Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Aaron's Honor (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Men of Mercy Book 8) by Lindsay Cross Read Free Book Online Page A

but there is no doubt she is a great beauty and will add to his collection. And her history?”
    Mankel crossed his ankle over his leg and steeped his fingers. “She speaks English and French, educated through high school. Owns a small store back in the states. Her family is poor and she has little involvement with them at this time in her life. They will cause no trouble.”
    Sven poured a cup of tea and took a sip from the delicate china. “Does she have a husband? Children?”
    “No. She is alone.”
    Sven carefully replaced the teacup and saucer, his blank expression easing. “She bruises beautifully. Dmitri will like that, but she is damaged goods. Are you certain she wasn’t penetrated?”
    “No, my doctor did a full inspection. She is untarnished and clean.”
    “I will have to insist on a lower price due to the…obvious injuries. It will take time to get her back to full health for her new master to enjoy fully.”
    “What do you have in mind?” Mankel asked.
    “One-hundred thousand American dollars.”
    Mankel scoffed, settling in for the haggle. “A girl like her would easily sell for a minimum of one-hundred seventy-five.”
    Sven paused, as if in thought, but Mankel could easily detect the calculating gleam in his eyes.
    “One fifty.”
    “Deal.” The tense muscles down Mankel's back relaxed and he gave a mental sigh of relief. Celine Latimer had been an unwelcome intrusion on his plans, but as a sex slave to a Russian aristocrat, she would cause him no trouble. And, had in fact, fattened his bank account nicely. “Perfect, I'll have her escorted to your plane in the morning.”
    “No, I will meet you here.” Sven handed him a small piece of paper. “We will assume ownership of the girl at this location and you will receive payment there.”
    “As you wish.”

 
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
    “Miss Latimer, wake up. It's time to go.”
    Celine stretched and cracked open an eye to see A’idah standing at her bedside, wringing her hands in front of her.
    “It's okay A’idah, I'm up.” Celine felt the need to put the girl at ease, she always seemed to be looking over her shoulder but for what Celine hadn't figured out.
    “I will lay out your clothes for travel while you shower. Can I bring you some coffee or juice?” A’idah stepped back from the bed and Celine sat up and swung her legs over the side.
    “You don't have to bring me anything, A’idah.” Having someone at her beck and call had been nice, but now was too much. She could take care of herself, just like always. “I can take care of myself.”
    “Please, allow me to serve you –”
    “Go get her coffee and for heaven sake, stop simpering and pouting like a whipped dog.” Solana strode into the room like she owned it, startling A’idah, who shot Celine a fearful glance and darted from the room.
    Irritation chased the last bit of sleepiness from Celine and she stood, careful not to move too fast and strain her still sore muscles. A’idah might cower to Mankel's daughter, but not Celine. “You didn't have to be so rude to her.”
    “She is a slave. Not that it will be your concern any longer. Transportation will leave in an hour. I am here to see that you are bathed and dressed properly.” Solana barked out her commands from behind the blue screen of her hood. The dress, meant to hide a woman and Celine thought, keep her in her place below men, only made Solana seem scarier.
    Not that Celine had any intention of backing down. “I can bathe and dress myself.”
    “Please hurry, we are on a schedule.”
    A’idah rushed back into the room, carrying a large gold tray and Celine bit back her retort. Instead, she spun and strode into the large luxurious bathroom, shutting the double-doors behind her and wishing for a way to lock them. But she'd discovered yesterday there was no lock.
    She went to the shower and turned on the water with a sigh. She wasn't going to miss much about this place, but the bathroom, which was large enough