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The Taking of Lena Ch. 01

By: ablondegoddess



A sweet fragrance brought Lena from her deep slumber to a state of awake. Her large blue eyes fluttered open, and she was delighted to see the modest array of colorful wildflowers that sat atop her small wooden nightstand. 

She reached for the small square of parchment that sat beside the flowers and unfolded it. In simple, untrained script, it read "Happy Birthday Lena".

Lena smiled to herself for a few moments, pondering how her love Gregory had managed to sneak them into the maids' quarters the night before, let alone her small room to deliver her birthday surprise. She blushed at the mere thought of him seeing her while she slept. 

Lena rose from her cot and took the three familiar steps toward her window, with a smile still on her face. Although she was merely a servant in a servant's room, Lena felt that the view from her window was far superior to those of the wealthy family that she served. The views from their suites overlooked the rolling hills and expansive forests in the westernmost regions of the manor. But Lena's, on the easternmost corner, overlooked the lake. 

Lena closed her eyes and breathed in deep, taking in the crisp, cool scent of morning. A light breeze teased the smooth chestnut hair that cascaded down her back.

She recognized the familiar orange ray of light begin to appear off in the distance and across the water, and admired the gradual beauty of the sunrise that began to unfold. 

With a pleasant sigh, Lena stepped away from the window, realizing the time had come to start her day.





"My goodness, child, you're going to work yourself to death!" Marie exclaimed. Lena's eyes widened, and she paused in her task of stripping the tapestries of the Crown guest suite. 

"What do you mean? I always try to be efficient, Marie," Lena replied. Marie shook her head, unbelieving, and walked over to the far wall to help her.

"There is something different about you today. I have never seen you work this fast in the all the years you have been living here. This wouldn't have anything to do with tonight?" she asked knowingly. Lena began to blush.

"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about, Marie. I just like to do good work," she replied pleasantly, absently rolling the tapestry she held.

The older woman took the tapestry from her, re-rolling it properly. 

"So this doesn't have anything to do with the fact that this is your eighteenth birthday, and that stable boy's plans to enjoy you on the first night of your womanhood?" she asked. Lena's pale cheeks turned scarlet. 

"That is positively improper! However...I suspect that Gregory might propose tonight," she replied, unable to hide her blissful smile. 

Marie smiled at the young girl, unable to resist her sweet, pleasant disposition.

"I knew he was a respectable young boy. A very smart match for you. Congratulations darling," Marie said, embracing the young girl that had become much like a daughter to her over the years. 

"Thank you Marie," Lena replied happily.

After releasing her, the two chambermaids continued to remove the tapestries. Once finished, new oil paintings were hung in their place. New linens and down quilts were added to the large bed that dominated the sleeping room, and new rugs were placed on the carpeted floors of the lounge outside of the double doors of the bedroom.

"Why the sudden need for redecorating?" Lena asked eventually.

"For the ball tonight, of course! Dozens of Master Sterling's friends will be staying for the next week, and he thought it best to decorate each suite of his most noble guests with schemes to suit their individual tastes," Marie explained. 

Lena regarded the new suite, unsure if she liked the way it was decorated. Before, it had been light and open and warm. But now, dark colors and intense paintings dominated the formerly pleasant quarters. Lena frowned at the angry looking tiger pelt that sat in the middle of the floor of the lounge.

"Who is staying in here?" she asked. 

"Some German lord, his name escapes me. Why do you ask?" Marie replied. Lena shrugged her narrow shoulders.

"Must be a very pleasant man, is all," she answered, slightly giggling. 



Marie and Lena refurnished an additional four suites before retreating to the kitchens so that the cleaning maids could do their work. The cooks were busy with preparing the feast for the evening, and Marie had to argue with Leonardo, the head chef, just to obtain a loaf and some cheese.



"You really must eat something. You are much too skinny," Marie mentioned, as the two women sat outside for lunch. Lena shook her head, bright smile still on her face.

"I can't! I am too excited!" she replied sheepishly. Marie smiled fondly at the young girl.

"I remember being your age with my first love. It's a wonderful feeling," Marie replied. 

"With Mr. Landley?" she asked. Marie's eyes widened.

"Oh, heavens no! I met my husband years later. No, this was a farm boy from the village where I grew up. Dominic," Marie answered, remembering. 

"What happened to him?" Lena asked. Marie paused before answering.

"He went off to sea, intent on finding a fortune for us. I never saw him again. I love my husband, he gave me my beautiful daughters, but...there's no one quite like your first," Marie said.

Lena noticed that Marie had become somewhat saddened.

"What time will the guests begin arriving?" Lena asked, hoping to change the subject. Marie closed her eyes and shook away the feeling of sadness before answering.

"At sundown. We should probably head back inside to finish preparing. Although..."

Lena looked at Marie expectantly.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I am fairly certain that the stable boys are grooming the horses right about now. And we are slightly ahead of schedule because you were so efficient earlier," Marie began. Lena's eyes widened in joy, and she embraced Marie in gratitude.

"Thank you, Marie! You are good to me!" she said, standing up.

"Be quick, girl!" Marie encouraged, lightly slapping her on her bottom. Lena quickly darted down the hill, towards the stables.

She found Gregory brushing Cobalt, a black stallion. She admired him for a few moments, with his long, lean body, messy blonde hair, and tanned skin. She thought he was very handsome.

He finally looked in her direction, and he smiled broadly.

"Why my lovely little Lena," Gregory said warmly. Lena rushed over to him, and he opened his arms to receive her, and spun her around.

"Thank you so much for the flowers," she said happily. Gregory gently brushed away a stray tendril that had found its way to her face.

"Happy birthday love," he whispered, gently kissing her cheek. 

"I know we said we would wait until tonight, but I just couldn't wait to see you," Lena exclaimed happily. Gregory chuckled.

"Always the eager girl, Lena. I'm actually very glad you stopped by. There is something I have been meaning to talk to you about," Gregory began. 

Lena settled down and did her best to appear serious and mature. Gregory released her hands and lead Cobalt back to his stall before beginning to speak.

"I have been courting you for many months now, and...we have reached the point where we need to make decisions about our future," Gregory mentioned, taking her hand. Lena nodded, feeling her heart begin to rapidly pound in her chest.

"I have set some money aside, and although I will never be as wealthy as Master Sterling, I do have modest means for a wedding, and eventually a family," he continued. Lena nodded, trying her best not to burst with excitement. 

"Do you understand what I'm saying, Lena?" Gregory asked. Lena nodded, but she couldn't find her words.

"I want to get married," Gregory said seriously. Tears began to form in Lena's eyes, and she stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. 

"Oh, Gregory, I'd love to marry you!" Lena squealed. 

Gregory gently kissed her forehead.

"Lena, dear...I didn't mean I want to marry you," he said. Lena froze.

"B-but you said—"

"I said I wanted to get married, love. To Eleanor Smith. I proposed to her this morning," Gregory explained. Lena took a few steps backward, and began feeling as if the world were spinning.

"But...you said you love me. Do you love her?" she asked. Gregory sighed. 

"Lena, you're a beautiful girl. The prettiest I've ever seen. You're vivacious, passionate, and delightfully innocent. But Eleanor is older; she has seen more of the world. She...fulfills those needs you cannot. And I love her," Gregory said. 

Lena felt a ringing in her ears, and sick began to build up in her throat.

"You've been intimate with her this entire time," she murmured. 

"I won't lie to you. Yes," he replied. Lena put her hand on her forehead. 

"But...it's my birthday," Lena said, unsure of what else to say. The tears were falling freely now, forming rivers down her flushed cheeks. 

Gregory walked over to her, and placed a hand on her trembling shoulder. 

"I'm sorry, Lena," he said, kissing her forehead once more. 

He left her then, and Lena was alone with the horses in the stables. She felt as if someone had punched her deep in the gut, and before she knew what she was doing, the sick she felt building up in her throat finally spilled over, and she sank to her knees and emptied the contents of her stomach on the floor of the stable.

Gregory had never loved her. He had just been amusing himself with her. But now he was ready for someone serious. And she just wasn't good enough.

Lena began sobbing once more. Each time she tried to stop crying, a fresh set of tears would spill from her eyes. She'd never felt more alone, and had never been betrayed by a person this way before. No one had prepared her.





Lena did her best to keep her emotions under control once the guests started arriving for the ball. She bathed, and dressed in her formal black uniform with white lace. 

She tried to be pleasant to the guests that arrived, showing them to their suites and taking care of additional accommodations, but all she really wanted to do was cry.

"I hear the guests are very pleased with the rooms. You and Marie have done well, Lena," Master Sterling said. Lena couldn't help but smile at him. He was a kindly, older man that had taken her in when she was orphaned as a young toddler. Her mother had been a maid, and her father's identity was never known. After the death of her mother, Sterling had made sure Lena always had a place at his manor.

"Thank you, sir," Lena said politely. 

"It is a busy time for me, with my acquisition and my son's engagement, but...well here," Sterling said, handing her a small box. Lena temporarily forgot about how much pain she was in, and her smile widened. 

"Master Sterling," she began, touched by the gesture. Sterling smiled at the girl.

"You know I would never forget what day it is today. Go ahead, open it up!" he encouraged. Lena opened the box, delighting in what was inside. It was a lovely, pale blue hair ribbon.

"Thank you so much sir!" Lena exclaimed, bowing slightly. 

"I hoped that would put a smile on your face, I know how much you adore those. I need to hurry on to the party dear, but run upstairs and turn down the noble suites?" he asked. Lena nodded.

"Of course, sir. Thank you very much!" Lena said again. Sterling nodded, and left for the grand hall. 

Once she was alone, Lena began feeling hurt again. She tried to shake away the feeling and focus on her duties, so she took the long walk to the western wing of the manor, which contained the noble suites.

Lena entered the Crown suite, trying her hardest to keep from crying. She realized she was still holding the gift from Master Sterling, and she walked into the bathroom of the suite to put it on.

She released her hair from the tight bun it was in, allowing it to flow down her back. She tied the ribbon as a band around the top of her head. She liked the way it looked, and smiled weakly at her reflection. 

Lena put the box in the pocket of her white lace apron and exited the bathroom, crossed the lounge, and opened the double doors to the bedroom.

She wrinkled her nose in distaste at the sight of the painting depicting a storm that hung above the bed. The bed was inviting, however, with its rich dark tones and fine fabrics. 

She began removing the decorator pillows and replacing them with sleeping pillows stuffed with goose down feathers. She turned down the sheets and comforter, trying not to think of everything Gregory had said to her earlier that afternoon.

Eventually, she couldn't contain her emotions any longer, and Lena began to cry. She felt a very physical pain in her heart, and felt like she might get sick again. But in that moment, she didn't care. 

Lena was sobbing so loud that she didn't even realize there was a second person in the room.

"Now why is a girl as lovely as you crying?" a deep male voice said. Lena hiccupped in surprise and quickly wiped her face, trying to locate the speaker.

He was standing in the doorway in white tie. He was tall and incredibly masculine, well-built and powerful looking. He had thick black hair, faintly peppered with gray at his temples, that was held together at the back of his neck. Thick, dark, expressive eyebrows sat atop deep-set, steel gray eyes. His jaw and chin were broad and hard. To Lena, he looked dangerously handsome. 

"I'm so sorry sir, I was just...preparing the rooms for bed. I did not know you would be here so early," she stammered. He slowly stepped closer to her, and Lena began feeling incredibly diminutive in comparison to him. 

"It's no problem, really. What is your name?" he asked. His steely eyes seemed to see right through her, and she began feeling uncomfortable.

"Lena," she replied. 

"Pleasure to meet you, Lena. I'm Renz," he said. Lena curtseyed.

"I apologize for disturbing you, sir. I will leave—"

"You're not going anywhere," Renz interrupted. Lena's eyes widened. 

"Pardon?" she asked. Renz smiled, and removed his jacket.

"I said, you are not going anywhere. You, Lena, are going to tell me what made a beautiful girl like you cry. And I am going to do whatever I can to help," he said softly. Lena shook her head. 

"Sir, that is very kind of you, but I really have to finish turning down the rooms," Lena answered. 

"Just for a few minutes, Lena. Why were you crying?" Renz asked. 

Lena couldn't hold it inside anymore, and she began to cry a fresh set of tears. Renz stepped in close and pulled her against his torso, wrapping his arms around her small body. She was feeling too sad to protest, and didn't even think of how inappropriate the situation was. 

"There there, sweetheart...what happened?" Renz asked, tenderly stroking her back.

"M-my beau...the man that I thought loved me...he's in love with s-someone else! And he proposed to her this morning...and it's my birthday today!" Lena cried. Renz gently stroked her hair. 

"Why happy birthday, Lena. How old did you turn today?" he asked. Lena sniffled.

"Eighteen, sir," she replied. 

"Such a tender young age. What kind of man would dare break your heart this way?" Renz asked. Lena began to cry harder. 

"H-he said that...I'm immature and c-can't fulfill his needs," Lena sobbed. 

Renz gently lead her to the cushion at the foot of the bed, beckoning her to sit down. 

"Wait right here," Renz said, quickly exiting the bedroom and closing the double doors behind him.

His brief departure allowed Lena to return to rational thinking. What was she doing? He was a guest of Master Sterling, and she was crying to him about her love problems. Surely she would be dismissed if Sterling ever found out...

Renz walked in, interrupting her thoughts. He was carrying a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He kneeled in front of her where she sat on the cushion and poured two glasses, handing one to her. He still seemed large, even though he was kneeling in front of her.

"Drink this," he said softly. Lena shook her head.

"I've never had champagne before," she admitted sheepishly. Renz chuckled.

"Just try it. You might enjoy it. I insist," Renz said. Lena took a tentative sip, enjoying the light, sweet, bubbly flavor. 

"That's it...have a bit more," he urged. Lena took a few more confident sips, and pretty soon had finished the glass. 

Renz handed her his glass, which she took a sip of.

"It sounds to me like this man was completely unworthy of a woman like you," Renz said. Lena's brow furrowed.

"What do you mean? He's...beautiful. He works in the stables...with the ponies and the...horses," Lena said, finding it strangely more difficult to speak. She was beginning to experience an odd sort of dizziness she'd never felt before. 

"Lena, I can already tell you're a very vibrant girl. You deserve someone as equally passionate as you are. Someone who will also delight in guiding you," Renz suggested. Lena shrugged her shoulders clumsily, spilling a bit of the champagne. 

"I am so sorry, sir. Is this what it means to feel drunk?" Lena asked. Renz laughed, hard.

"No, darling, I don't think you're drunk yet. But perhaps you are a little tipsy. Tell me, have you eaten anything recently?" he asked. Lena shook her head, realizing she actually hadn't eaten anything all day.

"Perhaps I should...go to my room. No I have to finish turning down the beds. But after, I think I should sleep," Lena said, words slurring, beginning to stand up. Renz grabbed her by her tiny waist and sat her back down on the cushion. 

"You're not leaving," Renz said calmly. This made Lena frown.

"Why not?" she asked. Renz smiled warmly at her, beginning to play with her hair at the center of her back.

"Because I'm not finished with you yet. How long were you involved with this stable worker?" Renz asked. 

"Six months," Lena replied. Renz nodded. 

"And might I ask...how far did you progress in physical intimacy in these six months?" he pressed. Lena began to blush, and tried to stand up from the cushion. Renz, however, grabbed her waist again, and kept her locked where she sat. She squirmed a bit, completely unaware of the increasing rise in her skirt.

"You...it is not seemly to ask such things, sir. I really best be going," she said. 

"Not very far then, I take it. Did he ever even kiss you, sweet Lena?" he pressed. Lena automatically shook her head.

"You poor girl. Eighteen years old, and never even properly kissed," he murmured sympathetically. 

"Sir, I think I should leave. Thank you for the champagne," Lena said softly, becoming increasingly dizzy. She tried to stand up once more, but Renz had a solid grip on her waist. 

Her heart pounded in her chest as he moved forward on his knees, and squeezed her waist tighter. Lena bit her lower lip and stared into the gray eyes that were boring into her.

"Let me stand, please sir," Lena whispered quietly. Renz continued staring at her.

"No, Lena. You're staying here," he replied simply. Lena shook her head, growing increasingly fearful.

"Sir I have to finish the rooms before the guests retire for the evening," she protested, trying to pry his hands off of her. 

"No one will notice. And they will not be back for a very long while. We are alone, Lena," Renz said softly, bringing his face closer to hers. 

"Sir, stop that. Not any closer, please," Lena pleaded, pressing her hands against his wide shoulders. Renz curled his fingers in her hair and pulled her face closer to his. 

"That ribbon makes your eyes look...so blue," he murmured. And with that, he pressed his lips against hers. 

Lena sat there wide-eyed as she felt his lips begin to move on hers. She was frozen in fear, unsure of how she was supposed to react. She felt him run his tongue along her lips, and instinctively, Lena opened her mouth. She gasped when he sank his tongue into her mouth, and trembled when she felt it chasing hers. 


The Taking of Lena Ch. 01



Renz released a low, soft moan, and put his hand on the back of her neck, pulling her even closer as he kissed her. Lena whimpered and tried to push him away, feeling as though her lips would start bleeding any second, he was kissing her so hard. 

"Don't fight me, Lena. I just want to make you feel better. I'm going to show you how nice it can be between a man and a woman," Renz whispered, trailing kisses across her face. Lena continued to struggle in his arms, but her efforts were proving to be increasingly futile. He was simply too strong, and she was too weak.

"Sir, please release me," Lena pleaded. Renz chuckled, gently pressing kisses in the curve of her neck.

"You're not going anywhere, sweetheart," Renz muttered, still buried in the curve of her neck. Lena's eyes widened when she felt a sudden slight gnawing pain on the skin of her neck.

"S-sir, are you...biting me?" she asked fearfully. She began to blush at the sound of some kind of suction from his mouth against her skin. 

Renz finished leaving his mark on her before finally answering.

"Does that surprise you? You are delicious enough to eat," Renz teased, continuing to kiss her neck. His words shocked Lena, and she continued wiggling in his arms, hoping to break free. 

Renz stood on his feet, briefly releasing her, and Lena took this as an opportunity to run. She didn't even reached the double doors before Renz grabbed her by her waist and spun her around, thrusting her back up against his torso. 

Lena trembled in fear as Renz began to run his hands across the front of her body. He reached for the hem of her skirt and bunched it up around her hips, exposing her white stockings held up by white garter belts, and bare upper thighs. 

"Very delicious, indeed," Renz whispered directly in her ear. Lena felt something large and turgid pressing against her back, and she shifted against him, hoping to distance herself from it. Lena found that the more she struggled, however, the harder it seemed to be.

"Let's see what other delicious things are under this outfit of yours," Renz said, locking his hand on the ribbon at the back of her apron. Lena began to cry as he forcefully tore the apron from her body, throwing it to the floor. He locked his right arm around the front of her body as his left played with the laces at the back of her dress. Lena felt the cool air of the room touch her bare back and shoulders, and she whimpered in shame when the chill touched her entire body, as the dress and her thin slip felt to the floor.

Lena tried to cover herself, but Renz wouldn't let her, and locked her small arms behind her back. She trembled as he slowly ran his hands over the front of her body, gently caressing her bare stomach. His fingertips darted along her ribs, and then higher. Lena gasped as he cupped her left breast in his large hand, molding it to the shape of his palm. 

"You have such lovely breasts, Lena. Perfect and small. And your nipples..." Renz paused, circling and lightly pinching her nipple with his fingertips. Lena gasped, shocked at the strange immediate sensation that shot through her entire body at the touch. Renz chuckled.

"Very sensitive," he finished, teasing the hardening rosy pink tip. 

Renz kissed her shoulder as he brought his large hand over her stomach once more. But this time, he traveled lower, and cupped her panty-covered mound. Lena closed her eyes, trying to ignore the strange heat that was thrumming between her thighs. She bit her lower lip as his large hand began to stroke her there with an agonizing friction that made the hair at the back of her neck stand. The heat down there was only growing stronger and harder to ignore.



Renz slowly pushed her panties away from her slit, and pressed his palm directly against her. She heard his sharp intake of breath, and her face felt hot with shame. 

"Lena...you are shorn," he mentioned. Lena's lower lip began to tremble. 

"It's p-part of the recommended grooming for servants...to make sure we don't...oh god," Lena stammered, feeling more humiliated than ever. Renz chuckled, gently separating her lips with his fingers. 

"I think it is delightful, Lena. Nothing can hide your pussy from my gaze," Renz replied, beginning to explore her inner folds. 

Lena felt as if she would melt, and she would have fallen over if Renz had not been holding her. As Renz stroked her in her untouched regions, she felt the pleasurable heat inside of her grow stronger and stronger. 

Renz lightly teased the area around her clit, and Lena's long eyelashes fluttered. 

"Hmm...you like it when I touch you there, don't you Lena?" Renz asked. Lena shook her head, trying her hardest to maintain what little remnants of decency and dignity she had. 

"No...no, you have to stop. I feel faint. I don't want this," Lena protested. Renz stopped stroking her and slowly removed his hand. He released her, and Lena turned around to face him, slowly backing away. She wrapped her arms across her chest, and stared up at him fearfully. 

Renz slowly stalked toward her, his hand extended. Lena realized his fingers were glistening. 

"My fingers are wet from your desire, Lena. Clearly you do want this," he said. 

She watched in horror as Renz put his fingers in his mouth, tasting her. He stalked towards her, and grabbed her before she could think to react or protest. 

In one swift motion, Renz grabbed her inner thighs and wrapped them high around his waist. Lena instinctively clung to him, terrified that he would let her fall. 

"What are you doing?" she asked nervously. Renz quickly carried her over to the large bed and dropped her. Lena slightly tumbled, and scrambled to find her balance, but he was on top of her before she could sit up.

"I'm going to get inside of you," Renz said. Lena shook her head fearfully, whining as Renz buried his face in her neck. 

"Please release me, sir," she pleaded, tears running down her cheeks. Renz pressed his lips against hers, silencing her. 

His kiss was hard and commanding, more painful than it had been before. She felt his tongue circling around hers rapidly, exploring her mouth. She felt like his tongue would choke her, it was so active. Lena tried to push his face away from hers, but her attempts were futile, and only making her weaker and dizzier.

Renz shifted down her body, leaving wet kisses along her bare neck and shoulders. Lena felt the heat between her thighs throb with a new urgency as Renz closed his hot mouth upon her nipple. 

Almost as if he could read her mind, his hand trailed down over her stomach and into her panties once more. Lena couldn't help but release a moan when his fingers reached that sensitive little part of her and began stroking in sync with his lips upon her nipple.

Just when she thought she was getting used to his ministrations, Renz darted his head between her breasts and began sucking on her neglected nipple. He increased his pressure upon her clit, and without thinking, Lena cried out in pleasure. 

Renz slightly sat up, resting his weight on his arm. With his free hand, he began sliding her panties off. Lena shook her head and tried her hardest to keep them up, but he gently, but forcefully, slapped her hands away. She whimpered in shame as he slid them off of her ankles and threw them to the floor. Now all that remained were her stockings. 

"It's time I see how wet I've made you, Lena. Open your legs," Renz said firmly. Lena began blushing, certain she'd heard him incorrectly. She shook her head, and crossed her legs. Renz frowned dangerously.

"You haven't the strength to fight me off, Lena. I will have you tonight, whether you want it or not. Now open your legs," Renz said. There was a darkness in his voice that shook her to her core. Lena began realizing that there very well could be something other than her virginity that this man planned on taking away from her. For the first time, Lena began not only fearing for her body, but for her very life. 

Tears welled in her eyes as she slowly separated her knees. Renz groaned impatiently, and pushed her inner thighs apart rapidly, securing one leg over his shoulder. He kept his hand against the other and pushed it further into the bed, exposing her unused flesh to his hungry eyes.

She felt her face burn in embarrassment the longer he stared at her private regions, seemingly deep in thought. Eventually, he began to lean forward, bringing his face a mere few centimeters away from her pussy.

"What are you doing?" she asked fearfully. Renz looked up at her from between her legs, a small smile on his lips.

"I'm going to taste you, Lena," he replied. Lena's eyes widened and she began to squirm, horrified at the suggestion. Renz kept his arms locked around her small legs, preventing her from escaping. 

"Lena, be still," Renz said firmly. She immediately halted her movements at the sound of his voice, and closed her eyes, hoping he wouldn't taste her for too long. It was barbaric, disgusting, invasive, and...oh!

Lena cried out when she felt Renz's hot, wet tongue on her sensitive place. The feeling was so exquisite, so pleasurable, that she was sure she would float away in ecstasy. 

Renz slowly and deliberately massaged her pussy with his tongue, just beginning to explore her swelling inner folds. His tongue was flat, slowly sweeping along her highly responsive surface. 

Without even realizing, Lena was slightly arching her hips, her body involuntarily searching for more of what was giving it pleasure. Renz stiffened and curled his tongue against her delicate pink petals, and began circling the area around her clit. Lena trembled and moaned louder the closer he got. When he finally began flicking his tongue directly against her little button, Lena squealed in pleasure.

Lena rolled her head from side to side, quickly becoming overwhelmed with the sensations of her body. It was no longer heat between her thighs, but fire. And in that moment, she wanted it to fully consume her.

She bit her lip when Renz pushed her thighs even further apart, almost to a painful point, locking her legs open. He feasted upon her wet pink flesh like a man starved. He increased the pressure he put on her clit, and it was so pleasurable and forceful that Lena was certain it was about to become painful.

Lena felt a pressure begin to build deep in her belly, and it only grew stronger the longer he licked her. It felt as if something inside of her was about to burst, perhaps painfully, and she began squirming and pushing his head away in fear. 

"Sir, I beg you, please...please stop. Please don't hurt me," Lena cried. She felt temporarily relief as he paused, but he didn't shift from his position between her legs. 

Renz pushed her swollen lips apart with his fingers, fully exposing her. Her swollen button was completely vulnerable, no longer hidden by its protective hood. 

He held her this way, on the precipice, as she became accustomed to the anticipation of orgasm. He gently blew on her clit, coating her with cool air, and Lena shivered in pleasure.

"Are you sure you want me to stop, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena almost blurted out no, but she bit her lip, trying to regain control of her body. Even though he had paused, Lena found that the pressure inside of her body was only growing stronger, becoming almost unbearable. She needed to have it relieved, even if it might perhaps be painful.

"Answer me, Lena," Renz urged, before bringing his stiffened tongue across her throbbing, wet clit in one single, slow stroke. 

Lena cried out, feeling as if her body were being tortured. That single lick seemed to have doubled the pressure inside of her body. She would surely go mad if he didn't finished what he started, and burst whatever it was he had inflated inside of her.

But she couldn't give in. She simply could not allow this man to violate her.

She sighed in resolve, hoping that the pressure would eventually fade. She tentatively glanced down, eyes widening at the strangely erotic sight of her left leg around his shoulder, her right bent and pressed down against the bed. She was completely exposed to him, his mouth dangerously closed to her swollen flesh. She watched in wonder as he extended his tongue and licked her swollen core up and down. Pink against pink.

"Such a pretty little pussy you have. Exquisitely beautiful, just like the rest of you," Renz muttered. He looked up at her, catching her interested gaze.

"Tell me you want me to finish you. Beg me for release," Renz ordered. Tears fell from her eyes as she realized that she needed him to continue.

"Please...please finish me. Please give me release, sir," she sobbed softly. No sooner had she uttered the words did Renz readily oblige her, swirling his tongue around her clit with dangerously rapid strokes. Lena began releasing high-pitched screams, certain her body was on the brink of explosion. She felt vibrations against her pussy that were not there before, and quickly realized that Renz was releasing moans of his own.

Lena fell back against the pillows, gripping the sheets in preparation for the explosion that was about to come. She hoped it wouldn't be too painful or leave any permanent damage.

Renz snaked his tongue up inside of her tiny hole, and he struck an avalanche. Her pussy squeezed around his tongue, and her clit shuddered. Lena felt an electric current go throughout her entire body, centered in her pussy, and the only pain she experienced was too much pleasure. She released a long, high-pitched scream, and came.

Renz gently kissed her pussy, and eventually crawled back up her body, trailing kisses along her stomach and neck. Lena felt even weaker than she was before, dizzy with not only champagne, but also the incredible pleasure she had just experienced. Her only protest was a mere whimper when he shifted between her legs, locking her pelvis with his. She no longer had the strength to try to push him away.

Her heart pounded as he undid his pants, and her eyes widened as that large, unique male part of him sprung forward threateningly. It looked angry, with its rigidity and pulsing vein. Lena realized then that that was the hardness that had been pressing up against her, and she stared up at him in fear. 

"Touch me," Renz whispered. Lena shakily reached forward, wrapping her little fingers around his large cock. He felt hard and hot. Her hand couldn't completely encircle his diameter.

"Do you know what I am about to do?" Renz asked. Lena nodded slowly. Marie had explained to her years before what "giving yourself to a man" meant. Lena was not giving herself away, however. This man was taking her.

With a sudden tenderness, Renz began stroking her cheek as he positioned himself at her virginal entrance. 

"Such a beautiful girl," Renz whispered softly. He tried to plant a kiss on her lips, but Lena turned her head away fearfully. 

She heard him inhale, and felt his cock probing at her entrance. Immediately, Lena's exhausted eyes released new tears.

Lena was well-lubricated after her orgasm, but it wasn't nearly enough to ease the pain of first penetration. She cried out in pain as Renz pushed his hard thing inside of her. She felt like she was being ripped in two, it hurt so much.

Lena looked down, horrified to find that he was hardly inside of her. She hoped desperately that he didn't plan on putting his entire length inside. She wouldn't survive it.

Renz paused with his head barely inside of her. 

"Look at me," he whispered harshly. Lena looked up at him, and his expression was so focused it looked almost pained. It frightened her. Lena quickly averted her eyes, but he grabbed her chin, forcing her to face him.

"I want to see the look in your eyes as I enter you," Renz explained. 

"Please don't do this," Lena pleaded. Renz wrapped his fingers in her hair and kissed her, hard. He kept his lips locked against hers as he jerked forward. Lena screamed into his mouth as he pushed into her. She felt the barrier inside of her rip, and it hurt her terribly. 

"Ohh my god," Lena cried, lips trembling. Renz pushed a bit deeper and held himself there, unmoving. Lena was close to crying hysterically, and he gently shhed her and wiped the tears from her face.

"Relax, Lena. It's only going to hurt you more if you're tensed up like this," he said softly. Lena frowned. What did he care if it was hurting her? He was forcing himself inside of her. He clearly had no moral fibre in his entire being.

"Lena," he repeated firmly. She looked up into his eyes, surprised to find a hint of tenderness there.

"Relax your muscles, sweetheart. Don't clench up," he instructed. Lena sighed, relaxing the muscles of her thighs. The muscles deep inside of her, however, were much more difficult. She'd never used them before, and wasn't even aware of what she was doing, clenching or not.

Renz withdrew, and began pushing himself in and out of her, making slow, controlled, shallow thrusts. Lena winced each time he entered her, but found that she was gradually becoming accustomed to the burning, ripping sensation.

Her distant comfort didn't last long, for with a groan from deep in his gut, Renz surged inside of her with more force. Lena screamed in pain, panic returning. He drove his hips into her rapidly, trying to push his cock as deep inside of her resisting pussy as possible. 

Lena's brow furrowed and she turned her head away, in an attempt to avoid the pain. She was certain that any moment now, she would feel something much more important rip on her insides. She squirmed in agony, but Renz reached down and grabbed her hips, to prevent her movement, and pounded himself inside of her harder and faster. 

"Sir...sir please stop. It hurts so much," Lena whined, words breaking due to her tears. She didn't know what to make of the animalistic grunts and moans he was making. It sounded as if he were in some kind of pain too.

Renz leaned down, and began darting kisses all over her body, taking as much of her into his mouth as possible. He gripped her hips, and moved his hands over her stomach, and squeezed her small breasts, hard. 

"I can't stop, Lena. You feel so perfect around me, so...so tight," he grunted. Lena closed her eyes, praying the torment would end soon. 



Renz pulled her legs higher around his waist, and arched his back, in an attempt to penetrate her deeper. He roughly pushed inside of her, and bumped against her cervix. Lena screamed in agony. 

"Please, stop it...please don't do this anymore. I can't...I can't take it," Lena begged, pressing her small, weak hands against his chest. Renz grabbed her wrists and locked them at either side of her head, trapping her. Lena looked up at him fearfully as he leaned down, but surprised her when he grabbed her into a fiery, passionate kiss. 

"Kiss me, Lena," Renz ordered, teeth scraping against her lips. Lena thought it best not to upset him, and shyly darted her tongue into his mouth, mimicking him. Renz released a low moan, and began kissing her harder and faster. Lena tried her hardest to keep up with his desperate pace, but he was suffocating her with his tongue. 

"Am I too hard for you, sweetheart? Am I too big?" Renz asked roughly, pushing himself deeper to emphasize his point. Lena nodded, biting her lips in nervousness. 

"Yes...please stop it," she begged. Renz chuckled and shook his head.

"I'm not going to stop, but I can make you enjoy it. Do you want me to make it better for you, Lena?" he asked. Lena nodded again, desperate for some kind of relief from the pain of his thrusting. 

Renz buried himself in her neck and lowered his hand between their joined bodies. He began rubbing her throbbing clit, and Lena arched her back at the sensation. It confused her, feeling pain and pleasure simultaneously, and she tried her hardest to focus on only experiencing the latter. And she began to moisten again.




The Taking of Lena Ch. 01



Renz continued rubbing her clit, doing with his fingers the movements he did with his tongue; soft, swift circles. Lena was still whimpering, but out of pleasure.

Renz secured one of her legs above his shoulder and arched his back. He kept his fingers attached to her clit in frantic motions as he surged into her, deeper than ever. Lena screamed, in a strange mixture of pleasure and pain, as Renz released deep, powerful moans of his own. 

This surprised Lena, and she tensed up, contracting her entire body around him. This drew out another moan from deep in his gut, and he began driving into her harder and faster, almost as if he were trying to tear down her tight walls. 

He ran his hands over every inch of her as he pounded himself into her relentlessly. Lena felt like she couldn't breathe, for each thrust shook her and cut her off. She released high-pitched screams with every thrust and animalistic grunt that Renz made. She became increasingly fearful as his powerful moans gradually developed into shouts, for he drove into her with an unbearable force, hitting and bruising something deep inside of her.

"Lena...I'm going to come inside of you," Renz ground out, looking down at her. Lena pounded her little fists against his chest, now desperate to get him off of her. 

"No, sir, not inside of me!" she screamed. Renz trapped her wrists in one hand and reached down to finger her still sensitive clit. Lena couldn't handle both sensations, and she fell back, surrendering entirely. 

"Yes, sweetheart, yes...yes...oh, god...YES!" Renz shouted. With a final, hard thrust, Renz erupted inside of her, coating her womb with his seed. 

Lena felt his hot liquid deep inside of her. She felt it spilling out onto the sheets. She trembled as Renz continued releasing himself into her, gently moving in and out of her. 

Renz eventually pulled out of her, but he didn't shift form being on top of her, between her legs. The fluids of their sex dampened his shirt, and soiled the sheets they were entangled in.

"Please get off of me," Lena said meekly. For the first time, he adhered to her request, and rolled off of her onto his back, breathing deeply. 

Lena sat up and looked down between her legs, eyes widening at the graphic sight. She saw a mixture of blood and his seed smeared between her thighs and dripping onto the sheets. 

She began to scoot out of the bed, but cried out in pain once she moved her thighs. Her legs hurt, but the soreness deep inside of her was unbearable. Before she could move again, Renz grabbed her arm, trapping her yet again.

"Where do you think you're going?" Renz asked, rolling over onto his side. Lena stared at him incredulously.

"You've stolen what you wanted. I am of no further use to you," Lena replied softly. Renz roughly pulled her arm and yanked her toward him, locking her tiny body against his chest.

"I thought I told you, Lena. You're staying in here with me tonight," he said, reaching between her thighs. Lena's heart pounded in reawakening panic, and she began squirming away from him.

"No, sir, please...I can't do that again, it will kill me! Please don't," she pleaded. Renz gently shhed her, and softly kissed her neck as he slowly slid a finger inside of her wet, narrow pussy.

"I know you are tender, Lena. Just relax," he whispered, gently fingering her. Her sore walls gripped his finger tightly, and he slowly began to tease her clit with his thumb. Lena released a sigh, giving into the pleasure. 

"Ooh my," Lena moaned, biting her lip. His finger hurt, very slightly, but it was giving her a new kind of pleasure. It felt almost as if he were massaging her wounded inner walls. 

Renz kissed her neck, and shifted partly on top of her, pushing his finger a bit deeper inside of her, and increasing his pressure on her clit. 

"I want you to come for me again, Lena," he whispered softly. Lena shook her head. 

"Why are you doing this to me?" she asked weakly. Renz didn't answer, but pressed a soft kiss against her lips as he vibrated his finger inside of her. 

He released her from the kiss and stared intently into her eyes, focusing more on circling her clit. Her warm wetness began to seep onto his fingers, and he increased his pressure. 

"Come again for me, Lena," he repeated. Lena tried to ignore the wonderful agony between her legs, but soon found that she couldn't. She had experienced too much pain, and her body desperately needed pleasure to counter it. 

It wasn't as strong as the first time, but it still consumed her. Lena released a high, sweet moan, and her back arched, as gentle waves of pleasure swept throughout her entire body. 

"Good girl," Renz whispered.

Lena then passed out, completely worn out by everything Renz had done to her.





Renz stared at Lena as she slept in the same position he'd put her in when he'd pulled her back to bed. He regarded her small, delicate little body with a strength of lust he hadn't felt in all of his thirty-six years. 

He loved how different her body was from those of the wealthy women he was used to. She was soft and supple, yes, but her tiny body possessed a firmness that could only be achieved through years of active work. He loved the shapely curves of the muscle in her legs, the titillating lines of her stomach. He even loved the delicate way her ribs protruded from her narrow body. And her skin, soft, creamy and delicate, yet slightly golden from time spent outside. He wanted to run his tongue over every inch of that delicious skin. 

Renz placed his hand on her chin, and turned her towards him, admiring her face. So sweet and beautiful, even in her slumber. Her long silky, chocolate brown hair was strewn about her head, like a halo. The moonlight danced across her delicate face, heightening her delicate cheekbones. He considered shaking her awake, just so those teasingly long lashes would reveal those large, innocent, ocean-like eyes.

He ran a finger over her deep pink, pouty lips, stiffening at the thought of those lips wrapped around his cock.

Renz knew the moment he saw her that she was an exquisite creature, and that he had to have her. He had hoped that she would be open and willing, a wanton servant girl eager to sleep with a wealthy, powerful man. But she was innocent and pure, and had resisted him to the very end. He had to use force, because he was certain he would go mad if he didn't have her.

And now that he had, he knew that once was not enough. This innocent young virgin had awakened a fearsome appetite within him that needed to be sated. The feeling of her pussy had been indescribable. Even in her inexperience and resistance, being inside of her was the most pleasurable coupling he'd ever experienced. The way her tight walls had seized him, almost to a painful point, the sweet taste of her fluids, and even the sounds she made were permanently embedded into his mind. He needed to have her again. And again. And again.

Renz had originally come to the Sterling manor not for the ball, but to collect on the long-standing debt the financially inept Jonathon Sterling had owed him. Jonathon had invited him to stay as guest to avoid Renz's historically aggressive collection of debt, typically marked by claiming ownership over various properties. But Renz found he was no longer interested in money or manors. He wanted Lena, this eighteen-year-old maid and temptress, to belong to him, as his property.

"I will own you," Renz whispered softly to the sleeping form.

And he would not be denied what he wanted. 



The Taking of Lena Ch. 02



Lena was lying naked on the large bed of the Crown suite. She was weakened and vulnerable, completely on display, and there was nothing she could do to protect her modesty. She remembered, then, that there was no longer a modesty to protect. Renz had taken her.

The coldness of the room made her smooth skin turn into gooseflesh. Her normally puffy, rose-colored nipples were hardened and erect, pointing directly to the ceiling. She shivered, weakly beginning to curl up towards her center to warm herself, but strong hands pressed against her shoulders, keeping her exposed. 

"I'm cold," she murmured. Renz chuckled.

"You'll find I have many ways of keeping you warm," he whispered. 

Lena felt his warm, wet mouth darting between her nipples, and her pussy throbbed in a reawakening ache. She was suddenly aware of just how empty she felt without him inside of her. His cock had filled her, stretched her far beyond what was comfortable, and without him, it felt like something was missing. 

She hated the feeling.

"You're getting wet again, Lena," he said softly. Lena shook her head.

"No...no," she whimpered. 

"Shh, Lena. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You love what I do to your little body with my mouth," Renz whispered. Lena squealed, for suddenly, it felt as if his mouth was covering every last inch of her naked, heated skin. She felt the warm wetness of his tongue on her breasts, swirling around and flicking her sensitive nipples. She felt it going lower, across her stomach, her ribs, the smooth triangle of her mound. 

"Don't go any lower," Lena pleaded. 

But his tongue did travel lower, and all of her resistance flowed out of her body and into his eager mouth. She felt his long, thick fingers surge inside of her as his tongue swirled around her sensitive clit, and Lena screamed.

Renz shifted up her body, sinking his fingers deeper inside of her. Lena stared into his smoldering eyes, tears welling in hers as his thumb pressed against the most sensitive part of her body. She shook her head as he began rubbing her swollen clit, trying to resist the sensations of her body more than resist his insistent touch. 

Lena felt something bigger and harder pressing against her sore opening, and she began to panic, terrified of what it would feel like again. 

"Please don't do that," Lena begged. Renz stared down at her, and pushed a strand of damp hair away from her flushed face.

"You will learn to love this, Lena. I promise, you will learn to love having me inside of you," he whispered. He pushed in, and Lena's eyes rolled to the back of her head as her small body was filled with him once more.

Lena groggily opened her eyes, images of her dream, or perhaps nightmare, haunting her consciousness. She felt dizzy, achy, and tormented. She could tell the sun was high in the sky, but she felt as if she hadn't slept a wink. Her head, legs, breasts, stomach...everything throbbed painfully. Part of her hoped that what she had experienced the night before had been a figment of her imagination as well as the vivid dream, but the raw soreness between her thighs reminded her of just how real it was.

She slowly sat up in the bed, doing her best to keep her nakedness and shame covered with the sheets. She looked around, and slowly became aware that she was alone in the room. Renz was gone.

Lena slowly got out of bed, wincing as her leg movements strained her sore internal walls. She saw her dress uniform and apron from the night before neatly folded on the vanity of the bedroom, and she carefully walked over to it. Before she could touch her clothes, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Immediately, she began to cry at the horrid sight.

There were bruises and bitemarks all over her body, particularly concentrated around her breasts, waist, and hips. She traced four red, long welts across her waist and onto her back with her fingertips, shocked at the realization that they were from Renz's rough grip. 

Her eyes were red and puffy, and her neck was so dark and bruised that she felt she looked as if she had some form of skin disease. Her hair was a giant, tangled mess. Lena sighed, truly feeling more dreadful than ever.

She lowered her gaze, and saw a filmy white substance smeared between her upper thighs, with streaks of red. Lena's eyes widened in shock, and before she could calm herself, she retched into one of the vanity drawers, completely disgusted.

"Where in god's name have you been?! I've been worried sick! It's after noon!" Marie shrieked. Lena's ears began ringing at the sound of her voice, and she winced as a new headache began to form.

"I'm so sorry, Marie. I overslept," Lena replied meekly. Marie's face softened slightly at the pained expression on Lena's sweet features. 

"What happened to you?" she asked, motherly concern overriding her employer-like impatience. 

Lena wanted to tell her about what had happened, but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth. What Renz had done to her, what she had done with him, was shameful and primal. Marie would never look at her the same way again. 

Lena shook her head, forcing a smile on her face.

"Nothing at all. Should I start with stripping the rooms?" Lena asked. Marie frowned. 

"Lena, it is far too late to strip the rooms, I had Annette and Josephine take care of that. No, what I need you to do is prepare the solarium for tea," Marie replied. Lena nodded, feeling increasingly guilty for slacking on her normal duties. 

"Right away. I'm so sorry for my lateness, Marie," she answered sincerely. 

"I know you are. Don't disappoint me again today, please?" she asked kindly. Lena smiled. 

"I promise I won't," she replied, rushing over to the kitchens.

"Please...Mr. Wolfenbarger...I need only another month. I will be coming into a great deal of money soon, and I will be able to repay everything you are owed. With interest," Jonathon said pleadingly. 

Renz strolled around the ethereally illuminated solarium, enjoying the fragrance of the various exotic flowers. He paused at a particularly captivating bloom, gently beaded with crystal clear drops of dew. Its pink petals were not quite ready to meet the sun, and gracefully concealed a deep pink, almost red, mysterious center. 

His cock began to throb at the thought of the delicious, wet petals between Lena's legs this flower reminded him of.

Renz cleared his throat. "Are you aware of how many times you have delivered precisely that rhetoric, Jonathon?" Renz queried, voice low and serious. 

"Well, I—"

"Five times now, to be exact. I am not a man to show mercy. For mercy, to me, is merely the Christian word for weakness. But because of our long-standing history, I have granted you several extensions, far more than I usually offer. It is time to pay your debt," Renz replied coolly. 

A sweat began to form across Jonathon's forehead, completely unrelated to the beaming sunshine inside of the solarium.

"Mr. Wolfenbarger...please sit," Jonathon began. 

Renz strolled over to him and sat opposite, putting one riding boot-clad ankle over his knee. He observed Jonathon as he struggled to find his words, his fat cheeks turning red. Renz thought he looked pathetic.

"Between my son's marriage, increased land taxes, year after year of failing crops, and...living expenses...I simply don't have any disposable income. This ball was not just for my son. It was also a fundraiser," Jonathon confessed. 

Renz felt no sympathy for Jonathon's carelessness. 

"You might consider mortgaging your properties," Renz suggested. Jonathon shook his head.

"Out of the question. I don't even know when I would be able to buy them back. I have people working for me, hundreds of servants that depend on my employment," Jonathon replied. Renz raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't you just say you are coming into a great deal of money soon?" Renz asked mockingly. Jonathon swallowed hard. 

"The servant's here with tea," Jonathon replied, loosening his collar.

Renz recognized her by the delicate, small hands that gently placed a tray of tea and chocolate biscuits on the wrought iron table of the solarium. 

"Good afternoon, miss," he said teasingly. 

"Good afternoon, sir," she replied quietly, refusing to look at him. 

Renz watched her as she gracefully poured the tea, first in Jonathon's cup, then in his.

"Lena, have you met Lord Wolfenbarger?" Jonathon asked eventually. Lena's eyes widened, and she looked pleadingly at him. Renz chuckled. 

"Only briefly, last night. She was turning down my room. Fine maid she is, Jonathon," Renz answered. Lena's small shoulders slightly relaxed from their tensed state, and he could literally feel the relief emanating from her body at his discretion.

Jonathon smiled, a grin of pride.

"That she is. A very hard worker. You can go now, Lena," Jonathon said. Lena curtseyed.

"Yes sir," she replied. And just as quickly and quietly as she'd arrived, she departed. But this time, Renz's eyes followed her every step, and every curve of fabric on her body, as she walked.

"Give me her, and I'll cancel your debt," Renz said suddenly. Jonathon gasped in surprise.

"You wish...to marry a maid?" Jonathon asked. Renz nearly laughed out loud.

"I have no intention of ever getting married again, let alone to a maid. No, I have far more interesting things planned for that one. Lena is her name?" Renz asked. Jonathon frowned.

"Yes, her name is Lena. And I am not giving her away," Jonathon replied firmly. Renz chuckled.

"No? What if I pay you, then? How much do you want for her?" Renz pressed. 

"Lena is not for sale," Jonathon replied. 

Renz folded his arms, disappointed by the realization that acquiring Lena would be a bit more challenging than he'd originally thought. "You seem awfully protective of her," Renz mentioned. Jonathon's eyes narrowed. 

"She is a good girl. And completely alone in the world, save for my employment. She needs protection," Jonathon replied.

"She hardly appears to be a girl anymore, Jonathon. And what if there is nothing left in her to protect? Looking the way she does I'm most certain—"

Jonathon angrily slammed his hand down on the table, spilling tea. He stood up on shaky legs, and pointed his finger at Renz.

"Your arrogance is astounding, Mr. Wolfenbarger. I will not tolerate you speaking ill of Lena, nor will I pass her off to you to be tortured. I'll repay my debt, in cash, by the end of the week. And after, I want no more dealings with you. Now if you'll excuse me, I need air," Jonathon fumed, storming off. 

"I meant no disrespect," Renz called, but Jonathon was no longer within earshot.

Lena kept herself very busy for the rest of the afternoon, in an attempt to stay away from Renz as much as possible. She traded chamber duties with Marie so that she would not have to be alone in the Crown suite at any point in time. She would not, could not, allow Renz to repeat what he had done the night before.

Lena retired to her small room later that night after her tasks had been completed. She was exhausted, and still feeling sick to her stomach, but she had successfully avoided him. Only another five days of working in the fields and kitchens, and he would be gone. And then, she would be able to get back to her regular life as a happy chambermaid.

She noticed the wildflowers Gregory had given her were still sitting on her nightstand, and were slightly wilting. She realized then that she hadn't even thought of how Gregory had hurt her since the day before. That was one benefit to her violation, she thought bitterly. Someone had managed to hurt her even more than Gregory had, and now his offense didn't seem so terrible.

Lena gathered her hairbrush, soap, and night shift, and exited her room for the bathing room she shared with the other chambermaids. Because it was so late, it was empty, for which Lena was eternally grateful.

Lena pumped water into the center basin, and added hot coals for warmth. She slowly and carefully removed her uniform, and stepped into the hot water, fully submerging to her shoulders. 

Lena closed her eyes for a few moments, enjoying the feeling of the hot water on her sore muscles. She reached for her bar of soap, and gently scrubbed her fragile skin, washing away all remnants of Renz. She washed her hair three times, scrubbing her scalp until it was raw, just to be extra certain there wasn't a single part of her that even smelled like him. After rinsing, she remained in the tub, enjoying the now floral-scented steam.

Lena reclined, and began to gently run her hands over her body, tenderly massaging the areas that were particularly sore. She softly kneaded her breasts, surprised by how nice it felt, and shocked that she was touching herself this way. She began wondering if maybe she could touch herself, inside, where Renz had taken her. If massaging her sore skin helped the pain, surely touching herself deep inside would ease that ache as well.

Lena tentatively slid her hand down her stomach and between her legs, slowly parting them. She softly explored her sore pink flesh, running two fingers in light circles up and down her inner lips. She felt her excitement slowly and gently beginning to build up inside of her the closer she came to her clit, and she removed her hand once she realized she was releasing soft moans. 

Eventually the water began turning cold, and Lena crawled out of the tub, securing herself in a towel. Her limbs ached in reaction to the cold bathing room, and she dried her skin as fast as possible, and slipped on her thin white night shift. 

Lena brushed her wet hair in melodic strokes, smoothing out the minimal coarse ends, and exited the bathroom. She returned to her room, and nearly screamed when she saw the looming, masculine figure perched on her small bed.

"Close the door, Lena," Renz instructed. Lena, too terrified to disobey, closed the door behind her. 

"What are you doing here?" Lena asked, knees shaking. Renz rose from her bed and strode towards her. Lena backed up against the door, eyes wide and fearful.

"To enjoy you, of course. I've been thinking about you all day," Renz replied. He placed his hand on her chin and gently kissed her.

"Please don't hurt me," Lena pleaded. Renz frowned, and his eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I thought I made it pretty clear last night that I have no intention of hurting you, Lena. Just the opposite in fact," Renz said, leaning down to kiss her again. Lena stopped him, however.

"Y-you did hurt me," Lena argued. Renz wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up against his torso, flattening her breasts against his chest. 

"It only hurt because it was your first time, Lena. Your body had to do a lot of stretching to accommodate me. It will only get better for you now," Renz replied, gathering her shift up around her waist. Lena shook her head furiously. 

"No...you're not doing that to me again. I will scream," Lena threatened. Renz chuckled. 

"I sure hope you do. I love the sound of you screaming when you're coming," Renz teased. Lena blushed, and pounded her little fists against his chest. 

"That's something...you'll never hear again, sir. I won't let you," Lena said, voice quivering. Renz raised his eyebrows and released her. He stared at her with a smile on his handsome face, almost as if she'd just told a joke. It frightened her.

"Why are you smiling?" Lena asked. 

"Because I am a man that always gets what he wants. I want you. And I want you willing," Renz replied. Lena shook her head.

"You stole me. I didn't give myself to you willingly and I never will," Lena replied. Renz chuckled, and sat down on her bed with a sense of authority and ownership. 

"How do you think your gentle old Jonathon Sterling would react if he found out his most precious, innocent maid slept with one of his guests?" Renz asked. Lena's lips parted in a silent gasp.

"He has known me my entire life. He knows I would never—"

"An eighteen-year-old maid, very beautiful, yet with no social standing, no prospects of marriage. Sterling, and everyone else for that matter, would assume you attempted to seduce the first wealthy man you were alone with. It's your word against mine, darling," Renz answered casually.

Lena felt her heart sink, unbelieving that this man could be so cruel. 

"You wouldn't dare tell such a lie," Lena began. Renz shrugged his broad shoulders. 

"You'll find I am a very fair man, Lena. To deny me the delights of your body would be a sin greater than murder. And such a sin, naturally, deserves punishment, don't you agree?" Renz asked. Lena's cheeks felt hot, and her head began to pound. She swallowed hard, realizing that she had no choice but to acquiesce to him.

"Please don't tell Master Sterling. If he finds out...and believes what you say...he will never forgive me. I will have nowhere to go," Lena replied sadly. For the first time, Renz dropped his gaze, and Lena was able to observe him a bit more closely. He seemed younger, somehow, when he wasn't looking at her. More human.

Lena tentatively approached him where he sat, and stood between his parted knees. She was nearly eye level with him, and she shakily reached out to touch the side of his face. He looked up at her then, steel eyes slightly softening. 

Renz reached forward, and slowly slid his hand between Lena's legs, beneath her shift. Lena's knees nearly gave way when he pressed his fingers against her bare slit, softly stroking her lips.

"You will come to me willingly," Renz said. Lena nodded.

"Yes...yes," she replied. Renz moistened his fingers in his mouth before putting them between her thighs once more, this time separating her lips, and teasing her not yet damp inner folds.

"I will have you in here tonight. But every night hereafter, for the duration of my stay, you will report to my suite," Renz said, slipping his finger just barely inside of her. Lena gasped.

"Yes, sir," she replied, trying not to react to his touch. 

"And if you do all that I ask, I promise to keep this a secret. Now what do you say?" Lena began to cry again, feeling more humiliated than ever. She sniffled and looked up at the ceiling before answering.

"Thank you, sir," she replied. Renz leaned forward and kissed her pussy, through her shift.

"That's my good girl," Renz whispered, squeezing her buttocks. Lena moaned uncomfortably as his head disappeared beneath her gown, and his lips left teasing kisses along her upper thighs. She squirmed as his mouth moved dangerously closer to that traitorous part of her body that craved his agile tongue.

"Why are you doing that?" Lena asked. She heard, and felt, him release a low tone, vibrating her sensitive folds.

"Don't you like it when I lick you?" Renz asked in response, lips against her lips. Lena's eyelashes fluttered, and she struggled to maintain control of her body.

"What I mean is...why do you care what I like or don't like?" Lena clarified. Renz paused, and eventually rose, smoothing down her shift. He pulled her closer to him, fingertips skirting along the backs of her thighs. 

"I told you Lena. I'm a fair man. It would be meaningless to me if I was the only one gaining pleasure," he replied. Lena frowned, completely disbelieving. 

"You...raped me. Last night was pain, not pleasure," Lena replied solemnly. Renz frowned and shook his head. He stood, and Lena defensively began to back away from him. He stalked towards her, and Lena cowered in fear against the wall. Renz angrily placed his hands on either side of her, causing her to jolt. He brought his face close, his mouth nearly touching hers. Lena could feel his hot, angry breath spreading all over her face. 

Renz spoke slowly and deliberately. "You were dripping wet by the time I entered you, Lena. I counted two contractions: once around my tongue, the other around my fingers. I made sure you came before, and after I did. Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't enjoy the way that felt," Renz ordered. Lena gulped.




The Taking of Lena Ch. 02



"Yes, but I didn't want it. I didn't ask for anything that you did. You forced me," Lena answered breathlessly. Renz was still fuming, and Lena trembled where she stood. 

"Get on your knees," Renz said eventually. 

"What?"

"Get...on...your knees," Renz repeated coldly. Lena shakily did as she was told, and kneeled in front of him. 

"What do I do now?" Lena asked nervously. Renz rapidly unfastened his breeches and locked his hand in her hair. She gasped as his large, angry cock sprung free. It seemed even bigger now, so close to her face. She wondered how he had ever managed to put it inside of her.

"You're going to take me into your mouth," Renz replied. Lena's eyes widened in disbelief and shook her head, but Renz tightened his grip on her hair, almost to a painful point.

"Or would you rather I tell Sterling about our wet, hot passionate sex last night? I still have your panties, evidenced with the scent of your arousal," Renz mentioned. Lena whimpered and her brow furrowed. She swallowed hard, unsure of where to start. Five days, she reminded herself.

"I don't...I don't know what to do," Lena said eventually. Renz smiled.

"We'll start slowly. Just use your tongue and lick me. Do whatever feels natural," Renz replied. Lena moistened her lips and extended her tongue, and shyly began licking his length. 

Renz's head fell back and he slightly loosened his grip on her hair, allowing her more room to move about. 

Lena experimentally traced his protruding vein with her tongue, drawing from him a satisfied sigh. She continued licking him with soft strokes, growing more confident as his sighs grew longer and more frequent. 

She explored his contours with her tongue, fascinated by his ever-growing hardness. The skin of his cock was smooth and velvety, a sharp contrast to the turgid columns of flesh that strained beneath it. 

"Take me into your mouth," Renz whispered roughly. 

Lena took a deep breath, and slowly wrapped her lips around the head of his cock, gently beginning to suck. She felt him swell in her mouth, and she took this as encouragement to continue. Lena squeezed her lips around his cock and circled her tongue around his sensitive tip. She tasted something slightly salty, and she abruptly stopped in surprise. 

"What is happening? Are you hurt?" she asked, shocked at the sight of the clear fluid oozing from his cock. Renz shook his head and tightened his grip on her hair. 

"No...no, this is very good. Don't stop," Renz urged, pulling her face forward. Lena re-moistened her lips and opened her mouth, slipping his cock inside once more. 

"Do what feels natural. You're doing well, Lena," Renz said again. Lena was surprised that his voice sounded slightly strained, but not out of pain. He actually sounded...pleasured. Lena felt a strange sense of confidence, and began sucking him with more earnest, opening her mouth a bit wider to allow more of his length inside.

Lena began to gag and moan in protest when he suddenly jerked forward, hitting the back of her throat. Lena panicked, afraid he would try to put his entire cock in her mouth. Even with the head touching her throat, most of his length was still outward and untouched by her lips.

Renz pulled out slightly, but still kept his fingers laced within her hair. He began gently rocking his hips back and forth as he looked down into her expectant blue eyes, and dropped his gaze to her full pink lips stretched around his cock.

"I'm sorry, Lena. I got a little carried away. Your mouth feels wonderful," Renz murmured. Lena's eyelashes lowered, and she tightened her cheeks, rubbing his sensitive underside with her flattened tongue. 

She reached forward and wrapped her small hand around the base, to gain a bit more control. She accidentally squeezed him as she brought her mouth further down his shaft, and he released a low groan of pleasure. She squeezed him a bit harder, and began running her tongue in slow circles around his cock as she sucked. This made him moan louder, and Lena quickened her pace, encouraged.

"Lena," Renz ground out. Lena squeezed him tighter and moved her hand up and down his shaft as her mouth moved back and forth. She could feel him getting larger in her mouth, just as he had when he was inside of her. Maybe if he finished this way, he would lose interest in hurting her insides again...

"Lena," Renz repeated, breathing harder. Lena ignored him, and kept sucking on his cock, wildly moving her tongue around. Her cheeks and jaw were beginning to hurt, but she didn't want to stop. In a strange way, she felt almost as if she were the one controlling him.

"Lena, stop," Renz said a bit more forcefully, gently pulling her away. Lena tried to put him back in her mouth, but he stepped away from her. She tentatively looked up at him, frightened she'd displeased him in some way. But there was a slightly amused smile on his face. 

"Did I do something wrong?" Lena asked. Renz shook his head, still smiling. 

"Not at all. Few more minutes of that and I would have released in your mouth. And that is not what I want to do," Renz replied, pulling her up to her feet. Lena slightly stumbled, and she grabbed onto his shoulders for support.

"What do you want to do?" she asked. Renz swiftly picked her up and tossed her onto her narrow bed. Lena's thin shift flew up above her breasts, and she struggled to cover herself. 

Renz pounced on top of her and kissed her, aggressively stealing her now sore mouth. Lena whimpered as his tongue curled around hers, reminding her of the pleasure it gave her between her thighs. He roughly squeezed her breasts, molding them to the shape of his hands. 

"Do you really still need to ask what I want to do, Lena?" Renz asked, pinching her nipples. Lena's eyes lowered and she shook her head. Renz kissed her neck as he lowered his body and brought her legs high up around his waist.

Lena felt him begin to press up against her entrance, and she shut her eyes, bracing herself for the pain she knew would come. After a few moments, however, he didn't move, and Lena opened her eyes, surprised to see Renz staring down at her.

"Why aren't you starting?" Lena asked. Renz rolled over onto his back, pulling her with him. 

"I want to watch you take me inside of you tonight," Renz replied, seating her on his lap. Lena struggled to move, but his hands were locked on her hips. He raised his pelvis, grinding his hardness against her pussy. Lena stared up at the ceiling, praying she would make it through the night.

Lena took a deep breath, and reached down to grab hold of his hard cock. She sat up slightly on her knees to position him, but he stopped her.

"I said I want to watch, Lena. Take off your gown," Renz said. Lena's cheeks turned a fierce red, and she hoped desperately that she'd heard him incorrectly.

"Sir, please...I—"

"Take it off Lena," Renz repeated. His voice lowered, and Lena knew not to argue any further. Wordlessly, she raised her arms, sliding the thin material off of her body and over her head. She watched his gaze start at the triangle between her legs, gradually trailing over her stomach, breasts, and finally, her face.

"Now take me inside of you. Slide down on my cock. You can do it slowly if you'd like," Renz said. Lena nodded and closed her eyes as she positioned herself once more. She bit her lip as she began to lower herself on to him, tensed up and prepared for the moment the searing agony would shoot through her tiny pussy and split her in two. 

She felt her body stretch uncomfortably as his head slid into her pussy, and she tried to retreat, but Renz kept his grip on her hips. Lena sighed, realizing there really was no way to escape or alleviate the pain. She slid down onto him again, doing her best to consciously relax her vaginal muscles. She felt him enter her, stretching her and stretching her and stretching her until she thought she would rip. She pushed down on him a bit further and chewed on her lip to distract herself from the pain, and cried out when he jerked forward, closing all distance between their bodies. 

Lena pulsated around him, her body struggling to acclimate to the invasion. She held herself there for a few moments, grateful he wasn't yet taking her with brutal, rapid thrusts. 

She eventually opened her eyes, and realized that there was no searing agony. It was painful, yes, but a kind of pain that Lena felt might disappear soon. She looked at Renz, and noticed he was staring at her intently. His gaze was intense, making her feel vulnerable and afraid. She lowered her eyes to the space where their bodies were joined, fascinated by how his thick member disappeared inside of her.

"Start moving, Lena," Renz instructed. Lena leaned forward, feeling her entire body tingle at the pulling sensation of her pussy as he exited her. She pushed back down on him, and gasped as his cock grazed something particularly sensitive on her anterior wall. 

She moved over him with growing curiosity, marveling at the feeling of her walls expanding and contracting, always gripping him. The pain was definitely still there, but now it was coupled with something else. Something she wanted. 

Lena placed her hands on his chest for balance, and began rocking back and forth, welcoming the stretching sensation inside of her body. It felt so different from when he had forcefully taken her. It felt less like he was ripping and forcing his way into her pussy, and more like she was slowly adapting to his size.

Lena closed her eyes, in an effort to protect her mind from the man that was inside of her, before she felt too much pleasure. She reminded herself that he was cruel and coercive, and after five more nights, she would be free of him. She tried to focus solely on the sensations she was feeling, knowing that would be her only way of surviving. 

Renz reached forward and began manipulating her clit, and Lena was caught off guard. She gasped and screamed, hating that he knew how to touch her sensitive parts more than she ever would. She kept her eyes squeezed shut, and began bouncing up and down on his lap, hoping to end this as soon as possible.

"Open your eyes Lena," Renz said breathlessly. She obeyed, little tears welling as he rewarded her with those skillful circular vibrations of his fingers on her clit, the movements that had shattered her twice before. 

She gripped his chest as that familiar pressure began to build inside of her pussy, but there was something slightly different about it. She felt it very deep within her, and she rocked on him faster, desperate to climax.

"Look at me Lena. I want to see your face as you come for me," Renz whispered. The tears fell freely as Lena stared into his gray eyes. His expression was fierce, and he pinched her clit between his fingers as he began meeting her inexperienced thrusts, throwing her off balance. Lena nearly fell over, but he gripped her waist and began pulling her down to meet his thrusts, keeping her attached to him. Lena squealed as he hit that sensitive spot again, and her orgasm surged through her.

Renz rolled over on top of her and brought one of her legs over his shoulder. He roughly kissed her as he kept thrusting inside of her as she continued to climax, catching her screams in his mouth, returning them with loud groans of his own. Lena rapidly contracted around his cock, her wetness completely lubricating him. He bit down on her lower lip as he came, completely releasing himself inside of her.

He remained inside of her as he began to soften, gently rocking back and forth. Lena whimpered beneath him, shaking from the thrill of what she had just experienced.

"I knew you would love being on top," Renz murmured, kissing away her tears. The humiliation returned, and Lena pushed against his shoulders in shame.

"Please leave now," Lena whispered. Renz gently kissed her forehead before crawling off of her, fastening his breeches. He looked over at her, and sighed impatiently. 

"Tomorrow night, you'll be sleeping with me. And you'll leave when I say you can leave. Do you understand?" Renz asked. 

"Yes, sir," Lena replied quietly, between sniffles. She refused to look at him, and curled up in a fetal position.

It was only when she heard the door to her bedroom close that she finally exhaled, and cried her real feelings into her sheets.

She had allowed this man to make a whore out of her. This strange man, whom she knew nothing about apart from his name and title. For another five days, she belonged to him. She loved her life at the Sterling manor, and couldn't bear the thought of having it jeopardized. If Sterling was lead to believe she had initiated a sexual encounter with Renz, she would be thrown out of the manor forever, and then, she really would be a common street whore.

Lena cried herself to sleep, naively hoping the week would become easier, but truly knowing it wouldn't.

Renz tossed and turned in the large bed of the Crown suite, unable to get the images of their sex out of his mind. He had never seen a sight more beautiful than Lena's naked form on top of him as she was climaxing. The way her tiny body had quivered, the sway of her breasts, and the erotic expression of her face as she came around his cock haunted his consciousness and unconsciousness, to the point that Renz was sure he would lose his mind if he didn't run back to her little room and take her again.

He had been certain that having her a second time, and allowing her to believe she was in physical control, would quell at least some of his fiery passion for the girl. But he found he wanted her more than ever, and was angry that she had the nerve to shoo him out of her closet of a room.

He was even angrier that she had tried to distance herself from him, closing her eyes during their sex. She was a passionate creature, however, and couldn't stay silent for long. She was much too expressive, too innocent and curious, to hide herself from him. He wanted to take all of her, use all of her, experience all of her, and consume all she had to offer, until there was nothing left in her. 

Renz realized then that he needed a guarantee that he would have her as much as his appetite demanded. Five days was not long enough, and Sterling was unrelenting in his offer to let him take the young maid off of his hands. 

Renz sat up in bed, grabbing her white panties from their first night together from the pocket of his formal trousers. He stormed out of his suite, aggressively stalking through the manor like a lion closing in on its prey.

He found Jonathon Sterling sitting in the library, a worn book open in his lap.

"Mr. Wolfenbarger, shouldn't you be sleeping?" Jonathon asked wearily. Renz gripped Lena's panties in his fist as he took the chair opposite Jonathon.

"Well what is it?" Jonathon pressed. Renz smiled.

"Jonathon, I have something very important to tell you..."



The Taking of Lena Ch. 03



"Jonathon, I have something very important to tell you," Renz began. Jonathon sighed.

"What is it, Mr. Wolfenbarger?" he asked. Renz squeezed Lena's panties in his fist, safely hidden in his pocket.

"I am no longer interested in collecting money from you, Jonathon," Renz replied. Jonathon began growing angry, and his pale, wrinkled face reddened. 

"What is it that you want from me? I am an old man, I am tired and I am weary!" Jonathon exclaimed. Renz raised his hand, hoping to silence the man before he himself changed his mind about this uncharacteristic path he was about to go down: compromise.

"What I mean is...I have decided to cancel what you owe. But I realize that I am not the only lord you are indebted to, and your estates and assets are still very vulnerable. I would like to help you," Renz continued. Jonathon stared at him open-mouthed.

"I thought I explained to you that Lena is not for sale," Jonathon replied curtly. Renz did his best to keep his features composed, and feigned an expression of dismay. 

"Lena? Oh, that maid...my words were merely the impulsive musings of a man noticing a pretty face. I meant nothing by them," Renz said. Jonathon eyed him suspiciously. 

"She's also much too skinny for my taste," Renz added. Renz observed Jonathon, noting the way his face shifted as thoughts went through his mind. He didn't seem fully convinced, but he did seem satisfied with the answers Renz gave him, for the time being. 

"You've truly had a change of heart, Mr. Wolfenbarger?" Jonathon asked. Renz nodded. 

"I have. I know that you and my father had a longstanding relationship of a much more...amiable nature. I wish to honor his legacy," Renz replied. Jonathon's expression softened. 

"Your father was a very good man, indeed," Jonathon said. Renz smiled, a perfectly composed lie across his face. He tried not to grimace at the memory of the man he knew not as father, but as the violent Johann Wolfenbarger.

"That he was," Renz answered. For the first time, Jonathon smiled. 

"I am certainly not as cunning of a businessman as he was...and I realize I do owe you a great deal...you truly have no further interest in acquiring the money?" Jonathon asked. Renz chuckled.

"The sum you owe would seem as mere pocket change in comparison to my other debtors. Money does not mean very much to me anymore, Jonathon," Renz replied truthfully.

"Money and power are supposed to be the most important things to a business man. What is important to you, then? Love?" Jonathon asked, chuckling on the end. 

Renz thought for a moment, unprepared for the question. Money didn't mean anything to him anymore. Power didn't mean anything. Love, especially, didn't mean anything to him. These ideas were fleeting, empty, and ephemeral. 

But the passion he felt for Lena, the very tangible, magnetic pull his body exhibited towards hers, was attraction in its purest form. It was animal instinct. It was as if every aspect of Lena had been specifically designed to tempt his every desire. He didn't know how long the feeling would last, but it was strong enough to pursue, at least for the moment. That was important.

"I'm sure I will discover that soon enough," Renz said eventually. Jonathon nodded thoughtfully.

"I hope you will. You will not be a young man for much longer," Jonathon replied. Renz couldn't help but laugh, looking at the nearly decrepit man that was calling him old. 

"I suppose that is true. Back to business, however...I thought I might extend my stay. I wouldn't want to ruin this week's festivities, but I believe we should have an additional few days to discuss how we are going to repair your assets," Renz said. The older man's eyes filled with joy.

"An excellent idea! An additional week, at least, for us to make plans?" Jonathan queried. Renz nodded, trying to quell the thrill he felt shoot through his body at the guarantee of at least an additional seven days inside of Lena.

"An additional week sounds splendid," Renz replied.

And splendid it would be, Renz thought as he wandered around the dark and quiet manor. He decided against retiring back to his suite, for he knew that he wouldn't be able to sleep. He was far too excited. But beyond the feeling of excitement was something stronger...relief. He was relieved to know that he could still enjoy Lena for seven days on top of the five he already had remaining with her. He'd found a way to buy more time with her. Surely, after twelve days of having her body, he would be able to get her out of his system. 

In the back of his mind, however, Renz knew that twelve days would not be enough. He had never been a man to settle for less than what he truly wanted, and what Renz wanted was Lena, as his property, completely independent of Sterling Manor. He wanted to own her.

Renz knew he needed to find a way to take her away from Jonathon, permanently. But the old man had an unusual attachment to the young maid, and had expressed strange protective behavior that puzzled Renz. 

Acquiring Lena would be difficult, but Renz was ready for the challenge.



Lena didn't sleep that night. Her eyes were raw and puffy from her tears, and her body felt more sore and tender than ever. The soreness, however, had nothing to do with Renz's rough grip and forcefulness upon her flesh. This sensitivity was from the climax she'd experienced on top of him that had shaken her to her very core. Lena stayed in the same fetal position, not because she was in pain, but because her body felt so...contented. She was worn out from physical bliss, and she lacked the willpower to move. There was no denying that what she'd experienced tonight was definite pleasure, and she hated Renz for drawing it out of her. 

It was only when the rays of morning light began to illuminate her small room that Lena began to feel tired. Groggily, she resisted the sudden urge to sleep and crawled off of her bed.



Lena sat in the kitchens for breakfast with the other chambermaids in a daze. She was aware of the inquisitive eyes on her, the whispers about her, but it wasn't enough to inspire her to care. She couldn't force herself to smile and put on a bright face. She was simply too exhausted.

Lena knew how dreadful and disheveled she looked. She was fully aware of the dark circles beneath her eyes, the paleness of her skin, heightened by the darkening bruises upon her neck. She knew she looked frightened and tired. And she knew that the fellow chambermaids, the women she'd grown up with, were concerned about her. She felt a pain go through her chest at the thought of these women discovering the truth about the whore she had allowed herself to become. 

She gathered a small amount of boiled meal in her spoon and brought it to her mouth. She separated her lips and felt the pull of her cheeks, and was instantly reminded of precisely what she had done with her mouth the night before. 

"Just use your tongue and lick me."

She heard his voice in her mind with such clarity, it was almost as if he'd spoken directly in her ear. A chill went up her spine at the memory of his low, powerful voice. The spoon slipped from her fingers and dropped heavily in her bowl, spilling meal all over the table.

She swallowed hard, suddenly shockingly aware of the newly sensitive flesh at the back of her throat. Her cheeks reddened as her distractedness and clumsiness began reflecting on the faces of the other chambermaids. They were watching her. They were judging her. They knew exactly what she was doing at night. 

Lena's heart pounded in her chest as she frantically searched the faces of the other maids, paranoid that they somehow did know about what she had done with Renz. 

"Are you all right, Lena?" someone asked. The voice sounded far away, not truly there. It might have been Marie, or maybe it was Isobel. Perhaps even Margarite. Lena felt distanced and detached, and the only thing that was real was the beastly memory of what she had done with Renz.

"Dear lord, I think she might faint." That voice sounded even more distant and unrecognizable. Lena's heart pounded faster in her chest as the maids continued staring at her inquisitively. Her head felt heavy, and suddenly the room felt very hot as her anxiety increased exponentially. A sweat broke out across her forehead, and Lena put her hand on the table, in an attempt to steady herself.

"Quick, catch her before she falls!" a frantic voice shouted.

Lena slipped off of her stool and tumbled into a realm of unconsciousness. 





"Lena? Lena, dear?"

Lena opened her eyes, surprised to find Marie staring back at her. 

"What happened Marie?" Lena asked, beginning to sit up. Marie gently pressed her hand on Lena's shoulder, guiding her back down to her bed.

"Easy there, Lena. You had a fainting spell this morning," Marie said calmly. Lena frowned. 

"This morning? What time is it now?" she asked, panicking. Marie placed a cloth on her clammy forehead to calm her down.

"It's just past five. You slept all day. And I think it best if you continue to rest into the night," Marie answered. Lena shook her head.

"No, Marie, I feel fine. And I have...duties to attend to," Lena responded. In truth, she felt as if she hadn't slept at all, but she feared that if she didn't go to Renz as he'd instructed, he would reveal devastating lies to Master Sterling.

"Lena, your duties have been reassigned. And before you protest again, I have informed Master Sterling of your condition. He is very worried about you, and has even called for the doctor," Marie said. 

Lena sighed, too tired to argue with Marie. She realized she would have to be very stealthy when the time came for departing her room later that evening.

"Lena," Marie said. Lena looked at her, feeling guilty for the worried expression on Marie's face. 

"Yes?"

"Has something...happened?" Marie asked. Lena did her best to appear as bewildered as possible. She hated that she had to lie to Marie, the woman who had been much like a mother to her.

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine," Lena replied. Marie shook her head.

"No, Lena. For two days now you have been unable to complete your normal duties. You have never been one to fall ill, yet here you sit, thinner, and sicker, than I have ever seen you. What is happening to you?" Marie asked. Lena blinked slowly and took a deep breath.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Marie," Lena said quietly. Marie's warm eyes saddened, and her mouth slightly parted in a silent gasp. She looked hurt.

"I would have thought, after all of these years, you would trust me enough to confide in me, Lena," Marie replied. 

Lena took a deep breath, realizing she couldn't keep the secret from Marie any longer. 

"Marie, I—"

"The doctor is here," Marie said suddenly. Lena exhaled, and regarded the thin bearded man that shakily walked over to her and sat by her bed, medical bag in hand. 

"Good afternoon, ladies. What seems to be the problem with this one?" he asked. 

"Lena had a fainting spell this morning, doctor," Marie answered. 

"A fainting spell. Interesting. Have you a fever, child?" the doctor asked. 

"No."

"Yes," Marie interjected, eyeing Lena suspiciously. Lena sighed in frustration. 

The doctor placed his spectacles at the end of his nose, and began examining Lena. He placed his hand on her forehead, turning her face this way and that. She blushed when he asked her to open her mouth, wondering if there was perhaps any physical evidence of the oral service she'd performed on Renz the night before. 

"I am going to ask you a series of questions, and I need you to be completely honest with me. Have you been experiencing some...fatigue lately?" he asked. Lena nodded.

"Yes. I have been...somewhat fatigued," Lena replied. 

"Any dizziness?" 

"Yes. I have been...dizzy," Lena replied. 

"Any new and unusual muscular pain?" Lena bit her lip.

"Yes," she replied. 

"Around your...birthing area and...abdomen in particular?" he asked. Lena bit her lower lip. 

"Just a bit," she replied cautiously. 

"Any nausea? Have you been vomiting?"

"Yes, doctor."

"Trouble sleeping?" 

"Yes."

"And she's been unpredictably emotional, doctor. I've noticed her crying. And this morning she looked as if she was experiencing a fright," Marie added. A jolt of panic shot through Lena's body.

"Is this true, Lena?" he asked. Lena nodded shamefully. 

"Yes, doctor." The doctor removed his spectacles and stared directly into Lena's eyes. 

"How often are you copulating with men, Lena?" Marie gasped. 

"Doctor! She is an unmarried woman!" Marie exclaimed. Lena blushed scarlet as the doctor repeated his question. 

"Never, sir," Lena replied. The doctor raised his eyebrows inquisitively. 

"You are chaste, then?" he asked. Lena swallowed hard and nodded.

"Yes...yes I am," she replied shakily, wondering if he knew she was lying. 

"That settles it, then. It appears you have a case of hysteria," the doctor answered. Lena's eyes widened in confusion. 

"Hysteria?"

"Yes, Lena. It's quite common in spinsters, widows...and virgins. Your body is not performing its required...womanly duties...of marital service and childbirth, and as a result, your restless female organs are rendering you unwell and unstable," the doctor explained. Marie put her palm to her open mouth in surprise.

"You poor dear," Marie said quietly. 

"I recommend extremely limited physical and mental exertion for the next few days. Bed rest. I will provide you an herbal remedy that will help you relax, and I will return tomorrow to see if your hysteria has worsened. In which case we will take...other measures...to ensure your health," the doctor finished. 

Lena mulled over his words. Although she suspected his diagnosis to be far-fetched, she realized that her new illness could perhaps be the perfect escape from Renz. Surely he wouldn't want her if he thought she were ill...

"Thank you, doctor. May I rest now?" she asked. 

"Of course, Lena. Drink this," he replied, offering her a small vial. Lena closed her eyes and drank the bitter liquid quickly, hoping it would not be long before it took effect. 

Lena closed her eyes and curled up on her bed, listening to the voices of Marie and the doctor. Eventually, the former's soft, gentle timbre of motherly concerned lulled her to sleep.





Renz dismounted the horse he'd been riding and wiped the sweat from his brow. He watched as Jonathon's son Adam arrived shortly after, followed by other guests, with Jonathon, naturally, appearing last. 

The men of Jonathon Sterling's festivities had spent the day out on a foxhunt. Renz had always had a particular fondness for the sport and the primitive instincts it brought about. Also, Renz was very competitive. 

He watched the other guests in arrogant amusement as they glared at him in jealousy. Not only had Renz returned with the most kill, but he had also returned first. For it was not enough for Renz to have the most successful kill; he had to be the fastest too. 

"I didn't know Germans were familiar with the sport of gentlemen," Adam muttered coldly. Renz chuckled and raised his eyebrows. 

"I didn't know children were familiar with the sport of gentlemen either, Adam. Isn't that a more puzzling aspect of sport?" Renz asked. Adam spat loudly. 

"Quite a fine display of prowess, Mr. Wolfenbarger. I am sure my guests will agree your skills are astonishing!" Jonathan exclaimed pleasantly as a servant helped him dismount his horse. Renz shrugged his shoulders as a few of the older men released tones of recognition.

"Fortune was merely on my side, today," Renz replied, fully aware that his pelts did all of the boasting for him. He stifled a laugh as he noticed a man bashfully hiding the mere single pheasant he'd captured.

"Indeed it was," Jonathon replied, patting his shoulder. 

The men returned to the manor for cigars and brandy and for talk of the hunt, but Renz couldn't rouse much interest. Renz's omnipresent appetite for Lena was beginning to become a gnawing ache. 

It was just after five, and Renz realized that this would be the time she would most likely be turning down the rooms. Perhaps he could enjoy her for just a few quick moments before using her later on that evening. 

Renz quietly exited the room unnoticed, and quickly raced over to his suite. He opened the double doors and headed straight for the bedroom, and his heart sank in disappointment when he realized the woman turning down his bed was not Lena. 

"Pardon me," Renz said quietly. The woman gasped and turned around.

"I thought the men were out on the hunt. I will just be a few more minutes, sir," she said pleasantly. 

"We finished early. I don't believe I have seen you before," Renz mentioned casually. 

"Lena usually takes care of the Crown suite, however she's fallen ill, so we've made a few changes," she replied. To his surprise, panic instantly shot through Renz's body.

"Ill? With what, may I ask?" he asked. The maid seemed surprised by the question, and did not answer immediately. 

"Naturally, I wouldn't want to be infected by anything she may be carrying," Renz added. The woman shook her head.

"You needn't worry about that, sir. Lena just has a touch of female hysteria, is all. The doctor was just with her," the maid replied. 

Renz could hardly contain his relief. Lena was not ill at all. She'd simply been diagnosed with meaningless Freudian piffle. 

"So this Lena will be out of commission for a while. Will you be turning down my room for the rest of my stay? What is your name?" Renz asked. 

"Yes, sir. The doctor recommended Lena remain abed, so I will be taking care of your room. And my name is Marie," she replied. Renz smiled. 

"I am Renz Wolfenbarger. Surely she will not be confined to bed all alone? There is someone looking after her? I hear hysteria can be quite...unpredictable," Renz continued, hoping he was conveying just the proper amount of concern. Marie smiled warmly.

"You are quite the gentleman to be so concerned, Mr. Wolfenbarger. The doctor did not specify a necessity for Lena's constant supervision, however I will perhaps be checking in on her after dinner is served. The poor girl just needs her rest," Marie replied. Renz smiled at the revelation of Lena being alone, for the time being.

"You be sure to convey to her my utmost wishes for her speedy recovery, Marie," Renz mentioned. Marie's smile widened. 

"Of course, Mr. Wolfenbarger. I'm sure she will be honored to hear it. Good evening," Marie replied, exiting the room.

Renz waited a few minutes before leaving the Crown suite, and headed towards the maids' quarters.





Lena woke up feeling particularly feverish and disoriented. She slowly opened her eyes and took a few deep breaths, willing her head to stop spinning. 

Lena shifted in her small bed and pushed at her blanket to cool herself off. She began to panic when her hands grazed the now familiar feeling of Renz's hard, large body.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to wake up," Renz murmured softly. He shifted closer to her on the bed, wrapping his arm around her stomach. Lena frowned and tried to push his arm away, but he pulled her against his torso with an irritating ease.

"Sir, I am very ill. You will not want me tonight," Lena said groggily, still experiencing the effects of the relaxant. Renz laughed. 

"Oh I know all about your little illness sweetheart, and hysteria certainly won't keep me from enjoying you," Renz answered. Lena sighed solemnly.

"But the doctor said I should stay in bed and be physically...inactive. I cannot service you lest I get worse," Lena replied. Renz shifted on the bed, and Lena whimpered in fear when he pushed her legs apart and kneeled in between. She looked up at him fearfully, hoping to find some semblance of mercy in his eyes. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 03



"Please don't hurt me anymore, sir. I am not well tonight," Lena whispered. Renz didn't immediately move or speak, but simply stared back at her. Lena trembled as he reached forward and touched her face, and kissed her forehead.

"You are perfectly healthy, Lena. Hysteria is not real," Renz said softly. Lena shook her head, even though she had a feeling his words were true.

"I have not been feeling well...and I fainted today. It is very real," Lena argued. Renz chuckled. 

"Whatever you believe, Lena. And did the doctor tell you what the cure for your hysteria is?" Renz asked. 

"He told me I have to stay in bed, but that he will return if I feel any worse," Lena replied. 

Lena's back arched as Renz slowly slid his hand beneath her night shift, gently caressing her stomach.

"If he returns, Lena, he's going to rub your pussy," Renz said. Lena gasped in disbelief, and disgust at the thought of that old, old man touching her. 

"How can you say such things?" Lena asked. Renz kissed her frown and lowered his hand, skirting his fingertips along her lower stomach. It slightly tickled, and Lena squirmed in discomfort, and another more shameful feeling.

"That's the cure for hysteria, Lena. Massaging your 'restless female organs'. He's going to put his hands on your pussy until you come for him," Renz explained. Lena began to blush in embarrassment.

"That cannot be true," Lena replied. Renz lowered his hand and put it between her thighs, and began touching the lines of her groin. 

"He might even put certain...objects inside of you to make you come, Lena. And I have a feeling you won't like those very much. So how about you let me take care of you, if hysteria is truly what you feel you have?" Renz suggested mockingly. He finally brought his fingers to her pussy, and Lena couldn't help but cry out at the feeling. 

"Please, sir. I'm exhausted. I cannot service you tonight," Lena pleaded again. Renz separated her lips and softly stroked her inner folds, gently tickling her insides. 

"You do not have to 'service' me for me to enjoy you, Lena. There are many things we can do together. Many things I can do to you. But you must remember we had an agreement, did we not? Didn't you promise you would come to me willingly?" Renz asked. 

"Yes, sir," Lena replied meekly. Renz smiled down at her. 

"I can be very gentle with you, Lena, if you are willing," Renz said. Lena sighed in exhaustion, knowing she could not argue with him any further. 

"Please be gentle," she said softly. Renz smiled down at her, and kissed her gently on the mouth. 

Lena inhaled sharply as she felt his finger softly probing her opening, just barely inching inside. The walls of her pussy began to tighten, anticipating impending invasion. But he didn't go deeper. 

Renz swirled the tip of his finger in lazy, minute circles just inside of her small hole, teasing her. Lena blushed as the gentle sensation began to cause a reaction inside of her. His finger slipped with effortless ease as her body began to lubricate.

Lena began to squirm as the tickling feeling became almost unbearable. His gentle touch had felt nice at first, but now, it was almost...irritating. She needed him to either put his finger in deeper, or touch her harder. 

"Someone is looking a little angry," Renz muttered humorously. Lena tried to soften her face, worried that her frustration might upset Renz. 

"I'm sorry...I don't mean to be harsh looking," she replied. To her surprise, Renz laughed. 

"Why are you laughing?" she asked. 

"Because I don't think you could be harsh looking even if you tried with all of your might. You're a kitten, not a tiger sweetheart," Renz explained humorously. 

"Why do you tease me?" Lena asked. Renz's finger paused, and Lena instinctively squeezed her wet opening around it, trying to keep it inside of her. She whimpered in frustration when he slowly pulled his finger out, taking her sanity with it.

"Because I want you to desire me," Renz replied seriously. His response shocked her, and her face grew hot with embarrassment. 

"I think that my body's readiness for you is apparent, sir," Lena answered. Renz shook his head, and rested his weight fully on her body. He pulled her legs up high around his waist, and unfastened his breeches, pressing his hardness against her moist sex. 

Lena heart thrummed in reaction to the feeling of his hard, hot cock rubbing up against her lips, gently, yet insistently, sliding along her ever-increasing wetness. Lena felt an ache deep inside of her as his slow movements reminded her of what he could do inside of her.

"Desire is in the mind, Lena. I already know your pussy is wet and ready for me. I want your mind to crave me as well," Renz explained. 

His words confused her, and his movements were not helping her think clearly. She felt intense ripples of pleasure each time his hips came full circle, grinding his hard cock against her wet clit with the perfect amount of pressure. Her pussy throbbed on the inside, needing to be filled.

"Do you desire me, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena bit her lip, unsure of how to answer. She was so distracted by her growing arousal that she couldn't organize her thoughts. 

When she didn't speak, Renz sighed, and sat up on his knees. 

"Perhaps not yet," he replied, with a strange hint of sorrow in his voice. Lena frowned in confusion, and was surprised that she was beginning to panic at the thought of his departure. 

"Are you leaving?" Lena asked impulsively. Renz's face softened and the humor returned. 

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I have no intention of leaving either of us aroused and unsatisfied. I am not leaving this room until you desire me," Renz replied. 

Renz grabbed her waist and threw her against the very edge of the small bed. Lena moaned in nervousness and dizzying arousal as she anticipated what he was about to do to her. Her heart pounded in her chest as Renz rapidly forced her thighs apart, and pulled her legs around his shoulders. 

When she felt him finally press his tongue against her clit, Lena screamed, and her body quivered. His mouth lasciviously devoured her aching wetness with a predatory urgency that left Lena feeling helpless and vulnerable. She craved the feeling with an equal urgency, and gyrated her hips to create more friction with his tongue and lips. She enjoyed being his prey, needed it even, so long as he would bring her to that ultimate peak that only he could draw out of her. 

Lena moaned in pleasure as his tongue moved over her sensitive clit. She was overwhelmed by the feeling, unable to keep track of the different ways his tongue moved. One moment he would rapidly circle her clit with controlled movements of the tip of his tongue, coming closer and closer to bringing her to that fever pitch. But just before she reached it, he would switch to broad, lapping strokes of her entire surface area, greedily ravaging her as if she were a dessert, and he were starving. 

She felt his tongue begin to stab at her swollen clit, and her pleasure and need doubled. Without realizing, she squeezed her thighs together around his head and reached down to grab his hair, keeping him close to her. 

Renz paused to look up at her quizzically, and Lena feared her impulses had gone too far. But she found that she could no longer control them. It was then, she realized, that desire was not controlled by the mind, as Renz had said. 

Desire was pure madness. 

Lena slowly opened her mouth, lips trembling and breathing uneven. 

"What you were doing...just then...don't you dare stop," Lena said breathlessly. Renz smiled slowly, a curl of his lips that made her squirm in uncomfortable arousal. She found him...attractive.

"My pleasure," he replied, instantly rewarding her with those rapid flicking movements against her clit. Lena's eyes rolled to the back of her head and she twisted her fingers in his hair, moaning louder and louder the closer he brought her to climax. 

Lena's toes curled and her legs squeezed together even tighter when Renz took her clit into his mouth, insistently pulling and sucking with his lips. The suction was almost unbearable, and the climax took her by surprise, rapidly surging through her body with a force that left her breathless and trembling. 

Renz quickly shifted up her body and shed his clothing, kicking off his breeches and tearing open his shirt. Lena's eyes widened as his body became visible, and she realized that this was the first time she'd ever seen him naked. 

His body was long, hard, and muscular, so much so that it appeared as if it had been carved. Lena found herself fascinated by the number of lines she found on his body; lines in the muscles of his arms, lines in his stomach, the muscle lines in his thighs, and even the lines of the strong V of his hips that lead to his dominating erection. 

Renz put his arms beneath her shoulders, crushing her small body against his hard chest, and forced his cock inside of her tight pussy, joining their bodies and making them one.

The slight pain of his entrance went almost unnoticed, for the strongest feeling Lena felt was the pleasurable gratification of being stretched and filled by him again. Lena clung to him desperately, consumed by an urgent need to have him inside of her, and to keep him there. 

His thrusts were fast, hard and unrelenting; uncontrolled and undisciplined. Lena whined each time he exited, and squeezed the walls of her pussy as tight around him as she possibly could, just to keep him inside of her. His hips bucked against hers with more force than she'd ever experienced with him, so much that her small bed was beginning to violently rock back and forth with his movements. 

Renz was truly taking her, fully possessing her, using her as the sole object of his pleasure. And Lena relaxed in his arms, fully accepting the ravishment. 





Renz held her small body in his arms even harder as he felt the tension leave her spine, and he ran his hands all over her, always searching for something to squeeze. Her breasts, her arms, her hair, her legs, her bottom...he felt a primal need to constantly have some part of her in his hands, at all times. 

Renz pushed her knees up close towards her shoulders and gripped her hair, and pushed his cock inside of her warm, tight wetness with a renewed need and urgency. He slammed his hips against hers with a force that was certain to leave marks upon her delicate flesh, but he didn't care. 

He was no longer holding back the true potential of his stamina out of respect for her innocence. Lena's virginity no longer reined his virility. She was ready for him, accepting of him, with her body and, albeit temporarily, with her mind as well. Even though her small, inexperienced body couldn't fully keep up with him yet, she was certainly trying, and that was all the confirmation Renz needed to truly fuck her, with no inhibitions.

Lena was moaning and screaming beneath him, sweet, high-pitched sounds that only increased his need and desire for the young maid. He knew that a part of her was realizing that she needed him for her pleasure, and he leaned down and trapped her mouth with his, loving that she was finally willingly allowing him to take her, fully relinquishing complete and utter control. She desired him.





Lena accidentally bit his lip when Renz reached down between their bodies to rub her clit, but he didn't seem to mind. Her skin felt feverish, and she was certain that she would pass out from the incredible sensations he was eliciting in her body. Her pussy throbbed in ever-increasing, demanding need the harder and faster he thrust his cock inside of her. He was thrusting so hard that she felt like he might rip her in two, but she found herself almost wanting him to.

"Are you enjoying me Lena?" Renz asked roughly. Lena tried to reach up and wrap her arms around him, but he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. Lena trembled in fear and excitement as he held her immobile, and continued pounding himself inside of her. 

"Yes, sir," Lena answered breathlessly. 

Renz grunted and rapidly pulled her up from the bed, keeping their bodies attached. He rested on his knees as he pulled Lena's legs tighter around him, seating her directly on his lap. His arms were protectively splayed across her back, and his hands twisted in her hair, turning her face towards his. Lena was completely trapped.

"Say my name this time," he ordered, rocking their bodies back and forth. Lena began to blush, worrying about how indecent it was for her to address him that way. 

"Say my name and tell me you enjoy me, Lena," Renz said again, a bit louder. He locked his hand on her hip and pulled her down towards his lap, ensuring her small body matched his every thrust. Lena felt her insides shake each time he pulled her down on top of him, and she screamed when again his cock grazed a particularly sensitive spot along her inner wall. 

"I enjoy you, Renz," Lena replied eventually. She heard him release a low moan from his throat when she said his name, and he bucked his hips against her as if in a frenzy.



Lena grabbed his hair and tightened her legs around him, feeling herself begin to tingle all over. He was hitting that one spot over and over, and Lena knew something explosive was about to happen. 

"Say it again, sweetheart," Renz ground out, pushing inside of her even faster. Lena tried to catch her breath to adhere to his request, but each new thrust seemed to feel more intense than the last, and she found that all she could do was scream. 

All of a sudden, Renz halted his movements, and Lena nearly cried in frustration and disappointment. 

"Why did you stop?" she asked. Renz frowned and bored deep into her eyes, locking her gaze. 

"Tell me you want me, Lena," Renz said, voice strained. Lena frowned and tried to move on his hips and encourage him to continue, but he kept her locked around him, and sat motionless. Lena whined in utter exasperation, for she knew that if she didn't climax soon, she would die from the dissatisfaction.

Lena sighed and looked back into his eyes, trying to match his intensity. 

"I want you, Renz," she said quietly. Renz seized her mouth in a hard, demanding kiss as he began to shove his cock inside of her once more. Lena kissed him back with equal desire as he brought her closer and closer to that ultimate peak. 

He trailed kissed down her neck and nibbled on her ear, always pulling her closer and pushing himself deeper. He scraped his teeth against her earlobe as he reached down to pinch her clit, and Lena screamed in pleasure. 

"Now come for me," Renz demanded. 

Lena exploded on the inside, and she shouted until her voice went hoarse. She could feel Renz's eruption inside of her, and could faintly hear his guttural moans of pleasure, but the sound of her own screaming, and the feeling of her powerful orgasm, was all she was truly able to focus on. 

Wave after wave of electric currents surged through her veins, across her skin, through her entire body, through her head even, and she grabbed onto Renz tighter to keep herself from floating away. The white hot intensity of her orgasm completely took over all of her senses, encompassed the extent of her perception, and everything else disappeared. 

When she finally began to relax, she realized that she was on her back again, and Renz was on top of her, staring down at her intently. 

"Did I do something wrong?" Lena asked softly. Renz smiled and gently kissed her lips.

"You're beautiful," he said. Lena slightly blushed at the compliment. She gently pushed at his shoulders, and Renz rolled off of her, but he still stayed in her bed, torso pressing against her back. 

He gently kissed her neck as his fingertips skirted along the skin of her arms, making her flesh break out in goosebumps. 

"I think, my dear, that you have been cured of your hysteria," Renz said humorously. Lena frowned at his teasing.

"You truly believe it isn't real?" she asked. Renz laughed. 

"To my very core, sweetheart. Female hysteria is just a term impotent, insipid men give to their unsatisfied lovers. If you insist on a proper diagnosis for your behavior, however, I'd say you have a delightful case of nymphomania," Renz offered. 

Lena rolled her eyes, no longer shocked by his boldness and arrogance. She was too relaxed to be bothered by him, and merely allowed him to hold her as she enjoyed the gentle after-glow of her climax.

"I do not...suffer from that," Lena replied. 

Renz shifted his attention from the skin of her arm to the swell of her breast, and cupped it in his hand softly. 

"But you do, Lena. And it is wonderful. You were wonderful tonight. So demanding, so passionate. You allowed yourself to feel desire, allowed me to satisfy your desire," Renz whispered.

Lena didn't like the sound of his words. She didn't like that he was suggesting that she'd allowed her physical desires to cloud her judgment, allowed her need for orgasm to supersede her need to protect herself from him.

She didn't like that he was right. 

"May I leave...for a few moments?" Lena asked timidly, as the shame of her actions began to settle in. She needed to be away from him to clear her thoughts, to come back to reality. 

To her surprise, Renz released her, without argument. 

"You have ten minutes," Renz said seriously, reminding her of that hold he had over her. Lena felt tears began to well in her eyes at the thought of still being owned by this man, this cruel man, who, in spite of his coercive actions, she had still allowed inside of her body tonight. The man she had enjoyed. 

Lena crawled out of bed and pulled down her thin night shift before he noticed her crying, and pulled on her informal uniform. She could feel Renz's gaze boring into her back, so she dressed quickly, hoping to be free of him as soon as possible. 

She stepped out of her small room and shut the door, pausing for a few moments as she held onto the handle. Lena closed her eyes and took deep breaths, in an attempt to calm herself down. 

She pretended that she had the power to shut Renz out entirely by holding onto the door, trapping him in a room where he could never hurt her again. She pretended for a few moments that she had control over her body, not Renz and his skillful physical manipulations. 

She began to feel sorrow as she realized how easy it had been for him to take her tonight. He had made her admit to desiring him, truly making her out to be a whore. He had amused himself with examples of his power over her. 

But Lena remembered then that his ownership was only temporary. Soon, he would leave the manor, and she would be free of him. 

Lena shook off her negative feelings and smiled softly to herself, realizing that her torment was almost over: she had successfully made it through another night. 

Lena wiped her face and turned from the door with the intent of heading towards the bathing room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Marie standing in the hallway with her arms folded, and her expression grave. 

Lena's blood instantly ran cold, and her heart skipped a beat. 

"Good evening, Marie," Lena said nervously. Marie's expression didn't change, and the older woman continued to silently stare at Lena. 

"I'm feeling much better. I was thinking of taking a bath," Lena said, slowly backing towards the opposite direction of the bathing room. Marie remained silent.

"Perhaps I will get something to eat afterwards. Do you think Leonardo will spare me some meats?" Lena rambled. Marie frowned. 

"What were you doing in there?" Marie asked finally. 

Lena felt her face turn hot as Marie slowly approached her. The color seemed to be completely gone from Marie's usual pretty face, and Lena's knees began to shake in fear.




The Taking of Lena Ch. 03



"I w-was resting, like you told me to," Lena offered, vainly hoping Marie would be convinced. 

The blow came swiftly across her right cheek, and Lena felt like her cheekbone had been shattered. Marie had never slapped her before, and hadn't even spanked her as a child. Lena began to cry again not because of the pain in her face, but because she knew of how much she had hurt Marie. 

"You...lie," Marie said coldly. Lena reached out to Marie, but the woman stepped back and wrinkled her nose, almost as if in disgust. 

"I'm so sorry, Marie," Lena pleaded bashfully. Marie shook her head. 

"For years I have loved you as if you were one of my own, because ever since your mother died, I had this...feeling that the little girl she left behind was special. I raised you, guided you, taught you...to be better than this," Marie said slowly. 

Lena frantically shook her head as the hot tears violently spilled down her cheeks, and she tried again to reach out to Marie, but Marie would not let her touch her.

"Marie, I'm so sorry. I love you and I thank you for everything that you have done for me, but this, what you think you know, it isn't true, I swear it!" Lena begged. Marie's nostrils flared and her colorless face turned red.

"You dare insult my intelligence? I heard you, Lena! Screaming his name!" Marie exclaimed. 

"But it wasn't my fault! He made me do it!" Lena pleaded. Marie snorted. 

"I know precisely what I heard, and you were all too willing. I expect nothing more from an arrogant lord, but you, Lena. I raised you to have more self-respect, more self-control. I raised you to honor the house you serve, yet you have spit on it with your careless lusts! You shame me, and you shame Master Sterling," Marie replied, storming off. 

Lena truly began to panic then, and she took off after Marie, hoping to stop her from reaching Sterling. 

"Marie, I know I have disappointed you, but you have to believe me when I say that I did not pursue Renz! He forced me!" Lena exclaimed. Marie did not halt her steps, and Lena found she had trouble keeping up with her longer strides.

"You call him by his name you foolish girl," Marie replied. Lena stopped moving and hiccupped when she realized her mistake, but she ran after Marie again. 

"Marie, please...if you tell Master Sterling, he will throw me out! I will have nowhere to go!" Lena cried. 

Marie stopped just outside of the entrance to the grand dining hall and looked at Lena. 

"You should have thought of that before you seduced one of his guests," Marie replied. Lena shook her head.

"But I didn't seduce—"

"You have been like a daughter to me, Lena. And I thought I raised you as such. But I have three beautiful, perfect girls of my own. It is clear to me now that you, and your actions...are just the result of bad blood," Marie said coldly, turning on her heel and entering the dining hall.

Lena felt like she'd been slapped again as Marie's words sunk in, and her panic continued to escalate as she waited for Marie's return. She felt nauseous and dizzy again, and was certain she would faint again from anxiety. 

When the doors reopened a few moments later, Marie was joined by Sterling. Lena immediately lowered her eyes, too ashamed to look at him directly. 

"Follow me," she heard him say. Lena nodded and watched his feet, following his strides. To Lena, it felt like a death march.

They entered the library, and Lena jumped in fear when Sterling slammed the doors shut. 

"Sit," Sterling instructed. Lena nodded and walked towards an armchair, but Sterling cleared his throat.

"On the floor, Lena," Sterling said. Lena sniffled in shame, knowing that she was fully deserving of the humiliation. 

Lena cried as she slowly kneeled on the floor, and timidly looked up at Sterling. She expected him to look angry and aggressive, like Marie, but instead, he looked tired and sorrowful. 

"I'm so sorry, sir," Lena said quietly. Sterling shook his head. 

"You know, Lena...your mother came to my manor when she was barely older than you are now. She was pregnant, and unwed," Sterling said, slowly pacing back and forth. 

"I did not know, sir," Lena replied. Sterling weakly gestured with his hand, silencing her. 

"When your mother arrived looking for employment...I knew I had never seen any woman so beautiful. Not just her lovely face, but her spirit, her grace, her true joie de vivre. Lorena was...enchanting," Sterling continued. 

"But...what about Mrs. Sterling?" Lena asked, confused. Sterling smiled faintly. 

"I was very fond of Mrs. Sterling, rest her soul. And I respected our marriage. But your mother, Lena...I loved her. And when she lay dying, I promised her that I would take care of you," Sterling said solemnly. 

"I thank you for all you have done for me," Lena said quietly. Sterling sighed, and shakily kneeled in front of her on the floor. He gently reached out and touched the side of her face, where Marie had struck her. Lena closed her eyes and leaned into the gentle touch. 

"You have your mother's eyes. Like sapphires and aquamarines all rolled together. You have her smile, and you have her laugh. I see her in you when you hum to yourself, when you dance while cleaning when you think you are alone," Sterling said softly. 

"Your love for my mother...is this why...Marie has said I am of bad blood?" Lena asked tentatively. 

Sterling slowly pulled his hand away from her face and looked at her, and Lena noticed his eyes were watering. 

"Marie said you are of bad blood, because your mother, too, was a whore," Sterling said, shakily standing up. 

Lena brought her hand to her chest in shock. 

"Sin lies behind your pretty face, just as it did with her. Lorena knew she was beautiful, and I was not the only man she captured," Sterling said, turning away from her. 

Lena balled her fists in hurt and anger, and her knuckles began to turn white. 

"I am not my mother! I am no whore!" Lena exclaimed. Sterling slowly turned around and looked down at her. 

"You are no better than she was. You have dishonored this house. I expect you gone by morning," Sterling replied. Lena's eyes widened. 

"My entire life has been here! Where do you expect me to go? What do you expect me to do?" Lena asked pleadingly. Sterling lowered his eyes. 

"I suggest the trade that brought your mother here in the first place," Sterling replied. And with that, he left the room. 

Lena screamed and curled up on the floor, crying hysterics. Her world, as far as she knew it, was completely shattered. Sterling no longer cared for her. Marie no longer loved her. She was being forced out of the only home she knew. Lena, for the first time in her life, felt completely and utterly alone and helpless, and she sobbed until she felt as if she would become sick from her tears. 





Renz silently entered the library, and felt an ache on the inside at the sight of Lena crying. Just as their first night together, her sobs were so loud that she didn't even notice him enter the room.

"Why is a girl as lovely as you crying?" Renz said softly, repeating their first encounter. He heard her hiccup, and she turned around to look at him. 

Her large blue eyes were red and swollen, her cheek was inflamed and bruised, and tear stains coated her gentle, creamy skin. There was so much sadness in her eyes, and he was surprised to find how deeply...disturbed he was by the sight. It was wrong, unfitting, incorrect. He felt that Lena should never experience that much sadness. 

"You heard Marie and me outside of my bedroom," Lena stated. Renz couldn't find it in his heart to lie to a face that hurt, and he nodded slowly. 

"Then why didn't you come to my defense? I honored our bargain! You knew I would be banished. Why do you wish to torment me?" Lena demanded sorrowfully. 

Renz approached her and kneeled next to her. Lena eyed him suspiciously and shrank away from him, and he reached out to grab her in impatience. 

"I wish no suffering on you, Lena. I wish only to give you a better life," Renz said. Lena frowned. 

"I loved my life, here! You've ruined it! I'll never forgive you!" Lena exclaimed. 

Renz reached for her small hands and gripped them in his. 

"I don't need you to forgive me, Lena. All I need you to do is come with me," Renz said seriously. Lena stared at him, openmouthed and bewildered. 

"You said yourself you have nowhere else to go. You know how pleasurable it can be between us. Come with me, and I will take care of you," Renz said. Lena shook her head. 

"And what is to become of me when you tire of me? When you've exhausted all of your lusts?" Lena asked. 

Her question caught him off-guard, and he wasn't sure how to answer. He knew very well that his interest in the girl bordered on obsession, yet like most things, the obsession was quite possibly temporary. He had never been one to be content with just one woman. 

But Lena was not just a woman, it seemed. She was the embodiment of his every desire. She was perfection. As soon as he first saw her, no other women existed. He needed her with him. 

"I will always take care of you, Lena," Renz said, for that was the truest answer he could give her. 

Renz watched in wonder as thoughts passed through Lena's eyes, watching as their blue deepened and deepened, like the depths of the ocean. He observed her trembling, pink lips, her delicate cheekbones stained with welts and tears. Renz realized, then, that this fragile, beautiful creature needed him as much as he needed her. She needed to be protected. 

"Come with me, Lena," Renz urged softly, tilting her chin to face him. Her tired, slightly lavender eyelids lowered before meeting his gaze, revealing her answer. 

"Yes."



The Taking of Lena Ch. 04



Lena leaned her head against the frame of the carriage. She stared absently at the fabric of the carriage's interior in front of her eyes, but it was too close for her to focus any detail. It was a blur of meaningless color. 

Anything to avoid looking at Renz. 

She sighed heavily, not wanting to let her thoughts go in the direction they were destined to go. She had been avoiding it for days...or maybe it had been weeks? It could have very well been years, for Lena had lost track of time in their travel. 

She had slipped into a trance-like state following her banishment from Sterling Manor. She was half-awake during the day, and nearly dead when asleep at night. Lena could not recall much about what she had been doing, what Renz had been doing, where they had gone. She had simply existed, without memory, awareness, or forethought. 

"Goddamnit, Lena!" 

Lena jumped in alarm, shocked to hear Renz's voice, but more shocked to hear that he was yelling at her. She looked up at him fearfully, and instantly lowered her eyes when she saw that his were filled with fury. 

"Lena, please look at me," Renz said, slightly softening his voice. Lena surveyed his tense body before making eye contact with him. She noted the way his large hands were clenching and unclenching in tight fists. He was rapidly bouncing his knee in what appeared to be nervousness. 

"Please, Lena," he said again. Lena looked up at him through sad blue eyes, and Renz sighed. 

"You can't carry on like this. You haven't spoken a word since we left Sterling's," Renz said. Lena cleared her throat. 

"What would you like me to say, sir?" Lena asked. Renz rolled his eyes in irritation. 

"There is no need for the formalities, Lena. You're not a maid anymore," Renz replied. Lena frowned. 

"What am I then?" she asked quietly, almost speaking to herself. Renz stared at her unwaveringly. 

"You're mine."

Lena curled up towards her center and closed her eyes, in order to fight back the tears. The idea of being his terrified her, and she wasn't ready to think about it yet. She needed more time to just be...empty. 

She focused on the steady rhythm of the carriage, the sound of her own breathing, until eventually the present disappeared and her mind re-entered the cloud-like state she'd been in for the duration of their travels. She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, comfortably dissociated. 

When Lena awakened, the carriage had stopped moving. She opened her eyes and looked around, surprised to find that it was vacant. 

Lena crawled over to the door of the carriage and opened it, immediately wishing she hadn't. She was greeted with an incredible chill that instantly made her shiver. 

She exited the carriage with shoulders hunched and arms crossed over her body, in a feeble attempt to keep herself warm. The air was crisp and frigid, and a light rain sprinkled from the rapidly darkening sky. 

"Fräulein Lena?" Lena turned towards the speaker, a servant of some sort. He stood rigidly, and appeared to be only a few years older than she, but he had a kind face. Lena smiled slightly, trying to take comfort. 

"I'm sorry...I've never been called that before," Lena replied. The man smiled back at her. 

"My name is Erich, welcome to Schloss Wolfenbarger," Erich said, motioning to the estate. 

Lena's eyes widened in an attempt to absorb the edifice that stood before her, and her mouth opened in an awe-struck gasp. She thought she heard Erich laugh behind her, but she found she didn't care. 

Lena had always thought that Sterling Manor was the most beautiful, luxurious estate in the world, because it was the only manor she had ever seen. In comparison to Schloss Wolfenbarger, however, it was severely diminished. 

It reminded Lena of pictures of castles and palaces she had seen in books. It was surrounded by an expanse of manicured grass, with a forest of tall trees surrounding that. The structure itself seemed to go on for as far as her eyes could see, and the way it juxtaposed aggressive power with gentle beauty puzzled her quizzically. 

"Shall I show you inside?" Erich eventually asked. Lena nodded without looking at him, still staring at the estate in wonder. 

She followed Erich up the long curved drive and sets of stairs to the main entrance of the estate. The closer she came, the larger the estate looked. Two servants opened the very tall, intricately carved Baroque-style twin doors, and Lena tentatively entered. 

For a moment, she stood in the threshold between the doors and the grand entry room, too nervous and open-mouthed to proceed further. But eventually, she moved forward, and was taken aback by the beauty of the interior. 

The grand entry room was circular and open, elaborately decorated with chandeliers, candelabras, tapestries, and highly polished marble flooring. A particularly large, glittering statement chandelier hung in the center, and Lena's eyes tried to follow it to where it started. She had to strain her neck to find the ceiling, and was surprised by the number of floors her vision soon revealed. 

The ceiling was painted with a lovely sky scene, a trompe l'oeil that appeared to be between day and night, or perhaps a combination of both. The sky was painted with a variety of blues, oranges, and deep purples, featuring both the moon and the sun, along with stars. There were delicate clouds painted with rich hues that hid some strange winged creatures her vision couldn't reach. 

"Shall I show you to your room?" Erich asked. Lena tried to shake away her awe and regain her composure. She lowered her head and nodded, following Erich up the grand staircase that stood at the far end of the entry room.

Lena couldn't help but look over the railing of the third floor hallway down at the grand entry room again, just to stare at that beautiful chandelier from the new angle. Even from her new height, it still seemed massive. 

"This way," Erich said, slightly impatient. Lena bolted away from the balcony and ran to reach Erich, who was waiting for her at the end of the hall. 

"Your quarters," he said softly, opening the double doors. Lena stepped inside, taken aback by the beauty of the suite. 

"This is for me?" Lena asked, surprised. Erich nodded. 

"Those were the Master's specific instructions. To the left through those doors there, you'll find your bedroom and dressing rooms. To the right, your bathing room. This here is your lounge," Erich explained. 

Lena slowly took in the beauty of the lounge room, which was larger than the entire Crown Suite of Sterling Manor, and easily ten times the size of her sleeping quarters there. 

The furniture and decorations were lovely, in soft hues of pale blue, gold, and rose, but what truly captivated Lena was the view from the windows. The furthest wall of the lounge room was entirely made of floor to ceiling windows, and Lena walked over to it to stare at the beautiful sight outside. 

A strange joy formed in her heart when Lena took in the sight of a lake. It reminded her of home. 

"Where is the Master?" Lena asked eventually. 

"He will be with you shortly. He stated that you might want some time to become accustomed to your new home," Erich replied. Lena smiled bitterly, for as magnificent as Schloss Wolfenbarger was, it would never become a home to her. It was simply a beautiful prison. 

"Thank you," Lena said sweetly, trying to remain pleasant. 

Erich regarded her, and Lena felt his eyes lower to her clothes and the shoes on her feet. 

"Shall I send a maid to draw your bath?" Erich asked. Lena blushed in embarrassment, realizing she must have looked very dirty, and furiously shook her head in dismay. 

"No, that would be improper. I can do it myself," Lena replied. Erich seemed confused by her reaction, but he pressed the matter no further. 

"Very well, then. You may call on me if I can be of any assistance, fräulein. And again, welcome to Schloss Wolfenbarger," Erich replied.

Lena exhaled when Erich closed the doors. She hadn't even realized she'd been holding her breath until she was finally alone. 

Lena felt out of place in the luxurious apartment. She looked down at her calloused hands and stained clothes, feeling even more dirty and lowly. 

She entered the bathing room and drew a bath of hot water. The countertops featured various oils and soaps and salts for the bath, and Lena decided on a delicate lavender oil. 

She undressed and entered the tub, exhaling in relief at the feeling of the hot water relaxing her muscles. She submerged up to her ears, and closed her eyes in relaxation. 

Lena took in the gentle scent of the bath oils, allowing it to fill her lungs and calm her from the inside out. She focused on the gentle embrace the heat of the water had on her body, and she began to softly run her fingertips on her skin in the water.  

She gingerly applied soap lather to her body and indulged her skin with the newfound luxury. She cleansed her body, becoming more and more aware with each touch. Lena was becoming fully awake, her senses reactivated from their dormant, trance-like state. She allowed herself to think about where she was, what her life would be, and about Renz. Renz...

She realized then that Renz hadn't touched her since Sterling Manor. She sifted through what she could remember of their travels, but had no recollections of any coupling. 

Lena brought her hand between her legs and absently began to rub the soft slit of her pussy. She separated her lips with her fingers, exploring her intimate parts. She found her entrance, and gently pushed, expecting to feel a gaping hole where Renz had previously speared her. To her surprise, her body was not as flexible with her finger as she had expected. There was no pain, exactly, but there was a distinct level of resistance and tightness. 

Lena brought her finger to her clit, and began to gently rub around it. She began to feel that familiar warmth deep in her belly, and the muscles of her pussy began throbbing rhythmically. Lena put her finger directly on her clit, and released a soft gasp at the satisfying feeling. 

Her pussy began throbbing more insistently, clenching at something unknown, and Lena brought her finger back to her entrance, curious. Now, her body welcomed her finger and squeezed it snugly, and Lena slid it in and out of herself in pleasure. But soon she realized that her finger was becoming dissatisfying. A part of her craved to be filled with something else. 

Lena exited the tub and wrapped her body with linen towels. She left the bathing room then, bringing the clothes she'd just taken off. 

And there he stood in all of his magnificence. 

"Hello, Lena," Renz said. Lena gasped and looked down to ensure her body was covered. 

"Hello, sir," she replied. He started towards her, and Lena's knees began to shake, but not in fear. 

"Did you enjoy your bath?" Renz asked, reaching for her wet hair. Lena nodded, shivering as Renz brought his mouth to the crook of her neck and breathed deeply. 

"You smell delicious," he muttered softly, planting a kiss on her neck. Lena's heart pounded at his sudden close proximity, and she found that the cool, masculine scent of him was making her even more aroused.

His scent was like poison, drugging her into a dark sexuality. She pulled away from him and wrapped her arms tightly around her body, to protect herself from desire.

"You're cold," he mentioned. Lena was confused, but soon noticed the goosebumps all over her skin. 

"Y-yes," she replied eventually. Renz paced around the lounge room, searching for something. He opened an armoire of sorts, bringing her a deep scarlet men's sleeping robe. 

Before she could protest, he secured it around her to the best of his ability. The garment was much too large for her, with a great deal of it gathered at the floor. 

"You can wear that for now," Renz muttered, seemingly in disapproval. Lena frowned. 

"I recall bringing clothes," Lena replied. Renz shook his head. 

"You are not a maid anymore, Lena. You will not be wearing uniforms here. I had my servants dispose of them the moment we arrived," Renz replied. Lena stepped away from him in shock.

"You wouldn't dare have me parade around naked, would you? Aside from the humiliation, I would surely catch my death of cold!" Lena exclaimed. 

Renz stared at her for a few moments, amused. Lena frowned in irritation when he began to laugh. 

"Why are you laughing at me?" she asked. Renz halted his laughter, but his wolfish smile remained. 

"That is the most you have spoken to me in quite a while, Lena. I've missed your little thoughts," Renz replied. 

Lena frowned in indignation, not at all pleased by his teasing. 

"While the thought of having you naked all the time certainly has its appeal...I would hardly want anyone else to enjoy the sight of your body. That's for me. We'll have clothes made for you," Renz stated. 

"I would rather you didn't," Lena replied. Renz raised his eyebrows. 

"And why is that?" Renz asked. Lena looked down at her feet in nervousness. 

"I don't want to be your doll," Lena replied. Renz stepped behind Lena, and put his large hands on her shoulders. 

"You are lovelier than any doll Lena. But I think we can agree that you are my toy, and oh how I have missed playing with you," Renz purred. 

Lena's insides burned with fury, but she took a deep breath to maintain her composure. 

She stepped away from him, tightening the robe around herself protectively. She surveyed the room once more, wishing Renz would leave. 

"How do you find the room?" Renz asked. Lena smiled bitterly. 

"It's lovely. I was surprised," Lena replied. Renz snickered behind her. 

"Quite different from the more...humble countryside of Sterling's, I imagine," Renz replied, continuing to chuckle arrogantly. Lena shook her head. 

"It's not that. I thought for certain you would keep me locked up in a cage or a dungeon," she answered.

She heard him approaching her from behind, and her spine stiffened in anticipation. She could feel his body heat against her damp skin, even though he wasn't yet touching her. 

His breath was hot against her ear. 

"I told you I would take care of you, Lena," Renz whispered softly. He reached for the sash that tied the robe together and tugged once. The material instantly fell from her body and pooled at her feet, and she stood naked. 

Lena tried to keep her face as blank as possible. She knew that servicing Renz was inevitable. Part of her desired to be filled, even. Yet she didn't know if her body or mind could handle him yet. He had taken her life away from her and given her a new one, and Lena feared the unknown. 

She stood expectantly for several minutes, waiting for him to touch her. But he never did. Eventually she turned around to face him, and his expression was as blank and grave as hers. 

"Put the robe back on," Renz said, beginning to walk away from her. Lena clumsily did as she was told and followed him, but he stopped her. 

"Don't you want to...?" Lena asked. Renz lowered his gaze. 

"Just stay here. You've never traveled before so you should probably rest tonight. I will have a servant bring you food shortly," Renz muttered quietly. Lena frowned in confusion, unsure of what to say. 

When Renz loudly slammed the double doors to the suite together, leaving her alone, Lena felt a painful jolt in her chest. She had gotten so used to Renz using her that she had no idea what it would be like for him to deny her. 

Lena's face felt hot with humiliation and fury, and she wished she could run after Renz, scream at him, and hurt him. 

When she began to calm down, Lena paced around the suite, unsure of what to do. She hadn't given much thought to what her life would be like, or what the future held. She'd been too afraid to consider it. She didn't know what her role would be at Schloss Wolfenbarger. Was she a mistress? Or a servant? Lena shook her head, fully understanding that she was nothing more than his personal whore. 

Lena entered the bedroom, and once she saw the large, inviting bed she realized that she really was still very tired. 

She contemplated jumping beneath the thick comforter, but a gentle knock on the main door interrupted her thoughts. Lena sighed and walked back into the lounge area, pleasantly surprised to find a servant with a wide array of food, as Renz had said. 

"Is this for me?" Lena asked, stomach growling. The servant nodded and smiled tensely. 

"Thank you," Lena offered sincerely. The woman gave a quick nod once more, and poured a glass of wine. 

When she left, Lena approached the elaborate spread, growing more and more ravenous as her eyes took in the sheer amount of food on the plates. She didn't recognize everything, but she was certain it all smelled delicious. 

There were colorful vegetables, juicy meats, cheeses, and warm breads all prepared in ways she had never seen before, yet it all looked perfectly appetizing. Lena reached for a warm roll of bread, and her stomach began to growl in demand. She devoured it hungrily, and then cut into a large steak, swallowing much faster than her mouth could chew. 

Lena rapidly cleared most of the food on the silver trays and released a slight belch when she finished. She felt slightly embarrassed, even though no one was in the room with her. She hadn't realized just how starving she had been, and a small part of her felt a bit of gratitude towards Renz. 

She reached for the goblet of wine, but then stopped herself. She shook her head in distaste, remembering what had happened to her the last time she had allowed herself to become drunk. 

Lena reclined on the chaise, contented with a feeling she had never before experienced; the feeling of having her stomach delightfully overstuffed. She put her hands on her stomach, suddenly becoming disturbed by how insistently it seemed to protrude. 

A sinking dread entered her mind then as Lena realized the possibility of a pregnancy. She could handle being Renz's whore, but she could not survive being mother to his bastard child. 

Lena stood up with a start, securing herself in the robe, and left her rooms.

The estate was dark and quiet, and Lena wasn't sure how or where to begin searching for Renz. 

Lena passed several suites that were similar to hers, yet all uniquely decorated. Lena wondered how long Schloss Wolfenbarger had been in the Wolfenbarger family. Every possible surface was decorated with some beautiful piece or another; Lena imagined it must have taken centuries to complete the design. 

She entered a long hall lined with oil paintings, each depicting a Wolfenbarger ancestor. Lena watched in fascination as she walked down the hall, noting the variations in the physical appearance of each subsequent Wolfenbarger heir. One consistency, however, were the stone-gray eyes of the men of the family. 

Lena paused at a portrait of a family, and Lena knew simply by the arrogant expression on the child's face that it was from Renz's youth. The portrait was highly stylized, with Renz's father dominating the frame with his broad shoulders, focused eyes, and proud face, yet the artist had done an impeccable job of conveying the air of mischief that remained in Renz's spirit throughout his adulthood. The child-Renz's straight mouth looked as if it was just on the brink of becoming a smirk, and his gray eyes twinkled with impish secrecy.

Lean shifted her gaze to the portrait next to it, depicting a now adult Renz. By his side was a beautiful scarlet-haired woman, who was overtly pregnant. Her hand was splayed lovingly across her convex belly, and on her finger was a ring with a large, dark blue stone.

Lena gasped, wondering how she could have been so passively dense as to not realize that Renz had a family. She had inadvertently violated another woman's marriage. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 04



"What are you doing here?" she heard him say. Lena jumped and spun around, facing a curious-looking Renz. 

"I was looking for you," Lena replied quietly. Renz approached her, circling her dangerously. 

"I would prefer you didn't wander about at night alone," Renz replied. Lena nodded. 

"Yes, sir," she replied timidly. Renz placed his hand on her chin and raised her face to meet his. 

"You're not a maid anymore, Lena," Renz reminded, rolling his eyes. 

"Yes, but I am here to serve you," Lena replied. Renz didn't immediately answer, and turned his attention to the painting Lena had been looking at. 

"This is your wife," Lena stated. 

"Yes," Renz replied. 

"She's lovely," Lena answered. 

"Yes," Renz said again. Lena turned to face him.

"Where is she?" Lena asked. Renz's eyes darkened for a moment, and he appeared to be deep in thought. 

"She's gone," Renz replied eventually. Lena frowned, confused.

"And the babe?"

Lena watched in surprise as Renz, for the slightest moment, flinched. 

"My child is dead," he answered. Lena felt a sudden urge to reach out to Renz, but she fought against it. She reminded herself that, although he had suffered a loss, he had still been cruel and torturous to her. His actions did not warrant her sympathy.  

"I'm so sorry...for your loss," Lena said sincerely. A joyless smile appeared on Renz's face. 

"It was years ago. But thank you," he answered. 

Lena wrapped her arms around her waist and began to return to her room, but Renz gripped her arm. 

"You said you were looking for me," he stated teasingly. Lena hesitated, suddenly feeling like her initial reason for searching him to be...inappropriate, knowing about his loss. 

Lena closed her eyes and shook the feeling away.

"Yes. It is hard for me to say, but...I was wondering if you could send for a doctor tomorrow," Lena began. Renz raised his brow. 

"Are you feeling ill again?" Renz asked. Lena shook her head, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with his hand on her arm. She squirmed away and took a few steps back, and a deep breath. 

"Why do you need a doctor Lena?" Renz asked. Lena raised her eyes to meet his, feigning confidence. 

"Because I do not wish to become pregnant," Lena replied. The sudden coldness that appeared on his face frightened her, and for a split moment Lena feared he was about to strike or hurt her. 

Renz took a few circular steps, and sighed heavily. 

"Your last monthly, when was it?" he asked. 

"Just before the ball," Lena replied. Renz nodded. 

"Very well. I'll call on him first thing tomorrow," Renz replied. Lena tentatively approached him, still afraid he would try and hurt her. 

"Thank you," Lena said quietly. She reached out to him, but Renz rapidly stepped away from her, to her surprise. 

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked. 

"No. Go get some rest, we've travelled a long way," Renz called, already halfway gone. 

Lena stood there alone for a few moments, feeling oddly empty. With nothing else to do, she left the hall of paintings, and returned to her suite. 

The fire was dying and the room was bitterly cold, yet Renz felt splendidly warm on the inside. 

He suspected it had something to do with the imported Scotch whiskey he'd been nursing for the past few hours. 

Renz had hoped that the bottle would diminish the strange feelings he'd been experiencing all afternoon and evening, at least temporarily, but Renz found that he was fixating on those feelings even more in his drunken state. 

Renz couldn't get the image of Lena's naked body out of his mind, but not in a positive way. He'd been more than eager to have her now that she was his. He'd left her alone during their travels while she was in her catatonic stupor, suppressing his desire and hoping in vain that she would get over her loss. When she'd finally spoken today, his dormant appetite for her had reawakened, and increased tenfold. He thought for sure that his little Lena had returned to him. 

Yet when he saw her naked for the first time since leaving Sterling's, the sight utterly disturbed him. Renz knew Lena hadn't been eating much, but he had no idea just how much weight she had rapidly lost during their travel. Her ribs were no longer gently peaking beneath her skin; they now looked as if they were moments from tearing through her thin, nearly translucent flesh. Every knob of her spine was now visible; her arms were thin and bony. Her delightful curves were rapidly disappearing, and Renz knew that if he'd touched her, he would have broken her. 

And then there was her face. Her cheekbones were further hollowed, and her skin was ashen and pale, but the hardest part for Renz was the deadness in her eyes. Her eyes had been the source of so much fascination, for they were so open, so expressive. But after leaving Sterling's, Lena's blue eyes were empty and resigned. Still, dead water. It was as if the spirit that had given her so much life had left her body, and she was nothing more than an empty shell. 

Renz stood up, bottle in hand, as he sauntered out of his library and back to the hall of portraits. 

His movements were unbalanced, and he felt certain that the very house was tilting from side to side, as if aboard a ship, but he paid little attention as he returned to the painting that his curious little pleasure girl had of course managed to find.

Renz stared at the piece, wondering why he'd left it hanging for so long. It was tradition for Wolfenbarger heirs to have portraits of their families, but what he had with Ilise was hardly what Renz would consider family, retrospectively. 

Not that they'd been lacking in potential. Renz had known Ilise since they were children, when they had originally been promised to each other. He'd never strongly cared for her, but he'd never disliked her either. 

Upon their marriage, however, when they were both twenty, his perception of Ilise had drastically changed. She had blossomed into a beautiful woman, had been schooled in all the areas of charm and grace well bred girls were supposed to possess. She'd carried herself in such a gently proud way that she'd always kept herself slightly out of his reach. Her teasing whispers and deep green eyes had always kept some kind of secret. He'd found her very fascinating, and had enjoyed the constant challenge of trying to capture her. All of his lusts were invested in her. 

And then, when he found out she was with child, his lust for Ilise deepened to love. From the moment her pregnancy had been announced, Renz had loved the little life inside of her, more than he had ever loved anything else. Throughout her pregnancy, Renz found himself growing even fonder of Ilise. She'd become more beautiful to him each day, for she was carrying and nourishing what he loved most. 

Yes, Renz had loved his child. And he'd loved Ilise. But with the death of his child went his capacity for such feelings. 

Renz looked at the painting through bleary, drunken eyes, and suddenly Ilise was not as beautiful to him as he had remembered. He had half an urge to violently destroy it, but the part of him that was beginning to become sober withheld such careless impulses. 

Renz took another deep swallow of his Scotch whiskey, not yet ready for the sober part of him to be full-fledged. He pressed his palm against the wall for balance as he exited, resolved to have the painting removed in the morning. 

Lena awakened early the next morning, and it took her a few moments to remember where she was. 

A panic began to overcome her, as the dread of being with Renz, in his home, as his, began to sink in. Lena was fully aware now of just what she had agreed to, more aware than she had been since leaving Sterling's. Renz had complete power over her life. He was going to use and discard her at his whim. Her life was ruined, and it could never be fixed. She was dirty, wanton, worthless...

Before the panic became violent, Lena hid beneath the silky-soft sheets of the bed, and began focusing on lowering her heart rate and eliminating the panicky thoughts. Lena took slow, deep breaths as she attempted to self-soothe and stop her mind from racing in a manic frenzy. Eventually, the panic faded, and she became calm again. 

Lena emerged from the bed and crawled to the edge, and pushed back the heavy bed curtains. Lena squinted as her eyes adjusted from complete darkness to the gentle light coming from the windows. 

Lena slightly stretched as she stepped down from the bed, and reached for the robe Renz had given her the day prior to cover her nakedness. She carelessly tied it, certain that no one would see her, and opened the bedroom's double doors and entered the lounge.

The sun had barely risen, and Lena had been certain she was the only one awake in the estate, but waiting for her in the lounge was a beautiful array of breakfast. The spread seemed even larger than her meal the night before, and Lena rushed over to it in delight. 

Some foods were native to her, while others weren't, but Lena found mostly everything to be delicious. Lena stopped herself before she became too full, feeling slightly guilty for leaving so much wonderful food untouched. 

A gentle knock on the door startled Lena, and she fastened the robe to the best of her ability to protect herself. 

"Might I come in, fräulein?" she heard Erich say from outside. Lena cleared her throat. 

"Y-yes," she replied. 

Erich entered, a cordial smile on his face. 

"Good morning, Erich," Lena said pleasantly. Erich approached her with folded garments in his arms. 

"Good morning, fräulein. I trust you had a pleasant rest," Erich mentioned. Lena nodded sheepishly. 

"Yes, I did not realize I'd slept for so long. I'm sorry," Lena replied. Erich slightly chuckled. 

"It is still very early, fräulein. And there is no need to apologize. The Master mentioned you were a maid of the Sterling Manor. I imagine you are used to rising much earlier than this. That is why I had your breakfast prepared first," Erich replied. Lena's eyes widened, and she found herself oddly touched by the gesture. 

"Thank you, Erich. That is...that is very kind of you," Lena replied. 

"It is my pleasure, truly. These are for you," Erich said, handing her the garments. Lena frowned in confusion, and handed them back without looking. 

"I told your Master...I do not feel comfortable with him having clothes made for me," Lena began, blushing in embarrassment. 

Erich shifted uncomfortably, and Lena thought he appeared almost as embarrassed as she was. 

"Yes, the Master said that, and has agreed to adhere to your request. He also said that he does not want you to, what was the phrase...catch your death of cold. These clothes belong to the Master himself," Erich explained, offering them to her once more. Lena frowned. 

"I am to be in men's clothing?" she asked. Erich slightly flinched where he sat. 

"I suppose it would appear that way," he replied. Lena was furious on the inside, but she sighed heavily to release the anger. She knew Renz was testing her. But she would not let him win. 

"Very well. Please convey my utmost, deepest gratitude to your Master," Lena replied sardonically. Erich slightly chuckled then, and Lena found it alleviated a bit of her frustration. His smile truly was gentle, and it made him look very young.

"I will, fräulein. I will," he replied, standing to leave. 

"Erich, wait," Lena exclaimed. Erich turned around expectantly. Lena began to blush. 

"You really needn't call me that...didn't the Master tell you the circumstances that brought me here?" Lena asked. Erich smiled faintly before responding. 

"You know as well as I that a servant is never to question the actions of the Master of the estate. I know only what the Master has divulged, which does not include the conditions of your arrival," Erich said plainly. Lena nodded, head lowering, realizing Erich had certainly deduced why she was here.

Erich approached her, and Lena looked up at him curiously. 

"I call you fräulein because that is how we show respect. Nothing you have done has compromised your worthiness of respect," he said seriously. Lena smiled, feeling suddenly very assured by his words. 

"But I will call you Lena, if that is what you prefer," Erich finished. Lena's smile widened as Erich's warm honey-brown eyes gently leveled with her. 

"Thank you," she said. 

Lena decided to explore the outside of the estate after she dressed. She felt bare and exposed, due to her lack of undergarments, but she still retained a small sense of pride. She would not be Renz's personal doll to dress up as he pleased. It was humiliating to be in the men's clothes that were much too large for her, but it would have been even more humiliating for Renz to have dressed her up in harlots' wear. 

Lena was wearing one of Renz's formal shirts, which fit more like a dress on her frame. She'd tried to wear the slacks he'd given her after getting over the initial embarrassment at the prospect of wearing something so improper, but no matter how many times she tied them, the pants refused to stay up. They were much, much too big.

As such, her legs were bare and goose-pimpled as she wandered around the expansive grounds of Schloss Wolfenbarger.

Lena walked through the gardens, admiring the incredible collection of blooms the estate possessed. There were many flowers Lena had never seen before, and she wondered what their names were. 

She sat down on a bench in the center of the maze-like garden, closed her eyes and breathed deeply, taking in the faint warmth of the light sun and the scent of the flowers. For a dungeon, Schloss Wolfenbarger really was beautiful.

Lena heard the sound of slow, heavy footsteps behind her, and her heart began to race in anticipation. She swallowed hard and took additional deep breaths, trying to keep her anxiety under control. She reminded herself of Erich's brief, yet kind words that morning, and suddenly she felt calm. 

Lena turned around to face Renz, but was surprised to find that he wasn't there. The heavy footsteps hadn't even been made by a human. 

Standing in front of her was a large, muscular, four-legged beast. 

"Good lord," Lena exclaimed. The animal approached her slowly, teeth barred. Lena took a step back in fear, but then it began to growl. A deep, heavy, threatening growl. 

Lena considered running from it, but in her current state of fear she was certain it would manage to reach her and overpower her. Its teeth were so sharp, its body so large and menacing looking, Lena was absolutely certain it could tear her to pieces. 

It pounded the ground with its front legs, slightly arching its body, and Lena had a sinking feeling it was about to attack her. 

Lena turned on her heel and began to run, but before she could pick up speed the animal pounced on her, tackling her to the ground. 

Lena was too afraid to move or make a sound as the animal hovered over her. Her lips trembled as it smelled her, moving its muzzle across her face, covering her with its hot breath. Lena watched as its large mouth opened, baring its large, sharp teeth. Lena closed her eyes, preparing to be eaten alive. 

But then she felt it lick her cheek.

"Otto! Get off!" she heard Renz shout from a distance. Immediately, the animal got off of Lena and headed toward his master, eagerly awaiting his next command. 

Renz fully appeared then, his brow slightly coated with sweat. He looked like he had been involved in some kind of exhausting physical activity. 

Lena sat up on her elbows, surprised by how quickly the frightening beast had become almost docile. 

"Did he frighten you?" Renz asked. Lena frowned as she stood up on shaky legs. 

"Is that a dog or a bear?" she asked. Renz chuckled and kneeled next to the animal, petting its shiny black coat. 

"This is my most trusted companion. The servants said you were nowhere to be found, so I sent Otto to look for you," Renz explained. Lena found something slightly comical about the sight of the two such formidable looking beings enjoying a playful moment together. 

"Say hello, Otto. Politely this time," Renz instructed, giving the dog a light tap. Otto approached Lena slowly, and Lena tentatively extended her hand. Otto sniffed her for a few moments, and then began licking her palm. Lena couldn't help but laugh at the tickling feeling. 

"You're not quite so scary, I suppose," Lena said, kneeling to level herself with the dog. She gently stroked the top of his head and rubbed his ears, which the dog seemed to enjoy. 

"Someone's taken a liking to you," Renz mentioned. Lena stood up, and dusted herself off. Satisfied with the attention he'd received, the dog trotted off, sniffing for something else to hunt. 

Renz removed his riding jacket and gloves, and Lena turned around instinctively before he removed anything else. 

She felt his eyes on her as she smoothed the shirt, but she did her best to ignore him. 

"I must say...that shirt is very becoming on you," he mentioned teasingly. Lena looked at him, her expression blank. 

"I am flattered," Lena replied. Renz approached her, the look in his eye dangerous. Lena recognized the look. 

"Turn around for me," he said. Lena did as she was told, slowly turning as Renz surveyed her. When she came full circle, Renz grabbed her waist and pulled her against his chest. 

Lena suddenly felt very dizzy as Renz lowered his head, preparing to kiss her. She turned her face away, and Renz pressed his lips against her cheek. 

"Come back to me, Lena," Renz said softly. She felt his hand slide down her back, gripping her bottom roughly. She could feel his hardness pressed urgently against her belly, and her eyes fluttered in anticipation of being opened up by him again.

Her knees shook as he reached beneath the shirt, slowly slipping in between her bare thighs. Lena's eyes fluttered the closer he came to her reawakening wetness, and she shook her head furiously. 

"Sir, not outside...please?" she pleaded. All reason faded when his fingers came in contact with her pussy, and Lena was fully brought back to life. She was hyperaware of every part of her body, every part of his body, fully experiencing his touch. And she realized just how much she'd missed it; she needed him in her. 

Her head fell back as his skillful fingers massaged her sensitive flesh. Renz was urgently stroking her, just beginning to initiate a full response. 

"Sir," Lena muttered. He feathered kisses along her neck as he began to manipulate her clit, his thick fingertips circling the sensitive button in long, slow, hard strokes. Lena squirmed in pleasurable discomfort as all of her resolve to resist Renz flowed out of her and coated his hand. Her pussy tingled and throbbed, and she began rocking back and forth against his palm to create more friction with his skin. 

"Come back to me, Lena," Renz repeated. 

She heard something else in his voice, something she'd never heard before. It sounded as if he were summoning a deeper part of her that went beyond her sexual desire. 

Lena's body began to move on its own accord, pressing, rubbing, and curling against him. He felt hard, strong, and powerful against her, and she continued to move against his body, desiring some of that power. 

"Please come back to me, Lena," he said again. Lena slightly turned her head, and he caught her lips with his. 

Lena lost herself in the kiss, and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer, to drink him in. She could feel and hear Renz's deep groan, and it excited a primal part of her. She excitedly moved her tongue around, earnestly curling it with his, hoping he would make that sound again. 

She felt the cool stone of the garden bench against her warm skin, and her eyes opened in curiosity. She felt Renz's hands moving on her body, squeezing and pulling every part of her. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 04



She yelped in surprise when he flipped her over onto her stomach, and her back arched in pleasure when he deliberately ran his hands from her hips to her breasts, pushing up the shirt she wore. 

She felt Renz moving behind her, and she blushed in embarrassment when he pushed the backs of her thighs apart, causing her to straddle the bench. Lena began feeling embarrassed as her lust paused, and she squirmed in discomfort at the knowledge of her indecent exposure. 

"Don't move," she heard him whisper behind her. Lena swallowed hard, willing herself to stop moving. He was silent behind her for a few moments, but then she heard the familiar sound of his clothing...being removed. 

She straddled the bench for what felt like hours, her entire backside, and pussy, completely exposed to his gaze. But finally, he joined her, and she felt his warm, hard body against hers. 

His fingers lowered between her thighs, and he slipped one inside of her. Lena moaned in gratification, and she slightly lost her balance, falling forward and gripping the bench with strained palms. 

She heard Renz chuckle behind her, but she found she didn't much care for his teasing. He rewarded her with a second finger inside of her, and she stretched around him delightedly. 

"My, Lena, I don't think you've ever been this wet...this quickly," Renz muttered. Lena paid little attention to him, instead focusing on the feeling of his long, thick fingers stretching her pleasurably. She exhaled heavily as she shifted, beginning to move against his fingers. The hand on her hip quickly spanked her as he withdrew his fingers from her dripping channel, and she gasped in alarm and displeasure.

"Save those thrusts for my cock, Lena. Are you ready?" Renz asked. Lena was puzzled by his words, but dizzy with lust. 

"Yes," Lena replied frantically, nearly desperate to feel him. She felt both of his hands on her hips then, and she felt the head of his cock probing at her dewy entrance. With a deep groan, she felt Renz slide himself up inside of her very slowly, and Lena released a silent scream at the familiar, missed feeling. 

Renz withdrew from her, but then joined their bodies once more, pushing himself in, as well as pulling her onto him. Lena closed her eyes and lost herself in the feeling of his penetration, the delicious way he stretched her delicate inner body beyond its limits. 

Lena balanced herself on the bench as she received him, gripping the edges until her knuckles turned white. He leaned forward with her, slipping his hands beneath her body, caressing her stomach and her breasts, as he thrust inside of her. 

Lena felt like she was receiving him in a brand new way. She felt him within her, deeper than she had ever before experienced. She felt completely full with him, and in that moment, she relished his possession. 

The new position certainly had its appeal as well. Lena couldn't see him, and she couldn't touch him with her own hands. She could only feel him all over her and inside of her, smell him, and listen to him. It felt wickedly primitive; the sound of his hips slamming against her bottom, the sound of his guttural moans, and the feeling of his hands on her body and his hard cock speared her. She was completely under his control, but she welcomed his dominance. 

Lena arched her back and slightly wiggled her hips, and she felt his cock graze that one spot inside of her. Lena cried out at the powerful feeling, and stilled as he continued to thrust on. She found that if she didn't move, he'd touch it over and over. 

Lena felt his nails digging into her hips, and she braced herself for the explosion that was about to come. She could feel it deep within her, slowly and steadily building up as Renz insistently shoved himself inside of her, touching that one sensitive place on her insides. Lena's lower lip began trembling, and she heard an almost pained crying noise. 

Realizing she was making the sounds, Lena closed her eyes and tried to maintain at least a small degree of control of herself. 

She felt Renz grip her hair, roughly, and he pulled her up and placed his teeth directly on her ear. He wrapped his arm around her stomach, locking her body against his. 

"No, Lena, you will not close yourself to me now. Stay open and release," Renz whispered roughly. He shoved himself inside of her and stayed completely still, halting the movements of their bodies. 

Lena's muscles instinctively clenched around his cock, lodged deep and snug within her body. Lena was completely surrounded and completely filled by Renz, so much that she felt like he had become a part of her. 

The arm around her stomach tightened even further, and he slipped his hand below her belly and found her clit. Lena's head fell back against his shoulder, and she cried out at the overwhelming feeling of the overstimulation. 

"That's right, Lena. Stay open," Renz urged. 

Lena nearly fractured at the sound of his voice, but she found herself only rising higher and higher, the buildup to her orgasm boiling in her belly. She began rocking against him, gently moving on his hips as much as her position would allow. She needed more friction, more movement. She needed her release, desperately now. 

"That's my good girl," Renz said. Lena continued rocking, her movements unskilled, untrained, but fully impassioned. She felt tension throughout every part of her body, coiling and tightening everything from her face to the muscles in her stomach to her toes. 

Renz took her by surprise, and began meeting her desperate thrusts, rapidly burying himself and removing himself and burying himself again within her body. His movements were fast and hard, and Lena squeezed him as hard as she could while he was inside of her, to keep him there. 

She was full, so full of him, overstuffed, her needy pussy completely satisfied. She felt him pinch her clit with his fingers, and there was a brief moment of complete stillness and silence. Then, little tears formed in her eyes as Lena shattered, her entire body convulsing as the pleasure whipped though her. She screamed until her voice went hoarse, paying little attention to the burning feeling on her hips from Renz's rough fingers as he erupted inside of her. Lena came, long and hard. 

And she was fully awake. 

"I thought I'd lost you," Renz mentioned. Lena shook her head. 

"I have nowhere else to go," Lena replied. 

They sat on the bench lazily, and Renz reached forward to pull her against his chest. Lena was physically worn out, and did not object. 

"I was talking about your mind, Lena. Where have you been?" Renz asked. Lena shook her head again, not wanting to return to that dark, empty, desolate feeling. 

"You could tell me what your thoughts are," Renz prompted, when she didn't speak. Lena sighed. 

"What will my life be like? What do you expect me to do here?" Lena asked, looking up at him. Renz looked bemused momentarily, and he drifted into pensive thoughtfulness. 

"I thought I made that obvious," Renz replied teasingly, slightly rubbing himself against her. Lena frowned. 

"So I am to sit in that lavish suite, day after day, waiting for you to come to me and satisfy yourself?" Lena asked. She heard him inhale sharply, and Lena wondered if she'd said too much. 

She turned around, and a hard, cold expression was on his face. Lena's blood ran frigid, and she knew she'd most definitely overstepped her bounds. 

"I'm so sorry, sir," Lena said nervously. She began to inch away from him, but Renz tightened his grip around her waist, and pulled her right back against his chest. 

"You can come to me if you need satisfaction as well, Lena. I've told you before, I care about your pleasure," Renz said suddenly. Lena chose her words carefully, not wanting to upset him. 

"Surely I cannot spend my days doing this...constantly," Lena replied. Renz chuckled. 

"Lena, I can't imagine a more pleasant way to spend my days than to ravish you every hour," Renz said, laughing harder. Lena's eyes widened in horror, and she prayed she heard him incorrectly. She stiffened in fear, but then Renz surprised her, and kissed the top of her head.

"Not even I have that kind of virility, Lena. You needn't worry about me having you more than either of us can realistically handle. I will endeavor to push those limits to your stamina, however," Renz replied. Lena sighed, accepting that as the fairest response he would give her. 

Lena began feeling dread as she pictured her future with Renz, and the joyous feelings from the climax of the coupling she'd just experienced instantly vanished. Her entire life would revolve around satisfying him. Lena felt a pain deep in her chest, and mentally fought to keep it at bay. She strived to return to that place of blank emptiness and safety where she'd spent their travels, mentally distancing herself from him, and for a few moments, Lena felt at peace. 

Renz stood up suddenly, causing Lena to fall over in surprise, breaking her from her mental security. 

"You might want to...clean yourself up," Renz mentioned, looking down at her with disapproval in his eyes. Lena frowned, confused, and felt oddly hurt by his sudden dismissal. Her self-protection shattered the instant Renz returned to his cool, icy demeanor, and she felt cheapened once more.

"The doctor is here for you, just like you asked."

Lena sat in embarrassment and acute discomfort as the doctor examined her. They were in the privacy of the lounge of her suite, and she sat on the chaise while the doctor knelt in front of her, between her legs, examining her with strange probe-like objects. 

He seemed to be on the floor for ages, and Lena exhaled in relief when he finally sat upright. 

He felt around her abdomen, putting pressure on odd parts of her stomach. Lena watched him in interest as he studied her, and took notes in his journal of sorts. 

"Have you experienced pain during or immediately after sexual activity?" the doctor asked. Lena's face instantly turned scarlet. She was surprised by the boldness of his question, wishing for the less offensive, circumlocutory speech of the doctor of Sterling Manor.

When she didn't answer, the doctor rolled his eyes in annoyance. 

"I have neither the time nor the patience for euphemisms. Do you experience pain, or not?" he asked again. Lena swallowed hard. 

"Yes, but...my very first time was recently. And it is not as painful as that," Lena replied. The doctor nodded, writing something else down. 

"But you still experience discomfort? Do you have any bleeding?" he asked. Lena continued to blush, and began feeling dizzy from her embarrassment. 

"A little, yes," Lena replied eventually. 

"Understandable. You have some tears that aren't quite finished healing. Apply this at night, and they will fully repair in a few days' time," the doctor said, handing her a small jar of cream. Lena accepted it, and observed the strange looking, filmy substance. 

"As for the real reason why I am here," the doctor continued, reaching into his bag. He pulled out a medium-sized bottle containing a dark liquid with strange-shaped solids floating through it. 

"What is this?" Lena asked, twisting it open. The smell was positively foul, and she wrinkled her nose in disgust. 

"Drink a spoonful of this every morning and every night. This will keep unwanted babies unborn," the doctor replied. Lena suddenly began to panic. 

"You mean...I'm already...?" she asked, nearly speechless. It was one thing to prevent pregnancy, but another thing entirely to terminate one if it already existed. Lena began feeling sick to her stomach at the thought. 

The doctor interrupted her thoughts by clearing his throat and shaking his head. 

"You're not pregnant. Your body is in no position to successfully conceive. If you follow the instructions I have given you, you will not need to worry about a babe," the doctor replied. 

Lena exhaled heavily, overcome with a feeling of relief. She felt sore on the inside from the combination of Renz's rough coupling and the doctor's cold, hard tools, and she hoped she would be left alone for the rest of the day. 

She watched as the doctor gathered his instruments and prepared to depart, and a question struck her. 

"Doctor, what do you mean...I'm in no position to successfully conceive?" she asked. The doctor's face softened slightly, and he looked at her sympathetically. 

"You look like you have lost a lot of weight recently. Your body clearly can't nourish itself, let alone a baby," the doctor answered. Lena shrank into the chaise, suddenly feeling deeply ashamed. 

She jumped slightly when the door slammed shut, indicating his departure. 

She wrapped her arms around her stomach, feeling very raw and sore on her insides. She didn't want to move too much, because the examination really had been rather painful, especially after Renz. 

Lena closed her eyes and tried not to think about what Renz had reverted to, but the disgusted look on his face was now a permanent memory. 

During his arousal, Lena knew he looked upon her with a certain level of desire. It frightened her, but it also excited her. In a strange way, she enjoyed the fact that she could arouse such feelings in him. It gave her a small amount of power. 

But as soon as his lust was satisfied, he'd lost interest in her, icily dismissing her. She felt lower than a whore, and Lena realized the word "depository" was a more accurate description of how Renz saw her, and how she now saw herself. An empty, worthless vessel for his lusts. 

Lena swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to cry. She'd lost control of herself during their sex. In her need for release, she'd made herself vulnerable. 

Lena took deep breaths to calm herself, and realized that the only way she would survive is if she never opened herself to him that way again. 

A knock on the lounge door interrupted her thoughts, and Lena straightened out the shirt she wore before the doors opened. 

Lena was instantly calmed when Erich walked in. 

"Fräulein...I mean, Lena," Erich said softly. Lena wasn't sure why, but the sight of his kind face made the tears she'd been fighting back spill from her eyes. She wiped her face furiously, but the tears continued to fall freely. 

Erich tentatively approached her, a concerned look on his face. 

"May I sit down, Lena?" he asked. His politeness made her cry harder, and Lena found all she could do to respond was nod. 

Erich sat across from her, placing a tray on the table that separated the two chaises. Lena held her breath to stop the tears from falling, but her chest heaved and her shoulders shook violently, betraying her resolve to stop crying. 

Erich extended a handkerchief to her, which Lena accepted gratefully. After a few moments, her sobs began to dissipate. 

"I thought you might enjoy some lunch," Erich mentioned softly. Lena sniffled and smiled lightly. 

"Thank you, Erich," she replied. 

She watched him as he prepared the spread, and Lena's stomach growled when she took in the sight of the food. She saw a small smile appear on Erich's face, and she couldn't help but laugh at herself. 

"You have gone through...many emotions in the few minutes I've been here," Erich said. Lena stopped laughing, and began to blush. 

"I'm sorry. It has been a strange day," Lena replied. Erich nodded knowingly. 

"I thought you might enjoy some of this flowering tea. The Master had it imported from Peking. Watch," Erich said. 

Lena observed in curiosity as Erich poured hot water into the teacup. The dried tea flower instantly began to bloom, revealing more colorful petals as flower expanded, and the tea began to steep.

"That is lovely! And it smells delicious," Lena exclaimed in admiration. Erich smiled warmly at her. 

"Is there anything else I can get for you?" Erich asked. Lena felt strangely sad at the thought of him leaving. His face was too kind, his words too gentle. In that moment, Lena desperately needed some kindness. 

"Won't you join me, Erich?" Lena asked. Erich looked thoughtful for a moment, but then he smiled at her again. 

"It would be my pleasure, Lena."

"So how is she, Karl?" Renz asked. Karl finished writing his bill before answering. 

"For the most part, she is a healthy girl. Much too thin at the moment, but I'm sure you already know that," Karl replied. Renz sighed heavily. 

"Something happened when I brought her back from Sterling's. She didn't eat anything, she didn't say anything. At first I thought it was just shock, but...I don't know. You're sure there's nothing wrong with her?" Renz asked. Karl chuckled. 

"Are you having second thoughts about the maid you kidnapped?" he asked. Renz's eyes narrowed dangerously, and Karl immediately halted his mocking. 

"Lena is fine. I realize that empathy is not your strongest attribute, but try to appreciate the fact that you've brought the biggest form of change this girl has ever experienced. She will need time to adjust," he replied. Renz considered Karl's words.  

"Perhaps. But her life as a servant is over, and that is because of me. You'd think she would show me some gratitude," Renz mentioned. Karl laughed heartily then, irreverent to Renz's pride. 

"And who's to say she didn't enjoy making beds and dusting tapestries? As far as she's aware, she's just a new kind of servant, for a man she doesn't trust no less," Karl explained. 

Renz stopped pacing and sat down in his chair, and poured himself a small bit of Scotch whiskey to ease the headache he felt forming. 

"So why did you do it?" Karl asked seriously. Renz ignored him, and took a sip of his drink. 

"I'm not asking as your doctor or as your employee. I am asking as your closest friend for nearly thirty years. Why her?" Karl asked. Renz paused momentarily, unsure of how he could even begin to respond. 

"I wanted her, Karl. I still do. You know what I do when I want something," Renz replied simply. Karl frowned. 

"The difference is, she's a human being, not another schloss or an enterprise. Do you love her?" he asked. Renz snorted. 

"You know as well as I that I don't love," Renz replied. Karl nodded. 

"So she's just here for you to fuck then?" he asked. Renz shook his head. 

"No, it's more than that...I wanted a better life for her. Sterling is hemorrhaging assets, his estate is collapsing. He won't able to sustain his staff for longer than a few more months. I've rescued her from that," Renz stated emphatically, defending himself. Karl raised his eyebrows. 

"Does she know that?" Karl asked. 

"I imagine she doesn't," Renz replied. Karl gathered his things and collected his payment from Renz's desk. 

"I have other patients to see today. Call on me if her catatonia returns. And make sure she's eating regularly," Karl said, showing himself out. 

Renz sat for a few moments, and did something he never did—he tried to be empathetic. He spent a few moments trying to mentally place himself where Lena was, and found himself in a very negative place.

Perhaps he had been much too forward in his desire for the girl. While Renz did feel a certain level of entitlement and self-interest, he was by no means a monster. Or at least, he hoped he wasn't a monster. 

Renz left his office and started towards Lena's suite. He owed her a conversation, at the very least. 

He opened the door, not bothering to knock, and was instantly filled with fury when he saw that she was with the servant Erich, alone, and...laughing. 

Lena jumped in surprise at the sound of the doors slamming against the wall. She noticed Erich began to appear panicked, and his fear made her blood run cold. 

"What is this?" Renz said coldly. 

Erich rapidly stood up and gathered the emptied trays. 

"I was just leaving, sir," Erich replied, stumbling to gather the spread. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 05



Don't. Move. Don't move, don't move, don't move, don't move....

Renz repeated the mantra in his head as Lena moved over him, her expressive face marked with curiosity and urgent arousal. 

She rubbed the tip of his cock against the slippery lips of her pussy, and Renz balled his fists to keep from bucking his hips against hers like a wild animal. 

She was teasing him. She had to know that she was teasing him. There was no way he would agree to anything like this ever again. 

He watched her as she determinedly positioned herself above him, and began to slowly slide down onto his cock. Renz was nearly taken aback by the exquisite feeling of her small body stretching around him, welcoming him inside of her. He could feel her opening up around his hardness, blossoming like a flower. For the first time, he wasn't forcing his way in; she was taking him. Lena wanted him. 

Renz brought his eyes to her face, and his excitement doubled. She'd never looked more beautiful to him.

Her head was thrown back, her eyes were halfway closed, and her cheeks were flushed with deep pink blush. Her brow was marred by the slight frown of a woman fiercely determined to find her pleasure. 

She sank down onto him, and released a primal, full-bodied cry of satisfaction. And to his surprise, her mouth parted into a gentle smile. 

Lena placed her hands on his shoulders, and he watched her intently as she began moving over him. Renz looked down at where their bodies combined, admiring Lena and her untrained, organic movements. Circling him, bouncing on him, grinding against him...Lena was more open than he'd ever seen her. A bewitching combination of selfish wantonness and innocent curiosity, Lena was using his body to please herself. 

And he loved it. 

He grunted when Lena sharply squeezed around him, and began pumping herself onto him forcibly. 

"Christ, Lena," Renz groaned. Lena's big blue eyes flickered to his, and she looked at him sheepishly, like she'd been caught doing something naughty. He had half an impulse to tease her, or at least smile at her...to reassure her that what she was doing was very naughty, but in the best way possible. 

She quickly dropped her gaze, however, and Renz felt her eyes on him, observing him. He began to wonder, for the first time, if Lena enjoyed what she saw.

His question was answered when he felt her move again, urgency increasing, and he squeezed his fists even harder to maintain control of himself. Her movements, her sounds, even her smell, were dangerously close to unhinging him. 

Renz watched as Lena's pleasure frown became one of frustration. She was close, but couldn't find her release. He thought about helping her, but he'd promised to allow her to explore sex on her own. 

Her nearly peaked expression, however, was too much for him to resist. 

Before he could move, Lena reached down and grabbed his wrist, and yanked it between her thighs impatiently. Renz smiled, knowingly beginning to circle Lena's hot, engorged, slick clit with his fingertips. 

She looked at him again, and Renz knew he'd reached his breaking point. Her eyes were so wild and penetrating, that he felt captive in her bright blue gaze. She was taking him. He was hers. In that moment, he would have done anything she asked. 

"Thank you, Renz," she said softly. Lena closed her eyes, and screamed a loud and uncaring scream. Her cries traveled throughout the room as her body shuddered, rhythmically pulsing and throbbing around him. He felt her slick wetness spill out of her body, and his tenuous sense of control snapped. 

He wrapped his arms around her, thrusting into her body roughly as she experienced her orgasm, and he sought his own. 

He felt her delicate arms around his shoulders, and momentarily he froze. This was new. She was holding him. 

The new sensation was more than he could process, and Renz violently erupted inside of her, biting down on her shoulder as he came. 

Renz held onto her body tightly as wave after wave of pleasure overcame him. When they finally ended, he reclined on the chaise, satisfied and spent. 

Lena stayed wrapped around him, a tangle of legs and arms, their bodies still connected. And he felt oddly contented by her proximity. He was completely surrounded by the woman that had unwittingly become the center of his every sexual desire. 

He breathed in the faintly sweet scent of her skin as her breathing slowed, her shuddering subsided, and her body became weighted again. 

Lena eventually rose, lazily supporting herself on her elbows as she gazed at him. It was only when he saw the puzzled expression on her face that Renz realized he was crying. 

"Are you all right?" Lena asked. Renz didn't immediately move or speak, and Lena wondered whether or not he'd heard her. 

"Sir?" she asked again. Renz blinked slowly, and Lena found herself oddly drawn to the vulnerable expression on his face. 

She reached forward to touch his cheek, but he jerked away from her suddenly. 

"What's wrong?" she asked. 

Renz quickly removed Lena from his lap, and Lena winced as she felt his spent organ slip out of her inner walls. 

She tumbled back onto the chaise as Renz stood up, rapidly pulling up his pants and re-buttoning his shirt. 

"Sir?" she asked. Renz looked over to her, and his previous gentle expression was replaced by something distant and austere.

"Have you satisfied yourself, Lena?" Renz asked icily. Lena gasped in surprise at his harsh tone. 

"You could have just said no," Lena said eventually, her voice quivering and small. 

"It won't happen again," Renz said. And then he left her. 

Lena sat stunned on the chaise for a few moments, ears ringing from the loud banging sound of the harsh slam Renz had left on the double doors to the suite. She felt so confused by Renz's behavior, and she had no idea how to handle it. 

Lena was ashamed of how hurt she felt. She thought she'd seen another side to him after their sex, a part of him that she could tolerate, even like. 

But she'd been horribly wrong. 

There was no part of Renz that she could ever like, Lena reminded herself as she stood up from the chaise, weakly walking towards the bathing room. There was nothing likeable or good in him. 

She drew herself a hot bath and wandered over to the mirror, staring at her reflection in bewilderment. She silently gasped, hardly recognizing herself, with her sunken-in cheekbones, baggy eyes, and disheveled hair. With her bruised lips, flushed cheeks, and thinning body loosely covered by a man's shirt, Lena felt like she looked like a perfect slattern. 

Lena swallowed hard and dropped her gaze, to keep herself from crying. She reached for a gilded hairbrush that sat atop the counter space, and began to brush her dark brown hair, smoothing out the tangled mess. 

When she finished, she brought her eyes back to the mirror again, satisfied that she looked somewhat like the self she wasn't ashamed of. She pulled off the shirt and observed her body in the mirror, and became instantly repulsed by how thin she looked.  

Lena folded her arms in front of her, to protect her body from the chill of the bathroom, and entered the now full tub, slightly wincing as her sore body descended into the hot water. 

Lena sank to her shoulders as she began to lather her body, washing off all of Renz. As she touched herself, her heart began to hurt, and her façade of strength shattered as she thought of the way Renz had touched her, the way she had touched him. She had truly thought something had been different about him this afternoon, but it was all a lie. She felt humiliated and used. 

Lena's silent tears eventually became loud sobs, and the water splashed and spilled on the marble flooring as her body shook with painful tremors. Lena allowed herself to cry, a full-bodied, dramatic cry, for she resolved that this would be the last time she ever cried for Renz. He had stolen her innocence, taken her from the only family she'd known, violated her and desecrated her beyond what she recognized...but he would not take anything else from her. She wouldn't let him. 

Lena sniffled and wiped her face, feeling strong again, after allowing herself to experience the sadness. She would let Renz use her body, but he would never access her mind or her heart again. 

Renz paced around the manor late that evening. He'd tried sleeping, but had been tormented by strange nightmares that evaded his consciousness once he'd awakened. And now he fidgeted, anxious and tense, vainly hoping for some kind of serenity. 

What he really wanted was Lena again, but Renz knew he needed to leave her alone for a while...for his sanity's sake. Lena had managed to fundamentally change something deep inside of him, and he wasn't yet sure if he liked it. 

Lena had taken him inside of her, openly and freely, gracefully and frantically. He was encompassed by her desire to find pleasure. And she'd found it in him. 

Renz couldn't remove the image of her face as she looked at him, right before she climaxed. Thank you, Renz, her voice repeated in his head. 

When she threw her head back, the cords in her neck straining, the muscles in her abdomen clenching tightly...Renz was certain he'd never seen a more beautiful or erotic sight. Renz knew he could die a happy man watching Lena come for him over and over again. 

Or watching Lena smile for him. 

Renz shook his head in an attempt to banish the thought, but the image of Lena's sweet smile when he'd walked in on her with the servant penetrated his thoughts. She'd appeared so relaxed, and almost happy. Renz found himself desiring for her to look at him that way. He'd made her cry, had made her frown...but he'd never made her smile like that, and suddenly, Renz was filled with a strange feeling of remorse. 

Renz's thoughts went back to the hurt, broken expression that had been on Lena's face after their sex that afternoon, and he began feeling guilt, an unfamiliar, and uncomfortable, feeling. 

He was fully aware of how cold he'd been with her, but frankly...she'd terrified him with what she'd done. Some strange, enchanting spell she'd cast that had left him feeling vulnerable, wanting, and terrified.

He'd thought that by separating himself from her for the rest of the day the feeling would vanish. But Renz felt himself craving and missing her all the more. 

But he was craving more than just her body. He wanted to see that smile again. 

Finally growing tired, Renz returned back to his wing of the manor. Lena had arisen a peculiar curiosity within him, and he was determined to find out what it was. 

Lena sat alone the following morning, chewing absently on the fruits and pastries that had been left for her in the lounge. She'd been brought another set of men's clothing, and found herself regretting her initial refusal of having clothes made for her. 

She paced around the suite once she finished breakfast, wondering if Renz would come for his first servicing of the day. When lunch arrived, and Renz hadn't, Lena began feeling restless, wondering where he was. 

Lena wandered over to the windows of the suite, interest piqued by the sun that faintly peaked through the clouds in the sky. The grounds really were very beautiful, and Lena momentarily forgot about Renz as she left her room, intent on enjoying the day. 

Lena deeply inhaled the crisp clean scent of early afternoon, and closed her eyes in enjoyment of the slight warmth from the sun. She strolled throughout the gardens, and gasped in surprise when she found that she wasn't alone.

Sitting on the grass beside the lake was Erich. 

Lena admired him for a few moments, enjoying how pastoral and serene the sight was. His trousers were rolled around his knees, and his shoes sat neatly beside him. Faint beads of sweat coated his tanned skin, and the sunlight caught his slightly ruffled blond hair. Lena liked the way he looked. 

Erich turned his head with a start when he heard her approaching, and began inching away warily. Lena halted in her steps, suddenly crestfallen. 

"Is something wrong, Erich?" Lena asked. Lena watched as Erich's gentle face began to calm. A faint smile appeared, and he shook his head. 

"No, Lena. I just wasn't expecting you to be here. I assumed you left with Herr Wolfenbarger," Erich explained. Lena frowned. 

"Left? You mean...he is gone?" Lena asked, voice rising. Erich chuckled. 

"Only temporarily, Lena. The Master went into the city for a few days on business," he replied. 

Lena sat beside Erich, feeling an odd combination of dread and relief at his revelation. 

"Was he cruel with you...yesterday?" Lena asked tentatively. Erich's smile widened. 

"You needn't worry about me, Lena. I am very happy we were able to share tea together," he replied. 

Lena felt her spirits rise as she listened to Erich. Everything about him was so gentle, so safe, so inviting...so unlike Renz. 

"He did tell me he does not want to see us alone together," Erich mentioned. Lena frowned, lowering her gaze. 

"And you will abide by his rules, I imagine," Lena replied. Erich nodded. 

"I am an obedient servant," he replied. Lena brought her knees into her chest, swallowing nervously. 

"There are ways...to ensure he does not see us," Lena whispered. Erich's eyebrows rose curiously. 

"You have been the only person to show me kindness, Erich. I can't let Renz...I mean, Herr Wolfenbarger, take that away from me too. I don't think I could survive it," Lena admitted softly. 

Erich stared at Lena thoughtfully, and Lena took this as an opportunity to study him more carefully. A small smile steadily widened across his face, and Lena realized that Erich really was handsome.

"Then kindness you shall receive, Lena," Erich answered eventually. 

Lena spent the entire afternoon with Erich, and found that being with him was the happiest and most relaxed she had felt since the night she'd met Renz. Her heart no longer palpitated in anxiety, and her stomach was no longer in knots. She felt calm, and genuinely content to be around him.

Erich gave her a full tour of Schloss Wolfenbarger, which turned out to be even bigger than Lena had originally thought. He entertained her with stories of the expansive castle's rich history, as well as the Wolfenbarger family's colorful scandals. Lena laughed hard when Erich told her of the escapades of Gabriella Wolfenbarger, Renz's Swedish great-grandmother who apparently used to gamble, host wild parties, and participated in sordid affairs with multiple noble married men and women. 

"Does Renz ever have parties?" Lena asked. Erich frowned for a few moments, sifting through memories. They were in the downstairs library enjoying supper over a warm fire, and Lena wanted nothing more than to listen to Erich's voice some more.

"Not since his marriage," Erich replied eventually. "I was only a boy at the time, but I do remember that Herr Wolfenbarger and his wife used to regularly entertain guests quite fashionably." 

"What happened to his wife?" Lena asked. Erich looked uncomfortable, and Lena leaned closer, curiosity blinding her manners. 

"He hasn't told you?" Erich asked in return. Lena snorted. 

"I think you can surmise that...that is not the kind of relationship the Master and I have. If we do talk, it's usually only about..." 

Lena began to blush in embarrassment, unable to continue. Erich offered her more tea, but Lena shook her head. Erich sipped his wine and stared thoughtfully at the fireplace. 

"The Master...he divorced his wife almost ten years ago," Erich replied. 

Lena gasped in shock. She had heard of divorces, and knew that along with them came almost irreparable reputation damage. She couldn't believe Renz had actually obtained one.

"A divorce? But the shame of it!" Lena exclaimed. Erich nodded quickly, appearing embarrassed. 

"Frau Wolfenbarger was unable to carry the child between them to birth, and was unable to conceive after that. It is my understanding that her inability to produce an heir...was the reason for the divorce. Breeding is very important in the Wolfenbarger family," Erich answered. 

Lena began to feel sorry for Renz's former wife, wherever she was—damaged, shamed, and alone. Lena knew that Renz clearly had no problem disposing of women, and that could very well be her fate in the not too distant future. It was then that Lena realized she had to begin preparing for a life away from Renz, and save herself from utter ruin.

Lena looked over to Erich, at his honest, pale blue eyes, and she smiled in admiration and comfort at the sight of his gentle handsomeness. He had been so kind to her all day, and had made her feel safe and secure. 

"Is something wrong, Lena?" Erich asked. Lena began to blush, not realizing she'd been staring at him. She smiled bashfully and reached for a warm roll. 

"Tell me about your life before you began working for Renz," Lena asked. 

She smiled and curled up on the lounge next to Erich as he began his stories of his early childhood in a Bavarian village, and she felt pleasurably lulled on inside at the sound of his soothing voice.

Lena curled her fingers in her hair as she stared at Erich. He was looking at her with lust in his eyes, his groin peaked and hardened, but Lena felt no fear, intimidation, or embarrassment. She felt utterly empowered by his arousal. 

She approached him slowly, a teasing smile across her lips, as she began pulling at the loose men's shirt that covered her body. She felt it slip from her arms and fall to the floor, and she stood for a few moments as she felt Erich's appreciative eyes move over her naked body. She heard him softly groan, and Lena giggled in excitement, slowly swaying her body to give him a better view. 

He looked directly into her eyes, and Lena was instantly drawn to him. She walked over to him and straddled him, placing one thigh on each side of his body where he sat. 

She felt his arms around her waist, and Lena gasped and threw her head back when he brought his face directly to her chest.

Lena moaned in sweet delight as Erich left gentle, wet kisses across her sternum and around her breasts, cupping and massaging them exquisitely with his slightly rough hands. Lena squirmed against him, grinding her moistening pussy against his erection, covered by increasingly strained fabric. 

"You're beautiful, Lena," Erich murmured softly, slowly tonguing her nipple. Lena reached for his hair and pulled him closer to her body, desiring to surround him with her naked skin.

She felt him slowly slide one of his hands from around her waist down her stomach, and between her spread thighs. Lena cried out in pleasure as Erich softly teased her, exploring her wet folds tentatively and gingerly. 

"Erich, give me more," Lena begged softly. 

"I'll give you anything you desire," Erich replied, slipping a finger inside of her. Lena opened around him, her body welcoming his finger deep inside. She began to rock back and forth on his lap as he continued kissing her breasts, steadily building to her peak.

Erich's hands felt wonderful, and she wanted to feel them all over her at once. Lena held onto him as another finger joined the one inside of her, and she brought her curious hand to Erich's stiffened lap to touch him. 

He felt hard and urgent in her hands, and Lena impatiently began unbuttoning his pants, desiring to touch him directly. Erich smiled and reached for her searching hand, gently entwining her fingers with his.

"Just you right now, Lena. I want you to come for me," Erich said softly. 

Lena bit her lower lip, for his words excited her deep in her gut. She was very close, and she grabbed his shoulders to keep herself from utterly convulsing. 

Lena felt her excitement boil inside of her as she came closer and closer to climax, but before she reached the summit of her lusts for Erich, a low voice of rage cut through her pleasure like a blade.




The Taking of Lena Ch. 05



"Have you satisfied yourself, Lena?" she heard Renz say. 

Lena looked up from Erich, and saw Renz standing directly in front of them, his face dark with anger and fury. 

Lena woke up with a jolt and a scream; her entire body was covered with sweat. Gone were the feelings of arousal that her dream began in. Lena was only filled with fear and embarrassment. 

Lena pushed aside the bed curtains, and saw that it was still dark outside. Lena was still exhausted, but she knew she needed to calm herself down before she went back to sleep.

Lena crawled out of bed and opened the double doors to the bedroom and entered the lounge, hoping a drink of water would help slow her rapid heartrate. 

She reached for the pitcher that sat on an end table and began to pour a drink when a harsh scratching sound at the front door began to echo all throughout the room. 

The scratching was insistent, and Lena approached the doors nervously, fear percolating her veins. 

But then the sound of whining temporarily quelled her fears. 

Lena opened the door, and in trotted Otto, not needing an invitation. Lena smiled down at the large dog, wondering how she had ever been afraid of something so gentle.

She also wondered how the dog could be so unlike his cruel Master.

She kneeled on the floor next to him, and he walked over to her, sniffing her face. Lena scratched the top of his head, and the dog nuzzled close to her. 

"Impeccable timing, friend," Lena said to him. Otto nudged his head against her. 

"Come with me. We'll keep each other company tonight," Lena said, standing up. 

Otto followed her as she returned to the bedroom, crawling back under the covers. He swiftly leapt onto the bed, and circled around the foot before finding a comfortable position to curl up in. When he finally settled down, Lena reclined, appreciating the extra warmth Otto's big heavy body added to her feet. 

She closed her eyes as she listened to the dog's snoring, and hoped for no more dreams of Erich. 

Or Renz.

"You have been very quiet today," he said. Lena looked up at Erich, and she began to blush furiously. Her memories of the dream from the night before weren't quite as vivid, but she'd still had random flashes of straddling Erich and enjoying his kisses all throughout the morning. 

"I had trouble sleeping. Otto woke me up," Lena said, feeling ashamed of her lie. Erich smiled kindly. 

"Perhaps you should take a nice afternoon nap...like a lady," Erich teased. Lena chuckled and stuck out her tongue. 

"I don't want to miss any of this. It's so beautiful today. And I like being with you and keeping you from your work," Lena said sweetly.

She took a deep breath and built the confidence to look directly at Erich, and she stared at him thoughtfully, wondering if he gazed upon her the way Renz did. 

Lena realized he didn't. Erich's gaze wasn't harsh or forceful; it was sweet, tentative, and inviting. 

"You have the most curious look on your face, Lena," Erich remarked. Lena's smile widened when she saw faint blush on Erich's cheeks. Was she making him bashful?

Lena scooted closer to him experimentally, and gently fluttered her eyelids. 

"I don't think I have ever seen you blush before. Is there something wrong?" Lena asked playfully. Erich lowered his eyes and bit his lip. 

"I just think you look quite lovely today, Lena. You appear rested," Erich said. Lena felt her heart flutter on the inside, and she reached for Erich's hand. He seemed surprised at first, but he didn't stop her from wrapping her fingers around his. 

"If you met a woman...who looked like me and thought like me and spoke like me...do you think you would fancy her?" Lena asked softly. 

Erich studied Lena for a few moments, but then he smiled, and gently brought his hand to her cheek. Lena felt relaxed and excited by his touch all at once, and she reached for his wrist to keep his hand on her face. 

"God help me if I do find a woman just like you, for my wits would be around her finger," Erich said. 

Lena dressed for bed that night with a faint smile that, despite her best efforts, refused to disappear. She found herself replaying different parts of her day in her mind, and her grin almost broke into a laugh when she thought of how adorable Erich was as she explored and practiced her newly discovered flirting.

As Lena absently adjusted the sleeping robe, she thought about what it would be like to spend more time with Erich alone, somewhere far away where no one could stop her from admiring him. Perhaps he would tell her more about himself, and bashfulness wouldn't stop him from sharing his private thoughts and secrets. Perhaps Lena too would be able to share herself with him. 

Perhaps she could even share her body with him.

Lena knew it was probably a dangerous direction for her thoughts to go in, but she couldn't help but muse about the kind of lover Erich would be. After spending two full days with him, Lena had a feeling that Erich would be just as tender and sweet sexually as he was in every other interaction with her. 

Lena closed her eyes in an attempt to recapture images from the dream of him the night before, but she found that exhaustion prevented her from accessing her fantasy. Frustrated, Lena exited the bathroom and retired to the bedroom. 

Renz silently crept into Lena's bedroom, careful not to make a sound or wake her. After only one full day in the city, Renz found that he couldn't stand being away from her any longer, and had abruptly returned home as soon as possible. 

He'd originally left on a whim, out of desire to get some distance from Lena by distracting himself with business, and possibly other sources of pleasure. But Renz could not rouse any interest. In his absence, he thought about Lena even more than ever. 

Renz paused when he caught sight of Lena in bed. He'd forgotten how powerful her beauty was in their time apart, but there was also something different about her appearance now. 

If it was even possible, Lena appeared even more tempting and sensual. Her face was beautiful, serene, and perfectly relaxed. Everything about the way she lay was titillating, seductive, and effortlessly beautiful, like an artistic rendering of a sleeping Venus. 

She was barely covered by one of his smaller sleeping robes, and the rich fabric outlined her small body provocatively. Her body was deliciously curved in a perfect "S" shape, and Renz felt a stirring when he caught sight of the long vertical line of exposed naked skin trailing from Lena's lower stomach up to her neck. 

Lena shifted in her sleep, and released a soft, sweet sigh, almost a whimper, that inflamed his passions. It was a sound he recognized; it was the sound she made when her pussy was beginning to moisten. 

Renz watched as Lena's body slowly shifted in her sleep. Her little fingers curled and her narrow hips squirmed enticingly. Her pink lips parted into an almost smile, and Renz could hear her breathing start to increase. Renz knew Lena was having an erotic dream, and he wanted nothing more than to be a part of it.

Renz sat down at the foot of the bed and reached beneath the sheets, and smiled when his hand came in contact with the smooth, warm skin of Lena's legs. He kept his gaze on her face as he slowly brought his hand further up her legs, lodging it between her feverish thighs. 

Lena released a moan when Renz brought his fingers to her pussy, and he licked his lips in excitement when he felt how wet she was. He slowly separated the slick lips of her pussy and began to tease her clit, lightly circling it with his fingertip. 

"Please," Lena whispered. Renz momentarily paused, wondering if she'd finally awakened, but when he looked at her face, he saw that her lavender eyelids were still closed. 

Renz smiled, loving that she was calling out to him, even in her dreams. Perhaps his passion for her was mutual. Perhaps she desired him just as much as he desired her. 

Renz raised the sheets of the bed past her knees, and gently separated her legs, pulling them over his shoulders as he positioned himself for the treatment Renz knew Lena enjoyed the most. Renz brought his lips to Lena's inner thigh, and began kissing his way closer and closer to her pussy, but he froze when he heard Lena's voice again. 

"Please, Erich," he heard her say. 

Lena woke up the following morning, feeling far more rested than she had the day before. Lena had dreamed of Erich again, pleasantly as far as she could remember, and she blushed and smiled at the images that still replayed. 

Lena crawled out of bed, and exited the bedroom, excited to spend another day with Erich. She tightened the sleeping robe around her in reaction to the cold morning chill of the room, and nearly screamed when she realized she wasn't alone. 

"Good morning, Lena," Renz purred seductively.

All thoughts of Erich instantly flew from Lena's mind, and her heart began to race in anticipation. It had only been a few days, but Lena was once again rendered completely helpless by Renz's presence. 

"Good morning, sir," Lena replied softly. 

Renz was sitting on the chaise where they had spent their last sex together, and Lena felt dirty and ashamed by how quickly her thoughts went to the delights of that afternoon. His long, muscular body was covered by riding boots, trousers, and a shirt that was slightly open at the chest. He looked powerful where he sat, and Lena felt her knees begin to tremble. 

"I trust you slept well?" Renz asked. Lena nodded slowly. 

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," she answered. 

Renz had an inscrutable expression on his face, and Lena wondered what he was thinking. Not knowing what else to do, Lena lowered her head and began untying the sleeping robe she wore. 

"What are you doing, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena halted her movements and stared at him quizzically. 

"I...isn't this what you expect of me?" Lena asked. Renz smiled faintly and shook his head. Lena could tell the smile wasn't genuine, however, and she was surprised by the sadness that seemed to fill his eyes. 

"I've had quite an exhaustive few days, Lena. And I am famished. You needn't worry about me taking you...right this moment," Renz replied. 

Lena couldn't believe her ears. 

"Then why are you here?" Lena blurted out. Renz's eyebrows rose, and he observed Lena with an amused expression on his face. 

"I have something for you. Sit," Renz replied. Lena observed him as he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a slim black box. Curious, Lena refastened the sleeping robe and took a seat opposite him. 

Renz slowly opened the box, and Lena gasped at the sight of the piece of jewelry inside. It was simple, elegant, and classic. A brilliant aqua-blue crystal surrounded by a wreath of smaller colorless crystals sat proudly at the base of a black velvet band with a chain of creamy white pearls at the end. Lena found the choker to be absolutely beautiful. 

"This is for me?" Lena asked. Renz nodded extending the box to her. Lena reached forward and touched the box, but didn't take it from him. 

"I thought I might bring you something beautiful. I did miss my little Lena," Renz said, beckoning her to take the box. Lena stared at it warily. 

"Why are you giving this to me?" Lena asked. Renz frowned. 

"Do you not like it?" he asked in return. Lena shook her head. 

"No, it's beautiful...I just don't understand," Lena replied. Renz closed the box and let it rest beside her on the cushion. 

"I thought we might...extend the terms of the arrangement we have," Renz began. Lena studied him, wondering where the conversation would lead. 

Renz stood up from the chaise and began to slowly pace back and forth before finally pausing, his eyes confidently squared on hers. 

"I think there can be far more benefits for the both of us. One of my greatest pleasures is seeing beautiful things on a beautiful woman. Surely you'd enjoy receiving beautiful things as well," Renz continued. 

Lena wasn't sure how to react to his words, and she sat silently for several moments before answering. 

"You want to give me gifts?" Lena asked, heart sinking at the thought of an explicit monetary transaction with Renz for access to her body. 

Almost as if he were reading her mind, Renz approached Lena and kneeled on the floor in front of her. He placed his hands on her knees and gently parted them, wrapping her legs around his torso. 

"I do not think of you as a prostitute, Lena," Renz said seriously. 

Lena stared at him openmouthed, shocked that the words of validation she'd so desperately wanted to hear were actually coming from Renz. 

Renz tenderly brought his hands to her waist and squeezed softly. Lena slowly raised her eyes to meet his, surprised by how softly he was touching her, and even more surprised at the vulnerable, almost pained expression on his face. 

Lena tried to remind herself that it was a lie, that he was manipulating her by pretending to be vulnerable, but she was struggling to look away from him. The soft expression on his handsome face made him appear so much younger, so much closer to her, that eventually, the possibility of a lack of sincerity seemed less and less plausible. 

Lena forced herself to look downward to regain her wits, but Renz grabbed her chin. 

"Why are you looking away?" Renz asked. Lena's face suddenly began feeling hot, and she found she had to increase her breathing to keep herself from passing out. 

"I can't think when I look at you," Lena admitted. Renz smiled his seductive, crooked smile, and the cocky, arrogant man she was familiar with returned. 

"Are you saying you find me attractive, Lena?" Renz asked, dark eyebrows rising. Lena's blush deepened and she tried to look away from him, but he wouldn't let her. Lena rolled her eyes in frustration and embarrassment. 

"I hardly think you need me to flatter you, sir," Lena replied. Renz smiled and softly squeezed her waist. 

"Do you enjoy flattery, Lena?" Renz asked. His question surprised her, and Lena was unsure of how to answer. 

"I don't know," she admitted. Renz removed the choker from the box and brought it to Lena's neck. She didn't protest when she felt him secure it around her neck, branding her with the heavy weight of the stones. 

"Do you enjoy hearing me say how beautiful I think you are?" Renz asked, staring directly at her. Lena's lower lip began to tremble as she felt Renz's large hands slide from her neck to her shoulders, gently massaging them and relaxing her. Her heart began to beat even faster when Renz smiled again. 

"I think you do, my beautiful Lena," Renz purred. Lena began feeling lightheaded from the feeling of his hands and the unusual way he was speaking. Lena tried to avoid it, to keep him from stringing her like a marionette, but it was becoming more and more difficult. 

"What do you want from me?" Lena asked softly, exasperated. 

"I want your orgasm, Lena," Renz said. 

Before Lena could react, Renz brought his mouth to hers, and crushed her lips with invasive kisses. Almost as if a spark had been ignited inside of her, Lena automatically wrapped her arms around his neck and began to kiss him back. It was simply too much effort for her to resist Renz. 

She moaned at the taste of him, and curled her tongue against his passionately. She whimpered when Renz sank his tongue into her mouth even further, exploring every corner and curve of her mouth. She allowed him to pull her body tightly against his, and Lena tried to banish all other thoughts, and just focus on kissing him. 

She became dizzy when he began kissing her neck, softly nibbling her skin in a way that excited her deeply. 

Lena squealed when Renz brought his hands beneath her thighs and swiftly lifted her from the couch. She wrapped her legs around his waist instinctively, and bit her lip in excitement when she felt his erection directly against her pussy. 

"I thought you said you're...too tired and hungry," Lena said breathlessly. Renz kept his mouth attached to her neck as he carried Lena across the lounge, and pressed her up against the wall. 

"I'm hungry for you, Lena. And I will be devouring you soon," Renz replied, teeth scraping against her neck. Lena squirmed pleasurably as Renz continued kissing her, grinding his hardness against her pussy with a friction that made her sensitive inner lips begin to throb urgently. Lena became heady with desire, and could only focus on her need to have Renz inside of her again. 

Renz reached forward and violently yanked the robe from Lena's body, and it pooled at his feet in a luxurious scarlet pile. Lena brought her body closer against his and tightened her limbs around him, completely naked and completely exposed, save for the choker around her neck. 

He brought his hand to her breast and began teasing her nipple with his fingers, gently stroking and tugging. Lena threw her head back, slightly hurting herself against the wall, but she hardly noticed. All she was aware of was how aroused she felt. 

"Do you want me, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena nodded frantically and tightened her legs around him, rubbing herself against his erection. Renz brought his hand down her body and cupped her pussy in his palm, determinedly grinding his fingers against the full area of her sensitive, wet lips. 

"I don't think you're wet enough yet," Renz muttered. Lena whined and shook her head as she kissed him again. She reached for his shirt, pulling at the buttons clumsily, gasping in satisfaction as she finally felt his hard, muscled skin.

Lena didn't know if it was because of her dreams or the distance or her developing sense of sexuality, but Lena felt more excited than she ever had, and knew that she would completely lose her mind if she didn't have Renz inside of her soon. 

Lena pushed against him, and suddenly, no longer felt the wall against her back. Renz continued holding her as she continued to push her body against his, and he deliberately allowed his legs to give way on an ornate rug in the center of the room. 

Renz tumbled onto his back, and Lena crawled on top of him, supporting her weight on her knees as she continuing to kiss him wildly. Renz brought his hand back between her thighs and slipped a finger inside of her, and Lena cried out in pleasure and brought her hands to his chest to keep from falling over. 

Renz slowly penetrated her with his finger, gently stretching her, and Lena began to rock back and forth. She reached for the button of his trousers and yanked, hard, but Renz grabbed her wrist and kept her from touching him. 

"What are you doing?" Lena asked, far harsher than she'd intended. Renz smiled faintly at her. 

"I still don't think you're wet enough for me, Lena," Renz replied. 

Lena frowned in frustration as Renz continued teasing her with his finger, and she squealed in surprise when Renz roughly pulled her forward with his free hand, forcing her to straddle his chest. 

Lena paused in embarrassment as she realized his intent, but Renz kept his hands firmly attached to her hips. 

"Now is not the time to be shy, Lena. Do you want me or not?" Renz asked. Lena nodded bashfully, and before she could react, Renz pulled her forward again, causing her to lose her balance, and her pussy to meet his mouth. 

Lena heard and felt Renz groan against her sensitive flesh, and she cried out in pleasurable agony as his tongue began to torture her. Lena felt like her skin would catch fire, for every inch of her body felt hot and highly sensitive. Her entire lower body was throbbing in steadily increasing waves of pleasure, far stronger than anything she'd ever felt. 

Everything about what they were doing seemed so utterly...naughty. Surely the way she was straddling him was indecent. But that fact excited Lena even more, and it wasn't long before she began to slowly rock her hips, guiding Renz to lick her exactly where she wanted. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 05



She felt Renz's hands tenderly caressing her thighs, squeezing her skin pleasurably, and Lena cried out and nearly fell over when she felt his tongue begin to penetrate her. 

Renz grabbed her hips to keep her secure, and forcefully brought her body down hard onto his eager mouth. Lena's thighs and hips began to shake as he gave her inner pussy lips ample attention from his tongue, sending jolts of excitement all throughout her body with each deliberate stroke of his tongue. 

He brought his lips to her clit, kissing her lightly, and Lena thought that she could begin to relax and regain her wits. But then he began torturing her again, circling the sensitive button with rapid, generous circles that instantly brought on the near-orgasmic rush of white hot pleasure all throughout her body. 

Right before Lena peaked, however, Renz grabbed her waist and removed her from his mouth. Lena felt the urge to scream, and even hit him, in frustration. 

Her heart rapidly pounded in nervousness and excitement as Renz roughly pushed her onto her back on the floor and mounted her. He slid his breeches down his muscled legs, and Lena gulped when she saw how hard and aggressive he looked. 

Renz grabbed her hair and pressed his forehead against hers as he brought his body closer, gently rubbing the tip of his cock against her slick clit. Lena whined in pleasurable discomfort, arching her hips to guide him inside of her. 

"Do you want me, Lena?" Renz asked softly, his eyes serious and voice low. Lena frowned and whined in frustration, all patience officially lost for his teasing. 

"Damn you, yes!" Lena exclaimed. She gasped once she uttered the words, shocked by how improper and rude she sounded, but before she could apologize, Renz lunged forward and shoved himself inside of her, and all thoughts were gone. 

If it were possible, Lena felt like Renz was deeper inside of her than he had ever been, and she wanted to feel him even more. Lena brought her hips up to meet each one of his thrusts, and tightened her inner walls around him to keep him inside of her longer. She loved the way he felt, so perfectly too full inside of her, and Lena closed her eyes and quieted her mind as she focused on nothing more than enjoying his penetration. 

"Open your eyes, Lena. Look at me," Renz growled. His voice scared her, and Lena nervously opened her eyes, and almost cowered beneath his gaze. 

Renz's stare was as powerful as his thrusts inside of her. So much power and so much force, that Lena felt completely overwhelmed by all of the sensations in her body. He looked upon her with desire, hunger, and aggression, like a wild beast upon innocent prey. 

She tried to turn away, but Renz jerked forward, reaching her ultimate depths, eliciting powerful cries from the both of them. He brought his hand to the side of her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. 

"You're mine, Lena. Tell me you're mine," Renz ordered. Lena's lower lip began to tremble and she nodded furiously. 

"Yes, sir. I'm yours," Lena said softly. 

She screamed as he pressed forward again, slamming his hips against hers faster than she could count. Lena could see the muscles in his arms straining and sweat begin to bead his forehead, and she felt overwhelmed by the sheer power of his body.

His thrusts were swift and hard, almost violent, working the muscles deep within her body faster and harder than she'd ever needed to with him. Lena reached for his arms, needing to grab hold of something to keep from losing herself, but Renz seized her wrists and pinned them above her head. Lena was completely powerless, completely vulnerable for his taking.

"No man will have you the way I have you. Say it," Renz said, words broken by the harsh breaths of his exertion. He stared down at her with a gaze that appeared to be a combination of anger and lust, and Lena nodded, both fearful and entranced by his harshness. 

"No man will have me...the way that you have me...Renz," Lena said breathlessly. 

Renz paused at the sound of his name, and his expression momentarily softened. He brought his lips down to hers and kissed her wildly, and grabbed her waist to pull her body against his thrusts at the pace that he wanted. 

Lena screamed into his mouth as her orgasm took her by surprise, without warning, whipping through her body and leaving her dizzy. She convulsed beneath his powerful body, and a second wave of pleasure hit her when she felt him emptying his hot liquid deep inside of her. 

Renz collapsed on top of her, slowly and gently moving in and out of her as he began to soften. Lena no longer felt fearful, and closed her eyes, enjoying the bliss of having her urges powerfully satisfied. 

Lena was awakened by the sound of Renz fastening his pants. This was familiar, and she shook her head before her heart sank at the feeling of Renz's post-coital coldness and cruelty. 

Lena stood up on weak arms, skin imprinted with the patterns of the rich floor rug, and she refused to look at Renz and allow herself to be hurt by him again. Now that she could anticipate his rapid mood changes, she could control how she reacted. She would no longer cry.

"Is something wrong, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena shook her head, still refusing to look at him. 

She could feel Renz approaching her, and she slightly jumped when she felt his hand on the small of her naked back. 

"Have you satisfied yourself?" Lena asked quietly. Renz stood silently beside her for a few moments before he sat down on the rug, and pulled her naked body against his.

Lena tried to keep her face blank as Renz brought his lips to her neck and hand to her stomach, but she couldn't help but softly moan when he began nibbling her in that hard yet gentle way of his. Renz chuckled softly. 

"Not even close, Lena," Renz said dangerously. 

Lena squirmed uncomfortably in his grasp, falling slave to his touch again, and she weakly pushed against his arms in a futile attempt to free herself.

"May I...clean myself up now?" she asked softly. To her surprise, Renz released her, and Lena stood up on shaky legs as she headed toward the bathroom. 

"You'll want to hurry, Lena. The train to the city leaves in just a few hours," Renz said. Lena felt the tears well in her eyes, and she rapidly wiped them away with the back of her hand. 

"You're leaving again?" Lena asked. She frowned to keep herself from crying as Renz approached her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. He brought his lips to her ear, his breath hot against her cold skin. 

"I am, Lena. But this time, I'm bringing you with me."



The Taking of Lena Ch. 06



By the time they reached the city, Lena wanted to die of humiliation. 

The train ride had been sheer agony. Still clothed in Renz's poorly fitting shirt, trousers, and jacket, Lena had been the object of many scrutinizing stares and judgmental whispers. Her attire was wholly indecent, especially for being in public, and Lena was grateful she could not make out anyone's specific words. They would have been far too harsh for her to handle. 

And Renz hadn't been particularly sympathetic. He didn't speak much, and maintained a cool distance from her. Lena was forced to silently follow him around, like a pet of some kind. It seemed as if he was actually taking some kind of pleasure in her embarrassment, and that frustrated her more than anything. 

But her embarrassment was momentarily forgotten when she took in her first sight of the slightly distant capital. 

Lena stared with wide-eyes at the glittering city blanketed by the orange warmth of sunset. Lena had never been to a city as large as this, and she felt overcome with a desire to explore every single beautiful piece of elaborate German architecture it contained. 

"Careful, Lena," Renz said suddenly, grabbing hold of her arm. Lena hadn't even realized that she had nearly fallen off of the train platform. 

"Thank you," Lena muttered quietly. She attempted to remove her arm from his grasp, but Renz tightened his grip and stared down at her with an amused expression. 

"Won't you allow me to be a proper escort?" Renz asked humorously. Lena frowned angrily. 

"You've humiliated me all afternoon," Lena replied. Renz chuckled in that arrogant way of his. 

"I believe you are the one who insisted on wearing my clothes, little Lena. If you wanted something new, all you had to do is ask," Renz replied, chastising her as if she were a child. 

Lena sighed, realizing that asserting herself was useless. This was how Renz liked her: submissive and at his mercy. 

Lena cleared her throat and slowly looked up at him, trying to harness the confidence she had when she was with Erich. 

"Please, sir...will you allow me to wear something more proper?" Lena asked quietly. 

Renz appeared uncomfortable for a brief moment before his wolfish smile widened. 

"My pleasure, Lena," Renz replied. 

Lena held onto Renz as he led them away from the train station to a waiting coach. A proud servant stood erect as Renz approached, opening the door to the carriage without needing any kind of verbal acknowledgment. 

"After you, Lena," Renz beckoned seductively. 

Lena shook her head in an attempt to banish all lustful thoughts of Renz. At least for the time being. 

She crawled into the coach, and was somewhat relieved to be temporarily free from the judgmental gazes of passerby. Lena didn't care what kinds of clothes Renz would dress her in, as long as it wasn't menswear anymore. 

Renz sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders possessively. That physical contact was enough to make Lena's heart begin to race. 

"Unter den Linden," Renz said to the coachman. 

The carriage began to move, and Lena felt somewhat lulled by the steady, gentle rocking motion. 

"You're quiet, Lena. What are you thinking?" Renz asked eventually. Lena was surprised by his sudden interest in her thoughts. 

"I was just looking at that building over there. It's beautiful," Lena answered. 

"That's Berliner Stadtschloss. The city palace," Renz said. 

"Have you ever been inside?" Lena asked curiously. Renz laughed, hard, and Lena's face flamed hot with embarrassment.

"You are quite adorable, Lena. Yes, I have been inside. On many occasions," he replied. 

Lena stared out the window at the large, Baroque style castle, and she began to muse about the amount of beauty and royalty and glamour on the inside. 

The coach stopped on a quieter section of the main, tree-lined boulevard. The coachmen opened the carriage door, and Renz smoothly stepped out and strolled for a few moments before extending his hand to Lena. 

Lena watched him as he stood in front of her, his strong, handsome features relaxed and faintly amused. There was something different about him, and she wasn't sure what it was, or if she should fear it. 

"Ready, Lena?" Renz asked, extending his large hand. Lena nodded, and stepped out of the coach, placing her hand in his. 

They casually strolled together, and Lena stole shy glances of the people that walked by. There were couples dressed in high fashion, men in handsome jackets and women in beautiful silks and hats. 

Lena blushed when she realized that strangers were still staring at her, but she was especially curious about the odd, almost scared expressions that appeared on their faces once they looked at Renz. 

As they continued to walk, Lena realized that Renz was really the one who was being stared at. Lena looked at Renz, wondering if he was at all affected by the fearful glances, shaky hat tips, and timid murmurs of 'Guten abend, Herr Wolfenbarger'. To her surprise, he seemed completely at ease with these odd displays of recognition. 

"Do you know all of these people?" Lena asked. Renz chuckled and looked down at her. 

"No, Lena. But they all know me," Renz replied. Lena frowned in confusion. 

"Are you famous?" Lena asked. Renz laughed again, much harder, and Lena's stomach began to flutter at the sight of his bright smile.

"I suppose you could say that, yes. Here we are," Renz said, beckoning her to an elegant, rose-covered building with a feminine-looking marble sculpture in the front. 

Lena tentatively followed him inside, and was pleasantly greeted with the sweet scent of exotic flowers. She looked around, and noticed that the large room was filled with beautiful gilded mirrors, satin cushions, endless bouquets, and mannequins covered in beautiful fabrics. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger!" a husky woman's voice exclaimed. 

Lena looked at the speaker, an older, yet sophisticated woman delicately styled in a fine pale green day gown. Her slightly silvering blonde hair was piled high in a pretty coiffure, and Lena found her to be remarkably lovely and poised. 

"Helga, you are radiant as always," Renz replied cordially, taking her hand. The graceful woman gave Renz a slight nod, and he lowered his head in respect. 

"It's been far too long, my dear boy. I wasn't sure if I'd see you again after..." Helga replied, her throaty voice smooth and endearing. Lena noticed that Renz tensed for a brief moment, but then that familiar, conceited visage returned. 

"It seems as if your business has still been thriving even after Herr Eichmann's passing--"

"My god, sir! I know your mother taught you how to properly outfit a lady!" Helga interrupted suddenly, finally glancing at Lena. Lena wanted to hide behind Renz as the woman surveyed her appearance disapprovingly. 

"That's why we have come to you. Helga, this is Lena. Lena, meet Helga Eichmann, the finest dressmaker in all of Berlin," Renz complimented. Helga rolled her eyes. 

"Charming as ever, Herr Wolfenbarger. How much time do I have with her?" Helga asked, observing Lena more closely. Renz reached into his coat pocket and briefly glanced at his timepiece. 

"Not too long, I'm afraid. We have a dinner engagement tonight. I was hoping you could outfit her with something suitable for now, and we can perhaps pick up a full custom wardrobe in a few days' time?" Renz offered. Helga sighed in exasperation. 

"Come here, Fräulein. Turn for me," Helga said kindly. 

Lena did as she was told, nervously approaching the glamorous woman and turning slowly. She jumped in surprise when Helga reached forward and softly pinched her waist through the thick men's shirt. 

"I doubt I have anything her size in store. Has he been starving you as well?" Helga asked. Normally, Lena would have been embarrassed by such a comment, but the kind, motherly smile on her face comforted her and gave her a unique sense of self-esteem. 

"Actually, Herr Wolfenbarger is keeping me constantly filled," Lena replied, glancing over at Renz. Helga didn't appear to have noticed the double entendre, but Renz certainly did, and he stared back at Lena with an expression that appeared to be a combination of shock, humor, and lust. 

"I'm sure we can find something appropriate for tonight, pretty girl like you. Follow me," Helga said. 

Lena followed Helga into a dressing room, filled with even more mirrors and loose, fine fabrics. Two other women were busy with sewing, but quickly stood up when Lena and Helga entered the room. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger, you may wait outside," Helga said authoritatively. Lena gulped, wondering how Renz would react to someone ordering him around, but she found that Renz remained relaxed and amused. 

"Don't keep her in there forever," Renz called. 

******

Lena quickly realized that bodily shame and modesty were useless feelings in the Eichmann Dress Shop. Lena's body was pinned, measured, poked, squeezed, and relentlessly scrutinized by the three women. Each time she dressed, Helga sweetly, yet sternly, ordered her to undress and try on something else. 

Lena found dressing to be exhausting, and she was grateful for the help of Helga's two assistants. Never in her life had she been required to wear so many different layers of clothing. And while she enjoyed the feeling of the rich fabrics against her skin, she couldn't help but feel slightly nostalgic for the utter...freedom of Renz's loose and oversized garments on her. 

"This will go by much faster if you weren't so quiet, Lena," Helga mentioned conversationally. Lena lowered her head. 

"I'm sorry. I've never been fitted before," Lena replied truthfully. Helga smiled kindly at her. 

"I can tell. You have no need to be nervous though, dear, I can assure you that you will look stunning," Helga encouraged. 

Lena held onto Helga's shoulder as one of her assistants slipped on a new pair of delicate stockings on her legs, fastening them with pretty lace garters. They then pulled on a cream colored pair of frilly bloomers with a matching chemise, and Lena was grateful her nudity was finally concealed. 

"If you don't mind me asking...how did a girl like you encounter Herr Wolfenbarger?" Helga asked. Lena slightly jumped, unsure of how to even begin answering such a question. Helga appeared to read Lena's discomfort, however, and offered her a sympathetic, knowing smile. 

"After my husband's death I've come to realize that there's nothing wrong with enjoying an affair with a handsome, very wealthy man, Lena. And I have known Renz since he was a boy. He may seem quite cold, but...there is a lot of love in his heart as well," Helga said. 

Lena blushed feverishly, suddenly overcome with the desire to correct this woman. 'Affair' wasn't exactly the word Lena would use to describe her relationship with Renz. 

Renz himself hadn't even called it a relationship. He'd called it an arrangement. What they shared was a cold transaction, nothing more. 

Lena was about to reply, but Helga's two assistants rapidly encircled her waist with a corset, effectively cutting off her air supply. The only sound Lena could release was a pathetic, high-pitched wheeze. 

"Quickly is usually best for first-time girls. Maintain your posture and it won't be so agonizing," Helga instructed. 

Lena silently whimpered as the corset tightened, compacting her waist and inner organs into an impossibly small space. 

"The worst is over, dear. Try to stay patient and focus on breathing," Helga said soothingly. Lena nodded, and stared at the floral-carved ceiling as more and more layers were piled on top of her body. She eventually found a comfortable rhythm for breathing, and her lightheadedness slowly began to fade. 

"Clara, why don't you quickly style Lena's hair with those flowers there? I think a lovely, loose French twist will do. Therese, fetch me some rouge," Helga instructed. 

Lena winced as the young assistant pulled at her hair, combing and twisting it harshly. 

"You're nearly perfect. Just a bit of rouge for your lips, and you are ready," Helga said, gently brushing the paint on her lips. Lena smoothed her lips together, unfamiliar with the feeling of rouge. 

"You can come in, now," Helga called. 

Almost as if he had been waiting just outside the door, Renz immediately entered. Lena turned towards him, searching his face for his opinion. 

A part of her wondered why she even cared for his approval, but for some reason, Lena wanted Renz to like the way she looked. 

Renz stood silent, his expression inscrutable, and Lena wondered if he was displeased. She felt his eyes lower to the blush-colored satin gown, sweeping over every curve of her body, before pausing on her chest and widening in lust. 

Lena looked down, quickly gasping and covering her mouth when she realized how...rude her breasts appeared. They were propped up by the tight corset and low-cut chemise, overtly displayed, and dangerously close to spilling out. Lena didn't realize her body could produce such curves. 

"Am I still worth every mark?" Helga asked. Renz cleared his throat, but didn't remove his eyes from Lena. 

"You are worth far more, Helga. You've outdone yourself," Renz said, finally bringing his eyes to Lena's face. He slowly approached her, and Lena swallowed hard as her body began to react to his increasing proximity. 

"I'll prepare your bill. Girls, come with me," Helga called. 

Lena and Renz were momentarily alone. He stood in front of her, very close, and he reached forward almost as if to touch her. But right before he made contact, he paused, and slowly hovered over her body with his hand. 

"Does my appearance please you, sir?" Lena asked softly. She looked up at him expectantly, and she felt her body begin to shake in nervousness and distant arousal. 

"You're absolutely ravishing, Lena," Renz said seriously. 

Lena waited for some kind of arrogant or teasing response, but Renz remained silent as he stared at her. His face was fixed and sincere. 

"Thank you, sir," Lena whispered. 

Lena could feel Renz's cool breath on her face as his breathing increased. His eyes darkened and his lips parted, and Lena recognized his arousal. 

Lena closed her eyes in anticipation of the ravishment that she knew would come. She could feel Renz moving closer to her, could feel the heat radiating from his body. She felt his large hands lock on the bare skin of her shoulders, holding her tightly. But just when she thought he would force his body against hers, he left her with a single, soft, chaste kiss on her cheek. 

Lena's eyes flew open, and she stared at Renz's surprisingly gentle eyes in bewilderment. Lena realized then that they really were a pretty gray color, like clouds after a light rain. 

"I think you were born to be surrounded by fine things," Renz said. 

******

After a few clumsy stumbles, Lena was able to walk in her new gown and dainty, heeled shoes with relative ease. Renz had openly laughed at her, but Lena was far less frustrated by his teasing than she had been before. Admittedly, there was a part of her that was somewhat fascinated by this playful version of Renz, the adult version of the impish little boy in his hall of portraits. But there was another part of her that genuinely enjoyed this part of Renz, a part that she perhaps didn't need to fear. 

Lena nervously held onto Renz's arm as he led them into a luxurious hotel on a lively section of the main boulevard, in clear view of the city palace. The entryway looked like a ballroom, dominated by a massive crystal chandelier and carved ceiling. The guests appeared beautiful and affluent, and Lena lowered her head in shame, suddenly feeling very out of place, despite her new expensive attire. 

"Relax, Lena," Renz whispered directly in her ear. For a moment, the sound of the low timbre in his voice calmed her. 

"I don't think I belong here," Lena whispered. 

Renz slowly slid his hand down the side of her body, pausing along the curve of her breast and her waist. Lena squeezed her thighs tightly together in a sudden wave of passion, and she hoped, desperately, that no one was witnessing their indecent display. 

"You belong with me, Lena," Renz replied plainly. The possession in his voice resonated directly between her thighs, and Lena suddenly began feeling overly confined in her many layers of silk. 

"Wolfenbarger...and lady. We're meeting Herr Friedrich," Renz said to a young man in a stiff white jacket. 

"Your private table is right this way," the man replied, briefly glancing at Lena. She began to blush when she felt his gaze drop to her chest before he quickly turned around, and led them through the large hotel restaurant. 

Lena tried to appear poised and dignified, like the elegantly dressed women draped in jewels, casually sitting at the opulent tables covered in intricate china and crystal glasses of champagne. But Lena knew that she was probably gawking in her attempt to catalogue every interesting thing she saw. After a while, Renz reached for her hand impatiently, practically dragging her along to keep her close. 

They finally reached the table, which was located in a private balcony partially shaded by thick gold curtains, overlooking the entire ballroom. 

"That will be all, thank you," Renz muttered under his breath, slipping the host a few marks. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger, I'm so pleased you've arrived," an older man said. He stood up on shaky legs and reached for his cane, but Renz reached forward, and strongly grasped his quivering hand. 

"As am I, Herr Friedrich. I see you've brought your lovely daughter with you tonight," Renz mentioned. 

Lena hadn't even noticed the highly styled woman in deep purple that also sat at the table. She had ink-black hair, tightly coiled in pretty curls, and porcelain skin faintly smeared with rouge. Large brown eyes dominated her heart-shaped face, and Lena thought she looked lovely, like a doll. 

"Pleasure as always, Herr Wolfenbarger. Did you bring your pretty guest to keep me entertained while you and father discuss business?" Gisele asked. She glanced over at Lena and gave a sweet smile, and Lena relaxed a bit on the inside. 

"I'm sure you two will have plenty to talk about. This is Lena, of Sterling Manor," Renz introduced. 

Lena was surprised that Renz had mentioned her former home, but then she realized he hadn't specified her place there. She began feeling nervous again, wondering if Renz was ashamed of her low social status. 

Lena smiled demurely as Renz pulled open her seat. Lena sat down slowly, as gracefully as she could, and kept her eyes lowered and hands folded. She hoped that the evening would go by quickly. 

"I'm not familiar with Sterling Manor," Gisele mentioned. Lena began to blush, wondering just how far she should take the lie. 

"I'm not German...I'm just here visiting with Herr Wolfenbarger," Lena replied nervously. Gisele look interested, and she leaned closer, gracefully twirling her champagne flute. 

"And do your parents approve? Where is your chaperone?" Gisele asked. Lena swallowed hard, wondering if she too should drink some champagne in order to relax. 

Lena reached for her glass, and took a tentative sip. 

"They don't have much of an opinion," Lena replied. Gisele giggled happily. 

"I envy you already. Father is absolutely obsessed with reputation. You know he wouldn't associate with Herr Wolfenbarger for years!" Gisele exclaimed. 

"Why is that?" Lena asked. Gisele looked over to the two men, satisfied that they were deep in conversation about business. 

She leaned in closer to Lena, eyes bright with the thrill of gossip. 

"The Wolfenbargers have one of the most sordid reputations in the whole of the German empire. Renz especially, and it was even worse after his divorce. Most families would have nothing to do with him if it weren't for his money, which, I'm sure you already know, is close to immeasurable. Millions upon millions. Did you know that Renz is technically part of the royal family?" Gisele said. She spoke so fast that Lena had a hard time keeping up with her. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 06



"I didn't know that. How many other Wolfenbargers are there?" Lena asked, genuinely intrigued. 

Gisele paused for a few moments, frowning her pretty face in deep thought. 

"Well, Johann Wolfenbarger, Renz's father, died quite some time ago. But he fathered a bastard son, Renz's younger brother Ludovic, who was largely shunned from society until he came into a great deal of money in München all on his own. From what I hear, Renz refuses to speak to him," Gisele whispered, glancing over at Renz. 

Lena digested all that Gisele disclosed as she looked at Renz, confident and laughing as he conversed with Herr Friedrich. She sipped more of her champagne, and wondered why Renz would shun his closest relative.

She felt slightly guilty for participating in so much gossip, but her curiosity about Renz won over her sense of restraint.

Lena brought her attention back to Gisele, who was absently cutting her first course into minute pieces, chewing slowly and gracefully. Lena took one more sip of champagne before placing her glass down, and she attempted to emulate the careful, yet effortless mannerisms of the perfectly postured woman next to her. 

"Why wouldn't Renz want to speak with his brother?" Lena asked. Gisele leaned close, and lazily fanned her wrist, beckoning Lena to lean closer as well. 

"I imagine it has to do with the fact that young Ava Wolfenbarger, Ludovic's wife, is pregnant again. She has already born a girl, but if this next child is a boy, well..." Gisele batted her eyelashes excitedly. 

"He would be the natural heir to the Wolfenbarger fortune," Lena finished. Gisele nodded enthusiastically. 

"Quite scandalous, isn't it? Renz is the oldest and of pure blood, but he has no children. So unless he marries again and...plants some seeds of his own...it will be Ludovic's legacy that will carry on the family name," Gisele continued. 

Lena paused and looked down at her hands, suddenly feeling very sorry for Renz. Despite all the finery of Schloss Wolfenbarger, it really was nothing more than an empty castle for an isolated man. 

"What are you girls gossiping about?" Renz asked suddenly. Lena looked up at him, and was overcome with sympathy for the man that, just a few hours prior, she was certain she hated. 

"Girlish things that should be of no consequence to gentlemen. Carry on," Gisele answered playfully. 

******

The tone of discourse became much lighter as subsequent courses were served, and by dessert, Lena was actually enjoying herself. Gisele really was a charming woman, and Lena began wishing she could be more like her. 

After bidding farewell to the Friedrichs and leaving the ballroom, Lena realized that she was, once again, tipsy in Renz's presence. 

"Steady, Lena," Renz muttered disapprovingly. 

Lena giggled happily, squeezing his arm to steady herself as they strolled through the hotel lobby. 

"Where are you taking me, sir?" Lena asked sweetly. Renz smiled down at her as he guided her into the hotel elevator, and informed the attendant of his desired floor: the highest. 

"Perhaps you need to drink more often, Lena. I've never seen you smile like this," Renz mentioned. 

Lena rested her head against his arm, and began running her fingers over his chest, playfully stroking the buttons of his vest. 

"It's dangerous for me to be drunk around you, sir. You might take advantage of my innocence again," Lena purred. 

Renz cocked his head to one side as he stared down at Lena. Lena found his expression to be humorous, and she began giggling again. 

"I'd argue that I was the one intoxicated by you that night, Lena. And you're certainly not as naïve anymore. When did you learn to flirt like this?" Renz asked. 

Lena bit her lower lip and released herself from Renz's arm when the elevator doors opened. She twirled down the wide, highly decorated hallway, and paused when she caught her reflection in the mirror. She didn't recognize the well-dressed woman that was staring back at her. 

"What makes you think I'm flirting with you, sir?" Lena asked eventually, slightly wobbling as she turned around to face him. 

Renz approached her slowly, and the dull throb between her legs that had been aching off and on all evening surged with reawakening desire. Renz had ignited the spark within her, and she was a helpless slave to his power. Neither her temporary sense of confidence nor her drunken bliss could protect her from being completely his. The inherent dominance that Renz embodied penetrated her to her very core. He didn't even need to touch her to be inside of her. 

Lena squealed when Renz quickly wrapped his arms around her, crushing her body against his. Lena felt his urgent arousal pressing against her belly even through the heavy layers of her gown, and her pussy throbbed in anticipation of his entrance. 

"You mean to tell me you are unaware of the effect your coquettish utterances can have on a man, Lena?" Renz asked, voice low. She felt his erection pulse against her, and Lena fluttered her eyelashes in sudden dizziness. 

"Sir, I—"

"Are you aware of the effect your laughter can have on a man? Each of those sweet little giggles of yours has made your breasts bounce deliciously all evening," Renz purred, trailing his fingertips across the spilling mounds of her chest. Lena began to slightly quiver, and her nervous movements caused her chest to shake provocatively. 

Renz noticed this, and raised his eyebrows playfully. Lena gasped when his head suddenly dipped down, and moaned loudly when his lips and tongue began to tease her corset-created cleavage.

"Do I affect you, sir?" Lena asked nervously. Renz brought his eyes back to hers and smiled softly. 

"More than any woman I have ever known," Renz replied. 

The seriousness in his voice struck something deep within her, and Lena nearly doubled over with desire. Without thinking, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him towards her for a kiss. 

Renz obliged her, and met her lips with earnest kisses. Lena pressed herself against him as she enjoyed the taste of him, savoring his flavor, sweet and savory all at once. 

The ground beneath her disappeared, and Lena gasped as Renz hoisted her into his arms and quickly carried her into their hotel suite, lips still attached to hers. 

Renz continued kissing her as he carried her into the bedroom, gently placing her on the bed before removing his lips from hers for air. Lena looked up at him timidly. His face had that dangerous, lustful expression that Lena knew would crush her. 

"Are you going to...ravish me, now?" Lena whispered softly. Renz smiled down at her and softly stroked her face, and coiled his long fingers in her hair. He pulled at the pins and flowers, and after a few moments, the twist was released, and Lena's hair spilled over her shoulders. 

"Let's do something a bit different tonight. Just lie back," Renz instructed. 

Lena reclined on the bed, head gently tumbling on the plush, eiderdown pillows. She felt Renz crawling over her, lightly running his hands over her entire body. His lips were on her chest, wetly kissing her, as his strong hands expertly removed her many layers, until she was left in only her bloomers, chemise, and corset. 

Renz gently flipped her onto her stomach, and kissed the back of her neck tenderly. She felt his hands stroking the naked skin of her arms as his kisses traveled across her back and shoulders. Lena exhaled in relief when she felt him tugging on the strings of her corset, massaging her spine as it loosened. 

He finally pulled it off of her, and he rolled Lena back onto her back, slipping off the bloomers and chemise until she was completely naked and aroused beneath him. 

Lena watched Renz curiously as he hooked his hands beneath her knees, pulling her towards him and parting her legs. His gaze swept over her entire body, and Lena was completely exposed to him. He, however, remained fully clothed.

Lena frowned and lowered her head, and Renz reached for her chin, concern on his face. 

"What's wrong, Lena?" he asked huskily. Lena suddenly began feeling shy, and she squirmed beneath him, and tried to close her legs. 

"You can tell me, Lena. What is it?" Renz asked. Lena's lower lip trembled as she stared up at Renz. Lena began feeling that same fear she had the first night that they met. 

But there was something different. He was that same frightening, forceful, domineering man, but there was something else. Some other quality that unified all of the others, and turned him into something a bit more controlled, and less threatening. 

Finally feeling somewhat brave again, Lena spoke.

"I want to see you too," she whispered. 

Renz was motionless for a few moments, but then he stood up on his knees. Lena watched him as he began to undress, unbuttoning his jacket and pulling off his shirt and vest. She felt wetness begin to pool between her legs as more of his Olympic body came into view. 

Despite the slightly awkward position, Renz slipped off his trousers in a single fluid motion. His large, veined cock sprung free, aggressively positioned directly towards her, and Lena moistened her lips in anticipation. 

Lena admired the sight of Renz completely naked, eyes rolling over his every muscle and ripple, stretched taut and firm almost as if ready to pounce. She enjoyed how utterly...masculine he was. And in that moment, Lena forced herself to forget everything about Renz, except for the fact that he was a handsome man, she felt sexual, and she wanted him inside of her. 

Renz crawled back on top of her, and pulled her legs high around his waist. Lena wrapped her arms around him, and pulled his face forward for another kiss. 

His kisses were more forceful now, but not overbearing. She didn't feel ambushed; she felt invited. Lena kissed him back with a passion that matched his, deeply and deliberately stroking his tongue with hers. 

She moaned when she felt Renz's hand in her hair, slightly guiding her mouth in the direction he wanted. His other hand slipped down her body, tenderly yet determinedly stroking her and initiating an even greater sexual response. 

The way he was touching her was so gentle, so careful, that it felt less like he was taking her, and more like he was worshipping her. The way he kissed her and stroked her skin, even the way he kneeled over her, made her feel like she were some kind of a sacred being, and he was her humble servant. 

Renz began kissing her neck as he brought his hand between her thighs. Lena threw her head back and sighed in delight as his dexterous fingers began manipulating her rapidly moistening pussy. 

His strokes were small and controlled, with a rhythm that matched her pulse, and Lena moaned happily when he separated her slippery lips and slipped a finger inside of her. 

She brought her eyes to his face, and was surprised by the fond way he was staring down at her. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lena asked breathlessly, words slightly slurred. Renz kissed her forehead as he slipped another finger inside of her, gently penetrating her. 

"You look so beautiful when you're excited...and smiling," Renz murmured softly. 

Lena hadn't even realized she'd been grinning, and she began blushing in embarrassment, turning her head away shyly. 

This displeased Renz, and he began rubbing her clit harder, eliciting a strong cry from her lips...and another wide smile. 

"Don't hide from me, Lena. Relax and enjoy it," Renz coaxed. 

Lena threw her head back, surrendering to the sensations. 

"Good girl, Lena. Just relax," Renz said. 

She felt Renz moving over her again, and all of a sudden, his body was covering hers. She was completely surrounded by him, and Lena quickly became overwhelmed by the scent and feeling of his hot, naked skin. 

Renz reached in between their bodies, and gently pressed his palm against Lena's inner thigh, opening her body for his entrance. When he finally pressed the tip of his cock against her, Lena moaned and welcomed him delightedly. 

"Sweet, sweet Lena," Renz sighed. 

Renz rested his weight on his palms, and began to gently push back and forth, exploring her depths carefully and tenderly. Lena felt like she was experiencing him in a brand new way, and she squeezed her muscles tightly around him in pleasure. 

Renz released an appreciative growl, and he arched his back and slowly pressed himself deeper within her, progressively sinking his full length into her tight depths. 

Lena squirmed beneath him, fully enjoying that too-full feeling of Renz inside of her, and she gripped his arms tightly as he continued his gentle thrusts. 

Renz squeezed her thighs hard, and Lena wondered if now Renz would decide to be rough. But he still maintained his gentle penetration, lightly and deeply rocking inside of her. 

"Relax, Lena," Renz said again. Lena closed her eyes and focused on loosening all of her muscles. She allowed Renz to support her limp body, and was surprised to find that by relinquishing control, the only feeling she was aware of was pleasure.

Lena felt heady with champagne and lust, and her soft moans became loud cries as her orgasm slowly built within her with each gentle push Renz made inside of her. She bit her lip in anticipation, and released a gentle scream when the pleasurable pulses finally burst, and the entire surface of her body was covered in eddies of tingling bliss. 

Lena's body quivered and shook as Renz continued his slow thrusts, and she shivered as mini after-shocks of her orgasm traveled throughout her body. 

When she finally began to calm, she looked up at Renz, and saw that his face shone slightly with a light coat of sweat. The muscles in his arms were strained, and he was slightly frowning, but his eyes were full of desire and his mouth was curved in a provocative smile. 

"I love watching that. I want to see it again," Renz said. Lena frowned, unsure of what he was asking. But then he suddenly jerked forward inside of her and brought his fingers back to her clit, and Lena's doubts were gone. 

Lena hadn't fully recovered from her first orgasm, and the now throbbing sensations on her clit caused her to feel utterly mad with desire. The feeling was so strong that it was on the brink of being painful, and she shook her head from side to side and moaned and panted in pleasurably need.

"Come for me again, Lena," Renz commanded. 

Her back arched sharply and she felt her toes and fingers curl as the pressure built deep in her body, centered on that tiny part of her that was the new apex of her pleasure. Renz rapidly vibrated his fingers against her as he continued his thrusts, slightly increasing his pace. Lena held onto him tightly as the pressure became unbearable, and her body snapped taut once more, pulsating with climactic joy. 

Lena screamed as Renz surged deep within her as her orgasm opened up her body for his taking. He enveloped her with his skin, forcefully holding onto her as she experienced her pleasure, tight walls rapidly contracting around his cock.

"Now you," she said breathlessly. 

Renz paused, and it was then that Lena realized he was trembling. He was staring down at her fiercely, almost as if he was on the brink of losing himself. It touched an unfamiliar instinct within her, and Lena absently reached for his face, and gently stroked his cheek. His eyes silently asked her for permission, and Lena nodded slowly. 

Renz pulled her body tightly against his as his thrusts increased in speed and pressure. Her breasts were pressed flat against his hard chest, and the friction of his skin on her nipples made them throb pleasurably.

The bed began to shake with the force of Renz's movements, which excited Lena even more. She felt his large hands grip her wrists, holding her down, as he progressively lowered his inhibitions and sought the pleasure he desired—the pleasure that she wanted him to find within her. 

Lena's pussy began to throb again as Renz's athletic sounding, heavy breaths turned into deep, guttural moans. The sound of his voice made her skin tingle provocatively, and when his moans turned into shouts, Lena knew that Renz was close. 

His body was crushing hers, but she moved her hips to meet his thrusts as best she could, and squeezed her tight inner walls around him each time he entered her. Renz finally arched his back and shouted loudly, and she felt him erupt deep inside of her.  

******

Lena awakened with a jolt. Her heart was pounding rapidly, but she couldn't remember any details of potentially bad dreams. 

It was still dark outside, but Lena felt oddly hyperaware. Her vision felt sharp, and her hearing acute. 

Lena brought her hand to her forehead in private embarrassment when she realized that her senses were not especially keen at all. She was just finally sober. 

Lena slightly shifted in the bed, and was surprised to find Renz's heavy arm draped over her waist. She moved slowly as not to wake him, and found herself somewhat captivated by the sight of the sleeping giant. 

The moonlight shone brightly through the large windows of the hotel bedroom, outlining his striking features handsomely. His breathing was quiet and slow, and Lena couldn't help but smile at the sight of him sleeping. With his signature arrogant expression gone from his face and lost in the unconscious, Renz looked surprisingly pure and innocent. 

He was lying on his stomach, and the moonlight on his skin shadowed the depth of the muscles in his back, creating sharp mountains and valleys. Lena slowly reached forward, and began gently running her fingertips along his back, intrigued by the muscles that remained turgid even as he slept. She wondered if Renz ever truly relaxed. 

She continued exploring his skin with her fingertips, and was surprised when she grazed something that felt foreign. 

Lena shifted onto her elbow and looked more closely, and her eyes widened in horror when she saw that Renz had various thin, long scars that ran perfectly tangential to his vertebrae. They varied in length and in depth, and possibly in age, but they looked as if they were all caused by the same type of object. 

"What are you doing, little Lena?" Renz asked, his voice extra low from sleep. Lena gasped and quickly removed her hand apologetically. 

"May I ask...how you got those?" Lena whispered timidly. 

Renz remained silent, and Lena wondered if she'd been too forward. 

"Your hand felt nice there," Renz said eventually. 

Not knowing what else to do, Lena brought her hand back to his back, and gently massaged his scars with her fingers. 

"My father gave them to me when I was a boy," Renz said. Lena gasped sympathetically, but continued her gentle strokes on his skin. 

"I'm sorry, sir," Lena replied. Renz sighed. 

"You act as if you've never heard of a child being disciplined, Lena," Renz muttered. Lena frowned, for she detected something insincere in his voice.

"Discipline shouldn't leave marks like this," Lena replied. Renz smiled faintly. 

"Perhaps not. I take it my deformities repulse you?" Renz asked, slightly propping himself up on his arms. His still sleepy eyes were boring into hers, and Lena was surprised by the slight hint of fear she saw. This was certainly a very different Renz. 

"Not at all, sir," she replied honestly. 

Renz rolled over onto his side, and pulled Lena tightly against him. It was only then that Lena realized she was freezing, and she curled up against his warm, large body impulsively. 

"I want you to tell me something now," Renz said, lips against her hair. Lena nodded against his chest. 

"Ask what you will," Lena offered. She moved with his body as he inhaled and exhaled deeply, and she found the sound to be comforting. 

"Have you been intimate with another man?" Renz asked quietly. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 06



Lena was surprised by his question, but then her blood steadily ran cold when she thought of Erich. She hadn't actually done anything with him, but did Renz somehow know about her illicit dreams?

Lena decided to give him the truest answer she could.

"You're the only man who has ever touched me. I have kept my word," Lena said, feeling guilty. Renz seemed satisfied with her answer, however, and he kissed her forehead. 

"Good. I don't want to share you," Renz said. 

She heard his breathing begin to slow as sleep began to overtake him once more, but now, Lena was fully awake. 

"May I ask you something else, sir?" Lena whispered. Renz chuckled. 

"One more question, curious girl. And then we sleep," he replied. 

Lena bit her lip in nervousness, wondering if asking was a mistake. But the uncertainty was too much for her to contain. 

"Why did you divorce your wife?" Lena blurted quickly. 

She felt Renz's body stiffen tensely, and Lena became fearful that she'd angered him. 

"Who told you about that?" Renz asked in return. 

Not wanting to implicate Erich, Lena offered another half-truth. 

"Gisele mentioned it at dinner," she replied. This made Renz laugh sardonically, and he rolled onto his back, and ran a hand through his tousled dark hair. 

"I'm not surprised. I imagine that must have shocked such a proper and modest little thing like yourself," Renz mentioned. 

Lena wasn't sure if he was being sincere, for she was naked and in bed with him—there was nothing proper or modest about that. 

"I would just like to know why," Lena said. 

Renz was silent, and Lena wondered if he had any intention of sharing with her. She pulled away from him and curled up on her other side, cursing herself for naïvely thinking that a man like Renz would ever share an honest part of himself with her. 

"I divorced my wife because she killed our child," Renz said suddenly. Lena inhaled sharply, not entirely sure if she'd heard him correctly. This was certainly very different from the story Erich had told her. 

"What do you mean?" Lena asked, dumbfounded. She heard Renz release several heavy sighs, and Lena wondered if he was becoming angry.

"She purposefully terminated her pregnancy about two months before the babe was supposed to be born. She found a way to force him out of her," Renz said. 

Lena rolled over to face him, and was surprised by the sparkling she saw in his eyes. 

"Are you sure it was purposeful? Maybe she just—"

"She made no attempt of hiding her...materials, Lena. It was wholly premeditated. She told me so once she recovered," Renz said icily. 

Lena observed Renz carefully. He was quickly reverting to that cold, cruel man that she had grown to fear. But now she knew that there was deep pain beneath that coldness. 

Lena said a silent prayer for her safety as she slowly scooted close to Renz. She curled up against him and placed her hand on his chest, hoping he would not react violently or cruelly. 

"I'm so sorry, sir," Lena said softly. Renz frowned and blinked several times, and the moisture in his eyes somewhat dissipated.

"I'll admit I wasn't the most ideal husband for a woman like her. I was a much younger man then, easily distracted by the fleshly offerings of loose women. I enjoyed my wife very much...but I enjoyed others as well. 

"However, once I found out about the baby, I dedicated everything in me to making my wife happy. I swore off all other women. I was so excited to be a father, and was determined to be better than mine. But the memory of a scorned wife is very long, Lena. Ilise felt I deserved what she did," Renz continued. 

Lena sat up on her elbows and looked directly at Renz.

"No one deserves that," Lena said seriously. Renz's hard face was somewhat softened by a faint, sad smile. 

"I couldn't stand being around her after that. I figured no amount of social shame could be worse than spending a life with her. I paid her handsomely...her family would have come after me if I didn't," Renz said dryly. 

Lena stared at Renz in the darkness, and she realized that Renz wasn't just an arrogant, selfish, cruel man. He was a deeply hurt, grieving man too. 

"So now you know some of my secrets. Rest up and prepare to tell me yours," Renz said, pulling the sheets over her. Lena frowned. 

"My secrets?" she asked nervously. Renz chuckled. 

"Absolutely, Lena. You've gotten to explore my heart tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be exploring yours."



The Taking of Lena Ch. 07



His exploration the following day was relentless. If at all possible, Lena felt more vulnerable and exposed to him with his persistent questions than she did when he forced his body into hers. 

He asked her about her childhood, about her favorites and dislikes, and about her fondest and most painful memories. He asked her about her mother, but Lena was not able to give him very much detail. 

"Did you ever learn the identity of your father?" Renz asked. They were taking lunch in a small café. The morning and early afternoon had been filled with walking, touring, purchasing, and Renz's relentless inquiry. Lena was grateful for an opportunity to rest. 

Lena looked down and bashfully shook her head. 

"No. And after what Master Sterling said about her...I imagine she didn't know either," Lena said sadly. 

She stared into her cup of tea, and tried hard to keep from crying. She hadn't revisited the memory of Sterling's resigned, disappointed face yet. It was too painful. 

"You're not a whore, Lena," Renz said softly. 

"You keep me around for my body. That doesn't exactly render me a Madonna," Lena replied, taking a slow sip of tea. When she finally looked at Renz again, she was surprised by the slightly angry expression on his face. 

"Have I said something wrong?" Lena asked fearfully. 

Renz stared silently for a few moments, but then his frown softened. 

"I keep you around for more than your body, Lena. Haven't you noticed we haven't had sex today?" Renz asked. 

The morning had been so busy that Lena hadn't even realized. This was highly unusual for Renz. 

Lena began to blush a deep red when she realized that their conversation was highly provocative, and that they were not alone in the café. 

"Do you want to...right now?" Lena asked curiously. Renz raised one dark eyebrow quizzically. 

"Here, Lena? I've turned you into quite the naughty girl, haven't I?" Renz said, grinning widely. 

Lena frowned and rolled her eyes, and tried to force herself to keep from smiling, but her grin refused to be contained. She wished that she didn't find his teasing charming. 

"I would like my knowledge of you to be more than carnal, Lena," Renz said seriously. 

Lena yelped in surprise when he gripped her wrist under the table, and pulled her hand onto his lap. Lena nearly fell out of her seat when she felt his protruding hardness against her palm. Curiously, she curled her fingers around it, causing Renz to shift slightly and release a low, pleasured growl. 

"But I do hope you realize how...hard it is...to keep my desire for you contained," Renz whispered. Lena timidly looked up at him and nodded quickly, hoping no one was watching. 

He released her hand with a smirk, and Lena quickly brought it into her lap, and laced her fingers together tightly. 

"So, tell me. What makes Lena happy?" Renz asked. Lena watched in slightly distracted interest as Renz took a sip of dark beer. A bit of foam was left on his upper lip, and he licked it slowly, seductively. 

Lena blinked several times, attempting to regain her focus. She had told him about many of her joys and pleasures already that day, but there was still that one that she kept secret. 

"What are you hiding, Lena?" Renz asked, almost as if he were reading her mind. Lena shyly looked away from him, ashamed that she was so transparent. 

"Music makes me happy," Lena said finally. Renz leaned forward, intrigued. 

"What of music, Lena? How did you come to love it?" he asked. Lena shakily took a sip of tea before answering. 

"Whenever Master Sterling would host parties, he always had music. He had an opera singer who was regularly in attendance. I can't remember her name, but...it felt like I could feel her voice in my bones. I was never allowed inside, but I would always hide just outside the door to hear, she was just so beautiful," Lena confessed. 

She shyly looked up at Renz, and wondered if he would somehow use this information against her. But his expression was soft and gentle. And to her surprise, the slow, seductive smile that appeared on his face didn't cause a stirring between her thighs, as usual. 

Instead, she felt a stirring in her chest. 

******

To Lena's disappointment, and slight annoyance, Renz had ordered her back to the hotel after lunch. He'd urged her to take a nap, even though Lena had insisted she wasn't tired. 

But it only took one dark look from his stern face for Lena to halt her protests, and do what he asked. 

Lena was awakened by a light knocking on the front door to the hotel room. Feeling somewhat refreshed by her nap, Lena opened the door, and was greeted by three maids in simple gray dresses. 

"May I be of help?" Lena asked. 

"Are you the guest of Herr Wolfenbarger?" the oldest-looking one asked. Lena nodded. 

"Yes, but he is not here right now," Lena replied. The speaker smiled slightly, and then bowed. The gesture made Lena feel very uncomfortable.

"We've been sent to dress you for this evening. May we come in?" she asked. 

"Of course. Please," Lena said, opening the door. 

The three women seemed to be everywhere at once, as they unfolded the packages in their hands and rearranged some of the furniture in the room. It was all very overwhelming. 

"Is there anything I can do?" Lena called, feeling oddly useless. 

"No, Fräulein. We are here to serve you. If you would please step here, we can begin," the woman said. 

Lena shivered as the women removed her sleepwear and pulled on her undergarments. She felt odd that these women were seeing her naked, and they didn't even know her name. She felt especially odd being served by these women. She wasn't a noblewoman of any kind. 

"Frau Eichmann had these gowns delivered for you. Is there any one in particular that you wish to wear this evening?" the woman asked. 

Lena marveled at the beautiful clothing that had been draped on the hotel furniture. The colors were beautiful, the fabrics rich, and the needlework exquisite. Lena had never been surrounded by so many beautiful things. 

A lovely blue dress caught her eye. It was made of a very fine silk that was dyed a pale aqua, almost silver, with dark blue velvet trimmings along the skirt and bust. The layers of the skirt were asymmetrical, cutting and flowing in lovely curves that reminded Lena of sea waves. 

"This one is beautiful," Lena said. 

The women continued dressing her silently, and Lena began wishing for the friendly conversation of Helga Eichmann. 

Once the gown was on, the women styled her hair high above her head, and applied rouge to her cheeks and lips. They slipped on a pair of matching heeled slippers, and quickly departed before Lena was able to give them a proper thank-you. 

Lena sat nervously alone in the hotel suite, wondering what she was supposed to do now. Another knock on the door startled her, and she stood up too quickly, nearly falling over. 

She regained her balance and took small steps towards the door, and this time, was greeted by an older man in a white jacket. 

"Fräulein Lena?" he asked. Lena nodded. 

"That's me," she replied breathlessly, still getting used to the corset. He extended his arm to her. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger is waiting for you downstairs. I will escort you," he said kindly. 

Lena felt somewhat unnerved by the presence of servants, and she wondered if Renz himself had sent them. 

The man led her downstairs, through the ornate lobby of the hotel. Strangers stared at her quizzically, but no longer with cruelty, and Lena found herself very grateful to Renz for providing her with clothes.

 When she finally saw him, her heart stopped. 

The last time Lena had seen Renz in white tie was that first night they spent together, the eve of Sterling's ball. The night he'd stolen her. And even though she'd feared for her life that night, she knew even then that formalwear suited Renz well. 

But if it were possible, Renz looked even more dashing as he stood before her now. 

"You look...very handsome," Lena said breathlessly. Renz's lips curled into an inviting, private smile. 

"And you, sweet Lena, are a vision from God. May I take your hand?" Renz asked, slightly bowing towards her. 

Lena tentatively placed her hand in his, and Renz pulled her close, and proudly walked outside to his coach. 

"Where are we going? Another dinner?" Lena asked as she crawled into the carriage. Renz didn't speak until the door was closed and he was comfortably seated next to her. 

"We'll eat a bit later tonight. There's something you need to see first," Renz said. 

Lena observed him warily, nervous about what was in store for her that evening. Renz seemed far more vibrant than she had ever seen him, and that energy made him seem like a much younger man. 

"Thank you for the gowns," Lena said softly. Renz's smile still hadn't left his face, and he lowered his eyes to her body possessively. 

"You look...very tempting, Lena. I'll need to thank Helga again. That color suits you very nicely," Renz said. 

His compliment made her blush, and Lena turned her head to the window, suddenly needing fresh air. 

The coach stopped in a large square of sorts, surrounded by long, tall buildings with carved pediments and elegant columns. It was very busy with well-dressed people, and Lena's heart raced as she tried to understand where she was. 

She held onto Renz's arm as he confidently strolled up the staircase to one particularly well-lit structure. Gloved gentlemen opened the doors wordlessly, and Lena marveled at the beautiful interior. 

"Where are we?" Lena asked eventually. The large room was surrounded by paintings of people, mostly women, in some of the most unique dress Lena had ever seen. It almost looked like a gallery of some kind. 

Lena looked up at Renz expectantly, and her cheeks flushed at the sight of his confident smile. 

"Welcome to the Royal Opera House," Renz said. 

******

Once the music started, Lena was immediately enraptured by the performance. She leaned close to the edge of the balcony of the Wolfenbarger box, and felt as if her eyes and ears weren't big enough to perceive everything that the opera had to offer. For it really was a full sensory experience, and Lena didn't want to miss a single moment of it. 

She was blissfully unaware of Renz as she watched and listened, enjoying the visceral sensations the orchestra and the vocalists stirred in her chest. Lena's heart ached with emotion when the featured tenor powerfully sung of his fear of losing the object of his desire in the first act. Lena shivered when a ghost-like character sung warnings in the second act. And by the third act, Lena was in tears.

Suddenly feeling overcome with emotion, Lena momentarily looked away from the stage. She turned towards Renz, and was surprised to find that he was staring at her. 

It was a brand new look that he'd never before given to her. Lena thought she might have seen something similar in Erich, and possibly even Gregory, but this look was much more powerful and direct. His eyes were gentle and focused at the same time, centered on her face, unblinking. His mouth was curved into a slight smile, his lips slightly parted invitingly. Renz had never appeared more attractive to her. 

His powerful gaze empowered her, for he had the expression of a man in sheer awe. And in that moment, Lena felt like she was the most beautiful and sophisticated woman in the world, capable of incredible feats. It didn't matter that she was just a young, too thin, former maid with no social standing. Just from his stare, Lena felt like a goddess. 

It was then that Lena realized that her perception of Renz had drastically changed. Despite everything he'd done, and despite all of her efforts to protect herself, Renz had still managed to find a way to sneak into her heart. 

"Aren't you enjoying the opera, Lena?" Renz whispered. Lena smiled slightly and moved her gaze back to the stage. But she still felt Renz's eyes on her. And for the first time, she fully welcomed his stare. 

****** ******

Renz hated opera. It was shrill and far too dramatic for his taste, but once Lena had mentioned her love of music, Renz's knew he had to take her to that evening's performance of Der Freischütz. 

Renz watched Lena as she watched the opera, and he found himself utterly enamored by her excitement and enthusiasm. He watched as varying emotional reactions to the performance played across her face, and Renz was completely fascinated by her. 

He knew that Lena didn't know he was watching her, because she was just so uninhibited and expressive. She wasn't that crying, petrified girl that shivered whenever he came near. She was a happy, relaxed, carefree woman, simply enjoying an evening at the opera. 

Hearing Lena say the servant's name had changed something within him. His first reaction had been an overwhelming sense of anger and jealousy, but once he'd confronted Erich, quite aggressively, and confirmed with some basal sense of satisfaction that the servant hadn't touched his most prized possession, Renz realized he couldn't think of Lena as a possession at all anymore. 

She was a woman, slowly becoming more aware of her burgeoning sexuality, as well as her effect on men. It was only natural for her to experience attraction to the first non-threatening man, close to her age, that she saw. 

And because Lena still feared him, Renz knew he was at risk of losing her. 

So he'd tried to keep her in the only way he knew how. He'd given her jewelry, brought her to Berlin, and arranged for her to stay in the penthouse of the finest hotel. He had outfitted her with a full, very expensive wardrobe. All things that the servant could never do for her. And while Lena had seemed moderately impressed, Renz still didn't feel like he had her fully in his grasp. 

That was until she'd touched his scars. The entire experience had been a terrifying one, but also astoundingly intimate. Renz usually avoided speaking about his father, and rarely revisited the memory of violent Johann, the man who would beat him until he drew blood, all in the hopes of grooming his son into a strong, fearless Wolfenbarger. 

But almost as if he'd been possessed, Renz shared more with Lena in those few minutes than he'd shared with any other person in his life. And once he'd shared, he was filled with an overwhelming sense of relief and closeness. So he'd shared more. 

He'd told her about Ilise, the one person who had hurt him more than any other. Renz knew he wasn't a good husband for her, for the lovely Ilise had always made sure she kept herself out of his reach. He'd thought that with a baby, they would have a real, fair chance at being a proper couple. 

And Ilise had indulged his hopes. She'd accepted his doting ways, his boyish exuberance and impatience for the baby to arrive. She'd shared dreams and names for the child that they'd created together. She'd waited until Renz was overwhelmed with love for the baby to take the child away from him. 

Renz thought his world had ended when he held the wrinkly, bloody bundle of quashed possibility, smaller than the size of his hand. Ilise had inflicted the most perfect punishment. 

But Lena had surprised him with her reaction, and therein was the major paradigm shift in his attraction to her. Lena had reacted with a depth of compassion and sensitivity far beyond her eighteen years, and far beyond what he deserved. 

Renz watched as gentle tears began to travel down Lena's cheeks as she watched the opera, and suddenly, she turned her head away, and locked her eyes on his. 

Renz was completely trapped by her bright blue, teary gaze. In all of her youth and beauty and innocence, Renz took the time to truly admire Lena for the exquisite, warm-hearted creature that she was. 

Renz knew Lena was naturally submissive, naturally quiet and shy and sweet. That's what made him initially want her, that exceptionally beautiful maid in that frilly little maid uniform. She was the perfect antithesis to his natural need for dominance and control. 

But as he stared at her in that moment, Renz realized that her submissiveness didn't make her weak at all. By contrast, her submissive innocence was the very thing that gave her power...power over him. Renz was so attracted to her, so determined to keep her safe, that he knew that there was nothing she could ask him that he would deny. He could think of nothing more fulfilling than spending the rest of his life indulging her, and trying to make her happy. Renz wasn't sure if it was calculated or inadvertent, but Lena had somehow managed to completely capture his heart, and fill it with feelings he didn't even realize existed. 

"Aren't you enjoying the opera, Lena?" he whispered eventually. He watched her as pink blush began to spread across her cheeks, and she lowered her head shyly with that nervous smile he adored. 

She looked back at the stage, but her spine was a bit more rigid now. She was aware of his staring. 

Not wanting to see a frightened Lena again, Renz decided to dedicate his attention to the Finale of the opera. 

******

"Did you enjoy yourself?" he called from their suite's living room. 

Lena had been very quiet all throughout their late dinner, and was completely silent on the coach ride back to the hotel. She had refused to look at him, and had kept her body coolly distanced from his. He couldn't tell if she was just tired, or if something was seriously wrong. 

When she didn't answer, Renz stormed into the bedroom, patience officially lost, and irritation officially gained. He was determined to find out why Lena had, once again, decided to hide herself from him. Hadn't he proven himself worthy of her trust yet? 

When he finally caught sight of her, all of his thoughts were momentarily lost. 

Lena had casually draped one of the sheets over her body, but he could tell she was completely nude underneath. Her long, silky brown hair cascaded in lovely loose waves across her shoulders, and Renz felt himself begin to harden at the sight of the naïve seductress on the large bed. 

He brought his eyes to her face, and he could tell that his little Lena was nervous. Her cheeks were pink with blush, and she was nibbling insistently on her lower lip. But she kept her wide blue eyes fixed on his, and Renz admired her confidence. 

"You look delectable, Lena," he said once he recovered his wits, beginning to deliberately stalk towards her. 

She surprised him when she slowly scooted towards him on her knees, and let the sheet fall from her body with a soft gasp. 

His eyes trailed over her body hungrily, and Renz became acutely aware of his physiological reactions to her nakedness. His vision sharpened, his heart began to race, and his breathing increased impressively. He could feel the blood rapidly rushing through his body, hardening and swelling that part of him that throbbed to be inside of her. 

She looked much healthier, healthier than he'd ever seen her, and Renz felt his desire surge to unimaginable heights. Her small, pert breasts were full and round, and her slightly hardening pink nipples seemed to stare at him, almost demanding his attention. Her tiny waist was no longer harshly angled by sharply protruding ribs. Instead, the appearance of her ribs was much softer, and her waist was a lovely small curve.

As much as Renz enjoyed the sight of Lena in her new clothes, he realized that he didn't really care for corsets. Lena's body was lovely just as it was, her waist already small, and he didn't want it contorted by whalebone any longer. 

"You've been...very kind to me, for the last two days, sir. I know I'll never have enough to repay you, but...I'd like to thank you," she said softly. 

Renz looked up at Lena again, at her sweet, still nervous face, and he found himself oddly touched by her risk. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 07



"How would you like to thank me, Lena?" Renz asked, erection fully interested. 

He watched her as she dropped her gaze, and Renz wondered if she was having second thoughts. He watched her small shoulders rise and fall, breasts slightly quivering, as she took in a deep breath for confidence. When she finally brought her gaze back to his, her eyes, still timid, were very focused. 

"You told me that you wanted me willing...so here I am. Whatever it is you'd like to do to me...I'm willing," she said softly. 

Renz resisted his first instinct, which was to pounce forth and devour her like an animal. He paused for a moment and took several deep breaths, willing himself to calm down. As much as he wanted her, he didn't want to scare her...too much. 

He studied Lena, and was completely awed by her innocent selflessness, an innocence he wanted to protect. For the first time, Lena was completely offering herself to him, and Renz wanted to make sure it was an exciting experience for her. 

Renz approached Lena, and pulled her body up against his firmly. Her eyes fluttered up to his, and he brought his mouth down to hers, hard, overcome with a need to taste her. 

Renz tangled his fingers in her hair when Lena began to kiss him back, with those shy, yet active spirals of her small tongue. He pulled her face closer to his as he became more intoxicated by her, and he nibbled on her lower lip in excitement. 

Keeping one hand lodged in her hair, he brought his other down her body, urgently stroking her shoulders, arms, and finally her breasts. Lena gasped and slightly jumped, an aroused movement that inflamed him further. He cupped her breasts in his hand, and began gently tugging at her nipples, hardening them beneath his fingertips. 

"I want to feel your mouth," Renz said, his voice low and hoarse with arousal. He felt Lena begin to shiver, so he began gently kissing her neck, hoping to reassure her. 

"Feeling your mouth would make me...very happy, Lena," Renz said, softer this time. 

"As you wish, sir," Lena said quietly, nearly whispering. 

He rolled onto his back, pulling the naked young woman on top of him as he continued to kiss her neck. He felt her small hands pulling at his shirt, and she whined in disappointment when she couldn't get it undone. 

Renz chuckled and decided to help her, and Lena's curious hands continued traveling down his body. Renz liked the feeling of her hands exploring him, and he especially liked the way she reacted to his body. 

Renz released a contented exhale when he finally felt Lena's lips around the tip of his cock, and he groaned in satisfaction when she began to take him into her mouth, and suck deliciously. 

What Lena lacked in skill she made up for with her determination and enthusiasm. She wrapped her little hand around the base of his cock as best as she could, and began to slowly bob her head up and down, pulling his sanity into her mouth with each titillating suck. 

Renz slightly raised his head and watched her as she pleasured him with her mouth. The sight of her pretty, pouty lips stretched around his shaft made his excitement for her increase sharply. Lena pulled her cheeks inward, creating an insistent suction around his cock that sent pleasurable shivers up his spine. 

Before he even realized what he was doing, Renz began slightly thrusting his hips against her face, willing her to take him deeper into her mouth. Mentally he knew that wasn't possible, but that didn't stop his highly aroused body from trying. Her mouth just felt so perfect and warm and wet and snug, and he wanted to feel more. 

Lena raised her head suddenly, and looked at him with nervous, wide eyes. Her lips were slightly swollen, and very slippery. The sight of her innocent face and parted lips next to his angry, veined cock filled him with a surge of erotic thoughts that he knew would terrify her if she ever gained knowledge. 

"Are you okay?" Lena asked nervously. Renz nodded quickly, and he twisted his fingers in her hair, and pulled her face back into his lap. 

"Yes, Lena. Don't stop, sweetheart," he said hoarsely, hoping to encourage her. 

The feeling of her mouth around him inflamed him, and Renz temporarily forgot about her inexperience and locked his hands in her hair, pulling her mouth around his cock to match his thrusts. She released a high-pitched squeal, slightly stifled by her full mouth, and Renz groaned loudly in excitement. He could feel her tongue wildly moving about, gingerly sweeping over his sensitive underside as she continued to suck him, and Renz felt a surge of pressure begin to flow into his groin. 

Renz tightened his grip in her hair, and began bucking himself furiously against her, hitting the back of her mouth with each thrust. He couldn't tell if the noises she made were screams or moans, but in that moment, he didn't much care. All he could think about was releasing in her mouth. 

Lena removed her hand from the base of his shaft and brought it to his hips. He felt her small nails dig into his flesh, slightly pulling him along as he continued thrusting into her mouth. 

He felt her teeth ever so lightly graze against his hardened flesh, and she looked up at him. Her pretty eyes were bright and wanton, her lips were stretched around his cock, and that erotic image was that finally push Renz needed to completely lose himself. He gripped her hair tightly, keeping his cock as fully lodged into her mouth as possible, as that final rush whipped through his body. With a loud shout, Renz exploded into her mouth. 

Renz sat up on the bed when he finally caught his breath, wondering if he'd completely terrified Lena. 

To his surprise, she was still on her knees and staring up at him sheepishly, her slightly puffy cheeks stained with blush. She had her lips folded over in a trembling line. 

He saw her look down and swallow hard, emptying her cheeks, and that excited a primal instinct within him. She looked back up at him and licked her lips shyly, an incredibly alluring sight. Renz knew that she had no idea how tempting she was, just how titillating that little act of swallowing was, and that made her even more attractive to him. 

"I...I didn't know what else to do...with it," she whispered shyly. Renz picked her up by her waist and sat her back on the bed, kissing her forehead lightly. 

"You are one delicious little minx, Lena," Renz said encouragingly.

"Did you like it? Was it...good?" Lena asked. Renz couldn't help but smile and kiss her again. 

"How about you let me show you how good it was. Get on your back," he said, throat drying in anticipation. 

Even though his body needed to momentarily rest, his mind's arousal for Lena hadn't extinguished with his climax. If anything, it had only grown stronger. He watched greedily as the lovely form unfolded on the bed, sensuously squirming in her sweet arousal. 

Renz kneeled at the foot of the bed, and gripped her ankles, softly pulling her legs forward until they hung over his shoulders. He could see her thighs automatically try to close together, her body shy as always, and he pressed his palm against the lovely firm line of her inner thigh to keep her open to him. 

Renz took great pleasure in the sight of the essence of her femininity, as beautiful as it was erotic. Her tiny clit was swollen and deep pink, a perfect candy color, designed especially for him. Her small inner folds were damp and exposed, like dewy flower petals, and Renz knew that Lena was highly aroused. 

He leaned forward, and began to gently nuzzle her soft, wet lips with gentle kisses. Lena sighed sweetly and squirmed on the bed, but Renz wanted to tease her just a bit longer. 

He brought his lips to her inner thighs and slowly kissed her, coming closer and closer to her center. He looked up at Lena, and saw that her head was moving from side to side, and her chest was heaving. The trembling in her legs increased as his lips neared her pussy, and Renz knew he couldn't torture her, or himself, any longer. 

"Mmm," Renz moaned as he began to slowly and deliberately massage her pussy with his tongue, eliciting a strong, carnal cry from Lena's throat. Her squirming increased, but he kept his ministrations slow and controlled. He focused on the feeling and taste of her on his tongue, fully appreciating the truly unique, succulent nectar that was his Lena. 

Lena wiggled sensuously, swaying her hips to meet his mouth, and Renz brought one hand forward and gently placed it on her lower stomach, to keep her still as he feasted on her. The moans and cries she was releasing affected him on a visceral level, and he brought his tongue directly to her clit, and began playing with it the way she liked. 

Lena squealed loudly, and Renz groaned longingly against her pussy in response, partially to force vibrations on her sensitive folds, and partially because she was exciting him. 

Lena seized her legs around his neck, one of the many cues that Lena gave to show she was very excited, and very close. Renz snaked his hands between her thighs and pushed them far apart, locking her legs wide open. Lena suddenly sat up and stared down at him in confusion, and he felt her back arch as he brought his mouth back to her again, swirling his tongue around her unprotected clit forcefully. 

Renz licked her sweet spot rapidly before he closed his lips over it, completely taking her clit into his mouth. He sucked insistently, gently pulling it away from her body, stroking her sensitive bud with his lips and his tongue. 

Renz heard Lena's screams begin to increase in pitch and frequency, signaling her impending orgasm, and he reluctantly removed his face from between her thighs, evoking a sad, disappointed whine from her swollen lips. 

"I was almost..." Lena said sadly, words broken by her heavy breathing. A part of Renz felt sorry for her, for she looked like she was about to cry, but he wanted to satisfy her in a new way. 

"I want to watch you touch yourself," he said. 

Lena's pink blush turned red, and she stared at him in shock. Renz raised his eyebrows and stared at her expectantly. 

"You know you're close, Lena. Explore your pussy with your fingers. Let me watch you make yourself come," Renz said.

Lena stared up at him shyly, but then reclined back onto her back, and slowly parted her shaky knees. He watched her as she slowly and shyly slipped her hand down her body, and brought her fingers directly to her clit. 

Renz watched her, completely entranced, as she became less and less aware of his presence, and more aware of her pleasure. It was incredibly alluring, and Renz was surprised to find that the sight of her rubbing her pussy was already beginning to cause stirrings in his loins. 

Renz slowly slipped off what remained of his clothes as Lena's long lashes lowered, and her eyes closed tightly in pleasure. He slowly crawled on top of her, careful not to touch her, as Lena began to softly moan, steadily bringing herself to her own orgasm for the first time. 

She undulated gracefully beneath him as her lips parted, and a finger disappeared inside of her. Lena opened her legs a bit wider, exploring herself with more bravery, and Renz brought his lips to her face, intent on encouraging her. 

"Feel your body, Lena. Feel how wet you are. Feel how swollen and sensitive your clit is," Renz whispered. 

Lena bit her lip in slight frustration as she moved her fingers a bit faster. She was very close, and very wet, but she needed help getting there. 

Renz brought his mouth directly to her ear, and allowed his lips and teeth to scrape against her earlobe. 

"Think about how much you enjoyed having my tongue inside of you, Lena. Think about how much you like having your pussy licked," Renz whispered. 

Lena released her sweet, high gasp, and Renz felt his cock harden almost painfully. He was definitely ready for her again, but he wanted to watch her come first. 

He looked down between her bodies, and licked his lips at the sight of Lena's rapidly moving, glistening fingers on her clit. Her hips were beginning to buck delicately, and Renz kissed her neck, willing her to climax. 

"Think about how hard I'm going to fuck you once you come, Lena," Renz whispered harshly. 

This apparently excited her most of all, and Lena suddenly arched her back, her hand rapidly vibrating between her legs, directly against her clit. Lena screamed his favorite scream, and Renz watched in awe and desire as she fractured beneath him, by her own hand. 

Renz couldn't contain his appetite for her any longer, for Lena was more irresistible than ever. Before she could fully recover, Renz quickly flipped her over onto her hands and knees, and shoved his thick, long cock inside of her from behind, hips slapping against her bottom with loud smacks. 

Lena squealed and wiggled her hips against him, and Renz leaned forward, pressing his chest against her back, just to be in more contact with her body as he thrust into her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, bringing his hands to her breasts and squeezing them roughly as he pounded himself into her. Lena was screaming wildly, and Renz moaned lowly as his breathing steadily increased with the exertion. 

He watched her as she arched her back and moved her hips against him, creating a pleasurable friction that caused him to lose himself. Everything about her was driving him mad, from her scent to her sounds to the remarkable tightness of her wet pussy. And all he could think about was possessing her. 

"Ooh...sir," Lena sighed sweetly. Renz brought his lips to her neck as he continued thrusting into her, kissing and nibbling her ravenously. 

"Say my name, sweetheart. Tell me what you want," Renz encouraged. Her pussy squeezed tightly around him, almost uncomfortably, and Renz moaned savagely, completely taken aback by the exquisite feeling. 

"I want you to...do what you want...Renz. I want you to do it hard," Lena cried, words broken by her pants. 

That was the sweetest consent she could have given him, and Renz straightened his back, positioning himself behind her once more. He brought his hands to her hips, and pulled her body against his aggressively, forcing her to meet his hard, increasingly frequent thrusts. 

Lena moaned and gasped and screamed beneath him, and Renz felt a sweat break out from the exercise. Renz felt his heart pounding dangerously in his chest, but he couldn't focus on anything else but fucking Lena, with all of the strength his body could produce. 

He shoved himself into her as hard as he possibly could, and moved as fast as his body would allow. The sound of his legs slapping against the back of her thighs was exciting him even more, and Renz brought his hand to the small, round cheek of her bottom, and spanked her hard. 

Lena threw her head back then, and he felt her pussy seize his cock, practically locking it inside of her. She was silent for a moment, and then he felt those rhythmic pulses against his sensitive, turgid organ. Her wetness spilled onto him, and that hot, wet, tight pressure became far too much for him to bear. With a heavy groan, Renz forcefully came within her body, gripping her hips until red welts began to form. He held her against him as he erupted inside of her, spilling into her all of his lusts and passions. 

He gently pulled out of her when he began to soften, and reclined on the bed, feeling fully spent and satisfied. Lena weakly shifted beneath the covers, her legs still trembling and shaky. 

Renz wrapped his arm around her and pulled her directly against his body for a long, passionate kiss. When he released her mouth, Lena was breathless again, but she had the sweetest smile on her face. And she was stunningly beautiful to him. 

"Thank you, Lena," he said sincerely. 

****** ******

Lena's entire body felt exceptionally sore the next day, from her mouth to her stomach to between her legs, but she couldn't help but smile when she thought about how that came to be. 

Renz had been harder and rougher than he had ever been with her, but Lena found that she'd completely enjoyed it. Despite her nervousness, Lena knew that she wasn't truly afraid of Renz anymore. She knew he would be rough, but she now knew that he would never truly injure her or threaten her life. 

The blissful, faint smile remained on her face as they left Berlin and returned to Schloss Wolfenbarger. It was the smile of a woman fully satisfied. The smile widened each time she stole a glance at Renz, who, to her surprise, was constantly smiling at her as well. 

When the carriage approached the main entrance to the estate, Lena realized that she would need to have a difficult conversation with Erich. She needed to apologize for flirting with him, and for putting him at risk due to her selfish need for companionship. She had to tell him that, despite her struggles, Renz had claimed her while they were away. She was his, and nothing could change that. Her body reacted to his with a basal kind of animal magnetism. 

And he also pulled on her heart as well. 

Lena knew that Renz didn't feel for her what she felt for him, but for the time being, Lena felt like her feelings were enough to survive her uncertain future at Schloss Wolfenbarger. Renz had shown her far more respect than he ever had over the last few days, and that acknowledgment was all she needed to continue her arrangement with Renz. 

When the carriage stopped, Renz cordially helped Lena out of the coach, that same arrogant, satisfied grin on his handsome face. Lena slightly winced as she stepped out, and blushed feverishly when she realized Renz had noticed. 

"Just how sore are you?" he purred, low enough so that only she could hear. Servants were already unloading the coach with their travel items, mostly Lena's new wardrobe. Satisfied that none of them could hear her, Lena bit her lip and shyly looked up at Renz. 

"It's difficult to walk," Lena admitted. Renz smiled fondly at her and kissed her cheek, tenderly wrapping his arm around her waist. 

"Perhaps a hot bath and a nice massage with my fingers and tongue will help my sweet Lena feel better," Renz growled. Lena's eyes widened in embarrassment, and she looked around wildly, praying that none of the servants, especially Erich, heard him. Erich, however, was nowhere in sight.

"Is...that...always on your mind?" Lena asked curiously. Renz chuckled heartily as he extended his arm, helping Lena up the stairs to the entrance doors. 

"You're an exquisitely beautiful woman, Lena. It's hard to think of much else around you. Especially in your new clothes," Renz said, taking an appreciative glance at her exposed chest. 

Lena flushed nervously, but she enjoyed that he was admiring her. She liked that he found her attractive. 

"Thank you, again," Lena said quietly. Renz brought his lips to her cheek and kissed her softly. 

"It is I who should be continuing to thank you, Lena," Renz whispered seductively. 

When the two servants opened the large double doors to the castle, Lena was surprised and delighted to find Gisele Friedrich and her father. She looked over to Renz, and became suddenly worried by the tense expression on his face. 

Gisele was the first to speak. 

"Lena dear! I had so much fun with you at dinner the other night that when father said he needed to see Herr Wolfenbarger, I begged him to bring me along. I hope that is okay?" Gisele exclaimed, in her signature rapidly cheerful voice. Lena smiled warmly. 

"I am very pleased to see you again, Gisele," Lena replied sincerely. 

"Herr Friedrich, I thought that we planned to discuss my investments next week?" Renz said, eyeing the older man coldly. Herr Friedrich had a grave expression on his face, nothing like the warm, jolly man that Lena remembered from dinner. Lena wondered what had happened between them. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 07



"I'm sorry to intrude like this, sir, but an urgent matter has come to my attention. Might I spare a few moments of your time?" the older man asked, voice trembling. 

Renz stood silently for a few moments, and then he turned his attention to Lena. 

"Excuse us for a moment," Renz said, pulling Lena away with him.

"Why don't you indulge in a hot bath, and I will send a servant to fetch you once these...unpleasant details are sorted. You've been in such a lovely, relaxed mood...I wouldn't want to spoil it with my short temper brought on by a greedy man who wants even more of my money," Renz muttered, slightly chuckling on end. 

Lena's heart felt warmed by the sight of his slightly tired face, and she was very touched by his observation. Lena nodded gently.

"Of course. I hope...I hope everything goes well," Lena replied softly, slightly lightheaded from his handsome appearance. Renz took her hand and brought it to his lips, softly kissing it. Despite her soreness, the feeling of his lips sent a surge of pleasure throughout her entire body, and Renz winked at her in full awareness. 

"Thank you, sweet Lena. I'll see you shortly," he said, turning his attention back to Herr Friedrich. 

"You're leaving already? Perhaps I can come too? Business can be such a terrible bore," Gisele whined playfully. 

"Gisele, you're staying with me," Herr Friedrich said suddenly. Lena was surprised by his reaction, and she felt too timid to press the matter further. 

"I'll be back in a few moments. I just need to change...it's been such a long trip," Lena replied softly. 

Gisele, ignoring her father, ran towards Lena and gripped her hand. 

"Please hurry back. We have much more gossip!" she whispered excitedly. Lena smiled and nodded.

"I look forward to it," she replied sweetly. 

Lena traveled up the stairs, and it took her several minutes of searching to remember where her suite was. She'd only been away for a few days, but even that had been enough for her to forget just how large and magnificent Schloss Wolfenbarger was. 

When she finally found it, Lena was surprised to see that all of her new garments had been placed in the dressing room armoire. They looked so lovely hanging there, and Lena said another silent thank you to Renz for her new clothes. 

Lena entered the bathroom and drew a hot bath, luxuriating in the scent of lavender oil. She cleansed her sore body gently as she replayed moments from her trip with Renz.

He really had been a different man, and she'd learned so much more about him. Lena wondered if he would ever let her ask as many questions as he did of her, because she was more curious about him than ever. 

When she finished bathing, the female servant that had been responsible for bringing Lena her meals her first day at Schloss Wolfenbarger was waiting for her. 

"I'm here to help you dress, Fräulein," she said formally. Lena blushed, still uncomfortable with the idea of being assisted by servants. It simply didn't feel right, given her social standing. 

"Thank you, and please call me Lena," Lena replied bashfully. 

The woman was gentle with her, and remarkably patient, as Lena, still sore from Renz, nearly started crying when the corset was tightened. But once that was over, and Lena learned to breathe again, she helped Lena into a pretty yellow day gown. 

Once the servant left, Lena was alone in her suite. She wondered where Erich was, and became desperate to talk to him. She needed to be honest with him, and she hoped that he wouldn't be too angry with her. 

Lena left her room then, intent on finding Erich. Even though he'd given her a full tour of Schloss Wolfenbarger, Lena quickly realized that it was very easy for her to become lost. 

She traveled down to the first floor, and searched the kitchens, formal and informal dining rooms, the ballrooms, and billiard rooms, and seemed to find every other servant in the Wolfenbarger staff except for Erich. 

Lena walked back up stairs, wincing in pain as her inner body stretched, and decided to try the East library instead. 

She heard voices, and was delighted that she'd finally found him, but when she reached the door, Lena realized that the voice wasn't his. 

"...and that is what she told me. Can you confirm that you have, in fact, engaged in sexual intercourse my daughter, Herr Wolfenbarger?" she heard Herr Friedrich say. 

Lena's eyes widened in disbelief, and she pressed her ear against the door curiously. 

There was silence for a few moments, and Lena wondered if Renz wouldn't speak. She heard a pretty clinking sound, like ice in a glass, and then she heard his voice. 

"Yes. Almost two years ago, at your annual hunt," he said. 

Lena bit her lip in nervousness, debating whether or not she wanted to hear any more. Since Gisele loved gossip so much, Lena wondered why she hadn't mentioned her involvement with Renz. Lena's curiosity blinded her rationality, and she continued to listen. 

"I'd never expect a man of your reputation to respect the conventions of our society, but I do expect you to uphold the honor of the woman you defiled, Herr Wolfenbarger. You have an obligation to marry," Herr Friedrich said. 

Lena's blood ran cold. 

"And it will be absolutely splendid! You know that I am very fond of you, Herr Wolfenbarger. We can have a very happy life together," Gisele said. 

"And this marriage will benefit both families. Gisele is nearly twenty-eight, far past the prime age for finding a new husband. But the doctor assures us that she is perfectly healthy for carrying a child. Ever since her fiancé's untimely death, I'm sure you can appreciate the grief and shame my daughter has suffered. You will marry, and she will bear a child in your name," Herr Friedrich said. 

"And you'll be wanting a diamond?" Renz asked. 

Lena heard Gisele's excited squeal, and hot tears spilled over her eyes. 

"I told you he is wonderful, father! And Herr Wolfenbarger...I expect you to dispose of that...whore Lena you've been courting around. It's embarrassing to the families..."

Lena didn't need to hear anymore, and she quickly walked away from the library doors, tears streaming violently down her face. 

As much as she wanted to hate Renz, Lena realized that the only person she hated was herself. She knew the depths of Renz cruelty. He'd violated her and stolen her from her only family. He had made her into a whore, and no amount of fine clothes or jewelry or operas in the capital could change that. Lena had been stupid, very stupid, thinking that anything in him was good. 

Renz had absolutely no respect for her, and she hated that she'd deluded herself into thinking that he had. Renz had shown her who he truly was the first night she'd met him, when he'd stolen her virtue. But for some reason, Lena had foolishly allowed herself to forget that. 

Lena shook her head as she ran back into her suite, tears quickly turning into rapid rivers down her face, and she knew that she couldn't spend one more hour at Schloss Wolfenbarger. She didn't care where she went, and she didn't care that she was penniless and alone in the world. All she wanted was to be away from the man that had corrupted her. 

She closed the door to the suite and leaned against it, sinking to the floor in utter despair and shame. She cried hard, but her sobs were silent. Her heart ached so much that she couldn't even make a sound. 

But then she looked up, and was both ashamed and relieved to see Erich, staring at her curiously, with a set of tea and biscuits in his hand.

****** ******

"And Herr Wolfenbarger... I expect you to dispose of that...whore Lena you've been courting around. It's embarrassing to the families. I understand she's kept you company, but now that we're engaged, she, and any others like her, need to be removed from this household," Gisele said. 

Renz snorted loudly and took another sip of his scotch whiskey. He needed it to remain collected throughout this nonsense. 

"Of course. I'll put her in a wooden box and ship her off to the Americas," Renz replied dryly, finishing off his drink. When Gisele and her father started enthusing in that ridiculous way of theirs, he realized that they didn't understand the concept of sarcasm. 

"How about we marry at that lovely church nearby? It's small, but it can accommodate the most important members of society. The flowers must be blooming beautifully this time of year," Gisele said happily. 

Renz looked over to her, wondering if she was just deluded or exceptionally vacuous. 

"How about we marry at your father's estate, instead? I'll bet the smell of sewage and his industrial waste must be particularly pungent this time of year," Renz replied. 

This finally jolted her, and Renz rolled his eyes in annoyance as Gisele glared at him. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger, I am starting to think you are not being entirely sincere with us," Herr Friedrich said gravely. Renz released an angry laugh and rapidly stood up, intent on refilling his drink. 

"Astute you are, Herr Friedrich. Although if you were smarter, you'd realize your daughter is also not being sincere. If she were, she would have told you that I didn't defile her, as her sexual experience started long before we ever even met. Before her poor fiancé, even," Renz mentioned casually. 

Herr Friedrich's face turned red, and he looked at his daughter, searching for truth. 

Gisele scowled at Renz, struggling to maintain her poised countenance. 

"How dare you—"

"No, how dare you. Lena is no whore, Gisele. She is far more of a lady than you will ever be. And if you speak ill of her again I swear to you I will not react so mercifully," Renz said coldly. 

Gisele stood up, and pursed her twitching lips in anger. 

"Remember your breeding, Gisele," Herr Friedrich said. But his warnings fell on deaf ears. 

"What makes you think you have the right to throw around such accusations?" Gisele demanded. 

"The men you've opened your legs to gossip as much as you do, Gisele. Herr Friedrich, I would be happy to provide you with the names of at least thirteen other gentleman that have also 'defiled' your 'chaste' widowed daughter, within the last year. Perhaps you should proposition them for marriage, because this union will never be," Renz said, enjoying a sip of fresh scotch whiskey. 

"You have no shame, have you?" Herr Friedrich shouted incredulously, his elderly voice quivering. Renz was not moved, and found him to be pitiful. 

"None, and proudly. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. My servants will escort you out," Renz said, waving his hand in dismissal. 

He left the library then, intent on finding his Lena.

****** ******

"What happened to you?" Erich asked, his voice heavily coated with concern. 

Lena's entire body trembled as she cried, and she shook her head in sadness. She tried to speak, but each time she opened her mouth, her words were broken by the sudden hiccups of her tears. 

Erich guided her to a cushion and offered her a cup of tea, which she accepted gratefully. She took a large, unladylike sip, feeling suddenly parched, and allowed the gentle herbs to soothe her sore throat. 

Once she calmed down enough to speak, she sadly turned to Erich. 

"I'm leaving, Erich. I can't stay here any longer," she said quietly. Erich frowned in confusion, his genial eyes slightly distressed. 

"Why, Lena? Has something happened?" he asked. Lena stared thoughtfully at him, and wondered why the feelings she had for him weren't as strong as those she had for Renz. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger...he will hurt me if I stay any longer. I need to leave before that happens," Lena said. 

Erich looked down at his hands, which were slightly fidgeting. Lena wondered if he was nervous or scared. 

He finally looked at her, and his gentle face was determined. 

"Then let me go with you," Erich said. Lena's eyes widened in shock. 

"But...this is the house you serve! How can you possibly think of leaving?" Lena asked. Erich smiled kindly. 

"I have saved some money, Lena. And...if you're leaving, I don't want you going away on your own. I know we haven't spent much time together...but I meant it when I said my wits are around your finger," Erich said. 

Lena turned away from him, suddenly feeling incredibly guilty. 

"Erich...that's not...I can't feel that way for you right now. Herr Wolfenbarger has done something awful to me," Lena said, beginning to cry again. 

Erich gently reached for Lena's hand, and held it firmly in his. 

"I know. You don't have to tell me the details, Lena. You don't even have to feel the same way right now. But I know you felt something between us. You can take as much time as you need to recover...because that's a feeling worth waiting for," Erich said, an encouraging smile on his face. 

Lena stared at him, at his perfectly honest eyes, and Lena was suddenly filled with a sense of hope. Erich was the kind of man that she could trust. He was genuine and kind, and had a pure heart. She could grow to love him the way he deserved to be loved. 

"Are you sure?" Lena asked, sniffling. Erich smiled and wiped a tear away from her cheek. 

"Of course. I didn't want to spend my life as Herr Wolfenbarger's servant anyway," Erich said. 

Overcome with emotion, Lena flung her arms around Erich and embraced him tightly. He seemed unsure at first, but then he gently held her back, his hand gently stroking the fabric of her gown. 

Just then, the door swung open, and Lena quickly released Erich from her grasp. Renz was standing in the doorway, his face angrily fuming. Lena began feeling very frightened and wary. 

But for the first time, she also began feeling very angry as well. 

"I can't believe this," Renz said darkly. Lena swallowed hard and stood up on shaky legs, trying her best to muster confidence. 

"Herr Wolfenbarger, I think you should know—"

"I've had enough of you, servant. You're dismissed, permanently," Renz replied coldly, harshly cutting off Erich. 

To Lena's surprise, Erich stood up beside her, and he appeared more assertive than she'd ever seen him. His face was serene and controlled, quite unlike the harsh, violent emotions that appeared on Renz's face. 

"Then I no longer have any need to bow to your commands," Erich replied calmly. 

Renz swore harshly, his loud voice causing Lena's ears to ring. 

"I need...to be alone with her. Leave us," Renz said dangerously. His voice was sharp and violent, and Lena began to tremble fearfully. His gaze was fixed on the floor, and Lena saw a slight twitch in his left cheek. His face appeared to be very flushed, and Lena thought she saw a vein protrude from his forehead. 

Erich looked over to Lena expectantly, and after a few moments, she nodded softly. He gave her hand a gentle, supportive squeeze, and slowly exited the room, eyeing Renz as he departed. 

Once the doors closed, Renz brought his eyes directly to Lena's face. He looked more threatening than she'd ever seen him, but Lena did not let her fear overpower her. 

Instead, she embraced her anger. 

"I told you I do not want to share you," Renz said slowly. Lena began breathing hard, rage steadily building within her. 

"You promised me no other man would touch you," Renz pressed. 

Lena balled her fists as her body began to shake in indignation. She couldn't believe that this man had the audacity to try and assert ownership over her body, especially given his recent engagement. 

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Renz demanded severely. 

His loud voice shook her, and hot, angry, hurt tears began to spill from her eyes. She bit her lip and stared fiercely at him, and Renz's angry face was momentarily broken by an expression of surprise. 

"Did you force her too?" Lena asked. Renz frowned in bewilderment. 

"Force whom? What in the hell are you talking about?" Renz asked incredulously. Lena's lower lip began to tremble, and the rage within her finally burst. 

"You defiled Gisele, just as you did me. How many more of them are there? How many more girls have you ruined?" Lena shrieked. 

Renz stared at her openmouthed, momentarily speechless. 

"I am not a monster, Lena. Deflowering virgins is no sport or habit of mine. Gisele offered herself to me, as she had with many men before me and many after," Renz replied firmly. 

Lena shook her head furiously.

"So only me, then? Just because I have no money or standing or strength, that gives you the authority to treat me like a worthless vessel for your lusts? A piece of garbage for you to debase and violate...to be disposed of once you choose to marry a proper lady?" Lena said angrily. 

Renz's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he approached her forcefully. Lena slightly retreated, but refused to cower beneath his gaze. 

"You heard incorrectly, Lena. I have no intention of marrying Gisele," Renz said, voice slightly lowering. 

"I will not be blinded by your lies any more! You cannot toy with me any longer. I heard you quite clearly—"

"Damnit, Lena, you heard nothing! I won't be marrying Gisele, or any other woman for that matter, because I'm in love with you!" Renz shouted. 

Lena's heart skipped a beat at the sound of that word, but she shook her head, determined not to allow Renz to exploit her again. 

And she became more furious than ever. 

"There's nothing in you that can love. There is nothing in you worth loving. You are sick, and you are violent, you are cruel, and you...are a liar," Lena said, voice cracking from her tears. 

The anger slowly faded from Renz's face, and was replaced instead by resignation and pain. Lena reminded herself of her purpose, and tried to keep her fury strong. 

Her rage was the only thing that protected her from him. 

"Do you love Erich?" Renz asked softly. This question caught her off guard, and Lena had to pause for a few moments before answering. 

"Erich is good. He is kind, honest, and benevolent. I...care for him, deeply," Lena replied. 

Renz surprised her as he suddenly broke into an insincere laugh. 

"What's funny about that?" Lena asked. Renz looked at Lena, wrath beginning to build within him again. 

"Because I knew it wouldn't take long for you to learn how to manipulate a man with your body. You don't feel for him the way you feel for me, Lena, and you know it. You are going to lie to that boy and string him along, because we both know that I own you. I've touched you in places no other man can ever even hope to approach," Renz said darkly. 

His arrogance made her even more furious. 

"You may have stolen my body...but you will never have a place in my heart," Lena said shakily, wondering if he realized that she was lying. The anger that continued to spread across his face indicated that he hadn't, and Lena swallowed hard, trying her very best to remain strong. 

"We have something real and rare, Lena. And you're not going to find that in anyone else," Renz said. 

Lena lowered her head and headed towards the door, not wanting to hear any more of his lies, his last efforts of manipulation. Her resolve was beginning to shatter, and if she didn't leave now, Lena knew that Renz would destroy her. 

He grabbed her arm roughly when she grasped the door handle, and she yanked it away frantically. 

"Let me go, you savage," she said firmly. His grip tightened around her, painfully, and Lena's heart raced in sudden fear. She looked up at Renz, at his increasingly mad, angry looking face. He seemed somewhat unhinged, and Lena genuinely feared for her life. 

"If you leave me for him, you will be nothing more than a whore to any man," Renz said darkly. 

Lena froze, heart sinking at his harsh words. She observed him one final time, hoping for a retraction, or some kind of small vision of the man that she had enjoyed over the past few days. But Lena slowly realized that that man had never really existed. Like all other slightly positive things with Renz, it was all a lie. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 07



Lena felt her anger begin to slowly dissolve into heartbreak, and she knew that she needed to leave now. Her time with Renz was over. 

She took a deep breath, and slowly wiped the tears away from her face with her free hand. She stared back at Renz with the strongest, most resigned expression she could summon. 

"And you'll be nothing more than a rapist," she said. 

Her arm was instantly released from his grip, and Lena turned away from him and left Schloss Wolfenbarger, without once looking back.



The Taking of Lena Ch. 08



Lena stepped out into the cold air of night, and her chest seized painfully. She began to cough, hard, and she pulled her woolen shawl around her aching shoulders tightly. 

The coughing fits had started after only one day of work at the factory. For the first week, Lena was very worried that she would become seriously ill. Each cough shook her entire body, and made her feel as if her lungs and heart would burst through her chest. She didn't have enough money for proper treatment, but a kindly visiting doctor had briefly observed her, and had encouraged her to rest, in order to prevent pneumonia. 

However, three more weeks went by, and the cough neither worsened nor impaired her basic functioning. It was painful, but now, she was used to it. 

Lena laboriously walked through the bitter chill of wind, praying that she would soon lose feeling in her legs. Her work required her to stand all day, with no rest, from sunrise until long after sunset. By the end of the day, there wasn't a single part of her body that didn't hurt. 

Lena folded her arms in front of her body protectively and lowered her head when she approached the rapidly deteriorating pub, where drunken men were already acting belligerently outside. Their behavior used to frighten her, but Lena quickly learned that they were mostly harmless in their inebriated states. 

"Welcome home pretty wench," a man she recognized said. His eyes were bleary with intoxication, and he smelled of bodily filth and beer. 

Lena wrinkled her nose in distaste and kept her head lowered as she increased her speed, quickly walking past him, and into the smoky pub. 

She hurried over to the corner, where a narrow staircase led to the crude room rentals above. Lena heard her bones crack louder than the rotting wooden stairs she climbed, and she experienced another coughing fit when she finally reached the top floor, completely out of breath. 

"I was just going downstairs to look for you," Erich said. Lena smiled weakly at him.

"We were a bit behind today. I couldn't leave until after ten," Lena replied. Erich's face was very concerned, and he rushed towards her, wrapping his arms around her narrow shoulders. 

"You're shivering. Let's get you warm," Erich said, supporting her as he opened the door to the small room they shared. 

Lena gasped in delight when she saw that the basin in the far corner of the room was steaming with hot water. 

"Oh, Erich...you didn't," she said, completely awed. 

"I thought you might enjoy a hot bath...I don't think the cold water is helping your cough," Erich said. 

Lena turned around and gratefully leaned her head against his shoulder. 

"Thank you so much," she said appreciatively. 

She approached the tub, and began pulling at her clothing. But then she turned around expectantly when she realized Erich was still standing in the room.

Almost as if breaking from a daze, he suddenly cleared his throat and lowered his head bashfully. 

"Right. I'll be right outside," Erich said, nervously exiting the apartment. 

Lena exhaled then, and quickly disrobed, and crawled into the basin of warm water. 

She curled into a tight ball, just to cover as much of her skin in the water as possible. She trembled as her frozen limbs began to defrost, blood rushing painfully throughout her aching body. 

They'd been living together for over a month, but Lena still didn't feel comfortable enough for Erich to look at her, much less touch her. 

She tried daily to encourage her interest in Erich, because he really had been kind to her, and his polite patience nearly brought her to tears. But Lena had forgotten how to rouse passion and desire, and she feared she'd never remember. 

Lena washed herself quickly, harshly scrubbing away the dyes and dirt and soot of the day, for the water was rapidly losing warmth. Once she finished, she emptied the water and dried herself hurriedly, muscles and bones screaming for rest. She pulled on a plain cotton shift, and crawled into bed before her legs finally abandoned her. 

Erich came back into the room a few minutes later, his expression careful and attentive. 

"Did the bath help?" he asked. Lena smiled sweetly and nodded. 

"It did. I really needed that today...you are so kind," Lena replied, curling up beneath the thin blanket. 

Erich tentatively sat down on the bed next to her. 

"How was your day?" Erich asked softly. 

Her eyes lowered in exhaustion as he slowly brought his hand to her face, and pushed away the damp hair that clung to her cheek. 

"It was very busy...three machines were broken. How was yours?" Lena asked. Erich smiled apologetically. 

"I imagine not as tiresome as yours. I know this type of work isn't what you are used to," Erich said. 

He reached for her dry and calloused hands, and Lena blushed in embarrassment. 

"I promise I will find a way to make a comfortable life for us. I get closer each day. Please don't lose faith in me," Erich said. 

Lena gave him an encouraging smile, and she squeezed his hands tenderly. 

"I believe in you, Erich," she said. His pretty eyes, lovely amber starbursts against a pale blue sky, slightly twinkled.

"Have you eaten?" he asked. Lena shook her head. 

"I'm too tired to eat," she admitted. Erich frowned disapprovingly, but he didn't push the issue further. 

"I'll let you get some sleep then," he said, leaning forward. Lena slightly tensed as he brought his lips to her cheek and softly kissed her, before crawling off of the bed.

Lena held her breath as Erich settled into his space on the other side of the room. When she heard him begin to lightly snore, Lena finally allowed herself to partake in her new nightly ritual: she cried herself to sleep. 

******

Lena slowly opened her sore eyes the next morning, and saw that Erich was already gone. She felt somewhat relieved to be alone, for it was the only time Lena allowed herself to truly feel all of the conflicting emotions inside of her. It was her time, just a few minutes a day, to think about whatever she wanted to think about. And each day, she felt a little bit stronger. 

Lena sighed as she removed her mental barriers, and allowed her thoughts to center on Renz. She actively stifled all thoughts of him during the day, only allowing these short, contained periods to dwell on everything that had happened. 

Lena's anger with Renz had dissipated within just a few hours of leaving Schloss Wolfenbarger. It took too much energy to be angry with him; it felt forced and unnatural. 

Instead, Lena felt grief. 

Lena knew she could never return to Renz, because there was too much scorched earth between them. Their union was perverse, and there was no way anything meaningful could come of it. She wanted to believe Renz when he told her he loved her, but she was certain Renz had lost his ability to love. 

Or maybe, he had just never been taught how. 

Lena grieved for the lost possibility. Because despite herself, and despite Renz, there was a hopeful part of her that had dreamed of a life with the sophisticated, yet playful man she'd gotten to know in Berlin. A man who had been tender with her, giving, and surprisingly thoughtful. He'd made her feel better about herself than she ever had. Lena had been prepared to forgive all past wrongdoings, if that was the person he would continue to be. 

Through her heartache, Lena realized just how much she'd grown to care for Renz, so much that the idea of sharing him with another woman had angered and hurt her. 

And through their distance, Lena realized just how much she'd forgotten about caring for herself while she was with him. Lena knew she didn't amount to much, but she also knew that she deserved to be more than a man's whore. Lena's esteem was not especially high, but it was high enough to prevent her from running back to Renz, despite her heart's desire. And she hoped, that one day, she would stop caring for him, and be able to give herself to a man who wouldn't break her heart. 

Reluctantly, Lena crawled out of bed, once she saw the sun begin to rise. She shook away the remaining thoughts of Renz, locking them away in that private place in her mind. She then quickly dressed, and silently tidied the room before heading downstairs to the main pub.

Lena slightly groaned when she realized how cold it was, for her sore muscles were not at all welcoming of the early morning frost. She reached for the door handle, cold fingers cracking, and she yelped in fear when a large hand slammed it closed. 

"Good morning, Georg," Lena said politely. 

Georg frowned at her, and folded his arms disapprovingly. 

"Your rent is past due," he said. Lena blinked several times, certain she'd heard incorrectly. She could never tell for sure when he was speaking, for his lips disappeared beneath his very well groomed moustache. 

"There must be a mistake. Erich told me he brought you the payment three days ago," Lena replied. Georg shook his head. 

"Erich has done no such thing. I offered you the room on good faith, but my patience is wearing thin," Georg said sternly. 

Lena frowned and brought her hand to her forehead. She began to pace, attempting to remain calm and find a solution. She gave Erich her days' wages every night. Surely there had been enough to pay for their room. 

"Lena?" Georg asked. 

"I'm not sure what happened...and Erich has already left. I can bring you my day's wages tonight? And I'll clean the pub when I return," Lena suggested hopefully. Georg shook his head. 

"That won't be enough, Lena," Georg replied. 

Lena sank into a small wooden stool, and sighed in exhaustion and despair. The heavy sigh initiated a coughing fit, and Lena brought her hand to her mouth in an attempt to cover it. 

She felt Georg's heavy hand on her shoulder, and Lena looked up at him bashfully. 

"Why don't you have some breakfast before going to the factory," he said suddenly, his round face slightly softening. Lena sniffled, but gratefully followed Georg into the pub kitchen. 

Georg offered her a modest plate of sausage, potatoes, and cheese, and a warm mug of tea, and Lena felt her stomach seize in reawakening hunger. She ate delicately but quickly, and began feeling much more alert and healthy as her strength returned. 

"Would you like more?" Georg asked, once she finished. Lena looked down at her empty plate. She was still hungry, but she didn't want to be rude or presumptuous. 

"No thank you, Georg," she replied quietly. 

Georg sat down in front of her, and folded his arms across his belly. 

"Lena...what are you two doing here?" Georg asked. Lena would have been unnerved by his question, but his voice betrayed no hostility, just curiosity. 

"We're just trying to save some money. That's all," Lena replied honestly. Georg's curved, thick gray eyebrows rose. 

"And then you'll be getting married?" Georg asked. 

Lena lowered her head, unsure of how to answer. That was the plan, eventually, but the idea of being Erich's wife, or anyone else's, terrified her. Lena couldn't imagine giving herself to Erich the way she had with Renz. She wanted to be able to, but the thought of opening her heart and body to him scared her. She wasn't finished healing yet. 

"Yes...eventually," Lena replied slowly. She noticed Georg's round cheeks slightly redden.

"Do you know what Erich does for work?" Georg asked. Lena sipped her tea. It was very strong and bitter, but she was grateful for the extra bit of energy for her work. 

"He's working on investing what I earn from the factory," Lena said. 

"And...do you know the type of investing he's trying to take part in? Do you know the kinds of people he is meeting?" Georg asked. Lena shook her head. Erich very rarely gave her much detail about his business efforts. Lena figured he was just embarrassed that he hadn't made very much yet. 

"I don't...I'm sorry," Lena replied. 

Georg's gaze slightly narrowed. He opened his mouth several times, as if he were about to speak, but then he shook his head.

"The factory is closed on Sunday. You may clean the pub then. I'll expect rent by the end of next week," Georg said. Lena finished her tea and reached for his hand earnestly. 

"Thank you, Georg. Thank you," she said gratefully, slightly bowing. 

"And...why don't you bring me the payment directly, from now on," he said. Lena nodded. 

"Of course. We will not be late again, I promise," Lena said, trying to assure him. Georg's moustache curved into a smile. Lena wasn't certain, but she had a feeling that Georg was a very kind person beneath his standoffish appearance. 

"Enough of this. Go to work now," he said, gravelly voice striking her as oddly pleasant. 

******

******

For the first week, Renz was certain Lena would return to him. 

He waited for her everyday, absolutely sure that at any moment, her pretty face would reappear. Surely she didn't mean everything she'd said. And surely she knew that he didn't mean everything he'd said. Once she calmed down and gathered her wits, his Lena would return to him. 

But she didn't. 

For the second week, Renz was furious. He spent his days constantly on edge, his face permanently etched with a harsh scowl. His rage was steady and omnipresent, boiling beneath the surface, and periodically, it would volcanically explode in the form of an aggressive verbal outburst. His servants feared him, even Otto avoided him, but Renz couldn't focus on assuaging anyone. He was just too angry.

He was certain he hated Lena, and possibly even all women. He'd given Lena more of himself than he had to any other woman. And he'd thought she was beginning to give herself to him. But she'd led him on, had waited to punish him, just like Ilise. She'd waited until Renz had professed his love for her before rejecting him. 

She'd told him he was nothing more than a rapist to her. Renz had half an urge to find her and drag her back to Schloss Wolfenbarger by her hair and tie her up to his bed, and demonstrate precisely how forceful he could really be. 

But he had no idea where Lena was. 

His anger faded by the third week, and was replaced with nervous energy, insomnia, and shame. Renz had developed tremors, and was overwhelmed with guilty thoughts. He was constantly restless, unable to stay still for even a minute. 

He tried to occupy himself with various matters of business and sport. His anxiety caused him to finish tasks much too quickly, and Renz was left feeling bored and agitated.

It was during the night, after Renz had pushed his body to the limits of exertion without rest, that he began to experience moments of manic inspiration. Renz wrote drafts of letters he would give to Lena if he ever had the chance. He would tell her how much he loved her, and how much he hated how much pain he'd caused her. He would tell her that he would do anything, and sacrifice everything, to prove to her that he was worth her love. 

But by the fourth week, Renz was a man heartbroken. As his anxiety faded, realization began to sink in, and Renz knew that Lena would never come back to him. He'd damaged her too much already. She could never love him, because he was nothing but a monster to her. She'd told him, quite emphatically, that there was nothing in him worth loving. 

And Renz knew that she was right. 

******

"Get up."

Renz lazily opened his eyes, slightly surprised to see Karl standing in front of him. 

"What do you want?" he asked sleepily. Karl removed his jacket and placed his bag on a footrest. 

"Your servants sent for me. When is the last time you've eaten?" Karl asked, gazing at Renz warily. 

Renz felt his vexation steadily begin to rise, and he turned away from Karl before he had another outburst. 

"I'm in foul temper and am very tired. Come back in a few days if you want a social call," Renz answered.

Karl ignored him, and approached the lounge where Renz lay, stethoscope around his neck. 

"I've been told you're spending most of your time sleeping. Your staff is very worried about you, as am I," Karl said carefully. 

Renz snorted bitterly. 

"Surely you all have your own lives to worry about," Renz said. 

Karl's face suddenly contorted in a frown. 

"Good god, when is the last time you bathed?" he asked in disgust. Renz rolled his eyes. 

"You can leave any time, Karl," he replied dangerously. Karl sat down, undeterred. 

"I'm considering recommending you to a sanitarium. Your servants tell me you've had manic episodes followed by extreme melancholy," Karl mentioned. Renz growled. 

"Careful, Karl," Renz warned. 

"And you reek of smoke and brandy. This maid leaving you has turned you into a filthy drunkard as well?" Karl taunted. 

Renz rapidly sat up, head slightly spinning, a consequence of the previous night of excessive alcohol, and he gripped Karl's collar angrily. 

"You would be very wise to mind your words," Renz fumed. Karl smiled faintly. 

"Good. You're up. Now tell me what happened."

******

Renz told Karl everything about Lena, from their first meeting to their last words. It was the first time he'd chronicled everything about his relationship with her, from start to finish, and he was surprised by how composed he was able to be. He wasn't sure if it was because he was speaking to Karl the doctor, or Karl his closet friend, but he felt his overall unhappiness slightly wane by a very small degree. 

Karl listened intently, donning the neutral bedside manner characteristic of all good doctors. He asked questions for clarification, but otherwise remained largely silent as Renz spoke. 

"Do you have a cure for me?" Renz asked. Karl didn't respond immediately, carefully processing everything Renz had said. Renz felt himself growing uneasy again.

"So...when you first told me of the maid you took. You truly meant...you took her," Karl said cautiously. Renz lowered his head and nodded. 

"You wanted to harm her," Karl said. Renz raised his eyes and shook his head angrily. 

"No, of course not. That's now how I envisioned the night ending at all," Renz said. Karl frowned and appeared thoughtful again, and Renz knew he was trying not to judge him, a gesture he appreciated. 

"How did you envision it, then?" Karl asked. Renz slightly shifted where he sat, remembering how delectable Lena had been. 

"I thought she'd be willing when I first saw her, honestly. She'd been so sweet and open...she was telling me about her broken heart within two minutes, for God's sake. I figured a girl that open with her feelings might also be open with her body," Renz said. Karl's mouth folded over into a thin line. 

"But she wasn't," Karl added. Renz nodded again. 

"I thought I could coax it out of her. Excite her enough to make her desire sex. And when she responded...I was a lost man. I couldn't resist if I'd tried," Renz said. 

"And how did you feel once it was over?" Karl asked. Renz slightly reclined, and crossed his legs in front of him. He folded his arms across his torso, and took a deep breath before speaking. 

"I felt like...my whole world started and ended with Lena. I felt sated, but also insatiable. But...I also felt regret that I'd hurt her," Renz admitted. 

"And the nights after that, before you took her away...you didn't think you were hurting her then?" Karl asked. 

"The last woman hurt by me nearly destroyed me with her vengeance. I thought by controlling Lena, I could avoid that, and extinguish that...hunger for her. But I had no idea her purity ran deeper than her body. She's...addictive," Renz said. 

Karl slightly gasped, and Renz brought his hands to his forehead. He began regretting telling Karl anything, and was highly annoyed that his friend was such an advocate of these worthless techniques brought on by German physicians' sudden renewed interest in mental processes. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 08



"I never said I was proud of this...this certainly isn't the type of conquest I'd boast about," Renz muttered. 

But then Karl surprised him with his next query.

"Have you ever told her any of this?" Karl asked. Renz shook his head. That was a conversation he'd never wanted to have with her. 

They sat silently for several moments. Renz took a sip of water, moistening his drying throat, and he desperately wished for something stronger. 

But Renz had finished the last of his brandy and Scotch whiskey the night before. 

"You truly love her?" Karl asked finally. Renz sighed wearily. 

"Wholly," he answered. Karl slightly looked to the ceiling, and appeared highly pensive. 

"Does she love you?" Karl asked, back at full attention. Renz laughed dryly and shook his head. 

"She called me a savage and a rapist and left me for a servant. What do you think?" Renz asked. Karl's eyes narrowed. 

"I think that telling a woman that men will think she's a whore is probably the last thing you should do to convince her of your love," Karl responded. Renz brought his fingers to his temples as he tried to quash his pulsing headache. 

"What else do you think will happen to her, Karl? She's beautiful and naïve and unmarried. She has no family, and she's traveling with a boy who can't take care of her. What kinds of things do you think she'll be forced to do in order to feed herself? Do you have any idea the type of men that will try to take advantage of a her?" Renz asked, shaking with anger. 

Karl reached forward and placed his hand on Renz's shoulder. Renz brushed him off, but took several deep breaths to calm himself down.

"She seems like a resourceful girl. And I think she's much stronger than you realize," Karl said. Renz shook his head. 

"You didn't see her when she left," Renz said sharply. Karl nodded in agreement. 

"No, I didn't. But I did examine her, quite personally if you remember, the day after you returned," Karl said. 

Renz looked away from him, not wanting to be judged. 

"And?" Renz pressed. Karl folded his hands and looked down at the floor for a few moments.

"And...given what you've told me today...it is my belief that Lena is exceptionally resilient," Karl said. 

"But what if someone else hurts her? Surely you know of the dangers of a woman with her social standing...without money," Renz said. Karl nodded. 

"I do. In fact, it was you who kept my mother from entering that very situation, once father left. It was you who kept us comfortable, despite the disapproval of Johann. It was you who sponsored my schooling," Karl said. Renz shrugged his shoulders. 

"There was never a question. I told you before you needn't mention it again," Renz said quickly, hoping to move past the topic. Karl slightly laughed. 

"As much as you avoid it, you are capable of altruism. My advice? You need to show that to Lena. She's only seen one part of you," Karl said. Renz sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. 

"And how in the hell am I supposed to do that when I have no idea where she is?" Renz asked curtly. Karl stared at the floor thoughtfully. When he finally looked back at Renz, he had a hopeful smile on his face. 

"That's something I may be able to help with. I have some information that may be of use to you..."

******

******

Lena had felt uneasy all day, and it impacted her work. She kept going back to that conversation she'd had with Georg that morning. He'd seemed oddly suspicious of Erich, and Lena didn't know why. Erich was such a gentle and friendly person. 

Perhaps he'd just forgotten about paying their rent. He spent his days meeting with people, building relationships, and trying to find ways to invest what she earned from the factory. Lena was certain that Erich was just stressed, and possibly a bit scattered. 

When work ended, Lena hurried back to the pub, eager to find Erich and help him relax. He wasn't in the apartment when she arrived, so she took the time to prepare a modest meal for him, and waited patiently for him to return. 

Several hours passed and Erich didn't appear. Lena began feeling agitated, wondering if something had happened to him. She shook away the thought, and tried to convince herself that he'd just lost track of time in his efforts. 

Erich eventually returned, and Lena began feeling wary when she realized he smelled of smoke and alcohol. 

"Where were you? I was worried," Lena said. Erich smiled and gleefully walked towards her. Lena squealed when she felt his arms rapidly encircle her body, and he spun her around excitedly. 

"I'm so sorry to have worried you Lena, but I have wonderful news to share! But first, tell me about your day," Erich said. 

Lena watched him as he removed his jacket and reached for the food she'd prepared for him. He ate quickly, and Lena chuckled, slightly relaxing, for he'd never looked more boyish to her. 

"Work was...decent. That doctor listened to my lungs again," Lena said. Erich chewed quickly and took several large gulps of cold tea. 

"Oh? Is he finally going to give you some medicine?" Erich asked. Lena shook her head. 

"No, that's not what he's there for...but he says I do not have to worry too much. I also spoke to Georg his morning," Lena said tentatively. 

Erich paused his eating, and he looked up at her, intrigued. 

"What did you have to say to him?" Erich asked. Lena slightly frowned. His voice was even and moderate, as always, but she sensed a bit of anxiety with it too. 

"Well...he told me that our rent was past due. But I told him there must have been a mistake...since you told me you paid him three days ago," Lena said. 

Erich looked down at his plate, and resumed eating in much smaller bites. 

"Erich?"

He was silent as he continued eating, and Lena became nervous again. He eventually paused to reach into his pocket and pulled out a large roll of bank notes. 

Lena covered her mouth in shock at the large amount of money on the table. She was stunned, and couldn't believe that Erich had managed to make that much so quickly. 

"Where did you...how?" Lena asked, stunned. Erich smiled triumphantly. 

"I just paid Georg downstairs. And if everything continues to go well...we will be living someplace much more comfortable very soon," Erich said. Lena grinned happily, and she walked over to him and gave his shoulders a fond squeeze.

"I am very proud of you, Erich. How did you do it?" she asked. Erich brought his hand to hers and gently stroked her fingers. 

"No need to worry about that," Erich said. He brought his lips to her hand and kissed softly, and Lena felt the unease within her begin to stir again. She wasn't certain, but it felt as if Erich had dismissed her. 

Lena walked away from him, and reached for his slightly stained jacket. It smelled heavily of smoke, and Lena resolved to clean it for him. She reached into his pockets and emptied the contents on a nearby end table, and a small, cream-colored card caught her eye. 

The letters "A.R." were printed in elegant black ink on the front, and on the back, there was a blood red spade. Lena thought it looked odd for a calling card. 

"Erich...why did you lie about the payment?" Lena asked. She continued staring at the card as she listened to him finish his plate. 

"I just didn't want you to be concerned. This return...it arrived a bit later than I'd planned," Erich said. She could feel him approaching her from behind, and Lena tucked the card into her pocket on a whim. 

"We're in this together, Erich. I believe in you, truly...but I need to know if you're having trouble. I can help you, support you," Lena offered softly. 

Erich frowned then, and Lena approached him sympathetically. She reached out to hold his hand, but he recoiled from her touch. 

"What's wrong?" she asked, genuinely worried. Erich paced and breathed heavily, and he ran a hand through his messy blond hair. When he brought his eyes back to hers, his face looked exhausted and grim. 

"You have no idea the pressure I'm under," Erich said eventually. Lena blinked wildly, and she shook her head in confusion. She'd never seen Erich look so unhappy. 

"What pressure? Tell me so I can help you," Lena pleaded. She reached for him again, but he swiftly moved away from her, flinching away as if she were harmful to touch. 

Lena stood still and eyed Erich as he circled the small room several times, and she felt her heart ache when she observed just how distressed and tired he seemed. 

He eventually paused, and placed his hands on his hips. He breathed hard several times, staring directly at the ceiling. When he finally looked at her, his handsome face was frustrated. 

"Pressure...to provide for you," he said solemnly. His answer surprised her. Lena wanted to approach him, to physically comfort him, but his posture suggested he wasn't yet ready for that. 

"Erich...I know we don't have much, but we have more than many others. And I've never asked you to take care of me...that's why I work six days out of the week at the factory," Lena reasoned. Erich shook his head and began pacing again, and Lena sensed that he was growing even more discontent. 

"I hear you crying every night Lena. This isn't the lifestyle you're used to. You went from serving a wealthy family to being a...concubine for one of the richest men on this continent," Erich snapped. 

Lena felt a sharp pain in her chest as his words occupied the air between them, and she lowered her head and pursed her lips together to suppress her hurt.

She heard Erich sigh, and she stared at the floor as he walked towards her. 

"Lena, I'm sorry—"

"I never asked to be with Herr Wolfenbarger," Lena said flatly. She looked up at Erich with fixed eyes, and she saw that his anger was beginning to soften. 

"But you could have left him sooner. You certainly didn't have to go to Berlin," Erich said. Lena felt her face begin to turn hot. She really didn't want to talk about Renz with him. 

"Erich...I had nowhere else to go. I lost so much so quickly...can't you understand that?" she asked softly. 

Erich sighed again, and he stepped away from her. 

"I understand that...all that his money could buy was probably very enticing to a girl like you," Erich said bitterly. 

Lena gasped, not quite believing what she'd just heard him say. 

"What do you mean? I never had any interest in his money. I certainly never asked for any, and I never would!" Lena exclaimed. 

"But you had no problem accepting his gifts, didn't you? The jewelry, the clothes...that trip to Berlin changed you, Lena. You looked at him differently when you returned. I saw you," Erich said, voice rising. 

Lena could taste blood begin to pool in her mouth. She hadn't realized she'd been biting her lip so hard in her attempt to suppress her hurt. Erich had never been this unkind, this judgmental. He'd never before yelled at her. For several moments, she was too shocked to speak. 

"His wealth had nothing to do with that change, Erich," Lena said slowly. Erich's eyebrows rose expectantly. 

"Don't tell me you fell in love with him," Erich said dryly. Lena flinched when she heard that word, and she lowered her head, hoping Erich didn't notice.

"I am not in love with Renz," Lena said shakily. 

Lena continued to observe Erich, and her gaze became suspicious when she noticed a red spade tattoo on his wrist. She'd never noticed it before, but she had a feeling he'd gotten it very recently. 

"How did you get that money, Erich?" Lena asked. Erich saw that she'd noticed the mark, and he crossed his arms defensively. 

"That shouldn't be of your concern, Lena," Erich said dismissively. Lena frowned in steadily growing indignation. 

"Are you doing something...dishonorable? Is that why you are so unhappy?" Lena pressed. 

Erich refused to look at her, and he began to shake and breathe heavily. 

"Not your concern, Lena," Erich said again. 

"If you are doing something that you shouldn't...I need to know," Lena said.

"You don't need to know anything," Erich said sharply. His voice was harsh and quick enough to make her gasp, and Lena held her breath in nervousness. 

There was a tense silence between them for several long moments, and Lena had no idea what to say or do next. They stood still and frigid, facing each other, but not looking at each other. 

It was Erich who finally spoke. 

"Lena...I know I'll never be able to give you what he did. I truly wish I could, because I believe you deserve that. I feel like I'm competing against an overly advantaged adversary. I'm sorry I'm not especially fond of sharing that with you every day," Erich said. His voice was soft, but his tone was venomous, and Lena had to blink hard to keep from crying. 

Erich then snatched his jacket from her hands and began heading toward the door. 

"Erich...please don't go," Lena said, voice small. Erich rolled his eyes as he opened the door. 

"Lena...I just need a bit of air. I'm ashamed of how I've acted tonight...and I need to calm down. Please don't follow me," Erich said. He gave her a slight smile, and then left her alone in the small apartment. 

******

Lena paced around the apartment for several hours, wondering when Erich would return. She considered going out to look for him, to apologize and convince him that he didn't need to worry about Renz or his money, but she didn't know how to begin searching for him. Perhaps he was with the mysterious "A.R". That card hadn't specified a location, however, and after turning it over several times, wondering what the letters and spade could mean, she placed it back on the table in disinterest. 

It was only when she was finally beginning to drift off to sleep that she heard the door to the apartment open. 

Lena turned over in the bed, and her mouth fell open when she saw that Erich was not standing before her. 

It was Renz. 

She stared at him, openmouthed with wide eyes, unable to form any words or make any movements. She couldn't believe that he was actually there. 

He was every bit as magnificent as she remembered. More, even. He stood in the narrow doorway, confident, large, and powerful. She timidly brought her eyes up to his face, and his steely gaze was direct and intense. 

"Hello, Lena," Renz said. 

The sound of his low voice sent a rush of emotions all throughout her body. They were so powerful, and so variable, that Lena had a hard time latching on to a single one. She felt fury, she felt relief, she felt desire, she felt fear, she felt awe...

"What are you doing here?" Lena asked absently. Renz closed the door behind him and began to slowly walk towards her, boots making low thuds against the wooden floor. 

"I've come to take you home," Renz said, his low voice a seductive purr. Lena shivered at his words, a combination of fear, anger, and excitement. She swallowed hard and tried to suppress that latter feeling. She reminded herself that Renz was dangerous. She wanted nothing to do with him. He was bad, Erich was good. 

"I am not yours to take," Lena said. She'd tried to sound strong, but her voice shook in pathetic whimpers. 

Renz continued to stalk towards her, and Lena couldn't help but cower on the small bed. She brought her knees into her chest and curled up against the pillows, crossing her arms in front of her body. She felt remarkably exposed in the thin shift she wore, and the look in Renz's eyes indicated that he could see right through it. 

"Don't come any closer," Lena said firmly. 

Renz paused, and his composed, handsome face became somewhat angry. 

"Do you have any idea what your little...disappearing act has put me through?" Renz asked harshly. His anger pulled at the small amount of fury that remained inside of her, and Lena felt her fear shed as she embraced her own aggressive feelings. 

"It can't be any worse than everything you've done to me," Lena retorted. 

Renz moved quickly, and swiftly confronted her on the bed. Lena was cornered where the bed hit the wall, with no clear escape in sight. Renz kneeled on the bed in front of her, his large arms forming a kind of cage around her. His face was close enough for her to feel his hot breath on her skin. 

And then the magnet within her body that was so attracted to Renz began to react to his close proximity. Lena's breathing came in short gasps as she took in the powerful, angry sight of him, and to her shame, she felt a warm, slippery dampness begin to pool between her legs as her desires began to awaken from their month-long slumber. 

"You have turned me into a man...mad," Renz said lowly. Lena balled her fists and stared back at him, trying her very best to match his intense gaze. 

But she found that she couldn't. Desire and fury were competing against each other within her body, and Lena hated that desire seemed to be winning. Her pussy throbbed and her nipples tingled, and she had to suppress the urge to completely offer herself for his taking. She craved his touch like an addict, and she found herself fixating on his body, and what it could do to her. Her mind instantly went to the memories of those large hands on her, her legs wrapped around his muscled torso, and his thick cock forcing its way deep inside of her. 

Lena shook her head, willing those shameful feelings away. She had to do something, something bold, to stop the desire. She had to embrace her anger. 

"And you have turned me into a woman...ruined. And I hate you for it," Lena spat. Lena lost control of her body, and cracked her palm against his face in a loud slap. The skin of her hand tingled in pain, and she watched in amazement as Renz's head cocked to the side from the blow. 

He momentarily looked away from her as he cupped his cheekbone, and Lena realized to her horror that she really hadn't done much damage. She could tell that Renz had moved his head in surprise, not pain. And when he met her gaze again, his expression was no longer angry. 

Instead, it was dangerously lustful. 

"I want you, Lena. And I know that you want me, too," Renz said. Lena shook her head furiously, and she brought her hand up to slap him again, but Renz caught her wrist. 

"I want nothing to do with you, ever again," Lena said, voice quivering. She tried to jerk her hand away, but Renz's grip was solid. 

And his touch was very evocative. Lena had never even realized her wrists were erogenous zones, but Lena felt her wetness flow even stronger in reaction to the feeling of his hot skin against hers. She felt so aroused that it was verging on being painful, and she knew that if she didn't hold on tightly to her anger, she would allow Renz to corrupt her again. 

Lena slapped him with her free hand, and Renz released a fearsome growl, and caught her other wrist with ease. She struggled against him, body weakening as more of his skin came in contact with hers. She tried kicking him, bucking him, anything to get him away from her, but Lena found that the more she struggled against him, the more his body overpowered hers, fueling her desire and silencing her anger. 

Lena moved fast, but Renz was faster. With each jolt of her limbs, Renz either caught her movements or was completely unaffected by their collision. His body continued to move over hers, and eventually, Lena was completely entangled by his strength. He had both of her wrists secure in one hand behind her back, and his long, highly muscled legs held her thighs apart wantonly. Lena trembled in shame as she realized how exposed she was to him, and she tried in vain to squirm away from him. 

"I can smell your desire from here, Lena," Renz said, slightly panting. 

She whimpered as he brought his hand down to her waist and pulled her tightly against him, locking her hips directly against his. Her eyes fluttered when she felt his trouser-covered erection against her pussy, and she cried out in pleasurable, angry agony as he began to slowly and deliberately grind his hardness against her sensitive lips. Lena could feel her own moisture begin to dampen the fabric that covered his straining cock, and she lowered her head in shame. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 08



"Please let go of me...I don't want to do this with you...ever again," Lena whimpered. As she spoke the words, she wondered just how true they were anymore. As much as it shamed her to admit, Lena was completely defeated and submissive when it came to Renz. Fighting him, as it always had been, was useless. 

Renz's eyes bored into hers as he slowly brought his hand up her thigh, pushing up her thin shift until it bunched around her waist. Lena moaned loudly when his finger slipped with ease inside of her, slowly and steadily penetrating her. She struggled against his grip on her wrist as she felt her body shamelessly moistening. 

"I've forced you once before, Lena. What makes you think I wouldn't do it again?" Renz asked dangerously, slipping another finger inside of her. Lena screamed in pleasure and frustration, and she tightened her inner walls to halt the penetration. 

But the sensation was almost unbearable as his fingers insistently stroked against that one, especially sensitive spot inside of her. She began to whine as Renz expertly manipulated that spot with his fingertips, stroking it with steadily increasing pressure. 

"I hate you," Lena cried impulsively. 

Renz reacted by pushing a third finger inside of her, stretching her exquisitely. Lena closed her eyes tightly to resist the sensation, but the feeling of Renz's teeth against her lips broke her concentration. 

"Your heart is too pure to hold hatred, Lena. And I am no monster. I am a man driven mad by my love for you," Renz said, steadily thrusting his fingers into hers. 

Lena began to lose herself as she experienced the first taste of his mouth, those first strokes of his tongue as he spoke against her mouth. Lena locked her teeth together to resist him, but just the feeling of his tongue and teeth against her lips was enough to make her pussy throb. 

"You know nothing of love," Lena said angrily. Her thighs began to tremble as Renz curled his fingers inside of her, and brought his thumb to her clit. Lena was momentarily awed by how dexterous he was, a thought that was quickly overcome by a mad rush of excitement as her clit throbbed at the attention. 

Lena's hips began to gently thrust against his hand as he vibrated his fingers inside of her harder and faster with highly erotic tremors of his strong wrist. Lena wasn't sure if the feeling on her clit or the feeling deep inside of her was strongest, for it felt like both areas were building in equal, excruciating pleasure. She moaned against him, urging him on, as his wrist began to move faster, punishing her pussy with his powerful touch. Lena knew her orgasm was imminent and inevitable, for he was forcing it out of her. She threw her head back in acceptance as the sensation began to build. 

But suddenly, Renz paused his movements, and Lena looked up at him in bewilderment. He pressed his forehead directly against hers, gray eyes piercing her soul. 

"Since that first moment I saw you turning down my bed, there was no other woman for me. You can slap me, scream at me, hate me, and fight me all you want to, but God help me Lena I will prove to you that I love you, even if I have to fuck it into you," Renz said lowly. 

His fingers surged into her once more, and the friction was more than she could process. Lena was completely overwhelmed by his words, by his touch, that she lost all control of her body, and explosively came around his fingers. 

Lena cried out as her body shuddered, and she fell with a whimper as Renz finally released her body. She tried to sit up as her body continued to shake in pleasure, but Renz's forceful hand was on her stomach before she could move. 

"Please leave, I beg you," Lena pleaded. Renz shook his head as he stared down at her, slightly fuming. 

"Oh no, Lena. I am not even close to being done with you tonight," he said. 

Renz hooked his hands beneath her knees and dragged her forward. Lena was completely limp, and she tried feebly to kick him again, but she couldn't muster up the force. He towered over her where he stood, his shadow completely covering her as she weakly dangled off of the bed. 

"Are you going to hurt me?" Lena asked fearfully. Renz didn't answer, but instead rapidly kneeled on the floor. Grip still on her knees, he bent her legs until they were nearly reaching her shoulders, and he quickly dipped his head between her thighs, and covered her pussy with his mouth. 

Lena's entire body shook as Renz hungrily feasted upon her. The strokes of his tongue were not teasing and careful; they were possessive and forceful, and completely overwhelmed her. His tongue relentlessly probed every crevice and fold of her sensitive surface, and Lena's tears fell freely as she succumbed to the pleasurable torture. 

"Please...don't do this to me again," Lena cried. 

She felt his mouth cover her engorged clit and her delicate, swollen inner lips, and his lips and tongue brandished her with a suction and friction that caused every surface of her body to break out in goose pimples. Renz rapidly shook his head from side to side, adding a level of friction that made her spine curve. The suction was so insistent, so forceful, that Lena felt she would lose her mind if he continued. 

Lena gripped the sheets of the bed for leverage, and swiftly pushed herself away from his mouth. Renz looked up at her harshly, his lips glistening from her moisture. 

"I'm not finished with you yet," he said again, and he instantly gripped her by her inner thigh, and effortlessly pulled her right back down to his mouth. 

Lena screamed loud when she felt his tongue again, but this time, he began to probe inside of her. She squirmed in blissful suffering when she felt his wild tongue slip inside of her throbbing hole, and she threw her head back in ecstasy when he began to penetrate her with it, carefully pushing it in and out of her. 

Her hips shifted as his agile tongue circled around inside of her, stroking her and tantalizing her until she writhed and moaned in volatile passion. Lena felt her lower belly begin to tense as another orgasm built within her, and she stood up on weak arms and tried to push him away by his shoulders. 

Renz was immovable, however, and with each desperate push she made, Renz redoubled his efforts with his mouth. Lena tried to shift away from him, to get away from the sensation, but then she made the mistake of looking down. 

She paused at the image of Renz between her legs, his mouth against her most private of places, and the utterly forbidden, erotic nature of the sight made her excitement reach an uncontrollable frenzy. 

Renz suddenly flicked his eyes up to hers, and Lena fell back on her elbows. She watched as he stroked his tongue along her sensitive clit, his eyes silently claiming her. 

"Come for me, Lena," he said, mouth still attached to her. Lena rapidly shook her head and brought her hands to his hair, and tried to push him, but he encircled his lips around her clit, and slightly pulled. He sucked on her clit and stabbed it with the hard pressure of the tip of his tongue, and Lena felt the surge of orgasm begin to build. 

Her body moved of its own accord as her mind continued to fight her desire. She curled her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer to her as she threw her head back, tightening her legs around his neck. She felt his large hands push her inner thighs apart, completely exposing her, and Lena's body was momentarily still. 

"Come, Lena," she heard him say again. Lena's body shook with her tears and her desire as he continued sucking on her clit, tempting the height of her pleasure. Renz brought his hands to her backside, and squeezed her buttocks in his hands, pulling her closer against him. She could feel the stubble on his chin grinding against her sensitive skin, and she wailed at the pleasurable feeling. Renz gave her one final, sweeping lick, covering the entire surface of her pussy with his tongue, and Lena violently came on his mouth. 

She kept her fingers in his hair as her entire body convulsed, sweeping with manic desire and frenzied lusts. She hated him, she despised him, but she loved his body and what he did to her with it. 

Lena was still recovering from her orgasm when Renz mounted her. His eyes were wild and lustful, and Lena was both aroused and fearful of the sight. 

Her body was completely weakened, slack with the aftereffects of two climaxes, and she mewled softly when he ripped off her thin shift, exposing her body to his possessive gaze. Lena blushed and tried to cover herself, but she couldn't muster the strength to even raise her arms. She was overwhelmed with her fleshly sensations. 

Renz positioned her with ease, as if she were a lifeless doll, and Lena watched in nervous arousal as he slid his trousers down his hips. Lena licked her lips when she saw how hard he was, and she shyly looked back up to his face. 

"I don't know what's wrong with me...but please don't do this," Lena pleaded softly. Renz smiled tenderly and shook his head, and Lena knew that he would take what he wanted. 

Renz kept his eyes fixed on hers, and he shoved forward with one powerful stroke. Lena released a high-pitched cry as her highly sensitized inner walls reacted to the penetration. There wasn't a single part of her narrow channel that was untouched by Renz's thick cock, and her head fell back in acquiescence. She was his for the night, and nothing she could do would change that. Renz had taken her, again. She knew she'd be ashamed once it was over, but now, she intended to enjoy every moment of it. 

Renz seemed to sense her resolution, and he brought his body down against hers and kissed her. Lena moaned directly into his mouth as he began to thrust into her harder and faster, causing the tiny bed to shake and bang against the wall. 

Lena tightened her body around him as he sank into her to the hilt, and she marveled at how deeply she felt him. Renz was all over and inside of her, and she felt completely possessed and overwhelmed by him. He was everywhere all at once, and Lena wanted to completely lose herself in his body. 

She watched in shy amazement as Renz arched his back, and shoved himself inside of her with shallower, quicker, harder thrusts. He really was finely athletic, and entirely male, and Lena admired how powerful his body was. 

Renz looked down at her, his breathing hard and ragged, and he momentarily paused his movements inside of her. Lena slightly rotated her hips, encouraging him to continue, but Renz remained motionless, buried deep inside of her. 

"I love you, Lena," he said softly. Lena frowned in confusion at his sudden change in behavior, and she tightened her legs around him in impatience. 

"Just do what you came here to do," she said, exasperated. Renz slowly pushed in and out of her, steadily building his pace again. 

"You are the most...beautiful woman in the world to me, Lena," Renz said, his voice slightly louder and less controlled. His hips began to slam against hers more frequently, and Lena shook her head, feebly trying to fight the bubbling in her belly.

"Don't say that," Lena whimpered breathlessly. 

Renz grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head, and he surged against her with a powerful, dangerous force. 

"I want you to be mine, and I want to be yours," Renz said. His voice was strained from the exertion, but it stirred her deep in her chest and between her thighs. Lena shook her head as her tears began to fall again, body completely crumbling to Renz's will. 

"Don't—"

"I want you to come with me, Lena. Come for me again," Renz said. 

He quickly brought his hand down to her clit, and Lena was completely lost. It took her by surprise, ambushing her with its force, and Lena felt like her entire body was about to explode. Her orgasm was so powerful, that it woke her up.

******

Lena shot up in bed with a high-pitched moan as her body continued to shudder. Lena could hear her heart pounding with rapid pulses in her ears, and her entire body was soaked with sweat. She was still trembling and shaking from her orgasm, and her pussy throbbed and clenched deliciously. She looked down, and realized that her hand was lewdly locked between her thighs, and covered in moisture. 

Lena blinked her eyes several times, and suddenly began to weep when she realized she'd been dreaming. As shameful as her desire was, it was the most alive and passionate she'd felt in over a month. 

But then she cried harder when she realized the nature of her dream. She hadn't just had a fantasy about Renz. That was bad enough. She'd had a fantasy of forced sex with him, and had enjoyed every moment of it. 

Lena continued to cry, partially in despair, and partially in shame and confusion. A part of her longed to be with Renz again, in any way she could have him, but another part of her was shocked by how wanton she was being. She'd closed her heart and her body to Renz. He was cruel, and she needed to protect herself. There was clearly something wrong with her if she craved his attention so much that she fantasized about him forcefully claiming her again. 

Lena brought her hand to her forehead, wiping away the thin layer of sweat. She took several deep breaths to slow her heart rate, and she slowly crawled out of bed, legs shaky with residual excitement. Her shift was damp, and clung to her body tightly, and Lena knew she needed to change into something dry. She crossed the small room to the makeshift wardrobe, and screamed when she saw Erich sitting in his corner, and staring at her in subdued anger. 

******

******

"There are no guarantees. It might not even be her," Karl said. Renz nodded knowingly. A friend of Karl's, a physician who worked in München, had told him of a new study he was conducting. He'd been observing the health effects of industrial fumes on unwitting factory workers, and had informed Karl, with great enthusiasm, about the profound cough a young, pretty subject named Lena suffered, after only her first day. 

"I can only hope that she ended up in a factory and not on the streets," Renz said. He nervously reached for his timepiece, which he'd been checking at far too frequent intervals. 

"When are you supposed to arrive?" Karl asked. 

"Early tomorrow morning," Renz answered. He replaced his timepiece and stared straight ahead, anxious for the train to arrive. 

"How long will you stay?" Karl asked. Renz sighed. 

"As long as it takes," he answered. 

"And if you find her...and she doesn't want to return with you?" Karl asked. 

Renz tried to keep his anger under control. He didn't want to have another verbal outburst, but the suggestion that Lena might truly want nothing to do with him weighed heavily on his heart. 

"I'm not ready to think about that yet," Renz said. 

The train finally arrived, and Renz gave one last, thankful glance to Karl. 

"You are a good man, Wolfenbarger. Show that to her," Karl said. 

******

******

"How long have you been here?" Lena asked, face red with embarrassment. She watched as Erich's shoulders rose and fell with a long, steady breath. 

"Long enough," Erich replied. Lena nodded shamefully. 

"So...you don't love him?" Erich asked, his voice heavy with harsh scorn. Lena shook her head. 

"It was just a dream, Erich. Nothing more. I couldn't help it," Lena replied. 

Erich quickly stood up and stepped in front of her threateningly. He was frowning harshly, but Lena could see that his eyes were deeply hurt. And it pained her inside, to see him appear so unhappy. 

"What...do I have to do...to get him out of your heart? How long is it going to take, Lena?" Erich asked, his voice cross, yet pleading. 

Lena stared up at his sad eyes, and she realized then that she hadn't been forthcoming enough with him. She needed to do something to reassure him that she truly wanted to be with him. 

Wordlessly, Lena took a few steps back, and stood in the path of the moonlight. She kept her eyes locked on his as she slowly pulled her shift over her head, and let it fall to the floor. She stood naked in front of him, her body fully readied by her erotic dream. 

"I'm yours, Erich," Lena said softly. 

Her solid pose betrayed the anxiety she felt in her heart. She wasn't ready to give him her body, but she needed to do something to appease his fears. She'd had no idea that Erich was so unhappy.

Lena swallowed hard as Erich slowly approached her, mentally readying herself for what would come. 

Erich slowly brought his hands to her arms, and she felt his eyes sweep all over her. She could feel his breath against her skin come out in shorter and faster gasps, and Lena realized that Erich was becoming excited. 

His hand tenderly stroked the skin of her back as his other stroked her stomach, and she closed her eyes as she felt his fingers curve along the back of her neck. She slightly tilted her head, waiting for him to kiss her. 

"Open your eyes," Erich said suddenly. 

Lena silently obeyed, and was surprised to find that he didn't appear excited anymore. 

Instead, he appeared almost...disgusted. 

"What's wrong?" she asked. His frown slightly softened, but he released her from his touch. 

"I can see him all over you," he replied, his voice hard and resigned. 

"Erich...I don't want to be with him. I wish I could purge him from my mind, I truly do! I try every day!" Lena said, voice quivering in pain at the rejection. 

Erich shook his head and moved away from her. He headed towards the door, and looked back at her with a grim expression on his face. 

"I don't know how much longer I can do this," Erich said softly. Lena's tears fell over hotly, and she began panicking. 

"Erich...please. Just give me a bit more time. I can rid myself of him, I'm sure of it!" Lena cried. 

Erich didn't answer. He only stared at her with a blank, resigned expression on his face. 

Lena crossed her arms over her body in a sudden wave of shame and vulnerability, and she sank to the floor when Erich turned his back and left again, leaving her alone in their apartment for the rest of the night. 

******

******

Once Renz arrived in München, he anxiously searched for Lena. He'd met briefly with Karl's colleague to confirm that he had, in fact, seen the same woman he was searching for. The doctor had been reluctant to divulge much information, but a generous bribe of bank notes was all the encouragement he needed to provide a highly detailed description of the woman he'd seen, as well as the location of the factory where she worked. 

Renz searched the buildings surrounding the factory first. As it was Sunday, the factory was closed, but many workers still congregated around the building, hoping for more work. Their appearances filled him with both disgust and pity; they looked so poor and sick and dirty, and Renz hoped desperately that Lena's work didn't damage her that way too. She didn't deserve that. 

He spoke to several factory workers, most of whom had never seen Lena. Those that had seen her had no idea where she lived. 

As the day progressed, Renz became increasingly restless. He felt himself growing slightly weary, and he resolved to have a quick meal at a dilapidated looking pub before continuing his search. 

******

******

Lena had left the apartment very early that morning, intent on finding Erich. She spent all day walking throughout the city, hoping in vain to find him. The pain of his rejection stung terribly, but Lena was hopeful that she could make him want her again. 

And she was growing increasingly desperate to eliminate her desire for Renz. She'd had no problem dreaming of Erich when she was at Schloss Wolfenbarger, and she didn't understand why she couldn't desire him now that she was gone. She'd removed herself from Renz's grasp. Surely he couldn't influence her any longer. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 09



Lena was curled up on a small mat in her cell. Food had been deposited about an hour or two before, but it remained untouched. She'd been refusing to eat anything. And because of that, her body was very weak. 

She'd only been there for four days, but Lena had quickly learned the business of the other Wolfenbarger. He was in the business of selling flesh, and she was his newest whore. 

Lena hadn't seen any of the other women, for they were all kept cloistered in tiny cells identical to hers, each prostitute locked in her own solitude. The individual cells were all lined up next to each other in a larger, equally desolate room. The cell Lena occupied had no furniture, with the exception of a thin mat for sleeping and a small woolen blanket. The walls were stone, and there were no windows. Lena assumed that meant that she was being kept underground. Thick wooden doors covered each cell, with only a small opening for the nightly delivery of food. 

Lena only knew that there were other women based on the noises she heard. Mostly she heard the lustful sounds of grunting and moaning men. Sometimes she heard men yelling harshly. Oftentimes, she heard sounds of screaming women, and those sounds chilled her the most. 

The room felt especially drafty, and Lena curled up even tighter as her body began to shiver. Her clothes had been removed immediately after her first meeting with Aleksandr Rikhard, and replaced with a crude shift that was heavily frayed and torn. It left her arms, chest, back, and legs bare, and offered her very little protection. 

Her wrists, ankles, and neck still remained bound by iron cuffs, controlled by long iron chains that were released only when she was given her daily dousing of cold, hard water. Her movement was severely restricted by the bounds, which barely even allowed her to crawl. While waiting in the cell, where she spent the majority of her day, the chains were locked on iron hooks attached to the furthest wall, preventing her from moving very far. 

Lena had fallen into a level of despair so deep that she no longer felt any sadness. It was nearly that same, safe place she'd kept herself in after her banishment from Sterling Manor. But this time, she was far more aware of everything that was going on around her. Lena knew, however, that it would take only one more act of cruelty or extreme pain for her mind to descend into that comfortable abyss. And in some ways, she was desperate for that to happen. 

Her weak body was beginning to crave sleep when the door to her cell suddenly opened. 

"Get up, whore," she heard Felix say. 

Lena turned her back towards Felix, attempting to ignore him. 

She heard the door close, and could feel Felix approaching her. She wheezed sharply when he suddenly yanked the chain attached to the iron collar around her neck, and dragged her forward on her knees. 

His black eyes bore into hers menacingly, and Lena felt a familiar panic begin to boil in her chest. Before it could fully develop, Lena swallowed hard, and suppressed the feeling, converting it into only mild alarm. 

"Your first job is coming," Felix said. 

Lena lowered her eyes. She'd prepared herself for this. She knew it was imminent. She fought hard to keep the panic at bay, determined to force her mind to enter that cloudy, dream-like state that protected her from harm. 

She was vaguely aware of Felix as he continued to speak. 

"He is going to fuck you in any way he pleases. Here is the only sheath you'll ever be given. It is your responsibility to care for it. If you damage it, there will be no others," he said. 

Lena looked down at the thick, sallow sleeve that resembled a deflated serpent. Her stomach turned uncomfortably at the idea of numerous men wearing that same sheath inside of her. 

"If you please him, Alek may consider providing you with more...comfortable accommodations. But if you fail...you will suffer grave consequences. Do you understand?" Felix explained. 

Lena nodded slowly. She already knew what she needed to do. 

"Good girl," Felix said. He grinned at her wickedly, and Lena turned her head away in growing anguish. 

He left her alone then, and Lena closed her eyes and took several deep, calming breaths as she prepared herself for what would come. 

The door opened again several minutes later, and Lena heard slow, almost strained footsteps approaching her. She slightly shifted, knees scraping uncomfortably against the cold ground. 

"You have an hour with her. Nothing that leaves permanent marks. No blood. And nothing that cannot be...easily cleaned off. Otherwise, you can do whatever you want with her. Enjoy," she heard Felix say. 

The door closed, and Lena opened her eyes, taking in her first look of her first job. 

He was a well-dressed man, and appeared to be in his late fifties or early sixties. He had thinning white hair, and he supported his movements with a shiny black cane with what looked like a silver owl with ruby eyes on the handle. He had a large golden knuckle ring that had a similar design. The man gazed at her lecherously, and Lena fought hard to keep from becoming sick.

"You are...very fair. What is your name?" he asked. 

"Lena, sir," she replied softly. Lena felt her heartrate increase as he slowly came closer. His entire body was slightly trembling, and his breathing was heavy. Lena grimaced when he dabbed his sweating forehead with a handkerchief several times. 

"How old are you, whore?" he asked. Lena frowned and lowered her head, refusing to allow that epithet to hurt her. She kept her gaze fixed on the ground, and when she spoke, her voice was quiet, but strong. 

"Eighteen, sir," she answered. The man released a lustful groan. 

"Very nice...very young. I like that. I am going to enjoy having you very much," he said. 

Lena clenched her fists tightly as the man kneeled down next to her where she sat on the floor. He brought his hands to her legs first, and Lena bit her lip to keep her emotions under control. His wrinkled hands stroked her cold, goose-pimpled skin lewdly, and Lena became increasingly nauseous.

But she fought the feeling. She knew what was coming. She knew what she had to do to survive. She'd spent four days mentally preparing herself for it. 

"Open your mouth," she heard him say. 

Lena closed her eyes and swallowed to quell the urge to heave, and parted her lips. She felt his mouth on hers, and Lena frowned, completely disgusted. She felt his slippery tongue enter her mouth, and with a deep breath, Lena bit down on his tongue as hard as she possibly could. 

"Scheiße!" the man shouted. He stumbled back from her, and Lena spat onto the floor, desperately trying to rid her mouth of the taste of him. 

She looked up at him with a small amount of pride in her heart. His tongue was bleeding rapidly, and he was cupping his wound with a trembling hand. 

"You are never going to have me," Lena said firmly. She knew she was treading dangerous ground, but she couldn't back away. Certainly accepting this man, and any others, would have been the easiest alternative. But Lena was determined to not allow any other man to violate her.

The man became even angrier, and he struck her swiftly and hard across the face. The force was powerful enough to cause her head to crack against the stone wall, and Lena felt like her eye was on fire. 

She balled her fists and bit her inner cheek, silencing her urge to scream in pain. She could already feel warm trickles of blood rapidly streaming down the side of her face, and she began feeling lightheaded. As painful as it was, however, this was what she wanted. 

Felix had warned the man against leaving permanent marks. And Lena knew as soon as she'd heard those words that this was her key to escaping forced penetration. She'd resolved to fight any man that tried to take her the moment she'd first found out she'd been brought to a brothel. But until hearing Felix's instructions, Lena wasn't quite sure how she'd do it. But with this man, Lena now realized that keeping him angry and violent would help her avoid molestation.

"I had a feeling you were...impotent. I could barely feel that at all. How old are you, sir? Eighty? Ninety?" Lena provoked. Her voice was shaky, but her words had the desired effect. The man scowled harshly, clearly offended by her remarks on his age. 

"You dare speak to me this way you filthy slattern?" the man screamed. He hit her again much harder, and the owl decal on his large gold ring sliced the skin of her cheek. Lena felt involuntary hot tears begin to spill from her eyes, stinging sharply where they met her broken skin. 

Lena tensed her entire body as the man prepared to hit her again. His eyes were dangerous and furious, and Lena reminded herself that she preferred this to other forms of violation. 

Before he hit her, the door to the cell opened, and Felix stormed in. 

"What did I say about leaving marks?" Felix demanded. The man unclenched his fist, but he stared angrily at Felix. 

"This whore of yours...she bit me and insulted me. I'm too old for this nonsense. To hell with her," he said, storming past Felix. 

Lena lowered her head, and despite her aching wounds, she couldn't help but smile to herself. She was injured, but she had triumphed. 

"You must be awfully proud of yourself," Felix muttered. He strolled towards her and lowered himself to her level, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet. 

Lena slightly shrank away from him nervously. For although his tone was pleasant, his expression was grave. 

"He left marks," Lena said eventually, for it was the only thing she could think of to say. 

Felix glanced at her face, and nodded. He released a disappointed sigh. 

"I see that he has. I also see that you provoked them. I really wish you hadn't done that," Felix muttered. He spoke to her as if he were chastising an animal. It made her feel especially wary. 

"Why is that?" Lena asked, fear beginning to rise again. Felix stood up and began unhooking her chains, gripping them tightly in his large, veined hands. With a sudden, harsh tug, he yanked Lena forward onto her hands and knees, and dragged her out of her cell. 

"I'll let Aleksandr explain that to you," Felix said. 

Lena squirmed against the chains and cuffs, desperate to find a more comfortable position, for her skin was scraping against the unpolished stone of the floor. She tried to crawl as quickly as Felix walked, but his strides were simply too long and fast.  

Seemingly dissatisfied with her slow pace, Felix violently jerked the chain attached to the cuff around her neck. Her neck constricted, but it only made Lena faintly cough. Four days of wearing the cuff had made her bruised neck and airways far more used to the tightness. 

He dragged her to Aleksandr's office, and once he was given the invitation to enter, he placed his foot on Lena's lower stomach and kicked her inside. Lena tumbled onto the spaded carpet, and quickly became tangled in the chains. 

"Is all of that really necessary, you brute? She's just a girl," Aleksandr purred, slightly amused. Lena attempted to catch her breath as she slowly untangled herself on the floor. She was about to sit up, but Felix put his heavy boot on her back, and pushed her forward, knocking away her air supply once more. 

"This one needs more work. She bit and insulted Herr Meisner," Felix explained. 

Aleksandr's calm expression became one of surprise and distant excitement. He looked down at Lena, dark blond eyebrows arched. His smile was almost giddy, frighteningly so, and Lena began wondering just how much danger she was really in.

"Is this true, Lena? Are you using that pretty mouth of yours improperly?" he asked. 

Felix slightly removed some of his weight from her back so she could speak. Lena pushed herself up on weak arms, and noticed, with great embarrassment, that several drops of her blood had landed on the carpet.

"I am not a whore," Lena said quietly. Aleksandr burst into hard laughter then, and Lena shivered when she noticed just how much he resembled his elder brother when he laughed. 

But the more he laughed, however, Lena realized, with a great deal of odd comfort, that the two Wolfenbarger men really were distinct. Certainly, their mouths curved in the same way. They had the same straight, white teeth. They had the same faint creases around their gray eyes. 

But where Renz's laughter had playfulness, Aleksandr's, or Ludovic's, held nothing but coldness and cruelty. Renz had the laughter of a man joyful. Aleksandr had the laughter of a man sadistic. 

"Why don't you leave us for a few moments, Felix...I'll see if I can remedy this situation," Aleksandr suggested. 

"I'll be outside if you need any assistance," Felix replied. She heard Felix leave the room, and then she was alone with Aleksandr. 

Lena tried to steady her breathing as Aleksandr strolled towards her with a lazy, prolonged gait. She had a feeling he meant to intimidate her, and Lena avoided looking at him. 

He surprised her when he sat down on the floor next to her. 

"Come here, Lena...let me see what Herr Meisner did to you," Aleksandr said softly. His sudden subdued tone shocked her, and Lena was unable to react when he gently pulled her to her feet by hooking his hands under her shoulders. Lena nearly fell over once she was standing, but Aleksandr held onto her as he sat down in a large armchair. He snaked his arm around her waist, and Lena was trapped on his lap.

She tried to jerk away when she felt his hand on her chin, but Aleksandr gave her a condescending tut. She blinked very hard to keep from crying as she felt his hand on her face, tenderly wiping away the drying blood and tears. She winced in pain when he touched an especially painful spot just beneath her eye, and she dug her fingernails into her palms to keep from crying out.

"Now this is just a real shame. I may have no future dealings with Herr Meisner because of you. We have very strict rules against permanent marks. But for him to strike your face...that's just unforgivable. This one may even scar," Aleksandr remarked, noting the sharp cut she had from Herr Meisner's ring. 

His words disturbed her, and Lena began feeling very angry. 

"Had I not bled, it would have been acceptable? Just what kind of brothel is this?" Lena demanded. 

The hand that had been tenderly stroking her face suddenly pressed very hard against her swelling eye. His knuckles bored into the tender flesh, and Lena shrieked and wriggled in his arms, desperate to escape the pain. It shot through her entire face, and felt completely unbearable. 

Suddenly, however, he stopped, and continued his gentle caresses of her face. If it wasn't for the lingering sharp pain that was powerful enough to make her entire body shake, Lena would have been certain she'd imagined his brief change in touch. When he spoke again, his voice was still even and pleasant, frighteningly so. 

"Be careful with your tone, Lena. If you try asking again nicely, I will tell you whatever you wish...on the condition that you answer a few questions for me as well," Aleksandr said. 

Lena sighed heavily, resigned to play his game for the time being. 

"Sir...please tell me what kind of brothel this is," Lena said softly. 

Aleksandr moved his hand away from her face, and brought it to her bare knee. She watched him with concern as he circled her knee with his fingertips, so softly that it almost tickled. 

"There are many kinds of prostitutes, Lena. There are mistresses of gentlemen that are showered in wealth. Disease-infested, street-level whores that trade a quick fuck for a few marks. Women that have sex with other women for the viewing pleasure of their patrons," Aleksandr began. 

Lena watched Aleksandr's hand as it moved away from her knee, and began touching the skin of her inner thigh. She slightly squirmed against him, to discourage him from reaching higher. But Aleksandr was not dissuaded, and continued to touch her increasingly private skin. 

"Is that what you expected of me when you brought me here?" Lena asked shakily. Aleksandr laughed, and slightly pushed up her shift. 

"Oh no, Lena. That is not the kind of whore you are. You my dear, along with the six other women in this sect, cater to the type of depraved men that hunger only for seeing a young, beautiful woman abused and humiliated," Aleksandr explained. 

Lena gasped in shock, not quite believing what he was saying. Surely that was absolutely monstrous. 

"Now tell me Lena...how well do you know my brother?" Aleksandr asked. Lena paused and bit her lip, unsure of how to answer. 

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said quickly. 

Aleksandr suddenly tightened his grip in her hair, and with his free hand, slapped her swollen eye with a loud crack. Lena shrieked in pain and fell out of his lap, knees burning against the sudden impact of the rug. 

Lena was a crying mess as Aleksandr advanced on her, and she tried feebly to crawl away from him. She got tangled in her chains, however, and fell forward, aching face slamming against the floor. 

"I really don't like liars, Lena. I saw how you reacted to my full name. And let's not forget Erich. He spent hours telling me of where you came from. Were you Renz's whore first, Lena?" Aleksandr asked, calm demeanor gone. 

His booming voice was loud enough to make her ears ring, and Lena whimpered in fear when he yanked her up on her tiptoes, suspending her by the cuff on her neck. It tightened her airways uncomfortably, and Lena began to visciously cough, desperate for air. She became terrified for her health when the metallic flavor of her own blood suddenly came up through her throat. She folded her lips in fear, frightened of what would happen if it spilled onto Aleksandr. 

Aleksandr stared down at her, gray eyes cold and hostile. 

"Did your family banish you because you became a whore for Renz? Did he fuck you in every room of Schloss Wolfenbarger? Did Renz throw you away once he realized you are nothing more than a worthless whore?" Aleksandr taunted. His expression was wildly angry, but also...aroused, and Lena was terrified of him. 

But she was also furious that he'd used that word again. 

Almost as if she were possessed, Lena emptied the bloody contents of her mouth, aiming directly for his face. Aleksandr released her and stumbled back, vigorously wiping his face in disgust. 

"I...am not...a whore," Lena said. 

Aleksandr's anger seemed to fade, and was replaced by that same lighthearted amusement he'd had just moments before. He started laughing as he wiped his face, and Lena realized that the sight of him howling, with her blood smeared on his skin, made him appear even more horrific. 

"Why Lena...who would've thought you had this much fight in you," Aleksandr said, between cold laughs. 

Lena swallowed hard, throat feeling suddenly raw. 

She slowly crawled away from him as he began to advance on her, and Lena wondered if he would hit her again, or even kill her. 

"I thought for sure you were just another pathetic, weak little girl. This has certainly made for an interesting evening. But my dear...my clients do not pay for rebellion. They do not pay for strength. They spend lots of money to see girls like you...broken," Aleksandr said softly. 

Lena frowned angrily and shook her head. Her face felt like it was on fire from the coursing pain, but she did not let that deter what little remained of her will. 

"I am not broken," she said hoarsely. Aleksandr smiled down at her, and it almost looked like his eyes were filled with pity. But once Lena heard his menacing voice, she knew that he wasn't capable of sympathy. 

"You'll find I have many ways of breaking a woman. I vow to you, Lena, you will leave this room tonight a broken, defeated whore."




The Taking of Lena Ch. 09



******

******

Renz paced anxiously as he waited in the bar of the lounge. He craved a strong drink, but he knew he needed to remain as alert as possible. Lena had been missing for four days, and he was no closer to finding her. 

For his brother was as elusive as he was cunning. Not even yet thirty years old, he navigated the seedy underworld of München with a prowess that rivaled the experience of a man twice his age. To the world that knew him as Ludovic Wolfenbarger, his money was a result of successful coal mining. But to those that knew him as Aleksandr Rikhard, he built his fortune on the bodies of desperate and poor young women. 

Renz had checked every "A.R." brothel he could find, for he was certain that was where Lena had been taken. To his disappointment and increasing fear, Lena was nowhere to be found in these standard whorehouses. He knew she'd been taken to a place especially deplorable, where women rarely survived longer than a few months. 

He waited several more minutes, becoming increasingly agitated. But finally, a young man, perhaps around Erich's age, approached him. Renz quickly glanced down at the man's wrist, and sighed with relief when he saw the red spade. 

"Are you the one searching for Aleksandr Rikhard?" he asked. Renz nodded, and attempted to remain as collected as possible. 

"Yes. I want to buy one of his girls," Renz said. 

The man appeared briefly suspicious, and Renz rolled his eyes, knowing instantly what he needed to do. 

He reached into his jacket pocket and handed the man a roll of bank notes. The suspicion vanished, and the man greeted him much like an old friend.

"Of course, sir. We have many lovely women here—"

"I'm looking for something...much more specific. Alek will know what that means," Renz said. The man's eyes suddenly filled with recognition, and he seemed to become slightly nervous around Renz. 

"Ah...those girls. I understand. How soon were you looking to acquire?" the man asked. 

"As soon as possible," Renz replied. The man nodded knowingly. 

"It may be as many as several hours...you may sample any woman here while you wait," the man offered. Renz shook his head. 

"I have very specific tastes. And I am in a hurry. How soon can I see...these particular women?" Renz asked. The man swallowed hard. 

"I understand that a...man of your stature may strongly value discretion. However, a name might...expedite the process," the man said. 

Renz sighed, fully prepared to play his brother's sick game, as long as it meant getting Lena back. 

"Give him the name Jäger Niklas." 

******

******

Aleksandr had called Felix back into the room, for Lena had not yet lost her will to fight. He'd tried hitting her face again, but Lena continued to spit blood at him. The coughing had definitely damaged her throat, and Lena knew she needed to worry about it. But right now, she was going to take advantage of whatever rupture had occurred. 

But Lena was momentarily shaken when Aleksandr ordered Felix to strip her of her shift. Lena squirmed and thrashed, but the shift fell from her body with ease. Lena released a cry of humiliation as she curled up against her chest, desperate to hide her nakedness. 

"You know what's next, Felix. Put her on her stomach and keep her still," Aleksandr instructed. 

Felix didn't even look directly at Lena as he repositioned her body. Lena tried to reign in her panic, to go back to that place of strength, but these two men were overpowering her. 

Her chin dug into the carpet as Felix held her body down. She could hear Aleksandr sliding over that horrible iron stand he'd attached her to the first day she'd met him, and her heart began to pound fearfully. The two men gripped her chains, fastening her to the stand. 

All of a sudden, Lena felt herself hoisted into the air, dangling at knees' length above the spaded carpet. The chains of her ankles and wrists were supporting her weight, and the pressure was close to unbearable. She could feel her skin chafe painfully, and Lena wondered how long she'd be kept in this position. 

"Hand me her shift," Aleksandr said. 

Felix did as he ordered, and Lena had to strain to see him, but the cuff around her neck would not allow her to turn her head very far. She could hear the men moving behind her, but she couldn't see what they were doing. The only comfortable position for her head to be in was staring straight down at the floor. 

"This will hurt, Lena. Probably more than anything you've ever felt. I've taken measures to avoid breaking your skin, but you will feel powerful pain nonetheless. Do you understand me, worthless whore?" Aleksandr asked. 

Lena bit her lip in anger, and she shook her head, chafing the skin of her neck. 

"I am not a whore," Lena said quietly. 

She felt a sudden, excruciating strike against the naked skin of her back, and Lena screamed in agony. Lena couldn't tell what it was, but it felt heavy and metallic, perhaps covered by cloth. She wasn't certain, but she felt like it would break her back. 

Lena's body swayed precariously above the rug, her wrists and ankles grinding against their cuffs. Her stretched body made the pain of the blow even more excruciating, but nothing could have prepared her for the strikes that followed. 

"My patrons...pay large sums of money...to humiliate...weak...whores. You are nothing...but a worthless whore," Aleksandr shouted between assaults. Each blow was more powerful than the last, and Lena felt like her spine was moments away from snapping. 

She could hear Aleksandr breathing raggedly, and she wondered if he was beginning to tire. But he quickly regained his strength and began beating her again.

"I am not a whore!" Lena cried out. 

Lena heard a disconcerting cracking sound after one especially violent strike, and a sharp pain shot through the left side of her torso. The searing force of the pain felt like she was being repeatedly stabbed, and it was so powerful that Lena began feeling nauseous. Her vision blurred with hot tears as she tried to suppress the sickness, but it would not be contained. After several painful heaves that burned her throat, Lena retched onto the carpet.

Once her stomach contractions stopped, Lena felt dazed, almost blissfully. She became less and less aware of the pain in her body, and she knew she was approaching that safe, dissociated place. 

Aleksandr wordlessly unhooked her from the iron stand, and Lena fell to the floor, her body heavy and weak. 

Lena noticed that Aleksandr looked very disheveled. He was sweating, his hair had fallen, and Lena saw that he'd removed his jacket and pushed up his sleeves. His breathing was labored, and he looked like he'd performed some great exercise. 

"Do you have anything to say for yourself, Lena?" he asked. 

Lena smiled faintly at him, and it caused Aleksandr to look at her in angered bewilderment. Lena blinked several times to clear her vision, and stared back at him determinedly. 

When she finally spoke, her voice was barely a whisper. 

"I am not...and will never be...your whore," Lena said. 

Lena's mind entered that safe space again, and she was no longer aware of Aleksandr Rikhard. 

******

******

"Well this is certainly a surprise...Jäger Niklas," Aleksandr said, overly annunciating Renz's middle names. Renz gave an insincere smile and slightly bowed his head. 

"You look well, brother," Renz remarked. 

Aleksandr smiled widely, and suddenly lunged forward, locking Renz in a tight embrace. Renz tried not to show his revulsion as he lightly returned the affection. 

"After all these years...I knew you'd come around eventually. Please, come in!" Aleksandr gestured cordially to his office. 

Renz entered the office, which was located underground, directly beneath the brothel. His eyes immediately went to an iron contraption of sorts, which Renz recognized as a torture device. 

He hoped desperately that his brother hadn't used it on Lena. 

"Can I offer you a drink? Sherry? Brandy? Scotch?" Aleksandr asked. 

Renz sighed impatiently, but he tried to maintain composure. He needed to get Lena out as soon as possible, and he knew that wouldn't happen if he overreacted. 

"Scotch for me, thank you," Renz replied. 

He sat down in a red armchair, and a very tall, bald man handed Renz his drink. 

"I would have never guessed that you would come around to this...genre of my business," Aleksandr mentioned. Renz quickly downed his drink, swallowing far too fast to appreciate the flavor. 

"I've had a bit of a change of heart. When you first proposed this all those years ago...I was far too closed-minded. I now understand that there is a viable market for this type of business," Renz replied. He studied Aleksandr carefully, wondering if he believed everything he said. 

"Well, I am very glad to have my brother back. Ava is due any day now, did you know?" Aleksandr asked. 

"Already? You must be quite thrilled," Renz answered. Aleksandr's smile widened enthusiastically, and he sat down in front of Renz. He lit a cigar, and spicy smoke began to fill the room. 

"Certainly I am...and you must know...if the child is a boy—"

"You don't need to worry about that. If you have a son...he will receive what is entitled to him when he comes of age. He will be a Wolfenbarger," Renz answered truthfully. 

Aleksandr slightly frowned, and he paused for several moments. 

"What if...what if we combined, and put the past behind us once and for all. We are Johann Wolfenbarger's last heirs. Surely you know of how powerful our name can be if we're together, as true brothers. We'd be the most commanding force in the German empire," Aleksandr suggested. 

His eyes were wide and hopeful, and for a brief moment, Renz felt slightly sorry for his younger brother. He'd grown up with the family name, but none of the privileges of having it. 

But the feeling immediately vanished when Renz remembered the course that Aleksandr had chosen to take. Renz had originally offered Aleksandr a substantial portion of the Wolfenbarger fortune once Johann had died. But the illegitimate son had wanted nothing to do with Johann's money. He'd been determined to become wealthy on his own, even if it meant exploiting young women. 

And now that he'd achieved a highly competitive level of affluence, Renz knew that Aleksandr only maintained this depraved form of prostitution for his own twisted pleasure. 

"Perhaps we can discuss sometime at Schloss Wolfenbarger. Wouldn't you like to see your niece?" Aleksandr said suddenly. 

Renz hadn't even realized he'd stopped paying attention, and he nodded tersely. 

There was a knock on the door, and Aleksandr stood up excitedly. 

"I was hoping I might collect what I came for. I need to return north very soon," Renz called. Aleksandr adjusted his jacket and slightly tugged on his collar. 

"You will, brother. But you see...you've come on a very special night. We're going to have a lot of fun," Aleksandr said. He smiled in a sadistic way that reminded Renz of his father, and Renz suddenly began feeling very uneasy. 

Aleksandr opened the door, and five men in formalwear casually strolled inside, two of whom Renz vaguely recognized from Berlin. 

"Welcome gentlemen, as you can see...we have one more joining us tonight. But I assure you, none of you will be going home empty handed. Felix, why don't you bring in our entertainment for the evening?" Aleksandr said. 

Felix bowed cordially, and silently slipped past Aleksandr's clients. 

******

******

Lena stared blankly at the wall in her cell. She found that if she breathed as softly as possible, and didn't move, she could almost control the horrible pain that shook her entire body.

The wounds on her face stung terribly. Her bruised back felt like it was only moments from shattering. The cell was becoming increasingly cold, causing Lena to cough harder and more often, straining her already damaged throat and chest. That broken piece inside of her made it hard for her to breathe, rendering each harsh cough even more unbearable than before. 

Lena had a feeling that she wouldn't last much longer. But that idea didn't much scare her. Her body was beaten, but she'd protected herself from a far more devastating form of violation. She would not die as a violated woman. She would not die as a whore.

Lena began to drift in and out of consciousness, her body's natural defense against her pain. As she became sleepier, Lena tried to latch onto something, a happy memory that would give her pleasant dreams. 

Her thoughts automatically centered on Renz, during their trip to Berlin. 

A part of her thought she should feel ashamed, longing for Renz after everything he'd done. But Lena knew in her heart that despite her pain, lying in bed with Renz, after the opera, after she'd offered herself to him, and after he'd taken her, was the happiest she'd ever been. 

******

******

******

"Are you sleeping, Lena?" Renz asked. Lena slightly shifted and looked up at Renz. He was giving her that same look he'd given her at the opera, the look of a man in sheer wonder. Lena slightly blushed, but she enjoyed his admiration. 

"No. I took a nap today, remember? Just like you told me to," Lena answered. Renz smiled widely, teeth glittering in the moonlight. 

"That was only for your own good. You needed the rest," Renz replied teasingly. 

"I was not tired. I am accustomed to very long hours of work, you know," Lena answered defensively. Renz chuckled and kissed her forehead, subtly solidifying his grip around her waist beneath the silky sheets of the large hotel bed. 

"I know, Lena. But you're no longer a servant. You're going to have to learn how to exhaust yourself with activities of leisure and pleasure instead," Renz said. 

Lena considered this, unsure of how she felt about his words. 

"That's not who I am," Lena said softly. Renz brought his kisses to her cheeks. 

"I think it is, Lena. You were delectable in a maid uniform and even my shirts, but you're a vision in fine clothing. Surely you noticed everyone staring at you today," Renz said. Truthfully, she hadn't noticed any stares. She'd been far too engaged in observing each part of the city Renz had taken her to. 

"I remember stares yesterday...before I had clothes. I'm certain everyone thought I was a lowly perversion," Lena replied. She could feel Renz pause briefly, but then he resumed his soft kisses. 

"And today, I'm certain everyone thought you were a visiting princess," Renz said playfully. Lena couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of his statement. 

"I'm hardly royalty, sir," Lena replied. Renz suddenly sat up, and Lena stared at him in anticipation. 

"Have I said something wrong?" she asked, beginning to grow nervous. Renz smiled softly at her. 

"I think I take exception to that, Lena," Renz said, getting out of bed. His absence made her aware of just how cold the room was, and Lena curled up in the sheets as tightly as possible, missing his large warmth. 

She watched him as he stood out of bed, facing away from her. He was tall and proud in all of his naked, muscular glory as he walked out of the room, and Lena watched him in awe. She felt a slight ache in her heart when the moonlight caught the scars on his back, but then she lowered her eyes, and was unable to look away from the tempting sight of his muscled, taut buttocks. 

When he re-entered, Lena slightly whimpered as her body began to react to the frontal view of his naked body. She licked her lips as his athletic form approached her, his cock large and dominant even at rest. By the time Renz crawled back into bed, Lena was eager to take him inside of her. 

But to her surprise, he did not initiate another session of sex. Instead, he handed her a black velvet rectangular box. 

"What is this?" Lena asked, nervously sitting up. Renz slightly smiled, his gaze impish and seductive. 

"A small piece of royalty," Renz replied. 

Lena tentatively opened the box, and only a tiny peek was enough to make her gasp and close it in embarrassment. 

"This must be a mistake...you need to return it!" Lena exclaimed. Renz seemed to find her discomfort amusing, and he chuckled as he shook his head. 

"You haven't even looked at it yet, Lena. How do you already know that you don't like it?" Renz countered. 

Lena sighed and reluctantly opened the box again, and she was breathless when she observed the necklace it contained. 

A large, softly squared bright yellow diamond sat at the base of a double strand of colorless, smaller square diamonds. Even in the darkness of the room, the necklace was scintillating. Lena thought for certain that if she looked at it in daylight, she would be blinded. The center stone reminded Lena of the sun. 

"You agreed to allow me to buy beautiful things for you," Renz reminded eventually. Lena exhaled sharply, finally realizing that she'd been holding her breath as she stared at the necklace. 

"I don't feel comfortable with this, sir. I beg you...please return it," Lena said. 

The teasing faded, and Renz stared at Lena seriously. They maintained eye contact for several prolonged moments, and when Renz spoke again, she felt his words pulling at her heart. 

"I did not buy this for you because of access to your body. I do not think of you as a prostitute. I bought this for you...simply because I think you will enjoy it, and wear it beautifully," Renz said. 

Lena swallowed hard, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by what he was saying. 

"Would it please you...to see me wear it?" Lena asked shyly. 

"Very much, Lena," Renz replied. Lena nodded slowly, and after one last glance at the tiny piece of sunshine in the box, she closed it and handed it to him. 

"I would feel better if you held onto it...please. I don't know how to keep jewelry like this," Lena admitted. Renz's smile returned, and he placed the box on the cushion at the bottom of the bed. 

"Is this why you forced me to nap?" Lena asked as Renz settled back into bed, pulling her along with him. Renz released a low tone that sounded like a rumble in his chest. 

"Partially. I also needed a bit of privacy," Renz replied. 

Lena suddenly became oddly alarmed by his admission, and she wondered if he was already beginning to tire of her. She hated that the idea of Renz being exhausted of her actually filled her with fear and sorrow. 

Almost as if he could sense her thoughts, Renz pulled her tighter against his body and began gently stroking her arms. 

"It's a good thing, Lena. We'll talk about it more when we return home," Renz said, dipping his mouth into her neck. His low, slightly sleepy voice was beginning to have an odd stirring effect in her lower belly, and Lena pushed her thighs tightly together, slightly embarrassed. 

Lena bit her lip as he kissed her sensitive skin. She'd never heard him use the word home, with the intention of including her. Lena felt confused and excited all at once, and she felt her heart begin to race in anticipation. 

"What's wrong?" Renz asked, sitting up on his elbow. He looked down at her with concern in his eyes, and Lena felt a sudden, overwhelming fondness for him. 

"Take me again," Lena said suddenly. Renz softly smiled at her, and stroked her cheek with his fingertips. 

"You're going to be very sore in the morning if we do anything else right now Lena. I was...quite rough with you tonight," Renz said. Lena shook her head quickly. She knew she wasn't thinking properly, but she needed Renz again. The warm feeling she had for him was so strong, that she needed to do something physical about it. 

"Please sir," Lena pleaded softly. Renz's gray eyes twinkled, and he reached beneath the sheets, and pulled Lena's body against his solid chest as tightly as possible. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 09



"Who am I to refuse you," Renz muttered lowly, searching for her lips. 

Their mouths pressed together, and Lena felt the warmth within her surge erratically. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with her entire body, eagerly seeking out his flavor. 

Renz released that same, seductive rumbling in his chest, and pulled her thighs up around his waist. Lena could feel Renz hardening against her naked body, and she moaned in pleasure when she felt his large hands cup the cheeks of her bottom firmly. 

Lena squirmed and wiggled against his body as their kisses became hungrier and more desperate. Her body readied for him very quickly, and Lena gripped his shoulders, in an attempt to pull him on top of her. 

To her surprise, Renz rolled over onto his back, pulling her on top of him. 

"This way...you can be careful not to hurt yourself," Renz whispered in her ear. Lena became completely overcome with affection for Renz, and she captured his mouth again, kissing him deeply. 

She could feel Renz slipping his hands down her body, caressing her waist and her back and her legs. When he brought his hand to her pussy, Lena moaned loudly in satisfaction. His fingers gently stroked her clit in tender circles as they kissed, exciting her body and readying her for his. 

Lena reached down between their heated skin, and gripped his cock in her hand. She caressed him urgently, causing Renz to groan loudly and smile provocatively. Lena sat up on her knees, and positioned herself above him. She held his cock in her hand as she slowly slid down his length, guiding him inside of her. 

Lena pressed her hands against his chest as she slowly sank down to the hilt. When he was fully buried inside of her, Lena paused for several moments, enjoying how fully at home she felt. She could feel her body reacting to his size, stretching and yielding for him. When she felt ready, she caught his lustful gaze, and began to move on him. 

Lena started with slow movements, just gently thrusting her body up and down. She did feel sore, and wanted to protect herself. But the feeling of Renz became overwhelming and irresistible, and Lena instead embraced quick, impassioned movements. The sound of Renz's moans only encouraged her further, and eventually, Lena was rapidly pumping her body onto his cock. 

She could feel Renz's hands all over her body, stroking her stomach and gripping her breasts. Lena gasped in surprise when she suddenly felt Renz's tongue swirling around her nipple, and her toes curled as her excitement began to surge. 

Renz played with her other nipple with his tongue and his lips, softly nipping her with his teeth. Lena squirmed on his hips as she continued moving over him, and she felt her inner walls begin to throb. 

Renz reached between her legs, mouth still attached to her breast, and began stroking her clit again, bringing out her orgasm. His powerful eyes flicked up to hers, and Lena began to topple over into her pleasured frenzy.

"Are you mine, Lena?" Renz asked, swirling his tongue around. Lena squealed until she became hoarse as she shattered around his body, moisture spilling onto him. She collapsed on his chest as she slowly moved over him, locking her lips against his. She squeezed her body as tightly around his cock as she could, and Renz released his nearly peaked growl. 

"Yes...Renz. I'm yours," she whispered. 

Renz shouted loudly, and Lena moaned in satisfaction as he released inside of her. 

******

******

******

Lena sighed and closed her eyes, continuing to replay other images from their trip. It had been just over a month, but it already felt like years before. 

Lena tried harder to remember everything from their stay, and after a while, she began recalling her favorite details. She remembered the way Renz had slept, always so close to her. He'd kept his arms wrapped around her all throughout their nights, possessing her even in his dreams. 

She thought about the way he'd shown her the city, always offering her his arm with a cordial bow as if she were royalty. Renz was more than aware of her lack of social standing, but he'd paraded her and included her, inviting her into his world of beauty and pleasure. 

Lena closed her eyes and tried to conjure as many physical qualities of Renz as possible. She thought about his aphrodisiac taste, and his clean, masculine scent. She thought of the sight of his naked body, his smile, the feeling of his hard skin, and the seductive, low timbre of his voice. 

She didn't even notice when Felix entered, for she was too caught up in her dream state. Felix wordlessly dragged her by her chains, because she couldn't even be bothered to move of her own accord.

Lena continued dreaming of Renz as Felix pushed her into Aleksandr's office. She didn't move from the position she'd been thrown in, content to continue enjoying the protective blockage her fantasy gave her. 

Lena eventually opened her eyes, and to her utmost delight, she saw a vision of Renz staring down at her. 

******

******

Renz looked down at Lena, and he was rendered both immobile and speechless. He couldn't believe how much she'd changed in their short time apart, and her appearance made his heart ache. 

Lena was thinner than he had ever seen her, so thin that he wondered how she was even alive. Her previously gently tanned skin was pale and ashen, her lovely brown hair tangled and frayed. She wore an ill-fitting shift that barely covered her body, and he was horrified by the knobs and bones he noticed through areas where it was torn. 

But Renz was not prepared for the effect the sight of her wounds had on him. Lena had been beaten, very badly. Her back was badly bruised and welted, discolored with deep reds and purples. One of her eyes was swelling, and she had a sharp red cut across her cheekbone. Dried blood and dirt was caked onto her face, and Renz was filled with a dangerous, overwhelming sense of fury. 

But then he looked at Lena's bright blue eyes, and he was truly surprised by what he found there. She wasn't gazing at him in fear, anger, or sorrow. Instead, Lena looked almost...blissful, as if she were in a pleasant daze. 

"Lena has only been here a few days, and is unfortunately not as well trained as our other whores. Because of this, we can start the bidding at two hundred marks," he heard Aleksandr say. 

The room immediately erupted into booming bids, but Renz wasn't very aware. He was too fixated on Lena, wondering why she was gazing at him so strangely. Wasn't she aware of where she was? Or was she just too far damaged to care?

"Five thousand marks," Renz heard himself say. He couldn't take his eyes off of Lena. There was a momentary silence in the room, and then another voice. 

"Seven thousand marks!" a man said. Renz finally took his gaze away from Lena, and glared threateningly at the speaker. It was one of the men he recognized from Berlin, Herr Rotz. 

"Ten thousand marks," Renz countered, his eyes still squared on Herr Rotz. He clenched his fist impatiently, waiting for the announcement that he'd won the bid. All he wanted was to take Lena home as soon as possible. He'd come for these animals later. 

Renz watched as Herr Rotz glanced at Lena, who was still curled up on the floor. 

"You're mine, little whore," Herr Rotz muttered quietly. Renz felt his tenuous control of his rage snap. Herr Rotz was about to offer his counter bid, but Renz lunged forward in anger, and struck him before he could speak. 

******

******

Lena was jolted into full awareness by sound of bodies colliding. She gazed around in bewilderment, frightened by the number of unfamiliar faces in the room. 

But then she saw Renz. And Lena was instantly filled with joy.

Aleksandr angrily stalked towards Renz, and pulled him off of an older man with great difficulty. Renz was still violently fuming, and he lunged toward the man again. 

"Felix, take everyone upstairs. Now," Aleksandr said coldly. Like a trained animal, Felix immediately stood, and folded his arms firmly. The other men of the room did not need any further instruction as they stood up and exited the office, several grumbling in disappointment. 

When they were finally alone, Aleksandr released Renz. 

"What the hell is wrong with you? You've humiliated me for a whore! Do you have any idea how much I was going to earn tonight?" Aleksandr demanded. Renz ran a hand through his hair, and clenched his hard jaw in anger. 

"Renz?" Lena whispered softly. Renz quickly approached her, and Lena's heart surged when she felt his large hands on her shoulders. He was really, truly there. She wasn't fantasizing, dreaming, or hallucinating. He'd truly come for her.

"I'm going to get you out of here, sweetheart," Renz said softly. 

The sound of his voice, so worried but also comforting, shattered her. Lena was overcome with all of the emotion she'd been suppressing for the last month, and she immediately burst into hysterical tears. Lena weakly leaned forward into his chest, and Renz wrapped his arms around her trembling back. She had no idea how the night would turn out. But for now, she felt safe. 

"The hell you are. What makes you think I'm going to give her back to you?" Aleksandr asked. Renz continued to cradle Lena, refusing to let her go. 

"How much do you want, Alek? I'll give you anything, just let me take Lena," Renz said. 

Lena slightly sniffled, and she looked up at Renz's younger brother. Aleksandr appeared pensive, and suddenly, he smiled. 

"I've done quite well for myself...but I certainly don't have the advantage of a Wolfenbarger inheritance," Aleksandr said. Renz sighed, but nodded knowingly. 

"Done. Now undo these chains on her," Renz replied. 

"I don't want money. Give me the deed to Schloss Wolfenbarger, and you can have Lena," Aleksandr said. 

Lena gasped, and stared up at Renz, wondering if he would choose to leave her. She felt both pained and relieved when she saw Renz lower his head and nod slowly. 

"It's yours. Now undo these chains on her," Renz repeated. Aleksandr chuckled and shook his head in disbelief, but he reached into his pocket, producing the keys. 

He reached for Lena's ankles first, and after a tense moment, the cuffs were released. Lena felt blood surge through her feet, and Renz brought his hand down to her ankles, massaging the sore, scratched skin tenderly. 

"Your wrists, Lena," Aleksandr said. Lena weakly extended her arms, and Aleksandr unlocked the cuffs. Her hands tingled much like her feet, but Lena immediately reached for Renz, desperate to feel him, to touch him again. A part of her was afraid that if she didn't hold onto him, he would vanish. 

"You're going to be all right, Lena," Renz said soothingly. Her tears were beginning to subside, but her body still shook from dry sobs. 

"Renz," Lena whispered again. Renz looked down at her, his tired face still handsome enough to make her heart flutter, even in her weakened state. 

"I'm here, Lena," he said softly. 

"You're going to have to release her so I can undo her neck," Aleksandr mentioned. Renz eyed his brother suspiciously, but after a few moments, he reluctantly removed his arms from around Lena. Lena whined in disapproval, but Renz softly shhed her. 

"Only another moment, Lena," Renz said. 

Lena tried to take comfort in his words as she stood up on shaky legs. It felt so strange to stand on her own, and for several moments, she felt dizzy and nearly fell over. 

She reached for her hair, gathering it at the top of her head to expose the keyhole of the last cuff. She tensed her body as she felt Aleksandr's hand on her neck, desperate for him to remove that last confine. 

She could hear him fumbling with the lock, and to her chagrin, it wouldn't open. 

"I need a different key," Aleksandr said. Lena stared at Renz as he watched his brother, his gaze growing more and more grave. 

She watched Renz's expression rapidly change as Aleksandr reached into his jacket. Lena felt the cuff around her neck tighten dangerously, and Renz scowled harshly, ready to attack his brother. 

But before he lunged forward, Lena felt a cool metal object against her temple. Her knees began to tremble when she heard the sobering click of the pistol, and her heart broke when she saw Renz's face grow pale with horror. 

"If I kill her...it would destroy you, wouldn't it?" Aleksandr said. Renz clenched his fists angrily, and Lena could see a slight twitching in his jaw. She'd never seen Renz look more furious.

"You have...one chance to release her," Renz warned. 

Aleksandr tightened his grip on the chain, causing Lena to stand on her toes. She began to cough and wheeze as she reached for the cuff around her neck, in a futile attempt to loosen the grip. 

"And why should I? I owe you nothing. Unlike you, I have worked for everything I have. Lena is mine, and if it be my whim, I can end her," Aleksandr said coldly, sliding the barrel to her face. He pressed it below her swollen eye, and Lena hoarsely screamed in pain. She kicked and writhed in an attempt to escape, feet tangling where the excess chain met the floor. 

"Lena is not yours," Renz said darkly, slowly beginning to approach Aleksandr. Aleksandr laughed as he slowly retreated, dragging Lena with him.

"She's certainly not yours, brother. She's only here because her lover Erich couldn't deliver good work. Erich came to me...desperate for money to wed this little whore," Aleksandr said. 

Lena looked down at her feet as she became overcome with dizziness from lack of air. But she was furious that Aleksandr had used that word again. Lena latched onto her anger, allowing it to steadily boil within her body. 

She noticed that there was a great deal of excess chain pooled between her ankles, and Lena saw this as her opportunity. She bit her lip and gripped the excess chain, and swiftly flung it over her shoulders, locking it around Aleksandr's neck. Aleksandr fell over, carrying Lena with him. Lena pulled on the chain as hard as she could, tightening her collar as well as the hold around his neck. She could feel Aleksandr violently thrashing and choking behind her, but Lena was possessed with fury. She refused to let Aleksandr call her a whore again. 

Renz rapidly approached where Lena and Aleksandr lay tangled. Lena released a silent shriek when she noticed Aleksandr gain a solid grip on his pistol. He fired once, hitting Renz in the shoulder. 

Lena felt hot tears spill over her eyes as Renz slightly retreated, cupping his shoulder and cursing loudly. She squirmed violently, desperate to keep Aleksandr from firing again. She didn't care that she was strangling herself with her movements. She just had to keep Aleksandr from killing Renz. 

Aleksandr clicked his pistol, readying for another shot. But just before he fired, Renz reached into his jacket with his remaining strong arm. And with a calmness and swift determination that chilled Lena to her core, Renz fired twice, barely missing Lena's body, and hitting Aleksandr in the chest. 

Aleksandr's body twitched several times, but then he lay lifeless on the floor. Lena became suddenly overwhelmed with sickness once she realized she was entangled with a dead body, and she struggled to free herself from the chains. 

Renz walked towards Lena, clenching the fist of his injured shoulder. He wordlessly kneeled on the floor, untangling Lena from Aleksandr's body. 

"Sir?" Lena said quietly. 

Renz didn't answer. He slightly pushed his brother's body, searching for the keys to the cuffs. Once he found them, he brought them to the lock on Lena's neck, wincing slightly as he turned the key. The cuff resisted, but finally released, and Lena took in several deep, grateful breaths. 

"We need to leave, Lena. His dogs will be coming soon," Renz said. His voice sounded slightly strained, and Lena wanted desperately to reach out to him. But Renz still had that subdued fury. 

"You're injured," Lena said quietly. Renz shook his head. 

"You need a doctor far more than I do right now, Lena," Renz replied. He stood up then, and wrapped his uninjured arm around Lena's waist, supporting her as he walked. 

Lena realized that her added weight probably strained him more than necessary, and she softly tried to remove herself from his hold. Renz growled, a combination of pain and anger, and tightened his hold on her body. 

"Sir?" Lena said quietly. Renz looked down at her, and Lena saw that his anger had slightly faded. Instead, he looked almost terrified, and it was then that Lena realized that maybe Renz cared for her. 

"You know damn well I'm not letting you out of my sight," he said firmly. Lena lowered her head and nodded, knowing she shouldn't argue with him. 

And truthfully, it was Lena who was determined to not let him out of hers. 



The Taking of Lena Ch. 10



"Take a deep breath for me, Lena," Karl said. 

Lena nodded and inhaled slowly, filling her lungs to their capacity. The metal disc of the stethoscope was cold against her back, but Lena tried not to complain. In truth, she was very grateful that Karl had been caring for her. 

"Now exhale very quickly...almost like you're trying to cough," Karl said. 

Lena rapidly released the air, and her body shook with faint coughs once her lungs were nearly emptied. 

Karl removed his earpieces and wrapped his instrument around his neck. Lena pulled down her pale blue lace dressing gown, one of the many fine, unworn pieces that had been purchased for her in Berlin. 

"Am I getting healthier?" Lena asked. Karl gave her a quick smile.

"Your lungs are healing quite nicely. Another few days and I don't think you'll need me anymore. But you need to continue to rest for now," Karl encouraged. 

Lena sighed and slid back beneath the covers. Resting in the beautiful suite of Schloss Wolfenbarger was all she'd been doing for three weeks. She'd enjoyed the first couple of days, remembering with great embarrassment just how much of a luxury a warm bed really was. Lena had spent more time sleeping than awake, lucid only for the brief moments Karl would change her bandages and administer her medicine. 

Once she'd caught up on sleep, Lena was eager to see Renz. But it seemed as if Renz was not as eager to see her.

"You know...I wasn't the one shot," Lena mentioned. Karl released a faint laugh as he reached into his medical bag, and prepared Lena's final dose of medicine for the day. 

"And you know as well as I how stubborn that man is. Drink this," Karl replied. Lena wrinkled her nose, hating the foul flavor. But she swallowed it quickly, and eagerly reached for a glass of water to rinse away the taste. 

Karl was preparing to leave, but Lena was determined to find out more about Renz today. Karl had been evading her questions since she'd been back at Schloss Wolfenbarger, never providing much detail about Renz or his whereabouts. But Lena's patience had worn thin. Surely Karl knew something about Renz. 

"Can you just tell me if he is all right?" Lena asked. Karl gazed at her sympathetically for a few moments, but didn't immediately speak. He briefly shook his head and cleared his throat, and Lena had a feeling he would not be telling her very much. 

"The bullet only grazed his shoulder. I'm sure he's fine," Karl answered quickly. His tone was pleasant, but dismissive. Lena frowned at Karl, suddenly feeling as if he was keeping something critical from her. 

"Then where is he?" Lena asked. Karl suddenly started appearing very annoyed, but Lena couldn't rein her curiosity. Lena realized then that being bedridden had diminished both her manners and her patience. 

When Karl spoke again, Lena was somewhat sobered by the serious expression on his face. 

"Lena...you need to understand...Renz shot his brother, his last close relative, very recently," Karl began. 

"But Aleksandr was going to kill me...and he could have killed Renz," Lena argued. A faint bit of humor appeared on Karl's face, and Lena slightly blushed in confusion. 

"From what Renz told me...you nearly killed Aleksandr yourself. By strangling him, no less," Karl mentioned. 

Lena's blush deepened in intensity, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. She shuddered at the thought of how violent she'd been, completely uncharacteristic of the person she thought she was and how she'd been raised. Being treated like an animal in Aleksandr's depraved brothel had evoked the animalistic, feral qualities within her...qualities she hoped she'd never again express. 

"You were defending yourself, Lena. What Aleksandr and his men did to you, to many other women...I'm sure many others would have done the same thing if they'd only been given the opportunity," Karl said. Lena nodded, but she still felt frightened by her behavior. 

"Where is he?" Lena asked softly. Lena felt like she'd asked that question a thousand times, and the exhaustion on Karl's face indicated that perhaps she had. 

With a heavy sigh, Karl finally spoke.

"I don't know, Lena," Karl said. 

"Have you heard from him?" Lena pressed. Karl sadly shook his head. 

"No, Lena. I haven't," he replied quietly. 

Lena slightly reclined on the bed as the medicine began to sedate her. But she didn't want to sleep just yet. She needed to find out something, anything, about Renz. 

"You don't think...the police won't try to come after Renz, will they?" Lena asked. Karl laughed and to Lena's overwhelming relief, shook his head. 

"Heaven help the official that ever tries to go after a Wolfenbarger. Especially Renz," Karl replied. Lena sighed heavily, but was relieved to know that Renz was safe, at least from police.

"So...he just doesn't want to be around me, then," Lena said softly. Karl's brief humor faded, and he appeared uncomfortable again. 

"Lena...I'm sure you have a lot that you want to say to Renz. And I'm sure you'll have the opportunity soon. But right now, your focus needs to be on recovery. Need I remind you just how fragile you were when you arrived?" Karl replied. 

Lena sighed, trying to accept his answer. Karl really did appear to be very uncomfortable, and somewhat irritated, and Lena felt guilty for insistently prying. But then, a chilling thought entered her mind, and Lena quickly sat up, her head spinning painfully.

"Rest, Lena," Karl said, slightly scolding her. 

Lena collapsed onto the large eiderdown pillows then, overwhelmed by a sudden rush of highly emotional thoughts. She'd completely forgotten about Renz's new wife.

"I need to talk to him," Lena said, words slightly slurring. She tried to sit up, but her arms wouldn't support her weight. The medicine was quickly overtaking her body, and Lena fought to remain awake and alert. 

"You need to sleep, Lena. Think about this when you're healthier," she heard Karl say. 

"I don't want to sleep...he said things...I said things," Lena mumbled as the medicine began to fully sedate her. She heard Karl's laughter as she began to fall asleep. 

"Renz is stubborn, Lena. Whatever it is you're thinking, whatever was said...it certainly wasn't enough to keep him away from you."

******

The sun had barely risen when Lena awakened, and she was happy that her body had adapted to a normal sleeping schedule again. She couldn't remember any of her dreams, a pleasant effect of the medicine that Karl had been giving her. 

Lena had been plagued by nightmares of being back in Aleksandr's brothel the first week of her return to Schloss Wolfenbarger. She'd had vivid dreams of being whipped and beaten until all of her bones were broken. She'd woken up, screaming and crying, when she'd dreamt that Renz had been killed. Sometimes it took well over an hour for a tired Karl or servant to calm her down enough to sleep again.

Karl and his medical assistants had dutifully remained at Schloss Wolfenbarger, even staying throughout the night, always available for urgent care. Even Renz's servants were more attentive than she'd remembered, assisting her with everything from bathing to eating, and Lena was filled with an overwhelming gratitude for everyone that helped her. 

But the most attentive caretaker Lena had was undoubtedly Renz's four-legged companion Otto. From the moment she'd first woken up back in her suite of Schloss Wolfenbarger, Otto had remained perpetually perched by her feet at the foot of the bed, growling dangerously whenever someone tried to remove him. 

Lena crawled out of bed, slightly wincing as her torso stretched, moderately agitating her sensitive rib and still sore back. She tightened the rope of her robe, taking a moment to appreciate the gentle sensation of the delicate fabric against her faintly bruised flesh. 

She walked at a slow pace, for this was the first time she'd completely supported her own body weight since returning. Her legs felt a bit unsteady, but after a few moments, Lena was able to move with relative controlled ease. 

Otto hopped off of the bed and followed her as she left the sleeping room and entered the lounge. Two of Renz's servants and one of Karl's medical assistants were sleeping on the chaises, and Lena quietly tiptoed past them, careful not to wake them. Even Otto was moving quietly, picking up his feet higher than necessary, and Lena scratched the dog's ears fondly.

Lena crept out of the suite, and finally exhaled when she'd successfully closed the double doors without waking anyone. She slowly walked down the wide hall, eager to stretch and use her muscles on her own again. To her displeasure, she became quickly winded and lightheaded when she began walking too fast. With a reluctant, defeated sigh, Lena resorted to sedate, cautious steps. 

Lena continued to walk with Otto by her side, gradually feeling stronger and more confident in her movements. Her body ached, but it was not debilitating. The increased circulation of air and blood made her feel much more alive, and when she finally reached the main stairs, Lena was eager to test her endurance. 

Lena gripped the intricately carved rococo railing of the stairs, just in case she became too dizzy. She took a deep breath and began to carefully climb. Step by step her knees cracked and muscles strained as they reawakened, but Lena was determined to finish. A brief clumsy movement caused a sharp pain to radiate throughout her spine, and Lena was momentarily paused by the vivid memory of Aleksandr beating her in his office. 

Lena gripped the stairs until her knuckles turned white, and she closed her eyes until the thoughts, and her accompanying fear, faded. She reminded herself that Aleksandr could not hurt her anymore. She'd watched Renz, terrifying Renz, shoot his own brother. She'd felt the rapid, chilling shift from movement to stillness as Aleksandr's body succumbed to death against her own. She'd felt his blood rapidly draining onto her back and shoulders. She'd seen his glazed, lifeless gray eyes. She'd seen him die. 

Once her heartrate slowed, she continued to walk. She was out of breath by the time she reached the landing, and she sat down on the rug for a few moments to compose herself. 

The top floor was a floor that Erich had never taken her to, and Lena was especially curious about what she would find. There were fewer rooms in the wide hall, and a single ornate Oriental-looking rug led to two very large twin doors at the hall's end. Otto, seemingly highly familiar with this section of the estate, energetically trotted forward and began scratching at the door. Lena followed him, and turned the handle, and she knew instantly that she'd found Renz's master suite. 

True to everything she knew about Renz, his suite was exceptionally large and powerful looking. She could see elements of his personality in every aspect of the masculine design, from the classically nostalgic paintings that hung on the walls to the strong, carved pieces of dark wooden furniture. 

She thought briefly about her first real encounter with Renz, before she'd met him, when she'd been decorating his guest suite at Sterling Manor with Marie. Lena realized with slight amusement just how ill suited those choices were to his real tastes. Those decorations had been overly aggressive and violent. The décor in Renz's home suite certainly held power, but also qualities of sophistication, beauty, and understated elegance. 

Lena was surprised by how clear and open everything was. Schloss Wolfenbarger was certainly beautiful, but it was also overwhelming to her, due to the sheer amount of elaborate decoration on every possible surface. Renz's suite, however, was not at all convoluted or overly detailed. Instead, it seemed to embrace wide, open spaces and solid colors, heightening the appeal of the few Baroque pieces that prevailed. Two full walls of the lounge area were completely covered in high floor to ceiling windows, opening the room even further with the radiant light of morning.

Lena tentatively explored the lounge, still tiptoeing, even though she knew she was alone. She felt like she'd entered something secret and untouched, and she felt anxious that she was some kind of intruder. But Lena continued curiously exploring, fully desiring to become a part of Renz's private world, at least for a few moments. 

Lena had already seen the four libraries of Schloss Wolfenbarger, but Lena thought that Renz's lounge could have been considered a small fifth. There were several tall bookcases, neatly stacked with large volumes and ledgers. Lena briefly scanned the titles, surprised by the names that had been deemed worthy of Renz's private collection. There were several that she knew well with from the hours she stole reading at Sterling Manor, such as Shakespeare and Dante, and illuminated prints of William Blake. There were other names that Lena recognized, but wasn't familiar with, such as Goethe and Tolstoi, and an overwhelming number of names and titles that Lena had never before seen.

Lena was somewhat broken from her daze of staring at Renz's books when she heard Otto scratching at a far set of tall double doors. Lena followed, and slightly held her breath as she gripped the handle to what she had a feeling was Renz's bedroom. The heavy wooden door slightly creaked as it opened, and when Lena entered, she was suddenly filled with a sense of longing. 

His oversized bed sat proudly at the far end of the room, highly layered with dark sheets and pillows, and Lena had the odd desire to crawl inside of it. Lena noticed that the scarlet sleeping robe that she'd been using during her previous stay was folded neatly on an ottoman below his bed, and next to it, a tall stack of what looked like folded letters. 

Lena curiously walked towards the cushion and reached for the letters, which were written in highly elegant script. She was about to read one, but Otto suddenly sat up, ears slightly twitching. She noticed him looking towards the door, and begin to slightly growl. 

Lena replaced the letters as neatly as she could, realizing that Otto could hear the rest of the estate beginning to rise. She walked as quickly as was comfortable and exited Renz's suite, careful to make sure it appeared undisturbed. She hurried back to her suite, and when she saw Karl glaring at her in disapproval, she blushed sheepishly. 

"I didn't want to wake anyone," Lena said quietly. Karl's expression softened, and he faintly smiled. 

"A little movement is probably good for you. But now, you need to be nourished," Karl said. 

She followed Karl into the lounge of her suite, and began eating some of the sausages and breakfast pastries. Once Lena was able to tolerate solid food, Karl had insisted she eat very large portions several times each day. Feeling full had originally made her feel almost sick, but now, Lena's appetite was robust and healthy. 

"Usually you talk to me in the mornings," Lena mentioned. 

"You've noticed that, have you?" Karl asked in return, his expression slightly surprised. Lena nodded. 

"Yes. You usually ask lots of questions," Lena added. Karl slightly smiled. 

"It's just a way to see how you're healing. Especially those wounds that can't be seen," Karl answered. Lena nodded as she sipped her tea, a special herbal blend that was intended to help repair her damaged throat. 

"But today you believe I am fully healed?" Lena asked. Karl slightly extended his cup as a servant gracefully poured his coffee. 

"Certainly not. But I think you are very close. I'm not very worried about you," Karl answered. 

"Does that mean I do not have to spend all day in bed?" Lena asked hopefully. Karl considered this for a few moments. 

"Perhaps not. But you should not exert yourself excessively. Take your medicine and rest for a few more hours. When I examine you this afternoon...if you seem to be doing well, you have my blessing to move about as you please," Karl answered. 

Lena struggled to maintain her excitement as she continued eating breakfast. An afternoon out of bed, moving around unsupported, seemed like a proposition too tempting to refuse. She hoped that she'd have some time alone, so that she could return to Renz's suite. She was especially eager to return to those letters, for she was certain she might have caught her name.

******

Karl was even quieter than he had been at breakfast, and by the time he finished his examination, Lena was certain he was keeping something from her. 

"Why aren't you talking?" Lena asked unceremoniously. Karl appeared slightly perplexed, but then his expression became one of amusement. 

"The healthier you get, the more demanding you become. Are you certain you worked as a maid?" Karl asked. 

Lena's cheeks instantly flushed, and she lowered her head in shame. 

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to be rude—"

"Lena, it was just a joke. No need for the apologies. You have been esteemed the lady of this house, after all," Karl replied. 

Lena slightly gasped, baffled by his latter words. She didn't understand how Karl could possibly say that she was the lady of Schloss Wolfenbarger. Surely that title fell to Renz's new bride Gisele Friedrich. Was Karl mocking her?

But Lena felt deeply saddened, and slightly angry, when she thought of where Renz probably was. Perhaps he was on his honeymoon with his new wife. Maybe he was absent from Schloss Wolfenbarger because he had another estate somewhere else, a place where he would start his family with Gisele, with Lena kept far away so as not to interfere with his new life as a married man. 

"And now you're unusually quiet. Usually you ask me lots of questions, albeit about just one person," Karl said with a slight smile. Lena was certain his tone held mocking then, and she frowned and tried to calm her steadily building anger. 

"I'm not as curious today," Lena said noncommittally. She tried not to look directly into Karl's eyes as he continued to examine her. 

"What changed?" Karl asked. Lena's first instinct was to snap at Karl for mocking her for being the kept woman of a married man, but what little remained of the subservient manners she'd been raised by prevented her from speaking honestly. 

"Nothing. You don't know where he is. I no longer care where he is," Lena answered quietly. The words felt foul as they left her mouth, and Lena could feel her body rejecting the lie. She observed Karl, wondering if he was as aware as she of her dishonesty, but Karl seemed more focused on examining her. She kept her body still as Karl moved the disc of the stethoscope against her back, and she tried to keep her face as blank as possible. 

"Lena, Renz—"

"I no longer care," Lena interrupted quickly. She bashfully looked up at Karl once she realized how harsh her words were, and her face flushed hotly when she observed his expression of utter surprise. 

Karl studied her for several moments, but then he sighed and returned to his examination. 

"Breathe deeply for me, Lena," Karl said. 

"I'm so sorry, Karl," Lena whispered shamefully. Karl glanced at her, focus momentarily broken from his examination. He smiled sympathetically at her, and placed his hand on her shoulder and softly squeezed. 

"Just breathe, Lena," he said again. 

Lena closed her eyes to fight back sorrowful tears and inhaled slowly. 

****** ******

"A drink, Herr Wolfenbarger?" a servant asked. Renz nodded tensely. 

"Coffee, thank you," Renz replied. 

He kept his head lowered as his drink was poured. He attempted to remain as composed as possible, but the icy woman staring at him from across the table was making him agitated. 

"That will be all," she said. Her voice was soft and airy, yet highly authoritative. 

There was an uncomfortable silence once the servants cleared the room, and Renz realized that he would need to be the first to speak. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 10



"Ava...my apologies for the unceremonious circumstances of my visit," Renz began. Ava continued to stare at him, her pale eyes hard and unblinking. 

"I care very little about ceremony, Herr Wolfenbarger. Especially given the circumstance. Can you or can you not tell me where my husband is?" she said. 

Renz took several deep breaths, delaying what he knew would be an unpleasant conversation. There was simply no easy way he could inform Ava that he'd killed her husband.

Renz also felt sorry for Ava, for her tiredness and apparent distress truly betrayed how pretty she really was. She was a far cry from the fashionable debutante he'd briefly met many years prior. It appeared that being married to his younger brother had aged her quite ungracefully.

"Your husband is dead, Ava," Renz said quietly. 

Her pale eyes slightly widened, and her thin, bloodless lips parted in a silent gasp. 

"You killed Ludovic," she said, lips slightly trembling. Renz lowered his head and nodded slowly. 

"Yes, Ava," Renz replied. 

A loud shriek suddenly filled the room, and Renz stared in horror as he watched his brother's wife come apart before him. The shift started with her eyes, once previously sharp and focused gradually became wide and manic. Her rouged cheeks expanded and lined, drawing attention to the wrinkles and circles of exhaustion around her mouth and eyes. 

Her shoulders began to shake, and it was only a few moments before Ava fell forward onto the table, shattering pieces of fine china. Her cries echoed throughout the high ceiling of the parlor, and she was so loud that Renz was sure that she would soon shatter windows. 

He tried to remain as still as possible when Ava suddenly stood up, and flung her arm across the table, destroying what little remained of the china.

"Ava...Ava I am very sorry," Renz said carefully. 

But she didn't appear to have heard him. She continued her violent, tear-filled fit, destroying everything in her path. Renz wondered if she intended to try and destroy him as well. 

He realized with grave fear that Ava intended to harm herself instead. She reached for a jeweled saber that sat, proudly glistening, at the base of a highly polished fashion shield against a wall. She held it in front of her body, and Renz began to fear for the baby that was resting inside of her highly rounded stomach. He became suddenly overwhelmed with a dark memory of Ilise, after she'd killed their child. He couldn't bear the thought of another innocent, unborn Wolfenbarger's destruction at the hands of a rage-filled wife. 

"Ava don't!" Renz exclaimed. He ran towards her and gripped the weapon's handle firmly. He had the stronger grip, but Ava seemed determined to not let go. 

"Ava...I understand you're devastated—"

"Devastated? Whoever said I am devastated?" Ava asked incredulously. 

Renz slightly loosened his grip on the handle of the blade and observed Ava. In truth, she didn't appear devastated at all. She appeared utterly, and manically, euphoric. 

"Aren't you...your husband is dead, Ava," Renz said slowly. Ava's eyes widened and rounded even further, and then she began to laugh hysterically. 

"Oh, I know! And I am...ecstatic!" Ava exclaimed, yanking away the sword. Renz watched her in alarm as she took the sword in her surprisingly strong arms, despite her fragile condition. She began to enthusiastically swing it around, knocking over candlesticks and shredding portraits and tapestries in her path. 

"I am finally free of that...animal!" Ava cried heartily, suddenly flinging the sword away from her body. Renz ducked and slightly retreated to avoid being impaled, and it was then that Ava finally broke from her hyperactive, euphoric fit. 

Renz watched her cautiously as she slowly composed herself, breathing hard. She slightly pulled at her long, loosely curled blonde hair, which had wildly fallen in large, web-like tangles. 

"Forgive my outburst, Herr Wolfenbarger...won't you please sit down?" she asked softly. 

Renz kept his wary gaze on her as he slowly took the furthest seat from her. 

"Are you ill, Ava?" Renz asked softly. Ava shook her head and lightly fanned herself as her panting began to subside. Her pale skin was colored by bright red flush on her face and neck, and damp strands of blonde hair clung to her cheeks. 

"Heavens, no. This news has brought on quite good health. Although now that I am a widow, I wouldn't mind meeting that handsome doctor friend of yours again. Has he married yet?" she asked. 

Renz frowned, confused, and distantly frightened, by her odd displays of behavior. 

Ava sat down at the table again and began to absently pick at the spilled sandwiches and cakes. Her face remained flustered, tears mixing dramatically with her rouge, and her clothes were highly disordered. But her eyes were peaceful, and her posture perfect. The poised woman had returned. 

"This...really isn't how I expected you to react," Renz said slowly, still unsure if she would have another outburst. Ava smiled widely and softly sighed. 

"I couldn't contain my joy, Herr Wolfenbarger. I have been praying for years to be rid of that man," Ava said, bringing her hands fondly to her swollen stomach. 

"You know of his...businesses then," Renz said. Ava's smile slightly faded, but she continued to stroke her belly softly. 

"A wife knows all things about her husband in due time. What I don't know is how you're involved in all of this...I didn't even know you two were in contact," Ava mentioned. Her voice returned to that soft, slightly husky quality then, almost as if she were casually discussing things of ease and joy. Ava's demeanor shifts truly were perplexing. 

"We weren't. He kidnapped the woman that I love...and brought her underground. He nearly killed her," Renz said. He clenched his fist tightly against his knee as a dark rage began to spread through his chest. Two shots simply weren't enough for what his brother did to Lena. 

Ava paused her gentle strokes of her stomach and gazed at Renz sympathetically. 

"Was she badly injured? Pregnant? Diseased?" she asked softly. Renz sighed, trying to keep his jaw from twitching angrily. 

"I brought her to Schloss Wolfenbarger. Karl and his staff are caring for her. He tells me her recovery is strong," Renz said. 

Ava's gaze slightly narrowed suspiciously. 

"But you do not believe him? Why don't you go and see for yourself?" Ava asked. 

Renz frowned and slightly rubbed his temples. Staying away from Lena while she healed was the strongest test of willpower he'd ever been forced to endure. As desperate as he was to see her, to care for her himself, he knew that she would have no chance of recovering if he were near. Lena needed time to recover, among people who had never, and would never, hurt her. 

And while Karl's reports on Lena's health had been positive, Renz had a feeling that the optimism was merely for his benefit. Lena had been near death when he'd found her in the brothel, so thin and beaten and sick. And those were just her physical wounds. Renz felt ill with fury and fear at the thought of the damage brought upon her by the sick lusts of Aleksandr's clients, or even Aleksandr himself. 

Renz took several large gulps of black coffee in an attempt to keep that fear from destroying him, for the moment. 

"I wanted to see you first...to offer you anything you may need. Our relations have been strained...but I would like us to bear some resemblance to family," Renz said. 

Ava appeared confused for several moments, but then her wide smile dominated her face once more. 

"If it's money you mean, I will be quite healthy. I certainly did not enter this marriage penniless. But there is something you can help with," Ava mentioned, voice slightly dropping. 

She scooted close to Renz after finishing off a small cake, and she darted her eyes around the parlor, to be certain no one was near. 

"What is it, Ava?" Renz asked. 

Ava slightly lowered her eyes to her belly, and then looked at Renz determinedly. 

"I have no interest in expressing any kind of fake mourning for my husband. I look dreadful in black. But I also do not want to rouse suspicion. But if we were to leave München for a grieving holiday, and stay with family, perhaps in a large castle up north, after the babe is born, which will be any day now..." 

Ava smiled gleefully, and Renz couldn't help but faintly smile himself. Despite her tired face, her joy was apparent. This was the lovely Ava he recognized. Ava was shameless.

"I'll send for you all once the baby arrives," Renz replied. 

****** ******

As promised, Karl had left her alone for the rest of the day, under the condition that she return to bed at sundown. After her positive report on health, Lena had been given full permission to move about Schloss Wolfenbarger to practice using her muscles and rebuilding her strength. Lena knew she should have been delighted, but as the day progressed, she felt increasingly forlorn and ashamed. 

There was no denying anymore that she felt strongly for Renz. And it wasn't just his body that she craved. She missed his thoughts and she missed his laughter, for those were the only memories that kept her from going to a point of misery from which there would be no return during her time in Aleksandr's brothel. 

But Lena simply couldn't bear the thought of sharing Renz with another woman. 

Lena tossed in bed that night, trying her hardest to maintain some kind of anger for Renz. She tried to think of all of the things that she was certain she hated in him, in a vain attempt to ease the pain of the decision she knew she had to make. Now that she was healthy, she needed to leave Schloss Wolfenbarger. And this time, it needed to be permanent. 

She thought of those cruel words he'd spat at her when she'd left the first time. Her heart slightly ached at the memory of Renz's hurt, angered face, but she couldn't reignite any hostile feelings towards him. The most powerful feeling that memory brought on was guilt, for the angry words that she'd left him with.

She thought of how devastated she'd been when she was forced out of Sterling Manor because of Renz, and Lena was finally able to rouse some kind of anger. Unfortunately, it was not anger directed towards Renz. The longer she thought about her banishment, the angrier she felt for Master Sterling and Marie. How could they banish her, without allowing her to defend herself? Hadn't she proven her loyalty in the eighteen years that she'd lived and worked there?

Lena shook her head against her pillow, not wanting to spoil her happy memories of Marie and Master Sterling with her forced attempts at anger. She went back to that first encounter with Renz, that night he'd stolen her virginity, had taken advantage of her. Surely she could become angry about that. Surely she could hate the man that had forced his way into her body. 

But the memory of that night still didn't trigger any angry feelings towards her gray-eyed ravisher. Because as terrified as she'd been, as inexperienced as she'd been...Lena knew that she could never truly wish that it hadn't happened. Lena wanted to keep all of her memories of Renz, including the painful ones. 

The realization chilled her, and Lena quickly stood out of bed, and silently tiptoed out of her suite. There was something wrong with her...there had to be something wrong with her. She was grateful to Renz for saving her from Aleksandr, but that didn't change anything about the dynamics between them. He was a married man now, and she would not be his whore. He hadn't allowed her to come to him on her own. He'd forced her. It was perverse of her to crave him the way that she did. 

Lena walked through the halls of Schloss Wolfenbarger, committing the beautiful estate to memory one last time. A part of her wished that she could say good-bye to Renz, but Lena knew that she would come apart if she saw him again. Leaving at night, undetected, and before he returned with his new bride, was best. 

But as much as Lena willed her body to begin traveling down the stairs to the grand entryway, her legs remained welded to the landing. She tried to force her body forward, but her heart jolted in an odd tremor of sudden panic. 

Lena sighed heavily and began walking upstairs, to the highest floor. The higher she climbed, the more the panic faded. And by the time she entered Renz's private suite, Lena was overcome with a sense of calm and yearning. 

She slowly walked through the wide lounge, everything still perfectly undisturbed. Renz's private, open world. She lightly ran her fingertips along various surfaces, wondering absently how often they were touched by him. She wanted to say goodbye to Renz, and this was the only way that she safely could. 

Lena walked over to his bedroom double doors and slightly pushed, and the feeling of longing intensified as she viewed his large, pristinely made bed. Lena felt tears begin to well in her eyes as she walked towards it, and slowly crawled on top of the luxurious sheets. She'd never again spend a night in bed with Renz. She'd never bury herself in his large, warm body. 

The thought of saying goodbye left her heartbroken and full of sorrow, but Lena knew it was the right decision. She couldn't be his whore, and she especially couldn't be his prey. But this was the last night she'd have anything to do with Renz, and she wanted to spend it with him, even if he wasn't truly there. 

"Lena?" 

Lena slowly pushed herself off of the bed on shaky elbows. Surely she hadn't just heard his voice. She was certain she'd fallen asleep, and was having another vivid dream. 

"Lena," he said again, his voice much clearer. 

Lena fully sat up, and began squinting through the thick darkness of the room, faintly illuminated by moonlight. 

She saw him emerge from a lounge in a far corner against one of the tall, wide windows, a lovely dark blue cushion that was completely enveloped in the soft shine of the moon and stars. 

Renz walked very slowly towards her, almost as if he were afraid of her. And Lena felt her heart race as more of his form came into vision. She tried to regain some of her focus, and remember what her goal had been...but she couldn't think while looking at him. He was more handsome than she'd remembered. 

"How are you feeling, Lena?" Renz asked softly. Lena eyed him, still speechless, as he carefully sat down on the ottoman below the bed. From where she was kneeling at the foot of the bed, they were nearly eye level with each other. 

"Much better...thank you," Lena said eventually. 

Renz smiled slightly, lips curving seductively, and Lena felt her head begin to pulse from her racing heart. It shamed her to admit, but in spite of everything, Lena was entirely dazzled by his handsomeness. 

And he was giving her that look again...that look of a man in awe. 

"Your recovery...is astounding," Renz said. 

Lena fought hard to tear her eyes away from his face, and regain some small bit of dignity and purpose. 

"Perhaps I am stronger than I appear," Lena replied. She kept her eyes focused on the view from the window as she felt Renz slightly moving towards her. She could already feel her body reacting to his increasingly close proximity, her skin tingling and goosebumps blemishing as her senses faintly detected his body heat. 

"I have no doubt of that," Renz replied. 

Lena slightly jumped when she felt his large, warm hand suddenly cover her icy, clenched fist, and she was filled with a rush of joy, and heartache. 

"I was terrified I'd lost you," Renz said softly. She could hear the pain and sincere fear in his voice, and that pulled on her sensitive heart even more. Insistent eddies of anger began to build as Lena wondered how he could toy with her like this, while being married to another woman. 

It took the force of her entire body, but Lena managed to yank her hand away from his.

"When will you understand that I am not your whore to keep?" Lena asked angrily. The look of shock made her briefly pause, but then she saw Renz frown. Surely he was getting angry. If he was upset, that would make it easier for her to leave. 

But instead of an outburst, Renz lowered and shook his head. 

"I have never, ever thought of you as a whore Lena," Renz said. His voice was low and serious, with no traces of the arrogance and playfulness that Lena had grown accustomed to. His voice was entirely solemn, and it surprised and scared her. 

"What would I be then? The mistress to a married man?" Lena demanded. She could hear her voice rising, and it sounded foreign, not quite her own. 

She saw Renz's broad shoulders rise and fall with a heavy sigh. She could see him clenching his fists, and Lena knew that his anger was coming. She'd successfully provoked him. If she could start a fight, she could leave with the same ease she had the first time. 

But again, Renz didn't release his anger. 

"Lena...I am not married or engaged. I was not lying to you when I told you the first time. And I was not lying to you when I told you I love you," Renz said. 

Lena felt her anger come to a sudden halt as those words were uttered, and she was surprised by how inclined she was to believe them. His expression was so focused and open, mystery gone and transparency gained. Lena knew that she was staring at Renz...all of him. And it awed and terrified her. 

Her tears began to freely fall as she prepared to utter the words that she knew for certain would remove his control of his anger. She couldn't trust Renz, and she couldn't trust herself around him.

"You can't love...you're nothing but a rapist," Lena whispered. 

She braced herself for the aggressive outburst, shoulders slightly shrinking and ears tensing. She lowered her head and sank towards her center, but she was only met with silence. 

Lena tentatively raised her head, and she was heartbroken when she realized how...hurt he appeared. It was far more intense and poignant than when she'd left him the first time, and Lena began regretting the words. She knew by his sad gray eyes that she wasn't going to get a fight out of him. She wasn't going to experience the powerful, dominant Renz tonight. She was going to experience yet another new part of him, a raw, honest, and sorrowful part, that she was completely unprepared to handle. 

"I'm so sorry, Lena," he said lowly. 

She felt his fingertips on her hand again, and that touch, with those words, was all she needed to lose the war she'd been battling within herself. She couldn't force herself to be angry with Renz anymore than she could force herself not to care for him. There wasn't a single part of her body or heart that didn't crave him. 

"You love me?" she asked, nearly a whisper. Renz sadly smiled and nodded. He slowly brought his hand to her face, and tenderly wiped her tears. 

"You've been the center of my world since that very first night we met. Surely you realize that now," Renz said, slightly gesturing to the shoulder that had been shot. 

Lena tentatively reached for him, and gently ran her fingers on his cloth-covered wound. She could feel Renz's body tense as she came near, but he relaxed once she repeated those same, gentle strokes she'd left on his back that night in Berlin. 

"You love me," Lena said again, slightly testing the words. They felt overwhelming and frightening, but also powerful and glorious. 

"With everything that I am and everything that I hope to be," Renz replied. 

Lena brought her eyes directly to his, and she felt captivated by his serious gaze. She felt hot moisture begin to spill from her eyes and run down her flushed cheeks and onto his hand, but she couldn't pay much attention. She was utterly entranced by this new version of Renz, this fully unconcealed version of him. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 10



"Why did you force me?" Lena asked. 

She'd spoken the words before she even realized she'd uttered them, and she began to blush when she saw Renz appear uncomfortable. She wondered if she'd destroyed the spell, if Renz would shroud his honesty and hide himself again. 

He lowered his head briefly, but then returned his gaze directly towards her face. 

"Because I thought I would lose myself if I didn't have you. It was selfish...and of that night I hold no pride," Renz said. His voice was a near whisper, but Lena was acutely aware of his words and tone. It seemed as if all of her senses were hyperaware of every movement, sound, and touch Renz produced. 

"You hurt me," she said quietly. She was shocked when she saw a look of utter shame eclipse his handsome face, and she had the brief instinct to retract her words, and comfort him. But Lena was frozen where she kneeled. 

"And I will forever regret causing you pain. Which is why I bought you something," Renz said. 

Lena frowned then, and her anger began to return. Her tears began violently falling again, and she yanked her hand away from his. Surely he didn't think he could simply buy away the pain he'd caused the night he'd stolen her. 

"Is that all you know how to do? Buy things and destroy things?" she cried. Lena had intended to shout at him, but her words came out in broken, tear-filled sobs. 

She saw Renz reach into his jacket pocket, slightly wincing as his shoulder moved. He paused as he gripped the object of interest, and Lena felt her blood run cold, terrified of how insulting it might be. 

Renz slightly lowered his head and paused for several moments as Lena's words settled between them.

"I ordered this for you when we were in Berlin. It only recently became available in the last week. Do you remember what I said to you the last night we spent in the city?" Renz asked. 

Lena slightly frowned as she returned to the memory, the happy memory of lying in bed with Renz. 

"You said...you'd needed privacy that day...that you would tell me more upon return," Lena said shakily. Renz nodded slowly. 

"This is for you Lena," Renz said. He handed her a small, but very heavy, deep red box. It was bordered by a graceful gold design that reminded Lena briefly of a fleur de lis. The French name elegantly displayed on the top evoked a sense of royalty and grace, and Lena felt her heart race in nervous anticipation.

Lena felt her hands begin to grow sweaty as she nervously opened the golden clasp of the box. 

"You cannot be serious," Lena whispered nervously. Lena forced herself to glance away from the box she held in trembling hands, and she noticed, with a distant level of nervousness, that Renz's hands were slightly shaking as well. 

"I have a proposition for you, Lena," Renz mentioned. Lena looked into his eyes, wondering if he was being entirely sincere. 

"If you choose to leave me, I want you to accept this ring as an apology. While it cannot undo any pain I've caused you...it's worth will guarantee you a very, very comfortable life. And I will support anything else you desire from a silent distance," Renz said. 

Lena brought her eyes back to his face, and she was dumbfounded and speechless by all that she was hearing.

"Proposition?" Lena said quietly. It was the only word she could come up with as she tried to piece together and understand all that Renz said. 

"Business is how I was raised, Lena. It is what I understand best," Renz replied. 

His gaze was beginning to overwhelm her again, and Lena looked up at the ceiling to try and regain some clarity. He was offering her freedom, without the risk of being forced into another factory or another brothel, due to her low status. He was offering her a viable future.

But it was a future without him. 

"What...what's the alternative?" Lena asked shakily, bringing her eyes to his nervously. She saw a brief flicker of what appeared to be fear cross his face, and she noticed his strong throat slightly strain as he swallowed hard. He was certainly that same sophisticated and confident man, but Renz had never before looked this nervous to her.

"The alternative is...assuming that by some miracle, you choose to stay...I want you to think of this ring as a promise," Renz said. Renz pulled the box fully open, and the ring's fire beautifully caught the moonlight, and brilliantly illuminated the space between them. 

"A promise of what?" Lena asked. Renz wrapped both of his hands around her shaky ones, and she felt her heart race at the touch. 

"A promise that I will never again hurt you, or betray the trust you so freely bestow. A promise that I will protect you. A promise that I will spend each day proving to you how much you are loved," Renz said.

Lena felt her head begin to pound, and she realized that she'd been holding her breath. She exhaled forcefully, and struggled to form a coherent sentence or thought. This was certainly not what she'd expected to hear from Renz. 

"Business proposition...that means there's something you expect of me...right?" Lena asked. Her thoughts went briefly to the moment when Renz had given her jewelry for the very first time, and she wondered if his thoughts were in the same place. He'd made his expectations very clear that day. 

Renz smiled softly, the first genuine smile she'd seen all night, and her heart warmed at the slight hint of familiar humor in his eyes. 

"As I am the debtor here...I am in no position to expect anything of you. But I do have requests," Renz began. 

Lena began to tense nervously, wondering what those were. 

"If you choose to leave...I want you to promise you'll seek your happiness," Renz said. Lena slightly shifted, still fearful of the idea of leaving him. 

"And...if I don't choose to leave?" she asked shyly. 

Renz removed the ring from the box and gently began to slide it onto her finger. 

"Then I still want you to promise to seek your happiness. And...I want you to promise that one day, you'll consider becoming my wife," Renz finished. 

Lena gasped as the ring slid onto the base of her finger. She had no idea that diamonds so large even existed. It was a perfectly rounded, multi-faceted colorless diamond, that glittered prettily with each tremble of her hand. The base stone was large enough to completely obscure her finger from her first to second knuckle. It was surrounded by a delicate, almost floral like design of silvery metal, beaded with two smaller, but equally luminescent, diamonds on either side. The band also featured smaller diamonds around the entire circle. Lena thought the ring looked like a beautiful cluster of stars. 

"One day?" Lena asked curiously. More of Renz's humor began to gently appear, and the sight of his widening smile began to make her relax. 

"Would you say yes if I proposed today?" Renz countered. Lena lowered and shook her head.

"No," she admitted softly. She was about to become nervous again, but she heard the low, faint rumble of Renz's soft chuckle. 

"Then one day it is," Renz replied. 

Lena looked down to where their skin touched, his long fingers gently stroking her knuckles, and she felt her heart begin to race again. She couldn't tell if she was nervous, or fearful, or excited...and she wasn't entirely sure what she'd just agreed to. 

Lena moved her gaze to Renz's chest, and she saw that his shirt collar was slightly loosened. Otherwise, he remained fully, and formally, dressed. Lena assumed that meant he'd only returned very recently, and she wanted to ask him where he'd been, and who he'd seen. She wanted to know why he'd stayed away for so long. 

She tried to form words, to begin asking questions, but she was transfixed by the small "V" of naked skin just beneath his neck. She could almost see the central muscle line of demarcation that divided his torso...that hard, deep line that she loved so much. Lena could hear Renz speaking, but she wasn't paying attention to what he was saying. She wanted to see that line again. She wanted to feel Renz again. If he truly loved her, she wanted to know what it felt like.

Lena lunged forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing hard. She pulled him as close to her body as she could, momentarily forgetting about his still injured shoulder. Lena forcefully pressed her mouth against his, pushing his lips apart, and she moaned in satisfaction when she finally tasted him.

Renz was still for several moments, but then she felt him begin to return her kiss. Her toes curled and her excitement began to boil as he tenderly stroked his tongue against hers. She felt his hands on her waist, gently squeezing her flesh through her silk gown, and she began to tremble when she felt his palms moving closer to her breasts. 

She slightly arched her back to grant him the access she desired, but to her disappointment, Renz gently pushed her away. 

"Don't do this to me now," Lena said sadly. Renz gently smiled at her and kissed her cheek. 

"How quickly you forget our agreement, Lena. That ring means I will protect you and love you...and that means, no sex until you are fully healed," Renz said softly. Lena released a loud, angry whine, and Renz's eyebrows rose humorously. 

"You don't want me anymore?" Lena asked, slightly nervous about the reply. She relaxed when Renz shook his head and released a hearty laugh. 

"You know I'll never have my fill of you. But I want you healed. Now get into bed," Renz ordered.

Lena slightly frowned at his sudden domineering tone, but she obeyed, and slowly crawled beneath the covers. She felt her body generously sink in the highly piled pillows, and she began realizing that she was finally becoming tired. 

But she still wanted Renz.

"What are we supposed to do in bed then?" Lena asked curiously. 

She watched in awe, and slight annoyance, as Renz removed his jacket and shirt, hard, rippled torso heightened by moonlight. She hated that he looked this...wonderful, and still refused her. 

Renz strolled towards where she lay, and slightly bent, bringing his lips to hers. He gave her a soft, chaste kiss, and Lena felt her desire begin to throb. But Renz pulled himself away from her before she could claim him. 

"Just sleep together," Renz replied. 

******

It was late morning when Lena woke up. She pushed at the silky sheets of Renz's bed and stretched her limbs, trying, with great difficulty, to remember what she'd been dreaming. 

The memory returned, of Renz sitting on the ottoman, and Lena was filled with sadness. She was tempted to crawl back beneath the covers and try to sleep again, so that she could relive that dream again. She wanted to hear him apologize again. She wanted to hear him say that he loved her, even if she dreamt it.

Lena crawled out of the bed, and began pulling at the linens. She made the bed the way Marie had taught her at Sterling Manor, paying careful attention to each layer of finery. 

It was when she replaced the final decorative pillow that Lena caught sight of the large diamond on her left hand.

Lena blinked several times as she stared at the ring, slightly twisting her hand in bewilderment. Her heart raced as she began recalling the events of the previous night, and she realized, with great fear and excitement, that Renz really had returned. 

But she had no idea what that meant for her.

Lena rushed out of his suite, walking much faster than was safe, and by the time she reached the landing of the stairs, Lena felt like she would pass out from dizziness. 

But she ignored those feelings, and instead gripped the railing as firmly as she could, and walked down the stairs. Schloss Wolfenbarger was already very busy, with servants rushing past her, and hurrying to complete their tasks. But they all paused when they met her eye level.

"Good morning, fräulein. Is there anything I can do for you?" one of the butlers asked. Lena had only seen him once or twice, for his formally assigned duties never required his day-to-day tasks to intersect her healthcare. 

"Good morning...where is Herr Wolfenbarger?" Lena asked nervously. The man smiled fondly and offered his arm. 

"This way, fräulein," he said cordially. Lena gripped his elbow, primarily to keep from falling over, and she followed him to the semi-formal first floor lounge. 

"There's my wayward patient," Karl said. He had a look of disapproval, but Lena was certain she heard a bit of amusement in his voice too. 

Lena blushed and lowered her head...realizing that her absence from her suite this morning must have appeared quite indecent. Her eyes flickered over to where Renz sat, and Lena felt her knees begin to tremble. Why did he have to appear so attractive to her?

Renz smiled his curved smile and began to approach her, and Lena's heart raced as he came near. He gently placed her hand in his, and Lena felt like she would convulse. 

"Did you rest well?" Renz said quietly. Lena looked up into his face, and he had that look that made her feel like a goddess. 

"Yes...I like your bed more than mine," Lena responded, once she began breathing normally again. 

Renz brought his lips directly to her ear, and Lena felt her body become fully alert and aware. 

"Then I do hope you plan on spending more time in it," Renz whispered. Lena stepped back, wondering in fear if Karl had somehow heard. Thankfully, the doctor seemed oblivious to Renz's indecency. 

Lena blushed and walked towards Karl, but she could feel Renz's gaze on her back. 

"I overslept," Lena said quietly. Karl glanced briefly at Renz, but then he reached into his bag.

"Let's see how your lungs are," Karl instructed. Lena did as he told, and slightly turned around on the sofa. From this position, she was directly facing Renz. 

She kept her curious gaze on his as she felt Karl loosening the button of her dressing gown at the base of her neck. She slightly jumped when she felt the cool stethoscope against her bare back, causing an almost panicked expression from Renz. 

"Is she all right?" he asked. Lena could hear Karl sighing heavily behind her. 

"Quiet. I need to hear her lungs. Deep breaths Lena," Karl said. 

Lena inhaled and exhaled deeply several times, gaze still fixed on Renz. He was staring at her with concern in his eyes, and it warmed her on the inside.

"Very clear. And no coughs today," Karl said. 

"So she'll be safe?" Renz asked. Lena finally looked away and glanced at Karl, puzzled by Renz's words. There was something that was being kept from her...something that Karl knew.

"Yes, as I've told you. Make sure she eats and rests regularly though. That's the only thing that will cure the last of the pallor," Karl said, standing up from the lounge. 

"As you've told him? So you knew where he was!" Lena exclaimed, racing towards Karl. Karl retreated several steps, but Lena was furious. He'd lied to her.

"Lena, love—"

"Don't! I am not some fragile weak doll. I've spent weeks, caged up in this place, not knowing if you're alive or dead. And he lied to me every day!" Lena said angrily, brushing off Renz's touch. Renz's eyes widened in surprise, and he wisely chose not to reach for her again.

Karl, however, seemed less affected by her anger, and only rolled his eyes and glanced at Renz in annoyance. 

"Perhaps you should explain this to her," Karl said. Renz lowered his head and nodded quickly, and Karl took a quick departure. 

Lena fumed for several moments, and she felt her entire body shake with her anger. It slightly frightened her, how turbulent and emotional she was being. And she was filled with guilt for rudely yelling at the man who had been caring for her for three weeks. 

When she finally calmed down, she looked up at Renz. And she felt her irritation rise again when she saw that Renz was smiling. 

"What amuses you now?" Lena asked dryly. Renz cocked his head to the side and folded his arms, but his wolfish grin remained. 

"So you really were asking for me," Renz said. Lena blushed, suddenly feeling as if some secret of hers had just been exposed. 

"Yes...I was very worried. My last memory of you was seeing you shot," Lena replied, finally beginning to calm down. 

Renz's smile widened, and she thought that she saw his eyes slightly glitter. 

"Does that mean you love me, Lena?" Renz asked. 

His question caught her off guard, and Lena had to pause. She looked up at Renz shyly, hoping he wouldn't make her say it. 

They exchanged a look of recognition, and Renz lowered his head and nodded. 

"I don't trust you," Lena whispered quietly. She felt overcome with sadness as Renz's jubilance faded, and Lena wondered when she'd begun to react so strongly to his emotional currents. 

"I understand, Lena. Believe that," Renz said. 

Lena took a deep breath and slightly bit her lip as she slowly approached Renz. She reached for his folded arm, fully appreciating the feeling of his warm skin against her fingers. 

"But I'd like to," Lena said truthfully. Lena felt her heart flutter as she saw the hope begin to return to his handsome face. 

"How can I earn your trust Lena?" Renz asked. His voice dropped with that low purr that made her barely healthy body begin to ache with desire. Lena took several steps away from him and sat down on a lounge. She didn't want to experience the sting of his rejection again. 

"Tell me...tell me how you found me. Tell me where you've been. Tell me why Karl lied to me. Tell me why you stayed away for so long," Lena said quietly. 

Lena stared ahead at the table in front of her, which was covered in an elaborate spread of breakfast meats, breads, and fruit. Her body was still as Renz approached her, and she kept her eyes lowered as he sat down opposite her. 

"Listen to your doctor and eat. And I will tell you anything you wish," Renz said. 

Lena started with the fruit, and she quickly chewed several pieces, glancing up at Renz expectantly. 

"I didn't...react to your departure very well, Lena," Renz said. Lena slightly paused and became nervous, and she wondered if Renz would bring up the angry words between them. She didn't want to revisit them...she would have been happy to leave them buried, and eventually forgotten, forever. 

"What do you mean?" Lena asked. 

Renz slightly leaned forward, and clasped his large hands tightly together. 

"I was...quite unstable," he said carefully. Lena had a feeling that Renz wanted to say more, and she watched him in curiosity as Renz, for the very first time, appeared to struggle to find his words. 

"I cried every night," Lena said softly. Renz frowned in bewilderment, almost looking as if he didn't believe her. 

"Surely you had Erich to dry your tears at night," Renz said. Lena shook her head, not wanting to think or talk about Erich. 

Lena glanced at Renz, and she saw that he appeared to be almost fearful. Lena sighed, for the first time deducing with confidence what Renz was thinking. 

"I was never...involved...with Erich," Lena said. Renz's head snapped up at attention, and Lena couldn't help but slightly smile at the hopeful gaze on his face. 

"You shared a bed with him every night for over a month...and he never touched you?" Renz asked. 

Lena's thoughts went to the night she'd tried to offer herself to Erich, to purge his fears, as well as her own, of Renz's power over her. 

"He said that he could see you all over me. He didn't want me...we never shared a bed," Lena admitted. 

Renz's expression became fully serious again, and he stared deeply at Lena for several prolonged moments. Lena became nervous of what he would say. 

"Do you love him, Lena?" Renz asked. She slightly exhaled, for this was the easiest question he'd asked her since his return. 

"No," Lena replied quietly. Renz nodded and slightly reclined on the back of the lounge. Lena was certain she could see the relief emanating from his body. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 11



"What in the hell do you think you are doing?" he spat harshly. 

Lena yelped in fear, and the crystal glass of champagne slipped from her fingers, shattering into a glittering pile at her feet. The faint, pleasant buzz of the expensive golden nectar instantly vanished, and Lena was hyperaware in her terror. 

She wanted to retreat as he slowly advanced on her, his face darkly marked with fury, but she was completely immobilized with fear. It commanded all of her willpower to keep from fainting. 

"I...I'm s-sorry—"

She winced as his large hand suddenly reached for the back of her head, his fingers twisting and locking in her curled, highly styled hair. She followed weakly as he pulled her towards his furious face by her hair, fearful of the impending pain. 

"You...have humiliated me...in my own home," Renz said slowly. 

Tears began to well in her eyes as she thought about how careless she'd been, how foolish and stupid she'd been. She searched his gray eyes for an emotion, any emotion, other than anger. His anger was too much for her to bear. But he appeared relentless in his rage. 

She looked down as Renz's deep, fuming breaths covered her face and slightly tousled the loosening strands of hair. His grip was only tightening, and Lena began wondering if he intended to hurt her. 

"I'm so sorry, sir," she whispered shakily. 

Renz sharply inhaled, and Lena mustered up the strength to look at him again. She tried to find the gentle part of him that was safe, the part that loved her, but his anger seemed to be an endless vacuum. 

Perhaps he didn't love her at all anymore. 

Several moments passed and Renz neither spoke nor moved, and Lena wondered if he planned on banishing her. The thought that her actions had hurt and angered him so deeply filled her with guilt and remorse, and her heart filled with sorrow when she realized that she would not be forgiven. 

She realized then that this would be the climax of their relationship, the end of their story. She'd slowly brought about the good in Renz over several months, but in a matter of foolish minutes, had completely destroyed it. Whatever they shared was now over.

She closed her eyes and thought about the last few days, her request in the hotel, every choice she'd made, every word she'd spoken, and she wondered where she'd gone wrong, what she could have changed. Surely everything between them didn't lead to this. Surely what they had, whatever it was, was better than this. 

******

******

******

******

Lena looked up at Renz as she felt the carriage begin to slow. Her heart was beating erratically, but the sight of his serene, handsome face somewhat quelled her nervousness. 

It only took a brief moment for Renz to realize Lena was looking at him, and he glanced down at her fondly. She felt his large hand cover hers, lightly brushing her knee on top of her silken layers. She searched his calm gray eyes, wondering if it was too soon to expect an answer to her request. 

But no answer was found. 

"You could just...say no and be done with it," Lena whispered. Even though they were in the privacy of the spacious coach, Lena was still worried the driver could hear her. 

"My first instinct is to grant you anything and everything you ask of me, Lena," Renz said. 

"But...not this?" she asked nervously. Lena looked away from him as she saw tension begin to appear on his face. She did not want to see or hear his refusal. 

But then she felt his touch, and Lena slightly jumped up in surprise. His hand was warm and soothing against her icy cheek, gently beckoning her gaze to return to his. 

"I haven't said no, have I?" Renz purred quietly. 

"You haven't said yes," Lena answered. 

His expression became darker, almost sad, and Lena looked away from him again. Her chest swelled with pain as she realized that Renz would likely never grant her what she asked. 

She could feel tears begin to well, but Lena urgently closed her eyes in an attempt to re-absorb the evidence of her sadness and frustration. For some reason she didn't quite understand, the idea of crying in front of Renz terrified her, even though he'd seen her cry many times before. Something had changed between them. Something felt...different. 

Lena steadied herself with resignation as she rebuilt her courage, and tried to bury the request she'd made of Renz. It was painful for her to let go of her wish, for it almost felt like she was abandoning something that felt...essential. She hoped that she could eventually forget about it, along with the feeling that she was making some kind of fundamental personal sacrifice. 

"Do you still want to visit Jonathan?" Renz said after several minutes of silence. Lena nodded slowly. 

"I do...I would like to," she said absently, thankful for a change in topic. 

Renz slightly knocked against the roof of the coach, and Lena could hear the driver begin to dismount. 

Renz reached for her again, closing the physical and emotional distance that had suddenly formed between them. His touch, although gentle, was almost territorial, but Lena welcomed his gentle possession. At first it had been frightening, but now, it felt safe. 

"Lena...there's something I need to tell you about Jonathan," Renz said suddenly. Lena looked up at him curiously, somewhat overcome with a feeling of unease as she watched his focused face. 

"He doesn't want to see me," Lena said flatly. Renz shook his head. 

"Lena...I wanted to bring you to Sterling Manor because Jonathan's health is...rapidly deteriorating," Renz said. 

Lena's mouth fell open, and she felt the fear and sorrow slowly begin to percolate through her limbs, rendering her almost immobile with dread. 

"How long have you known?" Lena asked. 

"I only found out a few weeks ago. While you were healing," Renz replied. 

The coach door opened, and Lena slowly crawled out. Her satin shoes slightly sunk into the soft earth that surrounded manor, and it took Lena several moments to steady herself. But she was filled with a bittersweet joy when she inhaled the slightly moist, pastoral air of Sterling Manor, that almost sweet, earthy scent she was so familiar with. 

She was home. 

She brought her eyes to the Tudor-style manor, and Lena completely forgot about any sense of propriety. She bolted forward and ran towards the front entrance, paying no attention to the inhibitions the layers of her gown gave her. She was no longer Lena, mistress of Renz Wolfenbarger. She was just Lena, nameless Lena, a long lost servant of Sterling Manor, desperate to see its Master. 

Lena paused for a few moments to catch her breath before she entered, and she realized that something was highly unusual. The grounds were far too quiet. There were no servants, anywhere. 

Renz approached from behind then, and extended his long arms, and pushed open the large wooden front doors. 

She gasped in shock when she observed the entryway of Sterling Manor. It was nothing like the polished splendor she'd grown up in. It was filthy, and it was severely neglected. Piles of dust and debris covered the floors, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling. Lena slightly yelped in surprise when she saw a small, furry creature rapidly scuttle across the floor in front of her with faint squeaks. 

Lena took several tentative steps, and the sound of her heels hauntingly echoed throughout the entryway. It was very dark, but in the few areas where sunlight entered, Lena could see particles of dust slowly swirling around. 

Her heart began to pound as anxiety began to overtake her body the further into the manor she walked. She hurried towards the stairs, and gripped the railing with all of her strength. She could feel Renz walking behind her, keeping his distance. And oddly enough, she was grateful for that. There was a part of her that wanted to be alone to process all that had changed. 

But once she reached the top of the stairs, the feeling vanished. The second floor was even more unrecognizable than the first, and Lena was filled with the disturbing sensation of utter unfamiliarity. The last thing she wanted was to be alone and abandoned with nothing but that horrible sensation to comfort her. 

Lena turned towards Renz, and he wordlessly extended his arms to her. She held onto him tightly to keep herself from falling apart, not quite listening as he whispered in her ear. She breathed in his scent deeply, hoping to absorb some of his omnipresent strength. And after a few minutes, Lena felt as if she could walk on her own again. 

"We can leave if you'd like, Lena," Renz said softly. Lena shook her head and distanced herself from his grasp. 

"I need to see him," she replied determinedly. Renz sighed heavily and offered his arm to her, and Lena held onto him tightly. She led them through the halls of the estate, trying to reacquaint herself with the place she'd spent most of her life. 

As she continued walking, Lena noticed that Sterling Manor wasn't just different because of the filth and lack of servants. Its possessions were gone as well. Lena could find no sign of the art that Mrs. Sterling had spent so many years collecting while she was alive. The paintings and tapestries were gone, the rugs were gone, the curtains were gone...Sterling Manor had been stripped almost completely bare. 

"Are these Jonathan's rooms?" Renz asked softly. Lena nodded tensely, and for a fleeting moment, she thought about turning away. But Lena banished the thought and gripped the door handle on impulse, and flung it open before she could change her mind. 

"Good heavens...Lena!" she heard. 

Lena felt Renz instantly release her from his arm as Marie came bolting towards them. Lena flinched as the woman approached her, terrified that she would be slapped again, as she had the last time they'd seen each other. But instead of a harsh blow, she felt Marie's arms rapidly encircle her shoulders, holding her much like she had when Lena was a child. 

Lena was frozen where she stood as Marie hugged her. She knew she should have been more receptive, grateful even...but something about the embrace didn't feel as genuine as she remembered. 

"I've been so worried about you," Marie said, finally releasing her. Lena still felt stunned as she observed Marie, and began to recognize her face again. She'd lost weight since she'd last seen her, and her hair had several more strands of silver. But her smile was exactly the same, if a bit more strained, and Lena felt a rush of familiarity and love run through her body. 

She ungracefully leaned forward and hugged Marie again, too tightly. It aggravated her still sore rib, and Lena had to bashfully remove herself from the embrace. 

"What's happened? Are you all right?" Marie asked, her voice full of motherly concern. Her hand tenderly reached out to Lena's side, stroking her sore rib softly. 

But Lena had no intention of telling Marie how the injury occurred. 

"Just an accident. I will be fine. I've missed you so," Lena said, words finally returning. 

"You sweet girl," Marie said fondly, extending her arms again. Lena locked her arms around Marie, feeling far more familiar, almost desperate, with the embrace. Her mind was overwhelmed with feelings of joy and shock, and she briefly wondered if this was real. Marie had looked at her with so much anger and disappointment the last time she'd seen her. Lena couldn't believe that she was still...loved. 

"I've missed you too. I wish you'd never left," Marie said. 

Lena stepped away from Marie and blinked several times, joy beginning to fade. 

"Master Sterling sent me away," Lena said softly. Marie's eyes slightly saddened, and she brought her hand to Lena's cheek. 

"It was just anger, Lena. Both of us. But...no one in this house has ever stopped loving you," Marie replied. 

She reached for Lena's hands and squeezed tightly, and Lena was sure she would burst from joy and relief.

"Where is everyone?" Lena asked. Marie smiled sadly. 

"Master Sterling's finances have suffered...oh my word," Marie said suddenly. 

Lena's heart pounded in alarm when she heard the turn in her voice and saw the shock on Marie's face. She wondered what had caused the shift, but then she noticed that Marie's eyes had dropped to her left hand. 

Lena felt her face instantly flush with hot blush, and she tried to casually remove her fingers from Marie's, but there was no hiding it. Marie had most certainly seen the diamond. 

The joyful expression on Marie's face filled Lena with guilt, and for the first time since entering Master Sterling's chambers, she turned to Renz for support. 

"Mr. Wolfenbarger...you didn't mention in your letter that you and Lena had married," she said, slightly breathless. It appeared she was struggling to keep her gaze away from the ring, and Lena shyly tried to turn the large, glittering stone towards her palm. 

Renz slightly smiled and shook his head. 

"We're not married, Marie. Actually—"

"We're engaged," Lena interjected. 

She could feel Renz's entire body stiffen next to her, but she was too afraid to look up at him. If she did, Lena knew it would be obvious to Marie that she was lying. 

But that was a much better alternative to telling Marie the truth. She didn't want Marie to know about all that had transpired with Renz, all of the things that had happened to her in the München. 

All she wanted was for Marie to keep smiling at her with pride. 

"Let me go and check on Master Sterling. I'm certain he will be anxious to see you," Marie said, giving Lena's hand one final squeeze. 

Lena returned her smile, but her body became tense once she and Renz were momentarily alone in the sitting room. 

"You know Lena...an engagement does not usually precede the actual proposal," Renz said. His voice had a slight bit of humor in it, and Lena couldn't help but faintly smile in reaction. 

She looked up at him as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders and softly squeezed, almost as if he were performing a massage. 

"You saw how happy she was when she saw the ring. I don't want to ruin that for her with...the explicit truth," Lena replied. 

Renz cocked his head to the side and slightly frowned in confusion. 

"I was actually hoping you'd allow me to divulge the explicit truth...by confessing those sins which are mine," Renz said. 

Lena's eyes widened in shock and she shook her head frantically. 

"Are you mad? Why on earth would you do that?" Lena asked. Renz's smile faded, and Lena felt her heart sink in reaction. 

"I don't want you to ever feel abandoned again by the people you love most. And if returning to live here is your wish...I wouldn't want misunderstanding and a lack of disclosure to prevent that," Renz replied. 

Lena was dumbfounded for several moments, and her mouth hung open in shock. Just when she thought she could predict Renz's actions, and trace everything back to his arrogance...he surprised her. 

And when he surprised her, he excited her. 

Lena reached for his collar and tugged, pulling his face downward to meet hers. She stood up on her tiptoes, and quickly pressed her lips against his for a kiss. She could feel Renz slightly stumble in surprise, but Lena kept her mouth attached to his, enjoying the comforting tingle of his tongue curling against hers. 

He placed his large hands on her waist as they kissed, and slowly and smoothly ran them down to her hips. She could feel Renz searching for her legs in the midst of her many skirt layers, and when his hands reached her bottom, he cupped her cheeks roughly and pulled her against him. 

His body was pressed close against hers, and Lena began feeling lightheaded and excited as she felt Renz begin to harden against her belly. His body was swaying and moving against hers ever so slightly, seductively lulling her into arousal. 

He kept one hand attached to her buttocks as he brought another to the side of her face, guiding her to accept his increasingly fast kisses. Lena felt a throbbing between her legs as Renz's tongue probed deeper into her mouth, and she knew it would only be a matter of moments before she was dripping and desperate to have him. 

But before she entered that place of madness, Lena flattened her feet and stepped away from him. 

"I don't want them to know," she whispered, slightly breathless from the kiss. Renz nodded and leaned forward, searching for her mouth again. 

"Whatever you wish. Now let me kiss you again," he said lowly, lips meeting her neck. 

He gripped her hips and pulled her right up against him again, moving her as if her body were weightless. Lena felt her knees begin to tremble as his lips lowered to her collarbone, and finally across her chest. She threw her head back and cried out, forgetting where she was, when Renz squeezed her breast through her clothes, teasingly kissing the swollen mound.

The bedroom doors opened then, and Renz quickly released her and stood proudly, as perfectly composed as ever. But Lena was breathless and trembling by the titillations of his kisses, and worried that Marie could see how indecent she was. 

Her bubbling lusts were sobered once she observed the despondent expression on Marie's face. The happiness at the news of her fake engagement had clearly evaporated. Seeing Master Sterling had apparently taken away all of her joy, and Lena was fearful of what she would find behind those doors. 

Marie softly beckoned with her hand, and Lena tried to walk swiftly, yet quietly, towards the entrance to Master Sterling's bedroom. 

"The medicine the doctor gives him sometimes makes him a bit...confused, Lena. Pay no mind," Marie said softly. 

She placed her hand on Lena's shoulder for support, and Lena felt comforted. But she needed something else. 

She turned to Renz, who'd been dutifully standing just outside of the bedroom doors, keeping his distance. Lena reached for him, and with a slight bow, Renz strolled towards her, and laced his fingers in hers. 



"Lorena?" a weak voice said. 

Lena brought her hand to her mouth in horror as she took in her first sight of Master Sterling. She could barely make out his form in the large bed, he was so thin and frail. Almost all of his hair was gone, and his skin was entirely devoid of color. Lena couldn't believe how weak he'd become in just a couple of months. 

She slowly approached his bed, pulling up a cushion. His gaze followed her, his thin face widening in a trembling smile. 

"Lorena...beautiful Lorena," he said again. 

Lena sadly shook her head, heart swelling in pain. 

"No, sir...Lorena was my mother. I'm Lena. Don't you remember me?" she asked sadly. 

His ashen skin wrinkled for several moments, almost appearing as if it would tear, but then his eyes widened in recognition. 

"Lena? My dear girl, you've come to see me," he said, his voice barely a whisper. 

Lena smiled in joy and pain as Sterling gazed at her, and she softly took his hand.

"Yes, I'm here. I would have come sooner, had I known," Lena said gently. 

She could feel him struggling to squeeze her hand, his strongest attempt at an embrace, and Lena found herself completely heartbroken by his weakened state. 

"Has that...barbaric German rake been unkind to you?" Sterling spat haughtily. Lena blushed in embarrassment, wondering just how much of those words Renz heard. 

To her relief, she heard Renz's faint chuckle behind her. 

"Herr...I mean...Mr. Wolfenbarger has been very kind to me, sir. He brought me here," Lena said softly. 

Jonathan began shifting where he lay, his entire body shaking with tremors. Lena slightly adjusted his pillow, beckoning him to stay still. 

"I'm so glad...you're here, Lena. I have been...so...worried for you," he said, words broken by gasps. His struggles to breathe nearly brought Lena to tears, but she didn't want him to see her cry. She wanted him to look upon her with happiness, like Marie. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 11



"Thank you...for not turning me away. I've missed you so much," Lena said, trying her hardest to maintain composure. 

Jonathan smiled kindly at her and stroked her hair, a simple gesture he hadn't done for years. 

"You're dressed like a lady," Jonathan remarked, glancing at Lena again. Lena smiled shyly, slightly running her hand along the lace trim of her elegant day gown. 

"Do you like it?" Lena asked. 

"Expensive silk can do wonders for a whore, Lorena," he replied. 

Lena's heart skipped a beat, and she shook her head in confusion and hurt. 

"No, Master Sterling...I'm Lena," she said frantically. 

"How many more wealthy men have you whored yourself to this week?

he said, voice rising. 

Lena's mouth fell open silently. She was too stunned to react. She'd never heard Master Sterling utter such crude words. She knew that Sterling had no way of knowing what had happened to her in München, but nonetheless, his words still felt exceptionally cruel. 

"Lena, he's not himself...it's just his medicine, love--" she heard Renz say. 

"God will judge you for your lustful sins. And I will laugh as you burn in Hell," Sterling said loudly. His voice broke on a sudden gasp, and he began coughing heavily. 

Lena reached for a handkerchief that sat on his bedside table. She tried to keep her emotions under control as Sterling coughed into it, slightly staining it with flecks of blood. She felt like her heart was breaking, and she knew she'd need to leave soon before she became wholly devastated. 

Once his coughing subsided, Lena brought a glass of water to Sterling's lips, softly encouraging him to drink with a gentle hand on his shoulder. At first he locked his mouth, refusing to drink anything as his angry eyes bore into hers. But eventually, his expression softened and he nearly emptied his glass, spilling several drops. 

He reached for her when Lena briefly glanced away to return the glass. 

"Lena, dear...my dear girl...you've come to see me," Sterling said. 

Lena sighed sadly, and swallowed hard to keep from sobbing. 

"Yes, Master Sterling. I've come to visit you," she said, forcing a smile on her face. 

Sterling reached for her hand, his fingers struggling to close on hers. He slightly extended his free hand, beckoning her to come closer. Lena slightly leaned forward, and she could hear Sterling faintly whisper in her ear. 

"But you are a whore just like your mother," he said. 

The doors opened before she could react, and Lena could hear Marie approaching. And she was grateful. She wouldn't be able to keep her emotions hidden from Sterling any longer. 

"I think Master Sterling needs his rest," Marie said softly, almost apologetically. Lena could tell from Marie's worried, yet knowing expression that she was somehow aware of what Sterling had said. 

Lena nodded slowly, and deeply inhaled, knowing she wouldn't be able to keep her tears at bay for much longer. She placed a soft kiss on Sterling's cheek, and gave his hand one last squeeze. 

She walked towards a waiting Renz, and reached for him before she fell over in sadness. She knew that Sterling's words would haunt her even more than the last, and she found herself wishing to escape as soon as possible. 

"Actually...I was wondering if I could have a few moments alone with Jonathan," Renz said. 

Lena looked up at him in surprise, and then glanced at Marie. She could tell that Marie was deciding whether or not she should argue, but the resigned nod indicated that she did not want to offend her wealthy guest. 

"Just for a few minutes. It will give us some time to talk," Marie said, placing her hand on Lena's shoulders. 

Lena slightly leaned into Marie as they exited the bedroom, and when she felt the older woman begin to stroke her hair, Lena temporarily allowed herself to forget just how much Sterling Manor, Master Sterling, and she, had changed. 

******

******

Renz waited for several moments once the doors were closed. He stood silently and perfectly still, and took slow, steady breaths to quell his anger. He had to remind himself that Jonathan was dying and delirious. Surely he wasn't entirely aware of what he'd said. 

But the words the old man had spoken were unacceptable, delirious or not. He'd nearly made Lena cry, and Renz was somewhat frightened by how much he wanted to...punish the dying man for it. 

"What are you doing in my room?" Jonathan said suddenly. 

Renz slowly raised his head and strolled toward Jonathan, taking the seat Lena had just vacated. 

"I know you're in there Jonathan. I only have a few minutes, so right now...I need you to focus," Renz said firmly. 

Jonathan turned his head towards Renz, eyes slightly squinting. But eventually, he weakly nodded. 

"What do you want, Mr. Wolfenbarger?" Jonathan said. 

Renz folded his hands and slightly leaned closer to Jonathan. 

"I'm going to ask Lena to marry me very soon. And I would like your permission," Renz replied. 

Jonathan broke into laughter then, his smile wide and teeth slightly decayed. His laughs sounded more like wheezes, and Renz handed him his water before he began to choke again.

"Why bother? You said yourself you are not a man for marriage. She's already whored herself to you. Her value is gone," Jonathan said. 

Renz clenched his fist and locked his jaw to keep from striking Jonathan. He glanced away from the old man as he waited for that instant, reactionary surge of anger to dissipate, and he became somewhat distracted by a highly frayed photograph that sat on the nightstand table. 

It was a very beautiful, smiling young woman. Her long, pale hair was pulled over one shoulder in gentle waves, and she held a small, dark-haired infant fondly in her arms. Despite the poor quality of the image, the woman's wide, pale eyes, heavily fringed with long lashes, were almost violently striking. They were Lena's eyes, and Renz knew immediately that he was staring at an image of her mother. 

"Lena never whored herself to me, Jonathan. She never came to me willingly. I forced myself upon her," Renz said quietly. 

The words felt like repeated blows to his chest as he spoke them. With each word, Renz was overwhelmed with shame. He wondered briefly about how Jonathan would react, but he was more concerned with the reality of what he'd just spoken, for this was a very painful confession. He'd forced himself on Lena, his beautiful Lena whom he'd quickly grown to love. He'd harmed her unforgivably. 

But somehow, Lena had given him her forgiveness. Somehow, Lena's innate strength had kept her from being destroyed by what he'd done. 

"You couldn't resist her," Jonathan said. 

Renz lowered his head and nodded slowly. 

"She tempted you with her face and her body. Just like her mother. They are whores, Mr. Wolfenbarger. Not wives. I prayed for years that Lena would be different...but the very first night of her womanhood, she brought about your violent lusts, didn't she?" Jonathan demanded. 

Renz was speechless for several moments, completely unprepared for how to handle Jonathan. 

"I'm not entirely certain if it is your medicine or natural disposition, but you are treading very dangerous ground, Jonathan. I forced Lena. She didn't ask for or encourage anything that happened that night," Renz said darkly. 

Jonathan laughed again, his wheezing smile sickening. 

"Whores can't be raped, Mr. Wolfenbarger," Jonathan said, glancing at the image of Lena's mother. 

Renz was suddenly overcome with a grave realization, and he lost control of his anger. Renz yanked Jonathan violently by his dressing gown collar, and glared at him dangerously. 

"You forced Lena's mother, didn't you? You are Lena's father," Renz spat harshly. 

Jonathan's eyes filled with fear, and he began harshly coughing, forcing small flecks of blood onto his bedclothes. 

Renz released him once he noticed how strong his grip really was, and he tersely refilled Jonathan's water glass and handed it to him. 

He took the glass once Jonathan finished drinking, and the coughs had stopped. He stared at the old man expectantly, wondering if he'd lost him again. But Jonathan still appeared to be lucid. 

"Unlike yourself, I am not a man to succumb to animal lusts, Mr. Wolfenbarger. I loved Lorena. But she and I...we never consummated that love. I was married, and Lorena was pregnant upon arrival. It would have been entirely improper," Jonathan said.

Something shifted in Jonathan's eyes, and Renz knew it would only be a matter of moments before he was lost again. 

"Jonathan, focus, who is Lena's father—"

"You can't take Lorena away from me!" Jonathan said suddenly. The frail man suddenly sat up in bed, the sheets falling away from his body. He was nothing more than a trembling pile of bones, and Renz tried to beckon him to rest. 

"Jonathan, tell me who Lena's father is. I know you know his identity," Renz urged. 

Jonathan grinned wildly again, and he laughed hysterically at Renz. Renz was momentarily shocked when Jonathan suddenly struck him hard across the jaw, his force powerful despite his frailty. 

Jonathan completely stood out of his bed then, and nearly fell over, but Renz held onto his arms. Jonathan began swinging his fists rapidly, seemingly oblivious to the heavy coughs that were shaking his body. 

"Jonathan, stop it, focus, we're talking about Lena—"

"Lorena is never want for a man's affection. Your money won't keep her. She loves only me!" Jonathan cried. The old man continued to strike him, fists beating against Renz's face, but his anger-fueled strength was beginning to fade.

Renz heard the doors open then, and he leaned close to Jonathan, and whispered directly in his ear. 

"Tell me who Lena's father is...now," Renz said slowly. 

Jonathan's breathing slightly slowed, and Renz knew he had momentarily returned. 

"Be warned, Mr. Wolfenbarger. Lena is even lovelier than her mother was. Her beauty is her curse, her sin...she is dangerous for men, and she is dangerous for you," Jonathan said weakly. 

Renz tightened his grip on Jonathan's arm.

"Her father...now," Renz said.

He could hear Marie frantically approaching them as Jonathan's body began shaking with coughs. He guided the dying man back to his bed, trying his hardest to hide his anger and disappointment from the busy maid that had entered the room. 

Jonathan succumbed to rest then, but not before the faint utterance of "American" reached Renz's ear. 

******

******

"How much longer does he have?" Lena asked softly. 

She watched Marie's hands as the older woman prepared a cup of tea in what Lena surmised was one of the last sets of English china that remained in Sterling Manor. It was a pretty, floral design in royal blue and gold that Lena was very familiar with. She smiled in bittersweet recognition when she remembered that this was the set she'd used to serve Master Sterling and Renz just a few months prior. 

And as Marie extended the delicate cup, Lena was filled with nervousness. She'd never consumed from the fine china of Sterling Manor. She'd lived there as a servant, not as a guest. 

"You're pale, Lena. Have some tea," Marie said, when Lena hadn't moved. 

Lena blinked several times, bringing herself back to the present, and tried to graciously accept the tea from Marie. 

She watched as Marie continued to serve her, and only her, elegantly placing small biscuits and fruits on the tiny saucer. Marie appeared to be nervous, and that disturbed Lena. She didn't want to be served or feared. She only wanted to be loved. 

"Marie?" Lena asked softly. 

Marie stopped moving, and slowly sat down in front of Lena. 

"Master Sterling will be joining Mrs. Sterling very soon," she answered finally. 

Lena slowly exhaled as she processed the reality of Master Sterling's health. She hadn't been expecting Marie to say anything different, but hearing the truth out loud felt just as severe as seeing Master Sterling's frailty with her own eyes. 

"I can stay and help," Lena suggested. She noticed that Marie was staring at her cup of tea expectantly, her back uncomfortably erect. Lena had positioned her own body that way for many years. It was the submissive posture of a servant waiting to receive confirmation of a guest's satisfaction. 

Not knowing what else to do, Lena reached for her tea and took several sips. Only then did Marie's body begin to relax. 

"This isn't your place anymore, Lena," Marie said. 

Lena nearly dropped her glass, and she stared at Marie openmouthed. Hadn't Marie forgiven her?

"Marie, I—"

"You misunderstand me. I see you now, and you are...radiant. You've evolved from a shy girl to a beaming woman. I don't want you to regress by assuming the role of a servant again," Marie interrupted calmly. 

Lena slightly sunk into her seat. She knew Marie had intended to be kind to her, but it felt like rejection once more. 

"I'm still the same," Lena said quietly. 

Marie shook her head and leaned towards Lena, softly placing her hand on her shoulder. That contact brought Lena back to her childhood, to being raised by Marie, and Lena leaned her cheek against her wrist fondly. 

"You've blossomed Lena. You share love with a very powerful man. That is more than I could hope for any daughter of mine," Marie said. 

Her words made her spine stiffen, and Lena suddenly became very guilty. Marie had clearly grossly idealized her relationship with Renz, and it felt...wrong to allow her to believe that. 

Lena glanced at Marie, prepared to clarify, but the hopeful expression on her tired face made her pause. Marie had clearly suffered enough, and Lena did not want to add to her anguish. 

So instead, she chose to foster her hope. 

"Yes...he...I love him very much," Lena said. She'd prepared to expel the lie as quickly as possible, but to her surprise, her words flowed smoothly and naturally. The dishonesty did not burn like bile in her throat. Instead, it felt almost...organic. 

Marie's eyes nearly twinkled, and she scooted closer to Lena, and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. 

"Tell me about the proposal, where did it happen?" Marie asked gleefully. Lena forced a smile on her face for Marie's benefit, and she could feel the joy emanating from her body. 

"At Schloss Wolfenbarger...that's his home. We'd returned from a trip to Berlin...and...he gave me this," Lena said quickly, shyly showing Marie the ring. 

Lena blushed as Marie took her left hand, and closely inspected the diamond. 

"Good heavens...this is extraordinary. He will certainly make a good husband for you," Marie said, releasing her hand. 

Lena shyly brought her hand close to her body, hoping her embarrassment would subside. But Marie was staring at her expectantly, with that same hopeful expression on her face. Lena sighed, realizing that it wouldn't be enough for her to simply state an engagement. 

Marie wanted her to elaborate.

Lena took a deep breath, nervous that Marie would eventually see through her lies. But she knew she needed to say something. She wanted Marie to continue to look at her with pride and love, not sadness and disappointment. 

"He will...Herr...Renz...he really is a wonderful man," Lena said hesitantly. 

Marie smiled fondly, color beginning to return to her cheeks. So Lena took a deep breath, and continued speaking. 

"His charm is infectious. His charisma, laughter. His confidence is a joy and thrill to witness," Lena said, surprised by how easily her words flowed. 

"A love match...I couldn't be happier," Marie said. 

Lena softly bit her lip, her thoughts suddenly centering on nights in bed with Renz. That was when she enjoyed him most, when she was most fond of him. After their bodies had joined, after they'd calmed from the excitement...the sight of the satisfied, slightly lazy Renz made her happy. 

"He can be domineering, aggressive...but there is a very strong part of him that is gentle too. Thoughtful. Sensitive, even," Lena continued. 

She thought about the night before in the penthouse of the boutique hotel, the rose petals, the music, his lips on every surface of her body. She thought about the way he'd moved over and inside of her with the perfect balance of strength and tenderness that had left her utterly libidinous and wanton. 

She thought about the way he'd touched her, the way he'd kissed her, and Lena momentarily forgot about where she was, and slipped into a brief reverie. 

But the sudden sound of Master Sterling's harsh wheezing in the other room jolted Lena back to the present, and Marie frantically rushed towards the doors, flinging them open. 

Lena nervously followed, her heart filling with alarm when she saw that Renz holding onto a trembling, coughing Master Sterling, trying to urge him back into bed. Lena noticed that Renz's jaw had slightly reddened, and she frowned in confusion, wondering how that came to be. 

She looked again at Sterling, and Lena felt an overpowering pain and sickness begin to overtake her body. So much more of his frail body was exposed where he stood. His bare arms and legs looked like broomstick handles, moments away from breaking as he trembled. Marie rushed forward and adjusted the sheets of his bed as Renz placed him back inside, but Lena had already seen him. Sterling, the only father she'd known, was barely more than a skeleton, and he was really, truly dying. 

"Lena?" she heard Renz say. 

She couldn't move or speak as she watched Marie care for Sterling. Her chest swelled in pain as she wondered how Sterling would die thinking of her. Would he die loving her, or would he die hating her, believing her to be a whore?

"This way, Lena," she heard Renz say. 

His arm was around her waist, holding her closely, and they were moving...but Lena wasn't sure where they were going. 

"Does she do this often?" she could faintly hear Marie say. 

They were back in the hallway, and Lena was momentarily dumbfounded, unsure of how they got there so quickly. 

"It's...just how she copes. She's in shock," she could hear Renz reply. 

Lena wanted to interject, to explain that she wasn't in shock...not exactly. 

She was just overwhelmed with fear. Sterling couldn't die hating her. 

Marie walked ahead of them, and pushed open the doors to the Crown suite. And to Lena's surprise, it was still furnished exactly the same way as when she'd left. 

"Maybe just a few minutes," she heard Renz say. 

Lena wandered over to the bed, glancing warily at the tiger pelt on the floor. She sat down on the ottoman at the foot of the bed, hearing, but not truly comprehending, what Marie and Renz were discussing just outside. 

The Sterling that she knew and loved wasn't there anymore. And what saddened Lena most was the fact that his illness didn't seem to be the cause of that departure. 

Sterling had changed the day he'd banished her. 

She heard the bedroom door close, and Lena looked up and saw Renz tentatively entering. 

"How are you, Lena?" Renz asked softly. 

He kneeled in front of where she sat on the ottoman, and Lena couldn't help but smile at the slight sense of déjà vu. 

"It was this room...just like we are now," Lena said eventually. Renz smiled bitterly and kissed the inside of her wrist. 

"I know...but surely it feels different being back," Renz said. Lena nodded and reached for his shirt collar, absently playing with the fabric. 

"What are you thinking Lena?" Renz said eventually. Lena sadly looked into his concerned eyes. 

"Master Sterling thinks I'm a whore like my mother. He will die...repulsed by me," Lena said shamefully. 

Renz wrapped his arms around her waist and gently pulled her forward, holding her tightly. 

"His medicine confuses him, Lena. My father had something similar for his pain when he was dying," Renz said. Lena slightly frowned. 




The Taking of Lena Ch. 11



"But...your father was always cruel to you," Lena mentioned. Renz smiled insincerely and lowered his head. 

"He was. And when he was dying, he told me that he loved me. That was the first and only time," Renz replied. 

Lena stared at Renz, and she brought her hand to his cheek softly. 

"I'm certain he loved you...in his own way," Lena said gently.

"I am not certain of that. But I am certain Jonathan loves you. You're impossible not to love," Renz said. 

Lena blinked several times as his words settled between them, and she began feeling more aware, less distant. Every emotion that she'd hidden and suppressed since her arrival at Sterling Manor broke free from her mental barriers, and Lena's entire body shook as she violently wept. 

She felt Renz's arms around her as her body shook with her tears, and she cried until her eyes were exhausted, and every emotion was spent. 

******

Night had fallen when Lena woke up, and she pushed herself up from the large bed of the Crown suite on lethargic arms. Her eyes felt swollen and puffy, but she didn't feel as sorrowful as she had before. 

Now that she was awake, she felt resigned, but also...refreshed.

She crawled out of bed, and noticed that her gown had been removed. She was draped in her silk undergarments, stockings, and Renz's jacket, and she slightly smiled at the ill-fitting comfort of Renz's clothes. 

She found Renz in the sitting area with his shirt and vest loosened, his large body slightly reclined, and she noticed, with an odd degree of fondness, that he was sleeping. She quietly sat beside him, and slightly tousled his smooth dark hair. His dark brows frowned at the touch, but Renz didn't move, and Lena had to bite her lip to keep from giggling out loud. She wasn't entirely sure why, but he struck her as surprisingly endearing as he slept. 

She brought her fingers back to his face, and her humor slightly faded as her marvel increased. Renz was, truly, spectacular looking, his masculine, proportionate face perfectly carved like sculptures of Greek gods. The slight stubble shadow on his otherwise smooth skin seemed to only heighten the strong angle of his jaw line and cheekbones. He evoked power even as he slept, and Lena was wholly captivated by him, and compelled to touch him. 

Lena slowly and carefully leaned forward, careful not to wake him, and softly pressed her lips against his. She kissed him once, twice, and by the third kiss, Renz's piercing gray eyes lazily opened. 

Before he could speak, Lena kissed him again forcefully, trying her hardest to maintain control of herself, as well as of him. She could already feel herself getting lost as Renz responded to her, sadness fading and arousal rising as Renz placed his hands possessively on her body. He effortlessly removed the jacket she wore, and began lowering her frilly bloomers, but she didn't want him to control her...not this time. 

Lena lightly pressed her hands against his chest as he began to lean forward, preparing to mount her. At first he wouldn't move, but eventually, Renz reclined again. 

"I apologize, Lena. I'm still getting used to—"

"Promise me you won't move," Lena interrupted. She'd only been thinking the 

words, and was slightly shocked when she felt them leave her lips. Her voice sounded husky, not quite her own, and Lena wondered if she should feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

But the thought was fleeting, for her desire for Renz was stronger. 

She crawled onto his lap, straddling him wantonly, and she brought her lips to his again, and continued their kiss. She kissed him slowly, but hard, and when she sank her tongue deeply into his mouth, Renz released her favorite growl. 

She removed her mouth from his, momentarily needing to catch her breath. She began to blush in embarrassment, not quite sure what she was doing, or why she was doing it. All she knew was that if she had Renz, if she felt his love...she would feel better. 

"What do you need, Lena?" Renz said hoarsely. 

Lena wasn't sure how to answer, and she bit her lip in embarrassment. But then he softly smiled at her, and Lena felt her confidence begin to build again. 

Wordlessly, she dropped her eyes to his chest, and began unbuttoning his vest and shirt. When the garments were loosened, Lena softly placed her hand on his hard, muscled chest, fingers curling in the light sprinkle of dark hair. 

Lena leaned forward again, continuing to lightly run her hands along his chest and stomach. She brought her lips to his neck and kissed him softly, beginning a trail of kisses down the center muscle line of his torso. 

She shifted onto the floor onto her knees, and scooted forward, between his long legs. Renz raised his eyebrows humorously as Lena reached for his trousers, shyly stroking his hardening cock through the fabric. 

Renz growled again, the sound sending a rush of pleasure directly between her thighs, and Lena boldly unfastened his trousers, slightly pulling them down his hips. 

His hardness sprung forth aggressively, and Lena slightly gulped in intimidation. She'd certainly already memorized how he felt inside of her, but up close...his size slightly frightened her. 

Her eyes shyly flicked up to Renz, and she was comforted by his gentle, if highly aroused, gaze. She felt his large hand cup her cheek, fingers slightly twisting in her hair. 

His other hand reached for her clenched fist, pulling it into his lap. He separated her fingers and wrapped them around the base of his shaft, and Lena licked her lips at the velvety hard feeling of Renz beneath her fingertips. 

"All yours to play with, Lena," Renz said softly. His deep, smooth, aroused voice caused a strong reaction between her thighs, and Lena felt a slick wetness begin to pool. She was highly tempted to throw herself onto her back and allow Renz to ravish her to his, and her, satisfaction, but Lena was intent on exploring him. 

She brought her other hand to the exposed side of his shaft, and squeezed softly, yet tightly. Renz slightly arched his hips at the sensation, and she could feel his cock pulse beneath her hands.

Curiously, Lena squeezed him with both of her hands again, but this time, she slightly pulled in a generous, slow stroke. She felt her heart slightly flutter and her pussy begin to insistently throb when she saw Renz's appreciative grin and answering low groan. Her touch was pleasuring him...and that pleasured her. 

Confidence growing, Lena began stroking him again, marveling at how much more he seemed to swell beneath her touch. She licked her lips when she noticed the slight pearly fluid begin to form at his bulbous tip, and she looked up at Renz expectantly. 

She was surprised to see that he was looking down at her, his gray eyes darkened by his dilated pupils. His mouth was slightly parted, and she could see that his breathing was labored. 

Maintaining eye contact, Lena scooted forward again, and slightly dipped her head into his lap. She extended her tongue and slowly swirled it around the head of his cock, and she felt a faint shiver travel through his body. She made a soft, tentative circle with her tongue again while giving the base of his shaft another firm squeeze, and she slightly yelped when she felt his hand suddenly lock in her hair, guiding her mouth. 

He was gazing at her hungrily, and Lena swallowed hard before she reached for his hand, firmly pulling it away from her hair and dropping it on the cushion. 

"Don't move...I want to do it myself," Lena said softly, lips moving against his cock. She noticed Renz frown dangerously for several moments, his chest moving up and down in struggled breaths. But eventually, his expression softened, and she saw him relax his body, and drop his head back against the lounge. 

Lena moistened her lips and took a deep breath, removing her hands from his shaft. She gathered her hair at the back of her neck, and sank forward on an exhale, taking more of him into her mouth than she ever had.

She felt the head of his cock throbbing at the back of her throat, and she stayed still for a few moments, becoming used to the feeling of having her mouth filled to such an extreme. At first she struggled to breathe, but eventually the discomfort faded. 

Lena gripped his hard thighs for leverage as she began to experiment with her 

mouth around his cock. She massaged the underside of his cock with her tongue as she held him deeply in her mouth, and when she was certain she could breathe with relative ease, Lena quickly withdrew, before taking him into her mouth again much more quickly. 

Her throat slightly contracted in protest at his depth, but the sound of Renz moaning, the feeling of the tension in his legs, excited Lena far too much to make her stop. She gripped his thighs tighter and increased the speed of her movements, steadily slipping his cock in and out of her mouth. 

She pulled her cheeks inward and sucked, hard, and she heard Renz release a deep, loud cry. She flicked her eyes up to him in alarm, wondering if she'd somehow hurt him, but Renz appeared more enraptured than ever. 

She repeated the suction motion as she continued to bob up and down, enjoying her struggle to take as much of him into her mouth as possible. She noticed that Renz's left knee began to slightly shake, and his fists were clenched in tight, angry fists. 

She looked at him again, and Lena saw the same expression he'd given her the night before...he was struggling to control himself, to not move and just do what she asked. 

Lena was once again overwhelmed with a complex current of tenderness and excitement, but there was something else this time. Seeing Renz like that made her feel...safe. 

Lena slightly stretched her sore jaw and took a deep breath, wanting more than ever to bring pleasure to Renz. She fixed her grip on his thighs and began sucking his cock earnestly, drawing out deep moans and shivers from his body. She could feel him swelling uncomfortably in her mouth, stretching her sensitive jaw, throat, and cheeks, but eventually, there was a prolonged stillness. 

Finally, she heard Renz's loud, primal cry, and she felt his liquid rapidly shooting into the back of her throat. She swallowed quickly, somewhat bashful of what would happen if it escaped her mouth. His deep shouts seemed to echo all throughout the suite, sonic vibrations directly targeting her between her thighs, and Lena felt frenzied with need once his organ was spent. 

She slowly removed her mouth from his cock, and licked her slightly swollen lips. She could hear Renz's breathing begin to slow, and she felt her face flush with a rush of embarrassment at the act she'd just initiated, and the profound way she'd enjoyed it. 

She looked up at Renz once his breathing subsided, wondering vaguely if he'd fallen asleep, but he was staring at her intently, with a seductive grin on his face. 

"Lie down, Lena," he said slowly. 

Lena eyes fluttered as his provocation impacted her body, causing pleasurable shivers to tingle across her entire surface. She shifted onto a low table on shaky legs, heart pounding in excitement as Renz lazily stood up from where he lay with shirt unbuttoned and trousers hanging provocatively around his hips. 

She squealed in excitement when he rapidly approached her. He gently pressed her down onto the table, and kneeled on the floor beneath her. His large hands firmly pushed her thighs apart, causing her knees to slightly bounce against the wooden edge of the table. 

She saw his eyes drop down to her pussy, and she felt her body pleasurably clench as he licked his lips while gazing at her. 

"You...look...delicious," Renz said teasingly, finally bringing his hand to her desperate flesh. Lena cried out and shivered as he pressed his palm against her throbbing, wet lips with an overwhelming pressure. Any harder and it would have been painful, and the slight anxiety of being on that edge excited her even more. 

Lena nodded quickly, instantly feeling the sexual power shift from her to Renz. 

And she loved it. 

"Do you want to come, Lena?" Renz asked softly. She felt two of his fingers slip inside of her while the rest of his hand continued to grind against her sensitive surface, and Lena nearly cried from the pleasurable feeling. 

"Yes...please," Lena whimpered softly. 

Renz's movements suddenly slowed, irritatingly so, and Lena cried out in frustration. She glared at him angrily, but Renz kept the amused expression on his face. 

"Do you want to wait a while?" Renz asked. Lena shook her head and reached for his forearm, pulling his hand forcefully against her flesh. 

"No...I want...now," Lena said breathlessly. 

In a split moment, Renz's movements rapidly changed. She felt his fingers surge into her, exploring her sensitive inner walls, and when he reached that one, especially sensitive spot, Lena felt her body begin to spasm. 

She bit her lip hard, nearly drawing blood, but she couldn't contain the loud scream that escaped her lips. It felt like her pussy was burning, on fire with the most wonderful sensation she could ever dream of. The overwhelming warmth was sweeping through her insides, threatening to burst. She could hear Renz groan as she came, but Lena could pay him very little attention. In that moment, she wanted only her pleasure. 

Lena fell back onto the table when her body finally began to relax, and her limbs were slack. She couldn't muster up the motivation to get up or fix her clothing...she felt too much at peace. 

Renz slightly shifted up her body, but not before gently placing a soft kiss directly on her highly sensitive clit. 

His lips made her shiver pleasurably again, and Lena gazed at him fondly when he rested his chin on her lower abdomen, looking up at her with what Lena was certain was love in his eyes. 

"That is one remarkable sight," Renz said. Lena felt bashful on the inside, but not enough to cause her to retreat. Even though she felt shy and embarrassed, she still felt like she was safe with Renz. 

Renz kissed his way up her stomach, pushing away her silky shift, and Lena sighed sweetly when he hooked his hands beneath her knees, pulling her legs around his waist. She moaned as he buried himself in her neck while just barely pressing his re-hardening cock against her, and she rubbed herself against him in encouragement. 

But then, Lena heard a tentative knock on the suite doors, and she remembered where she was...and she wanted to run and hide in humiliation. 

******

Lena's face remained flushed as Marie hurriedly served them their dinner. She could tell that Marie had heard her shame, again, but Lena didn't know what to say to alleviate the uncomfortable tension. 

"This looks wonderful, Marie. Thank you," Renz said, breaking the prolonged silence. 

Lena's eyes flickered to Renz with his cocky, satisfied smile, and she wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to strike him or kiss him for it. 

"Thank you for sponsorship, Mr. Wolfenbarger," Marie said curtly. 

Lena reached for her tea and sipped slowly, needing something to do with her mouth, her sore, sore mouth, and hands. Marie was definitely upset, and Lena felt deeply embarrassed. 

But she didn't feel any guilt, and there was even a part of her that felt almost...indignant. Lena was no longer a welcome servant of Sterling Manor. Surely her carnal activities with Renz would have no effect on the Manor's honor. 

Once all of the dishes had been displayed, Marie quietly excused herself to return upstairs and serve Master Sterling his dinner. It was only when Lena could no longer hear Marie's footsteps that she finally exhaled. 

"What did she mean when she said you...sponsored?" Lena asked eventually. To 

her surprise, Renz looked away from her and took several generous sips from his glass of wine. 

"I gave her some money and sent her into town for food, while you were asleep. It's not just the...decorations that have suffered from Jonathan's limited finances, Lena," Renz explained. 

Lena slowly swirled her spoon in the soup the cook had quickly prepared, not quite sure of how she felt about what Renz had just said. 

"You're very kind to help," Lena said eventually. She slightly frowned when she noticed Renz reach for his wine again after she spoke, almost as if her words made him uncomfortable. 

"It's not kindness, Lena. I'm not going to have you starve while you are here. That would negate all of the care Karl has given you," Renz replied. Lena's eyes narrowed, for he spoke too quickly...there was something insincere. 

"Surely you gave her more than enough for just me," Lena replied. Renz sighed and finally brought his gaze to hers, and Lena could see that he appeared slightly irritated. 

"The few inhabitants that remain at Sterling Manor will be comfortably fed long into the foreseeable future," Renz answered. Lena was certain then that Renz felt bothered having his kindness acknowledged, and she wondered why. 

Not wanting to upset him further, Lena smiled demurely and lowered her head. 

"Thank you, sir," she said quietly. 

They ate in silence for several moments, and Lena felt like she had to force herself to eat. An overall feeling of unease was filling her heart and stomach, and it wasn't because of seeing Master Sterling and hearing what he'd said. 

It was because Renz appeared to be ill at ease. Lena tried to shake the feeling and continue dinner, but after a while, she felt like she would become sick if she had another bite. 

"I take it that means you plan on staying, then," Renz said suddenly. Lena looked up at him, nerves even more on edge from his terse expression. 

"I...Marie doesn't think I should," she replied. She felt Renz studying her, and she became somewhat baffled when the irritation left his face, and he became disturbingly...neutral. She couldn't gauge any emotion or thought from his face, and it deeply unsettled her. 

"What...do you want, Lena?" Renz asked. 

Lena had to look away from him as she mulled over his words...she wasn't entirely sure what she wanted. 

"I feel like it is my duty to be here, to care for Master Sterling, to help Marie," Lena said. She heard Renz's sharp intake of breath, and she could hear him reaching for his wine again. 

She wondered if he would speak again, tell her what to do even, but Renz was silent. 

Lena swallowed hard and shyly glanced at Renz again. 

"I don't think I will be truly welcome or wanted here. Marie is already angry with me again...for what we did. And Master Sterling..." Lena's heart caught in her throat, and she had to blink several times to keep from crying. The horrible things he'd said began echoing in her ears, and she felt like she would grow mad from the invasive words. 

She reached for Renz instinctively, and his hand gently closed upon hers. Instantly, her mind began to quiet, and Lena felt grounded again. 

"I also...I don't want to leave you," Lena whispered. 

Renz's dark eyebrows rose, and his lips curled into her favorite, slightly impish smile. But almost as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, and Renz appeared stoic again. 

"I asked you to promise me to pursue your happiness. Whatever that may be, Lena," Renz said slowly. 

"What do you think?" Lena asked. Renz briefly looked away from her and brought his hand to his chin, seemingly deep in thought. But then he looked at her again, and his expression was far more energetic...it gave her hope.

"What I think, Lena...is that you are not going to be loved as much here as you are with me. I don't say that to be cruel...I say that because what I feel for you is very strong," Renz said. 

His words were an odd combination of gentle and forceful, and Lena felt almost 

bewitched by them, completely breathless. 

And it was a delightful feeling. 

"I also think that you still have a submissive, servant's sense of obligation to this house. I think that deep down, you know you will not be happy living here after all that has transpired, watching Jonathan die, hearing his words of madness...but in spite of that, you have an iron sense of duty. You won't be entirely happy leaving here with me, and... you won't be happy staying here without me," Renz said, slightly winking on end.