Given Read online

  She thought about all the horror stories she’d heard from the girls with family who were forced into government protection; stories of men taking young girls and women against their will and selling them to the highest bidder. Were men like those waiting somewhere, planning to seize her before she arrived to her six’s private security?

  Shaking off the morbid fear, Kristannie focused on trying to remember the time before her mother died. She’d ridden in the back of her mother’s car and looked out at the big world beyond the glass. She could remember her mother singing to the radio and laughing while she drove. She thought her mother’s name was Alicia, but she couldn’t remember for sure, and her records were sealed. The new laws prevented her from knowing anything about her past. She was property after all, government issued. A tear trailed down her cheek.

  * * * *

  “Stop fidgeting, Jared.”

  “Christ almighty, Max, calm down. We’re all nervous, lay off the kid,” Brax said.

  “He’s only a year younger than I am, it’s not like twenty-two makes him a child. We need to pull it together so they don’t decide we can’t handle this,” Damon growled gruffly, defending his younger brother.

  “I, for one, can’t wait to feel her. Finally, boys, we lose our virginity tonight! A real living woman—and she’s ours.” DeAnthony gave a joyous whoop. His friends chuckled nervously. The two bodyguards they’d hired stood armed and silent, watching the assembled crowd. Giving Day always brought a crowd of curious men and protesters.

  “Women have rights! God gave Eve to Adam, not to six!” shouted a protestor who came too close to the waiting men. A police officer ushered him back behind a barrier.

  “Equality for all men!” The angry man stepped back toward the waiting six. Two police officers escorted the outraged man back behind the line again.

  “You can’t blame them.” The other five men turned to look at Braxton with horrified expressions.

  “So what are you saying? You want to give up your share to that guy?” Malcolm joked.

  “How would you feel if you didn’t qualify, Mal? We’ve never had the chance to touch a woman. Old porno is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having sex with one. Most of these protesters probably don’t qualify for the lottery. If they’re not gay, they’ll likely die without having sex. The old guys who lost wives or girlfriends have been without for almost twenty years. Granted, they sell some very lifelike devices, but I’ve heard they don’t compare to the real thing. I guess we’ll find out soon.” Braxton’s tone was serious as always.

  Mal shrugged, playful as usual. “There are so many girl-boys—you know, the passers, the guys passing themselves off as girls—moving here from economically poor countries, these angry assholes might as well spend their time at the airport waiting for planes. That’ll get them a lot closer to sex than wrecking the happiest day of our lives. Remember when these things were full of clapping and handshaking instead of tension?”

  “Those days are over. Let’s just be glad we were drawn and let the other guys worry about lifelike rubber and passers,” Max grumbled.

  “She’s here.” Jared’s words came out in a whoosh of anticipation. They watched the black SUV with tinted windows as it pulled up to the front of the building. They stood in front of the grand capital tense, quiet—waiting.

  A uniformed solider opened the front passenger side door and stood, surveying the crowd. He opened the back door. Max sucked in a deep breath and the sound broke the spell the other five men seemed to be under.

  The crowd suddenly began shouting and the rabble of voices grew chaotic. The six men turned to watch a tall, grubby-looking man sprinting across the green grass of the capital lawn, running toward the SUV and their woman. A police officer tackled the man and the two rolled onto the ground. More officers swarmed the desperate man.

  “I just want to touch her!” the wild-eyed man wailed as they cuffed him.

  * * * *

  Krista stepped out, and the screaming men frightened her. She saw a police officer tackle a man only a few yards away. She started to get back into the SUV, but one of the soldiers grabbed her arm gently.

  “It’s time, miss.”

  “I’m afraid.”

  “We’ll protect you. It’ll be all right. It’s always like this on Giving Day. Don’t worry. We will see you safely until you are under the guard of your private security.”

  This was everything she’d feared, only worse. She hadn’t expected the protesters. Someone shouted the word “whore”; she knew the man’s hateful word meant her. How any of them could think she’d asked for this was beyond her imagination.

  Six young, well-dressed men stood in front of the steps of the large, white, domed building. They were looking at her with…possessiveness. The moment she saw them she knew that these men were her six, or more accurately, she was theirs.

  Everything had been sort of slow motion, but then as the crowd grew more agitated, the soldiers quickly ushered her up the sidewalk. The governor didn’t come out for the official ceremonial signing of The Giving right, too many threats to his life and ugly behavior had changed this day. As men who couldn’t qualify grew angrier with the government, The Giving ceremony became less pomp and more circumstance; and the circumstance was, until they had the woman away from the crowd, they were all in danger. A secretary rushed out and handed the men the last of the paperwork to sign.

  There wasn’t a single introduction as the security, soldiers, and six young men surrounded Krista and rushed her around the corner and into a waiting limousine. They all hurried to get inside as the soldiers held back the men running toward them. Even inside the car, Krista could hear the angry shouting. The trunk slammed shut. Krista saw the driver slide into the front seat and the engine roared to life.

  Feeling the vehicle lurch forward was a relief, but the sensation was short lived. Six pairs of eyes stared at her, each reflecting stark emotions. Some looked hungry, while others appeared wary. The handsome, tall, black man reached out and ran his hand down her arm. She squeaked and shrank back, afraid they’d decide to claim their rights to her there in the car while the driver and security guards watched. One security guard sat next to her and the other sat next to the driver. Both guards were armed and looked a bit edgy.

  “For God’s sake, DeAnthony, can’t you see she’s terrified?” The speaker was also tall. His complexion was very tan—too tan for spring in the North, clearly indicating an exotic ancestry. He wasn’t as handsome as DeAnthony, but she thought his dark eyes were exceptionally beautiful. His black hair was a little shaggy, as if he might be overdue for a haircut. He gave her a small, friendly smile, but said nothing more. This man was trying to give her space, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

  “My name is Max Barker. I’m twenty-six and I own a construction company. My company does a lot of work for the government and some high profile private corporations. My overly-friendly friend, DeAnthony Billings, is my business partner, he’s thirty.”

  She bit her lip and gave him a quick nod of acknowledgement.

  “Yes, ma’am, I’m the old guy in the group,” DeAnthony said casually. He smiled at her and his straight white teeth flashed.

  At least he has good genes to give Uncle Sam lots of babies that don’t need to worry about seeing an orthodontist, Krista thought randomly as hysteria threatened to overwhelm her. These men would all be using her soon. What they did for a living didn’t really matter. She was just something valuable they’d won. While Max’s gesture was nice, Krista doubted any of the men cared if she even remembered their names, let alone occupations.

  “I’m Jared Reynolds. I just turned twenty-two. I’m in med school.” The speaker had reddish-brown hair and many freckles. He looked as nervous as she felt. His green eyes were friendly and she couldn’t help liking him. “That’s my brother Damon.” He pointed to a man who looked very much like him. Damon nodded, but remained silent. “He’s vice president of our father’s manufacturing compan
y. Our company makes building materials. That’s how we met DeAnthony and Max.”

  “I’m DeAnthony’s twin brother,” a very short, pale, albeit handsome, blond man stated with a straight face. Krista raised her eyebrow at him and he laughed.

  DeAnthony laughed and reached over to put the man in a headlock. “Oh yeah, he’s a brother from a different mother. The funny guy is Mal, Malcolm Jones. He’s been my bro since high school. Mal’s a stand-up comedian. Do you get cable in the Quad?”

  “No cable,” Krista answered quietly.

  “Well, Mal, looks like you’ve got fresh ears for all those old, terrible jokes.”

  Mal’s expression seemed to light up as he smiled and his face became extraordinary. His blue eyes twinkled. She’d never heard a comedian before, but she loved a good joke. The realization that she wanted this man to make her laugh gave her a moment of surreal contemplation. She’d lived in fear of her six—unknown and demonized in her fearful, sheltered imagination—and now she was curious to know more about them. This whole meet and greet is just too weird.

  Only one man said nothing. Krista glanced at him nervously. He appeared to be studying her, which made her feel an instant distrust toward him. The others must have noticed her focus, because Jared cleared his throat. When she turned to look at him, he gave her a small, boyish grin. “The guy you’re staring at is Brax, Braxton Bray. He’s a writer. Fiction. The guy writes stories about a world where the women are free to live and it’s the men in high demand. Very sexy stuff, he’s a best seller. He’s Mal’s cousin,” Jared said.

  “Oh,” Krista said, staring at Braxton again. She didn’t like the way he was staring at her, as if she were an alien.

  “Don’t worry. He’s cool, just quiet,” Mal assured her casually.

  She nodded, unsure as to what to say to any of the men. Brax was one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen. He seemed to be studying the events in a way that made her think he was distancing himself from them all.

  Everyone sat quietly for a moment. The interior of the limo was feeling a bit claustrophobic as the awkward moment lengthened. “We won’t hurt you,” Braxton said, breaking the silence.

  Krista stared at him for a moment. She could see the honesty on his face. “Thank you,” she replied tightly.

  “I mean it. Okay, we’ve told you a bit about who we are. Who are you, Kristannie Damiani?” His tone was so genuine, it surprised her. There was something in his eyes, something she couldn’t put a name to. Intensely, he gazed into her face. He leaned forward and rubbed his hands on his thighs. “I want to know you, Kristannie.”

  The words made Braxton her favorite. His contemplative expression changed to curiosity. DeAnthony was the tallest, but Braxton was a close second. His blue eyes were vivid, unique. His hair was a light brown and it was a bit shaggy, she wondered if it was as soft as it looked. Clamping her hands together, she held them in her lap to make sure she wouldn’t be tempted to reach out and touch him. Even if she was supposed to have sex with him, he was still a stranger, after all. She looked down at her feet, and she felt the heat of a blush creeping into her cheeks. When she glanced back up at him, Braxton grinned.

  “I want to know you, really,” Braxton said quietly.

  “There’s not much to tell,” she replied. “For starters, you can call me Krista, if you like. I was three when the plague came, and my mother died. I miss her, even if I don’t remember much about her.”

  “We lost mothers too, I understand. What do you do for fun?”

  “I like to read. The classics are my first choice. Bronte, Dickens—those are my favorites. Does it really matter what I like? I’m just property now, aren’t I?”

  The men all looked uncomfortable. “I know this isn’t the most romantic situation, but I hope you’ll find comfort in the fact we’ve been waiting for you for years. We’ve built a home for you, Krista. You’ll complete our arrangement, and I hope you’ll make it more than just a structure. The seven of us will be living together. You won’t have to bounce from place to place. We’re good friends and, I know the reality of this arrangement is far from ideal, but I hope you’ll be able to make the best of things. I don’t want you to be afraid.” Braxton took her hand and stared into her eyes. “I’m not the kind of man who’d use you, and my friends are all good men, we’ll protect and cherish you. There isn’t the luxury of time to build a relationship before sex. We all know it. If you aren’t pregnant in six months, they’ll take you away. I hope you understand the need for expedience.”

  Krista flinched. “I know. I knew I’d be raped today.”

  It was Braxton’s turn to flinch. “Please don’t think of what we’ll do as rape. I promise you that even if we aren’t experienced, we’ll be considerate.”

  Krista looked away. The other men sat sullenly. Braxton was making an effort to comfort her and she was being ungracious. Her six could’ve been less attractive or careless with her, but so far, they were better than she’d expected. “I will try,” she said, squeezing Braxton’s hand.

  His surprised expression became a grin. “That makes me very happy, Kristannie. I want to make you happy. I want to give you a Giving Night you’ll remember fondly the rest of your life.”

  Her breath caught in her throat and she felt as if all the oxygen left the limo’s interior. Braxton was definitely her favorite.

  “So you write about a world where my situation is reversed? The library where I grew up contained materials approved for suitability. I’ve never read you, but I’d enjoy seeing what you think my world is like.”

  “It’s our world too, Krista. I hope my years of imagining things through the eyes of someone highly prized, but without choice, will meet your expectations.”

  She couldn’t help her grin. “I promise to be extremely critical and demanding in my review.”

  Braxton grinned back. “You won’t be my first scathing review, sweet lady. I can take it.”

  She felt a connection, and the sensation filled her with relief. Maybe everything would be all right. God, I hope it’ll be all right. Please don’t let them hurt me. With at least one, she felt the stirring of real emotion. It wasn’t lust or love, but it was better than being a mindless sex slave. In the instant of realization, her gratitude for Braxton overshadowed her resentment of him and his five cohorts. They were as much prisoners of circumstance as she was. It wasn’t as if they selected her any more than she’d chosen them.

  “Are you disappointed with what you received? It’s not as if you were able to specify body type or hair color.” She maintained eye contact with Braxton the entire time she spoke, even though it was hard for her.

  He flushed. “I’ve always thought blondes were more my type, but right now I’m pretty sure I have a thing for brunettes. Krista, you’re a woman. That fact alone makes you perfect, but you are beautiful. Sweet, fresh…believe me, we aren’t going to be picky.”

  She frowned. It’s not as if she was asking for grand, love poetry, but his raw honesty was a bit hurtful. Well, I asked, she reminded herself. “Thank you for being honest.”

  “I’ve always thought brunettes were sexy.” Jared spoke up. She turned to see him flushing and grinning. “I’m a bit jealous right now. Braxton is hogging your attention. I think you’re beautiful and, if I had a choice, I couldn’t imagine not picking you.” His exuberant words made her grin.

  She bit her lip, trying to cover how pleased his words made her. Even if he was just saying it to get into her good graces, she needed to hear just that type of pretty lie. Glancing at Braxton, she noticed he didn’t look very happy.

  “How about you? What do you think of us, Krista?” Braxton looked at her hard, daring her not to lie with his expression.

  “I’m relieved. I’m glad you’re all young and attractive. I’m glad you live in the same house, and I’m glad you are friends. I’ve heard stories of how awkward the sharing can be.” She blushed fiercely. “I’ve only seen propaganda about what it is to be with six men,
but have you talked about the reality of how we’ll accomplish this?” She glanced over at the security guard and her embarrassment grew. Krista reminded herself the guard knew why they’d picked her up. She turned her attention to her men again.

  “We’ve spoken about this often, usually after one too many beers, but yeah we’ve got a rough idea.” Max was the one to speak. “We all have our own rooms, and you also have a room of your own. We thought tonight we’d give you your choice, and then after that we’ll use an order determined by drawing lots,” he said. He turned to look at Krista again. “Everyone wanted to be first. It sucks to be the guy who has to wait.” He winked. “Unless you’d like to take on more than one of us at a time, baby, what do you think?”

  Her mouth dropped open. His words were too horrifyingly close to the creepy propaganda film she’d seen the day before. Braxton slugged him in the arm.

  “Geez. You’ve just traumatized her again, and we were making progress,” Brax chided.

  “I don’t hear you saying all the right things, blondes—Jesus,” Max retorted. He glared at his friend.

  “He’s kidding. We don’t expect anything that’ll make you uncomfortable,” Jared said, and she could tell he was trying to sound soothing.

  “Umm, okay. I—I want this to work. So far you guys aren’t as bad as I’d imagined. I understand the practical need for order in this arrangement. Sorry, I’m so…absolutely terrified.” Her voice trailed off, so the last two words came out as a whisper.

  Braxton reached out and cupped her cheek with his hand. He ran the pad of his thumb over her skin softly. She froze, unaccustomed to being around men, let alone being touched by one. “Sex can be pleasurable for a woman, Krista. I don’t know what they taught you at that school, but I promise you, we aren’t going to forget to see to your mutual satisfaction.” The way he said satisfaction made her shiver. She liked his voice.