripped the backs of my thighs to keep me from falling. The laughs and chattering of the people upstairs became louder as we entered into the main area. A string of whistled were echoed our way and I kept my eyes down and focused on the heel of Colton's boots.

I've never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my life.

Heading away from the main crowd, we walked up another flight of stairs to the second level of the tavern. It's where all the private rooms are. Walking down the narrow hallway, I could hear moans reaching out from closed doorways. My heart began to pound beneath my chest so hard it began to hurt. I feel so woozy and afraid.

A door opened and Colton carried me through before kicking it closed with his boot. Watching the floor decorated with a rug as it moved, I was gently placed back onto my feet. Grabbing my wrist, I was twirled around to face the canopy bed; which stood decorated with rich velvet sheets and cushions. Nudged forward, my knees pressed against the edge of the mattress.

Pressing into me from behind, the warmth of Colton's towering body almost enveloped me completely. Giving a brief glimpse of the room, the lamp and candle light gave a soft sensual glow, but other than that, there wasn't much decoration beside a wooden cupboard pushed up against the wall.

Flinching at the sudden touch, Colton's hands rested on the tops of my thighs. Caressing upwards they dipped further in to brush up against my womanhood. Clutching his wrists tightly, a blush crept on my cheeks as I tried to prevent any further movement, I can't say that I'm all too strong physically. Colton wrapped his left arm around my waist while the other delved to cup my sex.

Grinding his palm upwards to rub against my sensitive bundle of nerves, a gasp escaped me as I felt the faint tingling of pleasure begin to stir in my belly. Pressing, rubbing and grinding over and over again, a warm wetness pooled to dampen my underwear. More low gasps sounded out as I squirmed beneath his touch.

Dipping his hand lower, my underwear was pulled to the side and two fingers pushed up into my tight channel. A faint burning sensation overtook and I winced "That hurts"

"Not for long" he replied while continuing to slowly thrust his fingers.

Standing there, trapped between Colton and the bed, my brows knitted together at the uncomfortable feeling. I've never once touched myself in this manner, I've always been too afraid. The feeling is intrusive and tight. I'm not enjoying it as much as what he was doing earlier.

"I don't like it" I admitted.

Colton instantly deepened his fingers to the knuckle and wiggled them back and forth. An embarrassing moan whined from my throat. It was as if an instant pressure had winded in my stomach. It felt good and the sticky fluid dripping down his fingers to make a squelching noise told me I'm most certainly correct.

"Do you like it now?" I nodded "Good" withdrawing his digits, I felt disappointed as the pleasure faded away. A slight ache made itself present instead.

Colton tugged at the laces of my corset and it dropped down the length of my body. My arms folded to cover my chest as I stepped out of it. Nudging the corset to the side with his foot, Colton spun me around to face him before pushing me to fall backwards.

Landing with a bounce on the mattress, my legs pressed tightly together as I looked down the length of my body to see him standing at the very end. Hazel eyes flickering up and down my form, taking me in inch by inch. Stepping even closer, he clutched my ankles and dragged me until my bottom rested just on the edge of the bed.

Colton's grip was firm as he tried to pry my legs open, but the instinct to keep them closed was still there. Using a bit more force, he spread them apart before quickly filling in the hollow space between. When his hips met mine, my heart leapt into my throat and I shook my head.

I'm not ready.

Backing away so that I was no longer on the edge, Colton was quick to follow and his heavy body quickly moved up and on top of mine. It was almost predator-ish in a way. Slipping a hand between my thighs, he wedged himself to where he was before and my legs clamped to the side of his waist with a crushing grip. I must have looked so terrified, like a lamb sent to the slaughter.

My palms are clammy as they pressed against his firm chest. My veins are pulsating with adrenaline "Don't look at what I'm doing, just look at me" my eyes moved up to meet his. Being so close and in a new light, I could see a faint scar running through Colton's left eyebrow. In a rugged sort of way, he does look handsome.

With a hand pressing down either side of my head to keep his weight from crushing me, Colton leant in. His warm breathed fanned over my chin before soft lips met my own. Starting off slow, I kissed as best as I could. A hand landed on my waist, skimming down my smooth flesh with a gentle caress. A soft tongue ran over my bottom lip in a ticklish sort of way.

Opening up, Colton explored my mouth and I immediately became lost. I don't know what to do. I feel so clumsy and unsure of myself. A muffled gasp came out when he touched between my legs and rubbed the sensitive bundle with an almost hypnotic swirl of his hand. Arching my back, his lips left mine to leave a cool wet trail down my jaw and along my neck.

Lightly sucking on patches of my flesh to leave pink splotches, my mouth parted with little light moans. Kissing down and over each of my breasts, he travelled down the expanse of my stomach before attaching his mouth to my clit. Sitting up like a woman resurrected, I tugged at the strands of his brown hair.

"What are you doing?" I squealed.

"Nothing you won't like" he replied before pushing me to lay back "Trust me"

Returning down, his arms hooked around both my thighs to keep me secure while he licked a warm trail with his wet textured tongue. I squirmed at the odd but still pleasurable feeling. The thumping ache in my core became more intense the more he licked and swirled. I watched as my chest heaved up and down, my skin turning hot with desire.

Scrunching the fabric of the sheets in white knuckled hands, I gazed down as he worked. My legs parted a little further. Giving a kiss to the little rose bud, he shifted back up the bed and planted his lips back onto mine. I grimaced as I tasted myself, salty but sweet. His chin is wet and I can smell the dense sent of arousal.

Grinding his firm hips into mine, I felt the distinct bulge rub against me. A moment more past before Colton leant up onto his knees and worked the buttons on his pants. Looking away, my eyes focused on my right hand as I touched the fabric of the sheets beneath me. I don't want to see it, I'm too embarrassed – too shy.

The bed shifted as Colton moved, feeling a warmth from his body as he moved over me, I still didn't look. My throat feels so tight and raw. My body is jittery and my heart keeps fluttering, making me feel a little nauseous. Colton moved a little to the left of me and reached into the bedside table draw. Pulling back, I saw his teeth tear open a small square package.

Chucking the wrapper over the side of the bed, his hand reached down between our bodies and I blushed when I realised what it was for "Remember – look at me" he said as my eyes started to show panic and fear, my body tensing as the moment neared. I swallowed and willed myself to look into his eyes.

"Is it going to hurt?" I asked quickly, my hands resting just below his shoulders.

There was a pause "No" he replied. Grabbing my legs, Colton tugged me closer down to him and I could feel the blunt tip pressing just near my entrance to part my pinkish folds. I tried to nudge away out of fear, but he quickly scolded me "Don't move. Take a deep breathe"

He slowly nodded his head in reassurance. I took a deep breathe. Letting out the lungful of air, I was halfway through inhaling another when Colton thrusted forward without so much as a warning. Sliding into my tight channel, his thick member filled me with a painful stretch. I chocked for a moment as I whimpered and the air became stuck in my throat.

A tear welled in both my eyes and all I felt was a burning pain as he slowly rocked in and out. My hands pushed against his chest and my insides clenched at the intrusion "Stop, it hurts. You said it wouldn't hurt" a ticklish wet trail slid from the corner of my eye.

Colton stopped his movement and peered down at me "It'll hurt for a while until you get used to it. You'll be alright" he said while tucking a strand of my hair and wiping my tears.

"You lied?" I didn't understand.

"It's better that way. It doesn't do you any good to get yourself all worked up over it" he replied.

I felt a little angered that Colton didn't tell me in the first place, but then again, I suppose he was right in a way. Shifting his body weight, Colton moved his hand down between us to rub at my clit. My lips instantly parted with a gaspy moan. Rolling his hips in a slow rhythm, my brows knitted with hurt as I continued to stretch. The stinging eventually began to dissipate into something akin to an aching sensation.

My hands moved from his chest to wrap around his waist, my legs followed to do the same. Moving his hand from between my legs, Colton buried his face into my neck and thrusted faster. Moaning beside his ear, a pressure settled into my stomach. The pleasure was weak beside the pain, but it was enough to make me want to keep going.

Hugging his firm body closer against mine, my eyes closed to blankness as I focused on the feeling. I can hear his own breathily grunts and noises, and it sent a wave of heat between my thighs. Arching my back, my legs slacked to give him deeper access. Meeting my hips with every jerk of his own, I moaned when he nudged against my back wall.

Peeling himself away from my neck, I missed the weight of his body over mine. Looking down as he continued to move inside of me, Colton leant in to press his sweet lips against mine. Kissing with a deep passion, I hummed and tugged at his bottom lip with my teeth. A sudden loud moan slipped from me when I felt an incredible strike of pleasure ripple into my belly. I hummed as my core throbbed.

Colton stopped and looked at me before running his hands up the length of my left leg. The pads of his fingers tickled my flesh before he gripped my legs and rearranged them to be a little further up and tighter around his waist. Hooking his arms undermine, I felt caged underneath Colton's body as he leant down on me again, his chest pushing up against my plump bosom.

Holding onto him, his hips started slow but quickly escalating to a battering pace. The wooden bedframe creaked beneath us and the back of my head slightly clipped the headboard. My mouth gaped open with a constant flow of moans as Colton pounded me into the mattress. He never once faulted in his pace, or looked as if it were exerting himself.

Kissing me, he swallowed most of my moans and gave a low groan when my blunt nails dug into his shoulder blades. I couldn't help myself and I was too absorbed in the constant wave of pleasure to realise what I was doing and how much noise I was making. It all became a blur as the tight coil wounded in my belly. I was ready to burst at any moment.

Nipping the flesh along my neck, Colton halted his punishing pace in favour of jolting his hips deep and quick with spaced bursts. Grinding his hips in-between, he rubbed up against my sensitive clit and I mewled. Thrusting a little faster with the same deep strokes, I moaned every so often, the noise forced from my body.

The heat and tension in the air increased and a slight sheen of sweat coated our skin "Faster" I whispered, pleaded. Immediately obliging, Colton resumed his rough but pleasuring pace. My long black lashes fluttered as they peaked up at the draping fabric of the canopy above.

A warmth began to pool between my thighs before a wave of sweet euphoria washed over me from head to toe – like nothing I've ever felt. I tasted the distinct tang of pepper in the back of my mouth and my brain went almost completely blank for a second or two until I was able to concentrate again.

Trembling as my insides clenched with aftershocks, a wetness dripped down from inside of me to dampen the sheets. Our breathing is heavy and laboured, and I felt completely satisfied. A speckle of fatigue clouded my mind and soon after, the sore ache made itself more than present as Colton slid out to collapse beside me.

Lying there, neither one of us spoke a word as we caught our breath. My hands slowly roamed down from my ribs, along my stomach and onto the tops of my thighs. I expected to feel something – something different. I do, it's a sense of liberation and discovery "I didn't know it could feel like that" I uttered, more to myself than Colton.

"There's a lot of things you don't know" he replied "But you will soon enough – you have the job"

Moving off the bed, Colton walked around to the end of the mattress and redressed himself without a care for his modesty. For some bizarre reason I still felt as if I should hide, despite him having seen all that I have to offer. My arms crossed over my chest and I sat up with a sharp wince. Looking down, a small trail of blood is smeared between my thighs and splotched on the cream coloured linens.

I looked over to my side to see Colton holding out a damp rag "It'll stop" he answered without me even having to ask "And as for the bedsheets, I wouldn't worry. They've been dirtied with a lot worse than a bit of blood" I grimaced at the thought before pushing it aside in favour of a question.

"Since the moment I met you, you've been constantly questioning me, concerning yourself as to why I'm here and if I belong. Why does it matter to you?" I didn't look at Colton as I spoke, instead I wiped away the blood between my legs with the rag.

"My reason is my own" he replied simply but firmly.

"But, I told you mine"

"Yes, you did" lacing his shoes tight, Colton gave me a look "Be sure to have a talk with Pamela before you leave here tonight. She'll want to know you've made a decision" stepping forward to the side of the bed, Colton leant in and gave me a final kiss. It confused me.

I watched as he walked out leave me alone in the room – strange.

He's a man that'll reach inside of you and lay it all out plain and simple, but when it comes to himself he won't say a word. Like his intricate black tattoo's, he's a mystery. But, I know there's a story in there somewhere, one just needs to patient. It's only just the beginning.

THE END