CHAPTER SIX
It was as if her world was tilting. One minute, Tessa was panicking at being a prisoner, the other, she now had some sort of purpose. To bust a slave ring with a man she barely knew. Well, didn’t know at all.
“Why would I trust you? And don’t bring up what happened in the shower. Why would you trust me?”
Locke took a step back. “A valid point. And one I can’t answer. Doctor Freeman, I am in the same position as you. I just gave you enough information that if you wish, you could bring me to my knees. I don’t know you, you’re right. I saw how you took care of my wounds, how you treated the other patients. For me, it is enough.”
And he had saved her when all was lost.
“Why were you there?”
“I told you. I came from that world.”
“You don’t anymore?”
He hesitated. “I keep my ear to the ground. For a while longer at least.”
Tessa felt at a crux. If she pushed more, he would close up like a clam. “What bargain did you make with Luther? For me, I mean.”
“I asked for a buyout, he counter-offered with a six-month lease, that’s renegotiable in three.”
Tessa hesitated to ask her next question. “A lease of what?”
Locke angled his head. “As far as Luther is concerned, you’re my sex slave for six months.”
“And you?”
Immediately, his features darkened. “I’m not Luther. But I respect the deal I made with him, and so I will make one with you, Doctor.”
Tessa held her breath. So far, while she found him accommodating, and apart from her intense attraction and gut feeling which was telling her to trust him, he hadn’t supplied any facts to support his claims.
“You’ll stay here for six months as my personal physician, with minimal rules. Eat, rest. Imagine it’s a vacation. And I’ll work something out with Luther, so you can return to work after that period.”
For a long time, Tessa stayed silent, taking in all he had said, turning and twisting it inside her head, trying to find a flaw.
“You are in the habit of being stabbed that often? Or do you just like being stitched?”
Again, that smile went straight through her like a blazing arrow. “No, but I have associates, one in particular who is a fighter. He has difficult fights coming up and will probably require your help.”
Was he that selfless? So far, nothing he’d done was for himself. He was trying to save Allison, stop Luther, rescue her and take care of his associate.
“What are your rules?”
“Simple, don’t try to leave this apartment. You have free access to the entire place, except my office and bedroom. I like this place tidy so please be mindful. And if ever I order you to your bedroom, don’t hesitate and lock yourself in until I come and get you.”
Tessa took a deep breath and wondered if she was in the middle of one those weird dreams she got when she was completely exhausted. But her only clue was that she’d never felt fatigue in her dreams and right now, her body was ready to collapse.
“I can’t be away from work so long…” What if other girls fled? Mabel could help, but only a doctor could sign the transfer forms.
“I don’t want to force you, Doctor, but if you don’t agree to my terms, I will need to return you to Luther.”
Just the thought made her shiver in fright. “You wouldn’t.”
“You will soon find out that I am a man of my word, Doctor. And I’m the same way with my rules. Either we strike a deal, or the entire thing is off.”
“Six months! I can’t be away from work that long! It’s impossible!”
Locke nodded, and her stomach tied into a knot. He had to understand her point of view.
