"Let her go." There's a burly man fucking a woman in the ass from behind. He looks up to snarl at the interruption but blanches when he sees Apollo, releasing the hand he has closed over the crying woman's mouth. Upon closer inspection, she's much younger than I'd originally thought and I'm horrified and disgusted to witness it. She has a swollen face and eyes like she's been struck and blood on her thighs and bottom.
The guard tries to play it off like it's not a big deal. "She mouthed off. You know how they can get." And here it's probably not, unless you don't have permission to touch the merchandise. I'm going with he didn't obtain said permission in the first place based on the harsh lines that have taken over Apollo’s aquiline features.
"Whose is she? I'll be escorting her back to her handler, put your dick away." I've seen him stern and blank faced; this is something else altogether. The hair raises on my arms, my body poised against the wrath emanating off him. I am very glad his anger isn't directed at me or my companions. Even Marcus appears wary in my peripheral vision.
The man's cock is hanging flaccid outside the placket of his pants. He slips it in, mess and all, before zipping up. Then the prick wipes his hand on the girl’s back while she remains slumped over a utility sink. Apollo's isn't the only fist clenching in fury. The man cringes back, but it's too late. Apollo darts a hand out, gripping the man by his throat and tossing him out of the janitorial closet. He doesn't look back, just picks himself up off the floor to disappear down the hall.
I chance stepping forward, intent on helping the girl. Apollo zeroes in on my movements and seems to register that I'm not a foe as he focus' on my face. I edge around him, reaching for the bruised girl even as she shies away.
"Hey, hon. Come on, let me see where all you're hurt." The girl lifts a stark gaze in my direction, but she doesn't appear to be all there. She's been terribly traumatized, much like I would be right now had I not had the fortune of falling into the safer option. I don't want to force her to let me examine her with the guys. Although, Brent would be the better option if I was sure she would allow him near her. Stepping further into the small area, I motion Apollo out. "Could one of you please get something to cover her with? I think we should take her back to the rooms and check her out there. Anyone could come up on us here."
That shakes Apollo out of whatever state he's in, prompting him to send Marcus to get something to cover her with. Pulling the door shut, I flick the switch on the wall for a dim bulb to pop on, bathing everything in a yellowish light. Thankfully, the sink has hot and cold water, and with a few paper towels I wash the shivering girl up. She's starting to become more coherent and helps turn to allow me to reach other areas. I leave the spots between her legs alone except for in the most superficial manner. A shower would be best instead of scrubbing with rough paper. I try to make small talk to alleviate the tension.
"I'm Lark. What's your name?
The girl replies in a near whisper that is only audible because I'm so close. "Emily."
"Emily, how old are you? Do you know how long you've been here?"
"I just turned eighteen and graduated high school. I was at a graduation party the night I was taken. I think that was about two weeks ago." Emily's voice strengthens as she speaks.
My heart breaks for her being so young and innocent only to be caught like an animal. If there is ever a reason to not blow the guys’ cover, this is a great one. I can't let this continue if I can help stop it.
A soft tap on the door sounds before it opens enough for a hand to slide a terry-cloth robe in. I take it, draping it around the girl and helping her get her arms in it. She moves stiffly, sore, I’m sure, from her ordeal.
When she's sufficiently covered, I open the door to lead her out, and she starts to panic at the sight of the group of males waiting for us. She must have not noticed them when we found her, and I reassure her the best I can.
"It's okay. They're friends of mine, they won't hurt you." She looks at me like I'm nuts. Not that I can blame her. I just hope my words are true in Apollo and Marcus' case as I don't know what all their duties entail.
I coax her out and down the hall, leaving Apollo to lead the way and the other guys to follow. I take her straight to the bathroom, closing the door on Apollo and Brent's surprised faces when they try to follow us in.
Apollo tries to protest through the barrier. "It's not safe, and Brent needs to look her over."
I know he could force the issue as there still isn't a lock on the door, but the fact that he doesn’t, tells me more about what kind of person he is.
"If you think I can't handle one beaten female after you've seen what I'm capable of, you're not as smart as I thought you are. And Brent can check her after she's clean. Get her some painkillers, too, please." As I speak, I'm turning the water on in the shower. I see a small smile on the girl’s face at my dressing down to the males outside. At least her spirit isn't completely broken after her mistreatment.
I help her get cleaned up, and most of her injuries seem to be superficial. She hisses at the showerhead when I direct it at her private parts, but they have to get clean too. I explain that Brent is Apollo's personal doctor and he'll be careful with her. That I'll stay with her the entire time. When she divulges a piece of information that infuriates me, I stalk out to the bedroom.
"She was a virgin!" Apollo has the grace to look away in shame. I shouldn't be surprised that this happens— and yet I am. And disgusted it hasn't been stopped sooner. Abruptly, Apollo pales.
"She's the new one Robert was in negotiations over. Fuck, he's going to flip out. We have to get her out of here. Now!"
I try to protest that she needs to be seen to by Brent, but he just keeps repeating she has to go, now. I shut my mouth and help her as quickly as I can into some yoga pants and a tank— apologizing profusely for being unable to help her— I barely get her hair brushed out before Marcus and Apollo hustle her out and disappear.