12. Chapter 12 #2
At first, she says nothing. She won't even lift her eyes from staring into the abyss that is her cup of tea.
Shaw slowly slides his hand toward her, wrapping his fingers around her wrist. A reassurance that she's not alone, or maybe the permission to not answer my question.
Despite the physical contact, Carmen doesn't abandon the sight of her mug.
But she finally admits, "Yes, they hurt me.
Many men have had their turn in harming me. Using me. Leaving their mark."
Her eyes dart upward and connect with mine. "I tried three times to escape. All three times, I was caught and beaten within an inch of my life. I was no longer a human being. I was property and belonged to the Casa de Placer." House of Pleasure.
My heart lurches inside my chest. All this time, all these years, she's been a slave in the Casa de Placer.
Although brothels are legal in Orlencia, they are only permitted in the Night and Entertainment Districts and the men and women who work there are paid handsomely and choose their clientele.
Anyone who lifts a harmful finger against one of these workers is punished.
But in the Brogratto, there are no rules or regulations, only pain and misery.
Carmen wouldn't be granted pay for the services forcefully provided, but worse, she wouldn't be given a choice in being there.
I'm going to burn it to the fucking ground.
Suddenly, I sense five sets of eyes on me. It's only then I feel tears slipping down my cheeks. "How did you escape?" I manage to whisper, wiping the evidence of my sorrow with the back of my hand.
"Against all rhyme or reason, and having just recovered from my third escape attempt, I was determined the fourth time would be my last. Whether I lived or died, I would be no one's property.
" Carmen continues, finally taking a sip of her tea.
"I ran as fast as my feet could carry me, but it wasn't long before I knew I was being chased.
I was hungry, sore, and malnourished. I knew they were closing in and found my way to the canal.
Just as I was about to jump in, determined to let the water claim me, I felt a hand on my shoulder and when I turned around, I saw Remus.
He was the first kind and sympathetic face I'd seen in years; the first man to touch me who didn't want something from me. "
I glance over Carmen's shoulder at Remus still perched on the kitchen counter.
He's staring into the distance, as if he's remembering that night vividly.
There's no wicked smirk, no political agenda, no scheming written on his face; only sadness.
And for the first time since I've known him, he appears human.
"He asked me if I needed help," Carmen's voice carries on.
"I didn't have a chance to answer before my masters found us.
They were armed with rope and a whip, and I knew what would happen next would be life ending.
But as they approached, Remus told them I was none of their concern anymore.
They argued, of course, but what I hadn't realized is I'd actually escaped the Brogratto District and had stepped foot into the Bronze District.
If they crossed over the canal, they'd be trespassing and could be jailed.
Remus tossed them a bag of coins. The gold pieces scattered across the street, and I knew he was buying my freedom.
He told them I no longer belonged to them and that he would be taking over my career.
When they saw who he was, they gathered up the coins as fast as they could and flitted into the darkness.
"I was free of them," she sighs in relief, as if she was reliving all those emotions.
"Before I could thank Remus or offer my services, he bent in front of me and wiped the tears from my face and whispered I would be no one's slave again.
He offered me a job and a place to stay.
For the first year, he kept a close watch over me until Shaw" – she smiles at him and slips her hand in his – "and I fell in love. I've been here six years now."
Her eyes find mine. "This is my family. And I will do everything in my power to bring this government to its knees so they, too, can be free."
There's an ache in my chest and an overwhelming sadness stewing in my heart.
Had I known she was still alive in the Brogratto, I never would have given up my search for her.
I would have fought for her freedom. Although the guilt of her circumstances should not be mine to bear, I can't shake the notion I could have done more.
"A lot of things need to happen for our plan to work." Cassius breaks the silence. "That's where you come in."
I give the prince my undivided attention, purging thoughts of retribution for the time being. "And what exactly do you need me for?"
"For the reasons Dona Otero explained before," he says. "We need you to be Elena Lozano and woo a nobleman's heart. But not just anyone. Severo Murrieta's son, Rogelio."
I remember from the files targeting the Master of Justice's son for an easy mark, but my sights were focused on Rafael Canoso, believing a Don to be worth my time and effort. But the Murrieta boy is still of value, even if he doesn't yet have the title his father has.
I snatch the mug, bringing it to my lips, and blow the steam from the top. "And once I have his heart, then what?"
"We use him for information and access to his father's files," Remus inserts himself into the conversation. "I am unable to get close enough because Severo and I have a history. We don't exactly see eye-to-eye."
"I couldn't possibly imagine why," I drawl. "You have such excellent bedside manners."
Olli snickers but quickly beats a fist to his chest pretending to cough.
Remus lifts one brow. "Severo Murrieta and I don't get along as councilmen or otherwise.
He'll have eyes on me at all times in meetings and festive gatherings.
Cassius can't be seen period. Carmen and Shaw are our eyes and ears at the bar, where most of the elite will go to unwind and let their guards down. Which leaves Olli."
At the mention of his name, the redhead straightens in his chair.