When You Love A Billionaire

Audrey Zachary adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped onto the train platform, the chilly breeze brushing against her skin. The station was nearly empty, save for a few strangers waiting for the last train of the night. She checked her phone but there were no new messages. Her aunt, Ivy Jenkins had asked her to wait for her here.

Ivy had been her guardian since she was twelve, after her father's death from a brain tumor and her mother's descent into a coma. Audrey had never questioned her aunt's decisions before, but standing alone in a dimly lit train station for over an hour made her uneasy.

Her phone suddenly buzzed. She checked and it was a message from her aunt.

Aunt Ivy: Buy me some groceries before coming home.

Audrey sighed. At least it gave her something to do instead of standing around in the cold. She turned toward the nearest supermarket, her boots clicking against the pavement.

Halfway there, she heard footsteps behind her.

They were steady. Close.

Too close.

Her pulse quickened. She turned, heart hammering against her chest.

A sharp pain exploded at the back of her head. The world tilted, her vision blurred and darkness swallowed her whole.

"She's a beauty."

A voice slithered into her fading consciousness.

"She'll be good for business. Look at that ass-she'll fill out nicely when she grows up. Her boobs are still tender."

The words made her stomach turn. But before she could fight it, everything went black.

Audrey woke to the sound of arguing.

A sharp female voice sneered, "I saw him first .You seduced him!"

Another scoffed, "Shut your mouth. He said he's tired of you."

She blinked, trying to adjust to the dim light. Her head pounded as she sat up, taking in her surroundings , lavish yet suffocating. Velvet curtains, expensive furniture, dim lighting. The sickly-sweet scent of perfume and liquor clung to the air.

Two women stood in front of her, their bickering momentarily forgotten. One, a striking brunette, folded her arms and scowled. The other, a sultry redhead.

"She's awake," the brunette muttered in dismay. "Great. Another hot one to compete with. I can barely keep up with Ava."

Audrey pressed her palms against her temple, trying to make sense of what was happening.

"Where am I?" she croaked, her throat dry. "I need to go home-I have an exam tomorrow. Have you seen my phone?"

The redhead laughed, a cold, humorless sound. "Oh, sweetheart. You've been napped."

"No," the brunette corrected, clicking her tongue. "She was sold."

Audrey's breath hitched.

Sold?

A sharp click of heels cut through the tension. A woman stepped forward, elegant and poised. Dark red lips, high cheekbones, commanding presence.

Mademoiselle Viola.

"The beauty is awake," she mused, her voice silky and calculated. "Perfect timing. There are many clients awaiting your presence."

Audrey's stomach twisted.

Vanessa and Lola exchanged looks, barely concealing their smirks.

"Vanessa and Lola will give you a tour and Amor will teach you everything you need to know about being a prostitute."

The words hit Audrey like a slap.

A joke. This had to be a joke.

She let out a shaky laugh. "I-I don't have time for this. I'm going home." She stood, brushing past them, only to freeze in the doorway.

Beyond the lavish room was a long corridor filled with women in provocative dresses, men leering from dimly lit booths, music thrumming beneath her feet. The unmistakable scent of sin and desperation clung to the air.

Her pulse skyrocketed.

No.

No, no, no.

"This isn't real," she whispered.

Viola stepped behind her, voice low and taunting. "Once you're here, you belong to me, Audrey. Your body isn't your dignity anymore, it's your livelihood."

Audrey spun, eyes blazing. "I want no part of this! Let me go! My aunt is waiting for me!"

Viola's smile didn't waver.

"Shut up, little girl." Her voice turned ice-cold. "You are mine now. Failure to obey my rules will result in punishment. And believe me, you don't want to experience that."

Audrey's knees buckled.

This wasn't a nightmare.

This was real.

She collapsed onto the floor, sobbing.

Vanessa crouched beside her, wiping away her tears with an oddly gentle touch. "There's no use fighting," she murmured.

"Once Viola buys you, you're hers forever. If you ever have kids, they'll belong to her too."

Audrey stared at her in horror. "I was sold?"

Lola sighed. "Yeah. Most of us were. I was napped. Vanessa was sold by someone she trusted."

Vanessa nodded solemnly. "Lola's boyfriend sold her."

Audrey's breath came in sharp gasps.

Who had betrayed her?

Who had done this to her?

And most terrifying of all , how would she escape?

" We have to do your hair," Lola said, bringing Audrey out of her thoughts.

"No. I'm not going to be one of you . I don't belong here" Audrey's voice cracked but she didn't care. Fear and defiance swirled inside her, clashing in a desperate bid to hold on to the life she once had.

Lola let out a sigh, crossing her arms. "Little girl, none of us want to be here but you either accept it or Viola will make you and trust me, she's far worse than you think. She has connections with mafia lords and drug lords. She'll break you until there's nothing left to fight with. I don't think your young heart can survive that kind of pain."

"No... no... I won't do this! I want to go home!" Audrey's chest heaved as she stumbled back, pressing herself against the cold, firm wall.

The other girls shared a look, some filled with pity, others hardened by the weight of their own survival. They tried to reason with her but Audrey wasn't listening. How could she? Her mind clung desperately to a life that was already lost.

She slid down to the floor, arms wrapping around her knees as if she could somehow make herself disappear but Viola didn't tolerate rebellion.

When she heard about Audrey's resistance, her fury was swift and merciless. She ordered her to be thrown into a cell, dark, damp reeking of rot.

Days passed with no food or water, only silence and suffering.

Audrey's body weakened but her will refused to bend. I'd rather die than become one of them. She vowed to herself .

But Viola wouldn't allow that. Audrey was too valuable. She hadn't even been auctioned yet and a dead girl was worth nothing.

So she devised another punishment.

That's when Ava came in .

The sound of footsteps barely registered in Audrey's hazy mind. She was too weak to lift her head. Then came the scent of something warm, then a soft voice followed.

"Hello there. I'm Ava. What's your name?"

Audrey's lips were cracked and dry, her throat raw from dehydration. "Go away," she rasped. "I'll not be like you. I won't sell myself."

Ava chuckled but there was no humor in it. "Like me? That's ironic." She slid down to sit on the other side of the bars.

"Should I tell you a story?" She asked but Audrey didn't respond but she continued anyway.

"My father was a politician. He was about to become a senator. Then a gang came. They slaughtered him, dragged me away, did things I don't want to repeat. Then they sold me to Viola. I was about to graduate. I had dreams too."

She exhaled, voice dropping to a whisper. "But dreams don't mean anything here."

Audrey's chest tightened at her words but she didn't respond.

Ava studied her carefully "You think this is the worst thing that could happen to you? It's not. The worst thing is staying blind. Don't you want to know who sold you? Why they did it? Don't you have the need to understand how someone could rip away your future?"

Audrey shut her eyes, pain swelling in her chest.

"I... I can't," she sobbed.

"I'm only sixteen. I don't belong here."

Ava's expression softened "I know."

She reached through the bars and took Audrey's cold and trembling hands in hers.

"But listen to me, Audrey. You will survive this. You have to. You won't be here forever I promise. When they touch you, when they take pieces of you, let it fuel you. Let it remind you of what was stolen. That's what keeps me going." Her voice cracked, but she kept going.

"I don't know what happened to my siblings. That's why I endure this-to find out."

Tears slipped down Audrey's cheeks. "I'm scared."

"I know."Ava squeezed her hands.

"Viola will try to break you. But I will be here to put you back together. Just pretend she's won. Play along. That's how you survive."

Audrey looked at her through blurred vision. "I don't want to survive. I want to go home."

Ava hesitated, then whispered, "Then find out who took that from you."

Audrey's breath caught wondering how she would do that.

Her mind reeled back to that night. "I wasn't supposed to be out late. She told me to wait. If I had listened..."She swallowed, throat burning with regret.

"I was just getting groceries. I wasn't even alone"

Ava's eyes darkened with thought. "That doesn't make sense."

Audrey clamped her lips shut. She didn't trust Ava. Not yet.

Ava sighed and stood up. "Come on. You need food, water and a bath."

She was five years older but somehow, she felt more like an older sister than anything else. Because she knew. She knew what Viola had planned for Audrey-gang rape and she couldn't 't let that happen.

"Does it... does it hurt?" Audrey whispered as Ava helped her up.

Ava hesitated "Only the first time. Then... you get used to it." But when she saw Audrey's face twist in horror, she quickly turned away.

The cell door creaked open and Viola strolled in, her sharp eyes scanning Audrey from head to toe. A slow, pleased smile curled her lips.

"Finally, some progress."

Audrey stiffened as Viola circled her like a predator.

"Now," Viola purred, "Let's get something straight. Just because you sell your body doesn't make you any less human thanthose high-society women who trade themselves for diamonds and yachts. They're whores too. The only difference? They dress in silk while doing it."

Audrey's stomach churned.

Viola leaned in "Learn to own it. No one will pity you, so stop pitying yourself."*

Audrey bit her tongue until she tasted blood.

Viola smirked "Good. Now, your training begins."

The next hours were a blur of whispered rules, forced obedience, and endless reminders of her worth-not as a human but as a product.

A commodity.

Then came the final lesson.

Viola stood before her, eyes gleaming " There's only one way to survive and it's to go by the rules. Listen carefully to the rules. Rule number one: Don't fall in love. It never ends well for girls like you." She starts and Audrey looks at Ava in dismay.

"Rule number two: Don't disobey me. You will regret it."

"Rule number three: Don't even think about escaping. If you do, I will find you wherever you go and when I do, I'll mark you in a way that even death won't erase the scar"

Audrey clenched her fists in anger but she said nothing.

Viola smiled "If you behave, we'll get along just fine. You have everything-a perfect body, a beautiful face and that striking ginger hair. You'll make me a fortune"

Audrey felt like throwing up at the way she was being referred to but she has made up her mind to endure it like Ava had advised . She was going to find the bastard that ruined her life even if it takes an eternity.

Then the moment came for her to be auctioned. She was dressed in a skimpy tube dress, covered in a long coat and led to the auction stage.

The moment they removed her coat, she felt every filthy, lustful gaze crawl over her skin like insects.

Her stomach twisted in shame.

The bidding began at $10,000. Another bidded $50,000 then $100,000 and suddenly someone raised a $5 million bid.

Silence fell over the crowd which made Viola's eyes gleamed with greed.

Audrey was later led to a private room by the guards. Nervous and agitated , she forced herself to breathe as she stepped inside.

A man sat by the window, swirling a glass of whiskey, a cigar burning between his fingers.

Adrian Emerson sat comfortably at the VIP table, his sharp eyes fixated on the girl standing nervously on the auction stage. She was young-too young and yet breathtakingly beautiful. Her curves, her delicate face, the way she trembled under the lustful gazes of the men surrounding her. He could see the shame in her eyes, the way she clung to the last shred of her dignity.

She would be easy to tame.

With a smirk, Adrian placed a bid so high no one dared to challenge him. Five million dollars for a single night.It was absurd, unheard of but he didn't care. He wanted her. And now, she was his.

Moments later, she stood before him in his private suite.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, taking his time to admire her. He enjoyed the way she avoided his gaze, how she kept her arms wrapped around herself as if she could shield herself from what was coming.

His grin widened.

"Don't be scared, little one. I want you. Come here."

Audrey didn't move. She stood frozen, her breathing shallow, her fingers digging into her arms.

Adrian's amusement flickered into mild annoyance. "Come here. I won't hurt you." His tone was gentler this time, coaxing.

Still, she didn't move.

A dark gleam entered his eyes. "It seems you're nervous," he mused.

"Now I'm going to punish you for disobeying me." He tilted his head, his smirk returning. "Strip. Slowly. I want to take my time admiring what I paid for.

Audrey whimpered.

"And come closer while you're at it."

But she remained glued to the floor.

With a sigh, Adrian stood, discarded the lit cigar in the ashtray and approached her. His gaze trailed down her trembling body, taking in every detail. His fingers reached out, brushing against her arm. "How old are you, little one?" he asked, his voice low.

"Sixteen," she whispered.

His hand stilled "Sixteen?"

She swallowed hard "Yes sir." His title barely left her lips before she flinched at his touch.

Adrian chuckled "Interesting"

His lips descended upon her skin-her clavicle, her neck, her cleavage. His hands roamed, exploring her body with practiced ease.

Audrey stood still, her mind detaching from her reality. She forced herself to think about something-anything other than what was happening to her. Her freedom. Her past life. Her dreams.

Adrian quickly noticed her lack of reaction.

She didn't fight. She didn't whimper. She didn't even flinch anymore.

She was like a lifeless doll in his hands.

Something about that irritated him. It was an insult and a challenge at the same time.

So he pushed further.

His kisses became rougher. His touch became demanding. He stripped her bare and ravaged her body, forcing his way into her, leaving her gasping in agony. She screamed, but he swallowed her cries with bruising kisses, muffling her pain with his mouth.

When it was over, she was barely conscious.

Her body ached in ways she never thought possible. She felt numb. Broken. Violated.

She lay still as Adrian showered and dressed, her mind floating somewhere far, far away. When he returned, he carried a warm towel and a bowl of water, gently cleaning the blood from her thighs.

His touch was oddly tender now, but it made her stomach churn.

The bedsheets were stained deep red.

Adrian ran a hand through her damp hair. "Do you know why I punished you that way?" His voice was smooth, almost affectionate.

"Because you disobeyed me. You refused to moan. You refused to give in. But I'm sure you've learned your lesson now."

He placed a check beside her, brushing a lingering kiss against her lips before leaving the room.

The moment he was gone, Ava rushed in.

Her eyes widened at the sight before her-Audrey curled up on the bloodstained sheets, her body trembling violently.

Ava quickly grabbed a blanket, wrapping it around her. "I'm so sorry, Audrey," she whispered, hugging her tightly.

"I've never seen him before... Was he that rough?"

Audrey let out a hollow laugh, a sound filled with bitterness and pain. "Rough?" Her voice cracked. "Ava, there was no pleasure. He devoured me like I was nothing. Just look at me."**

Her chest heaved as she grabbed the lamp on the nightstand and threw it across the room, sending it crashing to the floor.

Ava flinched but quickly tried to calm her. "Shhh... it's over now. You won't see him again. Not anymore."

Audrey shook her head, eyes wild with grief. "It was horrible. I screamed all night. Is this what you endure? I can't do it again, Ava. I'll lose my mind."

Before Ava could respond, footsteps approached.

She quickly wiped Audrey's tears. "Mademoiselle Viola is coming. Stay put."

The door swung open, and Viola stepped inside. She barely spared Audrey a glance before her eyes landed on the blood-soaked sheets.

A pleased smile crossed her lips. "My, my... that was quite a first night. Seems Mr. Emerson enjoyed himself."

Audrey clenched her fists.

Viola's expression softened, mockingly so "I have good news, Audrey."

She turned to the other girls. "Get rid of the sheets. That's Audrey's past now."**

As they hurried out, Viola stepped closer, her voice sweet as poison. "Mr. Emerson has made you his permanent bedmate. He said you belong to him now. No one else is allowed to touch you. You should be grateful."

Audrey's stomach twisted. "Hell no."

Viola's smile vanished. "Excuse me?"

Audrey's voice trembled, but she held her ground. "He used me like I was nothing. I won't belong to him."

Viola's hand struck across her face-once, twice. The sharp sting made Audrey's head snap to the side.

"When I say something, you say 'yes, ma'am.'"

Audrey's lip quivered, but she forced herself to whisper"Yes, ma'am"

Viola grabbed her chin roughly, forcing her to look up. "That's better. Now, thank your stars he's a VVIP. You won't be taking clients anymore. Instead, you'll be serving wine, dancing and playing the piano. You will not be idle while you wait for him."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out.

Ava immediately rushed to Audrey's side. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't expect this... he must have taken a liking to you."

Audrey shuddered."I didn't say a word to him. I didn't try to impress him. I hated the way he touched me."

Ava sighed."It's not about that. It's about your body, Audrey. Your tightness. That's all they care about here."

Audrey swallowed back her nausea."I need a bath. I feel like I have a tear."

Ava helped her up"Come on. I'll help you."

**Four months passed

Adrian visited the brothel often. Audrey had no choice but to accept her new reality. But she learned how to use Adrian's obsession to her advantage-getting him to reduce Ava's number of clients, which only made Viola furious.

Despite everything, Audrey tolerated him.

Until one night-

Ava dragged her into a dark room, her voice urgent. She"Viola is planning to sell you to another client. He's willing to pay anything."

Audrey stiffened."Mr. Emerson won't allow that. I'll tell him-"

"No!" Ava's grip tightened. "Viola is planning to turn him against you. We have to leave before it's too late."

Audrey's heart pounded*"How?"

Ava took a deep breath. "We need Adrian's passcard. You have to get it."

Audrey's blood ran cold.