Chapter One
Megan
People say you should never give up…
That you should keep going no matter what.
Keep believing, keep trying, keep fighting…
I don’t know if any of those sayings apply to those who are broken.
I think it takes some level of hope that you can pull through a situation and make it out at the other end to believe in such things.
For people like me, there’s no point.
No point believing and lying to myself.
No point making myself believe there will be hope where there is none.
My wrists still hurt and my body feels broken. That’s to be expected from what Lucca did to me.
Ten lashes for my insolence and ten more for my disobedience.
Disobedience for trying to escape the madman who came into my home like a thief in the night and took me as payment for the money my father owed.
Sold.
Just like that. No questions asked. I’m not even sure Dad felt anything as he watched me go. That’s what I got for trying to be the good daughter. I was trying to save him from drinking himself into an early grave and his gambling addiction.
Well… it served me right. I was warned that he couldn’t be saved, but back then I had hope, I believed I could do anything. That love could do all sorts of shit like heal.
It didn’t.
Dad got himself in trouble with mobsters and dragged me in too.
Now, look at me.
I’m a sex slave to the tyrant Lucca Marchesi.
I lift my head and gaze on at my reflection in the mirror.
My green eyes that used to be bright and vibrant speak of the hell I’ve lived. My raven hair, pulled back into a ponytail highlights my gaunt appearance. But that’s how I’m supposed to have it when I’m working. Out of my face so the men can have a good look at me.
Against the rusty mirror, I look forsaken. Abandoned. It’s true.
The rusty mirror might need cleaning, just like everywhere in the Dollhouse but it’s showing me the truth.
Dollhouse…
That’s what Lucca calls this room. His Dollhouse in his sophisticated gentlemen’s club, Carpe Diem.