Chapter 2: It’s Over ... Sort of?!!

I know I should be outraged by this situation. He bought me! But at least now there’s an end to my torment in sight. Those seven assholes are never going to rape me again and spit on me and piss on me. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me now but if he was telling the truth he’s going to take good care of me and provide for me for the next two years. I should be able to get some valuable experience and build up a sizeable bank account. I’ll be able to get the hell out of this town and away from all these fucking perverts.

I smiled and said, “I’d love to have dinner with you, Mr. Cooper. Will that be all?”

“Not quite. I need your keys so I can have your belongings moved to my place.”

That’s fast! I told him, “They’re in my purse I’ll bring them right back up.”

When I stood up and started to turn toward the door he said, “One more thing, Miss Blum.”

When I turned to face him again he said, “I know this flies in the face of your request to take it slow, but would you very much mind lifting your skirt for just a moment?”

I felt my cheeks turn red but I wasn’t nearly as put out as I might have expected. I smiled, reached down and lifted my skirt up to my waist. I stood like that for a moment then slowly turned in a complete circle. It was exciting!! And he’s probably almost as old as my father!

He slouched in his chair, sighed and said, “You are a very beautiful creature, Miss Blum. I’m sorry for all the torment to which you’ve been subjected for nearly a year. You may find it hard to believe after our strange conversation but I intend to do everything I can to erase those horrible memories from your mind.”

Incredibly, I believe him! I should be devastated. I’ve been sold to one of my bosses as a sex slave! I have every right to be devastated. Maybe I will be when my brain finishes processing everything Mr. Cooper just told me. But I only seem to be able to focus on the fact that those brutal, painful, disgusting and incredibly humiliating gang rapes have finally come to an end.

I’m embarrassed to admit it. But I can’t deny the vague outline he provided of the new life he has planned for me sounds a lot more pleasant than my old life. Granted, I’m going to have to have sex with my boss and anyone else to whom it amuses him to give access to my body. He did promise, however, no more gang rapes with groups like the seven cruel men who have been raping me for ten months. And what the hell, I haven’t been a virgin in almost nine years. I don’t date a lot and I don’t have sex with every man with whom I go out. But when I do go to bed with a guy, more often than not I enjoy the sex. If there weren’t so many clueless men out there I’d probably enjoy it more. I get the impression from Mr. Cooper he’s quite capable in that area. He’s in good shape and he’s pretty good looking. I like is smile and his friendly tone. I don’t get the feeling he’s talking down to me.

Then there’s the fact that I’m getting very tired of working my ass off but living in cheap-ass apartments, usually places with no amenities, and having to count every penny so I’ll have enough at the end of the week for a can of soup or the makings for a tuna sandwich. I’ll be able to start saving money!!

When I got back to my office my supervisor exclaimed, “What the hell’s going on?!!”

I looked at her in confusion. She can’t possibly know everything that just took place in Mr. Cooper’s office! She saw by my expression I’m not sure what she’s talking about. She rolled her eyes and said, “Mr. Cooper just called down to let me know you’re going upstairs to work for him starting immediately! How in the hell did that come about?!”

“I swear I don’t know! I mean it! I had no idea why he called me to his office. I never asked about changing jobs. I never asked if there were any openings. He called me to his office and offered me the job! I’m just as surprised as you are!”

She very discreetly leaned a little closer and sniffed. I couldn’t help myself. I laughed out loud. I clapped my hand over my mouth for a minute until I was under control and said, “No, we didn’t have sex. I might not have turned him down if he asked. He’s pretty good looking for an old guy.”

“I don’t get it! When do you start?”

“I don’t know. I was so shocked I didn’t think to ask. Tomorrow probably. I got the impression he wants me to start right away. I have to take something back to his office for him. I’ll see if I can find out then and let you know when I come back.”

She stared at me for a minute before saying, “I’ll be damned! Well, congratulations. You’re a hard worker and you’re smart. I know you’ll do well.”

“I hope so. I’m just a little bit terrified. I may come crawling back to you begging for my job back in a couple of days.”

She finally let me go and I returned to Mr. Cooper’s office. The receptionist smiled and told me to go right in. I tapped on his office door and opened it. He’s on the phone. He held up a finger and I stood in front of his desk and waited for him to hang up. When he did I handed him the envelope with my keys. He can see I have questions. He grinned and said, “What?”

“Mrs. Carr wants to know when my new job starts.”

“Will you need to train a replacement?”

“No, sir. Mrs. Carr has a very good training program she developed. She’s a very good supervisor. I’ve enjoyed working for her. I just need to tie up a few loose ends this afternoon and empty my desk ... unless you want me to put that off.”

“No. That works for me.”

“Two more questions. Should I come up to your office at closing time or meet you somewhere?”

“Come up. That way if I’m delayed you won’t be standing around wondering if I’ve stood you up.”

I grinned at that. He just paid a small fortune for me. He can keep me waiting as long as he likes.

“Last question. I don’t know where you’re planning on going to dinner tonight. If it’s somewhere nice I’m going to have to slip out at lunch time and see if I can find something I can wear.”

He handed me a piece of paper and said, “When you get a few minutes go here. It’s just around the corner. Ask for Rene. I’ve already talked to her. She’ll be expecting you.”

“This is all so strange. I feel like I should be terrified. I don’t know why I don’t feel that way. I hope you aren’t disappointed.”

He chuckled and responded, “Maybe after we’ve had a few drinks and some conversation and gotten to know each other a little better you’ll be better able to figure out how you feel. Let me know if you have any problems downstairs.”

“Oh no! Mrs. Carr is really great.”

“Get going. If I don’t start getting some work done around here Bob is going to have to fire me.”

As I was heading for the door I was tempted to lift the back of my skirt up for him but I don’t want to seem like I’m enjoying this situation too much. That might disappoint him. I was shocked when I realized what was just running through my dazed brain!

When I returned to my office I apologized to Mrs. Carr again. She looked at me curiously for a moment before asking, “What in the hell is going on, Paige?!”

I shrugged and replied, “I’m just as confused as you are ma’am. I didn’t know Mr. Cooper was even aware of my existence. I only remember running into him one time, when we rode up together in the elevator. He smiled and nodded but I was so terrified I just stood there like a scarecrow. That was our only encounter. I wasn’t aware he was hiring an assistant and I certainly didn’t apply for or interview for the position. I don’t even know what an assistant’s job is! Besides, I like my job and I like working for you.”

“Well, we’re going to miss you around here. You’re a good worker and very reliable. Damn! We don’t even have time to throw you a going away party!”

“I’m not going far. I’ll drop in and say hi whenever I’m in the area.”

She glanced at her watch and said, “I never had a chance to assign you anything to do today. Go ahead and get an empty box from the printer room and clean out your desk. By then it will be time for lunch. We’re up to date on our jobs for today so if you want to duck out and run a few errands go ahead. If anything comes up I’ll call you on your cell. Okay?”

“I really am going to miss working for you Mrs. Carr. You’re a wonderful person. I told Mr. Cooper how great a supervisor you are. I’m not sure if it registered. I was still in shock. I do have an errand to run. Thank you.”

She surprised me when she gave me a hug and said, “Good luck in your new job. I have no doubt you’ll be very good at it.”

I was holding back the tears as I rushed to the printer room and grabbed an empty box. I don’t have a lot of personal stuff in my desk. It only took me ten minutes to pack it up. I left the box on my desk, grabbed my purse, nodded to Mrs. Carr and hurried to the elevator.

I dug out the note to refresh my memory and headed for the dress shop. I walked down the street and around the corner to the shop where Mr. Cooper said I’d find Rene. It was only a ten-minute walk. I stopped and looked in the window and knew in a heartbeat I didn’t belong in that store. I’m pretty sure they’ve never had an underpaid office worker like me in there before. I hope I don’t embarrass myself too much.

I entered the store and was greeted by one of the classiest women I’ve ever met. I wanted very much to apologize and tell her I must be in the wrong place. But I took a deep breath and told her I’m looking for Rene. She looked around and pointed to a beautiful young woman just coming out of a door in the back of the store. I thanked her and headed in Rene’s direction. She saw me coming and met me halfway. She smiled and said, “Hello, are you Miss Blum?”

For a moment I couldn’t respond. When I didn’t say anything she said, “Miss Blum?”

I blushed for a moment before, in not much more than a whisper I said, “Call me Paige, please. I’m sorry. I hate to sound like a bumpkin. But that’s what I am. I feel very out of place in here and you are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met!”

She smiled and said, “I’m not sure what a bumpkin is but you don’t look like one. And you must come from a place with no mirrors. I was just thinking the same thing about you. Please take a deep breath and relax, Paige. Neither you nor anyone else is out of place in here. It’s just a store. Granted, we put on airs to appeal to the stuffed bustles who spend large amounts of their husband’s money here. But I promise you, as soon as we lock up and leave here we turn back into regular people and are very happy about it.

She stepped back, looked me over for a few seconds and said, “This is going to be fun. You have a perfect figure.”

“Thank you. I’m on the poverty diet. It’s very effective. And I just need a dress for tonight. My limited wardrobe works fine at the office but apparently I’m going to a fancy restaurant tonight and nothing I have is appropriate. And please, nothing too expensive. I don’t want Mr. Cooper to think I’m taking advantage of him. I don’t know why he’s doing it but he recently saved me from an unbearable situation at great personal expense. I owe him a great deal. I can only show my gratitude by showing a little restraint. Okay?”

She smiled and said, “You are so sweet! You won’t believe how much I want to give you a big hug right now. Paige, I have explicit instructions from him and since he’s paying the bill what he says goes. Come on, we have some shopping to do.”

As she led me across the store and into a plush private room in the back she asked if I’d like a glass of wine. I’m tempted. She’s starting to make me nervous. But I shook my head and thanked her.

This is already the strangest shopping experience I’ve ever had but it’s about to get a whole hell of a lot stranger. She said, “Okay, first of all, I need to get some measurements. Since, according to you, you’re a bumkin I suspect you’ve never had an experience quite like what’s in store for you. I promise, however, you’ll be very pleased with the results. I need you to remove all your clothing please. I’m going to measure you more thoroughly than you’ve ever been measured before.”

“Do all your customers have to do this?!!”

“Only the new ones. Unless someone objects we keep the measurements in our records for future reference.”

I rolled my eyes thinking I’d rather undress in here than be stripped by seven strange men in my apartment. She stood right there watching with a pleasant smile on her face as I removed my blouse. She took it from me and folded it over her arm. I removed my skirt. She took that, too. I looked at her questioningly.

“Everything please.”

I took off my shoes, pantyhose, panties and bra. She took them all to a nearby table, laid them down and turned to look at me. She smiled and said, “You have a remarkable figure. You’re very sexy.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that. I blushed and muttered, “Thank you.”

She led me to a device fastened to the wall and said, “To start, let’s get your height.”

She backed me up to the wall and adjusted something on the device until it rested on the top of my head. “Five-two even.”

She led me to the middle of the room and had me step on a slightly raised platform. As soon as I was positioned where she indicated she came at me with a tape measure and measured almost every part of my body. About the only thing she didn’t measure was the depth of my vagina. She even used one of those devices they have in shoe stores to measure shoe size.

I did learn one thing from all this. I’m wearing the wrong size bra. When I mentioned it she said, “Sometimes it seems like more women are wearing the wrong size than the correct size. When was the last time you were measured for a bra?”

“Never.”

She grinned and said, “I hear that a lot.”

“Are you really able to remember all those measurements?!”

“No. There’s a very efficient young woman in the next room recording all that information on a form which will be kept in your file.”

“You people certainly are professional.”

“We try. At this moment there are three people selecting your new underwear. After we’ve seen to that we’ll select your dress for this evening. Then we’ll work on your wardrobe for the office. It’s unlikely we’ll finish with that today. But don’t worry. Mr. Cooper said you’ll be available until your wardrobe selection is complete.”

“I can see I’m going to have to have a talk with him. He’s being far too generous.”

Something occurred to me. I get the impression this isn’t the first time she’s dealt with him. I should probably keep my mouth shut but curiosity won out. “May I ask how well you know Mr. Cooper?”

She smiled and said, “Pretty well. He’s my uncle.”

“Is he really as nice as he seems?”

“I wish he weren’t my uncle. I’d make a pass at him. I love him very much.”

“That’s reassuring. You must be wondering about me. I think I’d better shut up before I dig a deeper hole.”

“I’ll admit I’m curious. He didn’t say much when he called. He said you’re a very nice person who just had a terrible experience. He didn’t come right out and say it but I got the impression he’s quite fond of you. I was worried at first but now that I’ve met you I know you aren’t someone who’s just trying to take advantage of him. That’s a relief. His ex-wife really hurt him. I don’t know everything about his personal life but to the best of my knowledge he hasn’t been out with more than a couple of women since the divorce and those were set-ups. He couldn’t get out of them without hurting someone’s feelings.”

“I don’t know him well. I’ve worked for him, for the company, for years but he’s at the top of the food chain. I’m just one of the cogs on the wheel. Except for a chance meeting in the elevator once I’ve never encountered him until I was summoned to his office today. I’ve always had a good impression of him but I didn’t know just how wonderful he was until today. My head has been spinning since he called me into his office first thing this morning. He’s a very impressive man.”

We were interrupted by a soft tap on the door. It opened and a woman came in carrying a little black dress on a hangar. I’m still naked so of course I’m embarrassed. But as far as I could tell the woman never even looked in my direction. She handed the dress to Rene and said, “I’ll be back in a moment. Gail is gathering the lingerie. I’ll bring it in as soon as she finishes.”

“Thank you, Donna.”

She came closer, held the dress up and asked, “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful! But...”

She looked at me for a few seconds, waiting for me to explain what my objection to the dress could be. I think my expression must have been explanation enough. She smiled, took a step closer, caressed my cheek and said, “Cinderella Complex?”

I blushed and replied, “I’ve never had a dress that nice in my life. I’d be willing to bet that little dress costs more than I paid for all the clothes in my closet and my dresser put together. I just know that if I were to wear that when I go out with your uncle this evening people will look at me and wonder where I stole it from.”

She stared at me for a moment before she quietly said, “Every time I come across someone like you I can’t help but wonder how a woman as beautiful as you could develop such an inferiority complex. You aren’t just beautiful. You have poise. You have a perfect figure. You’re obviously intelligent. You’re personable. And Uncle Chris is an excellent judge of character. How can you be unaware of how attractive you are?”

I didn’t know how to explain my insecurities to her and how I’ve been affected by the attacks I’ve suffered over the last ten months so I stood mute. She gripped my arm and led me to a large, full-length mirror and stood me in front of it. She said, “Look at that young woman ... that beautiful young woman. Paige, you’re perfect! You look like a “Playboy” model!”

“That’s probably just because I’m dressed like one.”

She grinned but before she could respond I had a sudden thought and before I could stop myself I asked, “How long did it take before you were comfortable being in a room with a naked woman?”

“That’s such an unusual question!! I’m almost certain every woman with whom I’ve ever been through this procedure has never gotten past being uncomfortable being naked and it never even occurred to them I might be uncomfortable, too. I’ve worked here for just over three years now and, thankfully, I’ve gotten over it. But it was ... I can’t say exactly. I know it took me more than a year to get comfortable doing this. You’re unusually perceptive. I doubt if any more than maybe a customer or two even noticed how nervous I was when I first started. You’re pretty damned smart for bumkin!

Then she looked me in the eyes and after a moment or two said, “You seem to have calmed down remarkably quickly. More quickly than most of my first-time customers. I’m impressed.”

“Maybe someday I’ll tell you what the last ten months of my life have been like. I’m pretty sure it would explain me.”

“I can’t help but be curious. I gather they’re very unpleasant memories. Maybe you need someone you can unload on. If you decide you need someone, I like you. I think I’d like to be able to help if I can.”

“I’ll give it some thought. From what you said earlier I gather I’ll be back for several more visits. Let’s see if you can still stand me by the time I’ve acquired my new wardrobe. You certainly seem like you’re easy to talk to. I haven’t had anyone I can share secrets with since I graduated.”

Donna came back in with a basket of lingerie. She informed Rene she’d be right back with half a dozen more outfits and left. Rene selected a strapless bra but looked at me thoughtfully for a moment and said, “You don’t need the support and that LBD will fit you a lot better without it. But let’s try on a regular bra just to make sure it’s comfortable.”

She handed me a sexy little panty first. I pulled it on and she smiled and said, “Perfect! Comfortable?”

I nodded and she turned back to the basket and handed me a bra. I smiled when I saw it. I couldn’t help thinking it’s so pretty it’s a shame to wear a top over it. She helped me fasten it and adjusted the straps. She stepped back and said, “Very nice. Comfortable?”

“Very. Is this thing as expensive as it looks?”

“I was ordered not to discuss prices with you.” But then she grinned and whispered, “Yes. I’ve never been very good at following orders.”

I removed the bra and she helped me into that gorgeous little black dress. It fit like it was made for me. I love the simple design. I looked at myself in the mirror for a moment before I quietly said, “It’s obvious this beautiful dress was made with a woman...”

Before I could finish that sentence she placed two fingers over my lips and said, “If you try to finish that sentence I’m going to lift the back of your skirt and whip your sexy ass with a coat hanger!”

“I can’t help it. You just don’t know ... I’m sorry. I’ll try to behave.”

She looked at me closely for a moment before she said, “I’m going to give you my number. Call me when you have some free time. We need to talk ... the sooner the better.”

“My schedule is going to be up to your uncle for the foreseeable future. As soon as I have some time to myself I’ll call you. I hope you don’t end up hating me. I like you.”

Donna returned pushing a rack holding about half a dozen outfits. She pushed it closer, then stopped and looked me over. She smiled and said, “Oh my! You look gorgeous! That dress was made for you. You might want to look into hiring a bodyguard.”

Before I could respond, Rene said, “She has one. My uncle is her escort.”

Donna didn’t say anything but the look of surprise on her face made me wonder. She turned back to Rene and said, “There are six outfits on the cart. You said you want to pick out the rest of her wardrobe?”

“Yes. Thank you Donna.”

Donna turned and left. Rene went behind me and helped me out of the dress. While she was hanging it up I looked at the clothes she had just brought in and suddenly there were tears running down my cheeks and I’m not even sure why! Rene turned and started in my direction with another beautiful but more casual dress draped over her arm. She turned and grabbed a few tissues from a box on a nearby table and handed them to me. I thanked her and tried to think of something to explain my erratic behavior to her. While I dried my eyes she said, “Overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“You have no idea.”

“Or maybe I do. Most of the customers who shop here are wealthy and have been wealthy all their lives. They all feel entitled. But you aren’t the first Cinderella I’ve had the pleasure of serving. I have to tell you, the pleasure I get from watching their faces, and from watching you, is worth putting up with all those ... other broads. It’s all I can do to keep from hugging you until you beg for mercy.”

She handed me the dress she’s holding and while I was putting it on, kind of out of the blue she asked, “You said you just met my uncle this morning. Feel free to tell me to mind my business, but I’m wondering what your first impression was.”

I thought for a moment before I said, “He seems very nice. He ... it’s hard to explain. He knows ... I’m sorry, Rene. But without explaining what happened to me and our unique relationship I don’t think you could ever understand. And I think it’s only right that before I explain everything to you I get his permission. You said you two are close. I wouldn’t want to say something and mess that up. After dinner this evening I’ll tell him about our conversation and explain that I think we could be close friends. I’ll ask him what he wants me to tell you and what he would rather I don’t. I owe him a great deal. I owe him my life. I have no intention of saying anything to anyone which might make him uncomfortable.”

She took a step closer and before I knew what she was going to do she had her arms around me. She hugged me tight and whispered, “We’re going to be best friends.”

She backed off slightly, took the tissues from my hand and dried my eyes. Then she took me by the arm and led me to a mirror and we examined the dress I had just put on. She shook her head and I thought at first she didn’t approve. I couldn’t understand. It’s beautiful! But she smiled and said, “Those women really know what they’re doing! You look fantastic. That’s the perfect color for you.”