Savage's

CHAPTER 3

*Gray*

The dreaded day had finally arrived, and I knew I couldn't avoid it any longer. I was turning thirty years old, which isn't normally anything special, but in my family it was. There was a tradition, one that I loathed. My parents, like theirs before me, would buy their son a woman of their choice. He could use her for whatever he wanted, and when I say whatever, I mean it.

I come from a very wealthy family, very privileged, and I'm not so grateful for that. I know I'm different from the rest of my family, though I try not to show it anymore. I made that mistake when I was younger, and I don't ever want to experience it again. I've only ever had one choice.

My parents inherited a shipping company from my grandparents. It's been in the family for many generations. I've been helping with the company, the only thing I cared to learn about my family. Recently, I was promoted to Logistics manager, landing myself in my own private office with a window of the city.

I watched my brother, Kellan, pick out his lady. He's four years older than me, and at the time I was excited, until I saw what my brother used her for... It's an image I'll never be able to erase from my memory, burned like a scar into my brain. Her name was Angel, and I haven't seen her in a couple of years. I know my brother, and I feared the worst for Angel.

As I pulled my tie snug, I stared at myself in the mirror. My hair was styled, my teeth were brushed, and my face was shaved. As far as appearances go, I'm ready, but mentally, that is where the battle began. As I stood in my old bedroom, reminded of horrible memories, I realized there's only one good thing about this situation. I don't live here anymore, and I have my own set of house rules. This woman won't have to fear me.

I took a deep breath, and exited my room to find the others waiting just outside my door. Kellan winked at me, and Donny wriggled his eyebrows. Anya, our baby sister, would never have to experience this, though she does have to watch. I can only imagine what that does to a young adolescent's mind.

We walked down the spiral staircase and outside to the backyard, where I saw five women standing on square pedestals. One woman, the one at the very end, caught my attention with her bright blonde curly hair. I know I promised myself not to judge by appearance, but I can't help it. I've never been so stunned by a woman's beauty. Her hazel eyes met with mine for a fraction of a second, before she diverted her gaze.

I know what's expected of me, and I can't act haphazardly. I inspect each woman, their eyes, lips, neck, nose, hair, and anything else I can think of. I refused to grab them inappropriately, which is the only thing I refused, much to Kellan's dismay. After all, that was his favorite part of the process.

The first couple of women were seductive, licking their lips, trying to get me aroused, which only did the opposite. If I was being honest with myself, there was only one that I was remotely interested in. When I finally reached her, I really took my time, and that was because I wanted to, not because I had to.

I was captivated by her looks, so exotic and refreshing. Until I noticed the small cut below her eye, and suddenly I felt enraged. Someone hurt her, beyond just the skin I imagine, and it's infuriating. I stared into her light hazel eyes, feeling something touch the inside of my chest. It was an instinct to run my fingers through her curls, or maybe just a desire to feel how soft her hair was, but the second I did she winced.

I noticed she was barely breathing, her face was turning red like she was going to combust. She is beyond terrified of me, and that's something that actually hurts me.

"Breathe," I whispered, hoping to help ease her discomfort.

This woman wasn't like the others, she didn't want to be chosen. Judging by her appearance, she didn't come from the best of places. Why would she want to go back? I knew she would like it better with me, and though she didn't realize it, I was going to save her.

I walked back towards my family, and the owners of the rest of the women. Everyone with eager smiles, awaiting to hear my choice. I leaned towards my father, and whispered number five into his ear. He smiled, and concluded business. The remaining slaves were taken away, while the woman I chose was left standing on the pedestal.

"Here you go, Aspen. Thank you for your business." My father said to the woman with red hair, handing her a check.

"Thank you, sir." She smiled, and started to walk away.

"Go get your gift, son," my father said, turning towards the purchased woman with a large grin.

I walked towards the woman, who stared at me with wide eyes. I held my hand out for her to grab, offering to help her down from the pedestal. After a minute of contemplation, she took my hand and stepped down. Her skin was soft, like velvet, and I didn't want to let go. I kept her hand in mine, mainly because I knew something would be said if I didn't have some kind of hold on her.

There was a family dinner we had to attend, but then afterward we will return to my house. That's where she will learn. I'm not going to hurt her, ever.

We all walked inside the house, and my mom took the woman from my hand. I knew she was going to get fitted into an evening gown, but I didn't want this woman alone with any of my family members. Reluctantly, I released my grip, and mom steered the blonde upstairs.

"Sign the contract, son, and Daisy is all yours." My dad said, handing me a lengthy contract.

Daisy? That's her name? I quickly stifled the smile that was starting to emerge on my lips, and signed the contract. I handed it back to my dad, and stared after the woman named Daisy.

"She'll be right down, dressed to impress. Let's go wait in the dining room." Dad offered, walking out of the den.

I followed him to the large rectangle table, as he sat at the head of the table. I sat to his left, and everyone saved a seat beside me for Daisy. Within just a few minutes, mom returned with Daisy by her side. Mom dressed Daisy in a light blue satin dress, one that hugged every petite curve. It had a plunging neckline, revealing Daisy's small cleavage.

I stood up, pulling her chair out for her to sit down in. Mom raised an eyebrow at me, before taking her seat, and I knew I had already f****d up. I showed Daisy respect, and we're supposed to do the exact opposite. I couldn't help myself, I was once again taken with her beauty, and acted like a gentleman. Let's face it, though, I'm nothing of the sort.