Prologue
Connecticut, 1849
“Get your hands off me! I am not for sale! I’m not!” The small mouse of a girl fought his men with all her strength. He smiled at her grit. The girl hadn’t stop fighting since they had picked her up. He used the end of his riding crop to lift her chin.
“Name your price and you shall have it.” He stated with confidence.
The girl glared at him. If looks could kill he’d be a bloody mess atop his horse. She was absolutely attractive. Her blatant refusal of him only made him want her more. He slid the crop down her neck and back up her cheek. She snarled, her teeth gleaming despite the evening sun.
“I am not for sale!” She snapped once again. He couldn’t help himself. He laughed. He threw his head back and laughed. His shoulder length black hair dancing in the wind. He quite loved a good chase and this particular woman was of the kind he regularly pursued. Besides...everyone had a price.
He nodded his head at his men and ordered them to release her. The girl stumbled as she settled back down on her feet. Her feet were bare and her clothing was extremely unfashionable and old.
He eyed her hungrily despite her haggard appearance. Her brown skin was dark and smooth. Her eyes almond shaped and her pupils black...seductive. Though she was short her body was curvaceous. She had large breast accommodating large hips. His interest in her flared.
“Where can your owner be found, girl?”
She gritted her teeth at him. “I have no owner! This is a slave free state!”
He raised a brow at her. He was surprised that she even knew that.
“I would like to pay for your services. I’m willing to pay you a large sum.”
“I know what you’re willing to pay for and I’m telling you that I’m not that type of girl! I’d rather starve than sell myself to the likes of you!”
“You needn’t be so proud. I’ll be gentle with you.”
“Go to hell!”
He tsked. “Don’t you know who I am?”
“Why would I care who you are?”
He chuckled, amused. “I like you, if you’re good I’ll hire you permanently.”
“You shouldn’t be so arrogant! I’m not an item to be bought and sold!”
Before he could remark, she spat at him; her saliva landing on his chest. He was so shocked he froze. The girl sent a smirk his way before turning on her heel and running away. Speeding down the path. His men stood with shock on their faces. They were dumbfounded...speechless.
Never had anyone dared to disrespect him. He was one of the most powerful men in America.
He frowned.
He gave his men a look of pure anger. He wanted that woman. She had issued a challenged that he would win.
“Go after her. Bring her to my main estate.”
His men nodded, shock still on their faces as they moved in the direction that she had gone in.
He whipped his horse around and trotted toward the opposite path. He had been willing to pay her a lovely sum to spend a night or two with him....but now he would take what he wanted. He hadn’t been with a woman in weeks. A record for him. His time had been completely occupied by his company. He needed the touch of a sensuous woman to take his mind off of his cargo.
Ever since his youth he had had an avid interest in Negroes...he found them attractive beyond belief. His first experience with a woman had been with a black woman. One of his family’s kitchen maids. Her complexion had been brown, similar to the color of cocoa. He smiled fondly at the memory.
He had never had trouble getting woman before. His money usually had them all running after him with greedy eyes. And he was frequently told how handsome he was.
A smirk danced across his face as he sent his horse into a gallop. The woman would be in his bed by tonight. He had no doubt of it.
He wanted that woman.
