Black Market Bidder Ch. 04

"What would you like for breakfast, sweetie?" She asked, still trying to shake off her laugh. AJ tried to brush it off and cleared her throat.

"Um, do you have any muffins?" She asked, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Kelly smiled at her, almost fondly.

"What kind are you looking for?" Kelly asked and AJ looked up at Leon, reflexively looking for some kind of approval or guidance. When she realized what she was doing, she snapped her gaze back to Kelly despite Leon's smile.

"Coffee cake? Or chocolate..." AJ didn't know why she suddenly felt shy but she blamed her boobs. Kelly's face lit up at her request though.

"My girl, you are in luck!" She declared as she walked over to what looked like a very large pantry. After just a moment, she came back carrying a big tray of what looked like fresh coffee cake muffins. Even Carter straightened up, seemingly excited.

"Where were you hiding those?" Leon asked as if he were truly offended.

"Seriously, Kelly? Holding out?" Carter asked. AJ hadn't heard him speak since the bidding war. It was weird for her to hear his voice so casually. Kelly responded by sticking her tongue out at both men as she placed the tray on the counter. AJ was taken aback by the casual banter, as if this were a house full of normal people, living normal lives while not being okay with the abduction and sale of other humans. She couldn't deny that she was excited about those muffins though.

"I was hiding them from you little piggies." Kelly said smugly. "I just baked them last night and I knew they'd be gone by now if you two knew about them." She said, crossing her arms and looking at AJ with a smile.

"You made these?" AJ asked as she looked at the tray. The muffins looked so beautifully and professionally done. She wished that she had a baking talent.

"From scratch, baby." Kelly said, proud and happy to see someone admiring her work.

"Kelly makes everything from scratch. There's a lot to learn in culinary school." Leon teased but AJ ignored him.

"I made chocolate and blueberry a few days ago but figured you'd prefer the fresh ones." Kelly said and AJ lit up at her gesture. Carter threw up his hands in exaggerated shock and question.

"You've been hiding chocolate and blueberry too?" He cried and AJ heard Leon stifle a chuckle. Kelly playfully rolled her eyes at the boy.

"Well, you can help yourself now that my cover is blown." She said as she went to bring out two more trays full of carb-y goodness. The chocolate and blueberry looked just as delicious and moist as the coffee cake.

"Sorry, Kelly." AJ said, actually letting herself giggle a little. Kelly wagged her finger at her as if to mockingly say, "naughty, naughty," but she was laughing too. Carter didn't hesitate and put a blueberry muffin on his plate. Leon happily grabbed a coffee cake and watched as AJ grabbed a coffee cake and a chocolate muffin. Everyone raised an eyebrow at her and she looked from face to face, confused.

"What?" She asked as she took a bite of coffee cake. "One's for later," She said with a full mouth and for the second time that morning, she got to hear Leon's laugh. Kelly shook her head like a mother watching her kids goof off. Even Carter couldn't hide his amused smile. At that, Leon said goodbye to everyone and gently lead AJ from the kitchen. They passed Penny on the way out and AJ barely had time to wish her good morning before Penny squealed excitedly.

"Ooh! Muffins!" As she bolted to the counter. AJ smiled after the girl and let herself fell the normalcy of the moment for just a little longer but by the time they were outside, the illusion seemed to fade. Leon lead her to a little nook by the pool house that seemed to be a parking area. The black Roles Royce from the day before was there along with what AJ would later realize was a silver Aston Martin One-77 and a bright orange Zenvo ST1. AJ was taken aback by the fancy, obviously disgustingly expensive vehicles. Leon lead her right to the Aston Martin and opened the passenger door for her.

"Doesn't Carter drive you?" AJ asked, suddenly remembering that Carter played chauffeur the day before. Leon nodded and gestured to the Royce.

"When I'm traveling for business, he'll drive me in that but that's just a formality. On shopping trips, I enjoy driving myself like a big boy." He teased and AJ blushed as she slipped into the front seat. She held the chocolate muffin on her lap as she continued to pick at the coffee cake. When Leon plopped into the driver's seat, she gave him a curious but playful look.

"So, on the days when you're wearing your big boy pants, what does Carter do?" She asked and Leon chuckled as he started the car.

"He's also my assistant. He manages calls, deals, clientele, tedious work when I'm not around or assists me on heavy days." He explained and AJ nodded in understanding. Of course, she still didn't know what Leon did but she doubted he'd tell her yet.

"I know Kelly is your cook but what does Penny do?" She asked, her curiosity piquing now, allowing the questions to flow.

"Penny manages the house," Leon said, a little delighted at AJ's interest. "She'll clean and maintain, the girl is also pretty tech savvy. When Kelly became my cook, she asked me to hire Penny to get her some real world experience." He explained. "Penny also plans any events held at my house and is damn good at it. She's very organized, efficient and creative especially for being so young. They all even travel to Portland with me when I visit there." He said and AJ nodded again.

"So Kelly and Penny are related, then?" She asked.

"Very observant," Leon said, smiling as he watched the road. "Mother and daughter, I'm sure you've guessed." He added and AJ smiled, slightly impressed with herself. As she nibbled on her muffin, she found herself lost in the scenery as Leon drove. There was so much green. The trees were so thick and tall, AJ felt that she could just get blissfully lost within them and be completely at peace. Leon let her stare off in silence, occasionally looking at her from the corners of his eyes. Compared to him, she was seemingly so small and fragile but it was the spark she carried that drew him to her. Her fierceness. There were times when she seemed overwhelmed by the potential dominance he could show over her but at other times, she stood toe to toe with him and refused to back down. He couldn't help but love that about her, if only he could redirect that energy if only just slightly. Leon let some comfortable time pass before he finally spoke up again.

"Aiden, there are a few things that you need to remember when we get to the shopping center," He began and AJ immediately tensed as she suddenly remembered that this wasn't just a fun, friendly outing. "There are rules that I will require you to follow and if you break any of these rules, you will be punished once we return home. Tell me you understand." He said and AJ let her eyes close as she took a deep breath.

"I understand," She replied finally. Satisfied, Leon nodded and continued.

"Good. We're heading back to the town we landed in and will be spending most of our time at the shopping plaza there. While in public, you are to stay next to me at all times, you will not communicate with anyone without my permission. If anyone approaches us, you are to let me do any talking unless they ask you a direct question. If that happens, give basic answers and move on. Don't cause any scenes. And Aiden," He said, his voice becoming firm and AJ felt her skin prickle with goosebumps. "If you attempt to run and I catch you, you will not like the punishments that'd await you." Leon said and AJ reflexively scooted away from him until she was against the car door. She did not like the tone his voice took on. He sounded like an evil villain and all of the lightheartedness from that morning seemed to disappear. "Tell me you understand, Aiden." He said firmly.

"I understand," AJ replied, barely above a whisper.

The rest of the drive passed in silence. AJ let her mind wander, trying to convince herself that attempting to escape was the best choice she could make for herself. She just had to make sure that Leon didn't find her again. AJ knew in the depths of her soul that she would never forgive herself if she didn't at least try. Consequences and punishments be damned. Leon may be rich and seemingly powerful due to his mysterious occupation, he could give her the life of any spoiled, comfortable and even maybe adored and loved woman. But it wasn't a life AJ chose for herself. She didn't want to be owned or kept by any man, rich in a mansion or poor in a box. AJ knew that she had to fight for her right to choose and she wouldn't give up just because the man next to her was rich, dominating, powerful and undeniably sexy.

AJ watched as the scenery changed back into the semi-familiar town she saw the day before. The pair remained silent until Leon pulled into the parking lot of the shopping mall and turned off the car. The place was busy, AJ could already tell but she may be able to use that as an advantage. Plus, the place was huge, also an advantage. Leon looked at her and for a moment, AJ was afraid that he was able to read her mind.

"Remember what I said." He told her and she just wordlessly nodded, trying not to betray any of her intentions. AJ knew Leon was smart so outsmarting him was going to be difficult. He must've known that bringing her here was risky, especially since she had only been with him for one day. She knew he'd be on alert.

Leon got out of the car first and circled around to open AJ's door, holding his hand out for hers. She took it and hoisted herself out of the car and let him lead her inside. She was right to assume the mall was big. It was cavernous, full of shops, restaurants and more importantly, people. All AJ had to do was wait for the right opportunity.

"Let's start with wardrobe," Leon said, snapping her back to attention. "Any stores catching your eye?" He asked and AJ looked around, trying to plan her next move. She saw a store she was familiar with a pointed to it.

"Can we start there?" AJ asked and Leon gave her an almost endearing smile. She allowed herself a moment to admire him before stomping those thoughts deep into the far reaches of her mind. Leon lead her to the clothing store and followed her as AJ browsed through selection of women's clothing. There were clothes that AJ actually liked, although only half her thought process was actually focused on the clothes. As she browsed, it wasn't hard to appear genuinely interested because part of her was. She really wished that she could treat this as an actual shopping trip. The other half of her mind was looking for exits and figuring out any escape options.

After several moments, AJ had a few pairs of jeans, shirts and even a nice jacket hanging over her arm. As she walked around the store, Leon tailing her like an evil shadow, she spotted the fitting rooms. They were located in a little nook that had two separate doors for men and women that lead to hallways containing the fitting rooms. An idea struck her like a bolt of lighting. She tried to hide the excitement and her heaving chest as she began to breathe a bit quicker with anticipation for what she was about to do. She turned to Leon who was behind her with his hands casually stuck in the pockets of his dark jeans.

"May I try this stuff on?" She asked. Leon, seemingly oblivious to her busy mind, nodded with what could be considered a kind smile.

"Of course," He said, nodding to the fitting rooms. "Good taste by the way." He added. AJ was stunned for a moment but only mumbled a quiet thank you before she made her way to the little nook. She actually had to stop herself from running as she made her way down the hall. After picking a random door, she locked herself inside and immediately stripped. She did not like the idea of stealing one bit but if she was going to do this, she was going to need better fitting clothes. If only she had time to get a pair of sneakers to replace the flip flops. AJ pulled up a pair of jeans that were her actual size before slipping on a black tank top she nabbed to accommodate for her lack of a bra. Over the tank, she slipped on a simple gray t-shirt. The sleeves were short, just covering her shoulders and had the "Triforce" from AJ's favorite video game printed on the front. AJ was shocked to find it at the store and wished she could really buy it. After the shirt was on, she wrapped herself in the jacket. It was a black faux leather, moto-style jacket that AJ actually loved but that was beside the point. AJ checked the mirror, silently cursing herself for not thinking about tying up her long hair but she'd have to make do.

With a deep, calming breath, she unlocked the door and slowly opened it. AJ peeked out and noticed that Leon wasn't in the hallway. Surprising but lucky for her. She bent down and took off the flip flops, leaving herself barefoot as she crept down the hall. As stealthily as she could, she peeked into the nook. No Leon. She then allowed herself to look out into the actual store and spotted him about twenty feet away, browsing a rack of summer dresses. With another stroke of luck, his back was actually facing her but seeing him made her heart pound as what she was attempting became more of a reality. At any time, he could see her, chase her, catch her and this would be for nothing.

Get a grip, AJ. She said to herself. You have to do this. You're a fighter, he even knows that. Don't let him win...

With one final breath, she slipped from the nook and ducked down as she speed-walked around the store. Avoiding customers and employees as much as she was avoiding Leon, she circled the outer perimeter in search for a side exit. When she found it, she felt relief for a split moment before she noticed that it was an emergency exit. An alarm would sound as soon as she opened it. She weighed her options. If AJ could make it to the main entrance of the store, Leon would most likely notice her. If he didn't, it would be a quiet escape but what were the chances of that? She looked around to see if she could spot him again but she couldn't. He had most likely gone to the fitting rooms to check on her and that made AJ panic. She was running out of time and had no time for any other options. With a final resolve, she barged through the emergency exit.

As the door opened and AJ was bathed in sunlight, a shrill alarm began to sound. It was a high-pitched, quick pulse of a sound that made AJ's jaw hurt but she didn't let it slow her down. She quickly closed the door and ran. AJ found herself in the side parking lot and looked around for possible routes as she jogged away from the large building. Her first instinct was to scream for help. Literally anyone else would have but AJ had a different idea. Her first priority was getting as far away from Leon as possible then figuring out how to get home. When she felt like she was in a safer place, she'd chance calling Nancy or Jamie somehow.

AJ ran, her feet burning as she held the flip flops in her hand. AJ was one of those people who did everything better barefoot, even if it burnt her, stuck her or bruised her, she'd do it barefoot. She could feel her lungs burning and the sweat forming on her forehead but she didn't care, she ran. At one point, she could've sworn that she had gone in a few circles and had run for what seemed like forever, passing a whole array of buildings and stores, catching some confused looks all while terrified that Leon was right behind her.

Soon, she came across what looked like a truck stop. AJ had accepted the moment she realized that she was 3000 miles away from home that she'd most likely have to hitchhike back. No one she knew could afford to come and get her. It wasn't the best option but it was the only option. AJ put the flip flops back on her feet and walked into the small restaurant, immediately sitting at a small table, facing the door. She took a moment to catch her breath and decide on her next move. She could hitch with a trucker just to get far enough away to thoroughly plan her journey home. With no money or ID, it would be tough and putting her full trust in humanity didn't seem like a good idea at this point in her life but what other choice did she have?

As AJ sat, zoning out at the window, someone approached her table and as soon as she felt their presence, she looked up to see an older man standing above her. He was a chubby guy, wearing worn jeans, dirty work boots and a button up flannel shirt. He seemed to be in his early forties. His hair was blonde, mostly hidden under a ball cap and his beard was long and thick. His smile was friendly and made little wrinkles appear at the corners of his eyes. AJ actually thought he was pretty handsome for an older man.

"Hey there, you okay?" He asked with a tilt to his head.

"Why wouldn't I be?" AJ asked, trying to hide her anxiety and the man just laughed a little.

"Well, you practically ran in here, haven't ordered anything after twenty minutes, no wallet or purse seemingly and you look like you've been deep in thought," The man said as he invited himself to sit down at her table. AJ was a little uneasy, despite the stranger's friendly tone. "Can I help you in any way?" He asked, now showing genuine concern and AJ relaxed, just a little. Quickly, her mind reeled.

"Um, well I just moved here with my boyfriend," She lied and the man's eyebrows shot up. "He's an abusive prick and I'm just trying to get away from him, back home but no one back home can help me." She added, using genuine angry emotion in her words.

"Where's home?" The man asked.

"Boston," AJ lied again and the man chuckled.

"That's quite a journey, miss." He said and AJ nodded, sincerely overwhelmed with the idea of getting back home.

"What's your name?" He asked and AJ bit her lip, hesitating.

"Jamie," She finally said, snagging her friend's name as her own. She didn't know why she lied about that but it felt smart.

"Well Jamie, I'm Ben," He said, holding his hand out and AJ slowly took it to shake it.

"Nice to meet you, Ben." She said and he smiled another friendly smile.

"Likewise," He replied. "Well, I can't get you all the way to Boston but I can get the journey started if you'd like. I have a private contracting job in Ashland so I can at least get you a bit aways from this boyfriend of yours." He suggested and AJ lit up. It was exactly what she needed!

"I don't want to be a bother," She said, trying to calm herself down and Ben only chuckled.

"I don't think a little girl would be much trouble. I'll even help hook you up with your next ride in Ashland. I know some good guys." AJ couldn't help but smile at that and she really had no reason to say no after that.

"Thank you Ben. I really, really appreciate that." She said before looking around for a clock. When she spotted one, it read that it was just passed four in the afternoon. "When are you scheduled to leave?" She asked and Ben spread his hands out with a shrug.

"I've already eaten, we can go now and get you something on the way. Sound good?" He suggested and AJ nodded in enthusiastic agreement. With a smile, Ben stood and lead her out of the restaurant.

Finally, a ray of hope! AJ said to herself.

"I'm parked down the line," Ben said, pointing to a the lot that was full of semi's and gestured for her to follow. AJ walked behind him, reflexively looking around to make sure they weren't being followed or that Leon wasn't nearby. She wasn't exactly sure how far from the mall she was and didn't know how hard Leon was looking for her. She and Ben walked in silence which AJ found strange but it didn't last long. Ben passed maybe six or seven trucks before he slowed his pace and turned to walk in between a couple. Once AJ turned to follow, she was stopped in her tracks. It seemed her entire world imploded and she felt her heart lurch up into her throat.