A Shifting of Fortune Part 3
After sitting on his bed staring at the bare wall for at least a half-an-hour Duo decided to see what his new Mistress had chosen for his wardrobe. Carefully he extracted the neatly folded clothes from the box Quatre had left on the table. Opening the closet he took out plastic coat hangers and with the same care began arranging his outfits on the closet's wooden rod.
All in all the clothing was not too bad although Duo did take exception to one shirt and pants set made from some slinky material. The steel-gray color was bearable but the looser, more free-flowing style was a bit too feminine for his taste.
Now on the other hand the tight black leather pants, the matching vest studded over with silver trim and a black form-fitting silk shirt was much more to Duo's liking.
Two suits that must have easily cost five hundred or more dollars a piece were cut to fit his slender frame perfectly as if each had been tailor-made just for him. Two shirts and ties in complementary colors rounded out the suits.
The rest of his pre-chosen attire consisted of two more black shirts and two in varying shades of gray ranging from slate to charcoal. Matching pants finished out the collection that, in its darker hues, reflected Lady Noin's shadowy personality.
A dozen satiny boxers, cotton tee shirts and socks were also provided. There was even a box of cloth-covered elastic hair ties and several lengths of shiny black ribbon.
"The Mistress of Vixen's Lair thought of everything, didn't she?" Duo proclaimed lifting out one ribbon and twirling it between his fingers.
Finally a black leather jacket with silver buckles was the ideal fashion finale. Knee-high black boots, a pair of dress shoes and running shoes sat in the box's bottom.
His hanging job completed, Duo stood back taking stock of his selected apparel. "They will do." he sighed out loud.
"They are better than what you have on now." Duo's inner voice declared reminding the American of his present shabby state.
Walking to the dresser's mirror Duo studied his reflection for a long moment. Most of the color has returned to his cheeks although there was still a hint of tired circles under his eyes.
The painful workout sessions following Duo's abuse at Treize's hands had been worth it. His firm muscular form was well defined without looking bulked-up lending an overall athletic quality to his trim physique.
"Not bad Maxwell." he smiled then a frown pulled at his eyebrows as he realized all the hell he had, for the most part, brought on himself had certainly taken its toll.
"You are going to need to be as strong as you can be if you hope to get out of here." he told himself leaning forward for another inspection.
A solid rap at his door encouraged Duo back from his self-scrutiny. The opened door revealed a man dressed in the Security Unit's ebony uniform.
"You are to shower and dress for dinner." he announced in a gruff tone, "Be ready in hour. Someone will come to get you." he finished relaying the order before turning around without so much as another word.
Less than forty-five minutes later Duo stood once more in front of the mirror making sure his tie was straight. Adding the suit jacket he checked again to be certain he was in a presentable state, one up to the Lady's standards.
His hair sparkled in the improved lamplight's brighter bulb. The braded chestnut rope was smoother, shinier than it had been in a long time. The lingering scent of the strawberry shampoo and conditioner that was included in his toiletry items completed his totally polished package.
Even if he was shortly to be paraded for his new Mistress Duo knew a well-groomed appearance was necessary to keep the Lady happy and if the Lady was happy things would go a lot easier for Duo.
He was no fool. No, Duo had been in the "business" long enough to know how to please and tempt both of the sexes. If necessary using his manly attributes would be put to good use to satisfy the Lady even though the thought of sharing the bitch's bed made his stomach churn. But Duo had long ago learned how to separate business and pleasure. He was a pro and damn good at his job.
"Just like any other night." he grinned, "Yeah turn on the charm Maxwell."
*********
Right on schedule Mr. Winner came to collect the newest member of the Noin's household. Trowa was already waiting in the hall looking handsome in tan slacks and a light brown turtleneck. Winner was also quite appropriately attired in a navy blue suit and a light blue shirt that made his indigo eyes seems that much bluer.
Trowa acknowledged his hall mate's presence with a silent nod before taking up a matching pace at his lover's side. Duo fell in behind as they climbed the stairs.
A rather large member of the Security Staff joined them at the top letting it be known by his no-nonsense attitude that he would be their escort the rest of the way.
After several turns through vaulted archways Duo came to realize one could easily become lost in the great mansion. He knew if he hoped to have any hope for escape he would have to become completely familiar with every inch of the house and ground's layout.
Duo began drawing out a mental map inside his head, noting each turn, each window and exit. Beginning tomorrow he would ask that he be allowed outside every day so he could run as part of staying in shape for his lustful Mistress. She couldn't turn down that request not as much as she obviously liked her men toned, tanned and overflowing with testosterone.
When he had properly surveyed his surroundings, had learned of the Security Force's strength and weaknesses and lulled Noin into believing he had accepted his role as her paramour then Duo would put a carefully considered plan into action.
And if Quatre and Trowa were willing to share in the risks, he would take them with him. But they would have to decided if the reward of freedom with worth the risk.
"First things first." Duo told himself as the trio trailed the Security Unit's watcher, "Let's see what comes of tonight."
Four gold and crystal chandeliers hung in a straight line across the opulent dining room's high ceiling. Each of the hundreds of faceted prisms reflected the light scattering a multi-colored rainbow over the entire room.
Heavy satin material covered the walls in a gold and crimson floral pattern. The same scarlet was copied in the ten red crushed velvet cushioned chairs encircling the long mahogany table that occupied the grand room's center.
Of course as to be expected a deep red tablecloth provided a backdrop for a full display of fine porcelain china, delicate stemware and silver place settings. However only five places were set.
A huge fresh flower arrangement in the same bloody hues graced the table's middle. Crimson cloth napkins enfolded in golden napkin rings lay on each creamy toned plate.
Noin had already taken her place at the table's head. She was encased in a tight and very shiny black pantsuit. Her choice of the mono-toned outfit was not surprising considering that was the only color or lack of color that Duo had seen adorning her slender frame. And even though her favorite accessory seemed a bit out of place, the riding crop rested by her plate.
Motioning to her "guests" she directed Duo to sit closest on her right and for Quatre and Trowa to take their seats on the left. The chair beside Duo remained vacant but Duo guessed it would not be that way for much longer.
Even though he had not idea who would eventually share his side; Duo dared to hope that his dinner companion would be the strangely interesting Heero Yuy.
Heero had provoked a certain fascination. Duo could not deny the man was handsome. Yet Duo also had to remind himself of Heero's warning concerning his loyalty should be ever be put in the position to have to choose.
"Still, Duo entertained the notion of getting to know Heero better even though he might one day find himself on opposing sides when his plan of escape was put into force.
Duo also briefly let the notion that Heero might be as unhappy with his state of employment as Duo was with his state of forced confinement enter his thoughts. That was something worth checking out in a subtle way of course.
No, Duo would take no chances, trust no one. Only his street-smart instincts would be trusted to get him out. They had been good enough in the past and they would serve him well now.
Duo thoughts of his notions and Heero were abruptly halted as Lady Noin's voice floated over the table. "Chang." she called with a wave of her hand, "Join us." she ordered in her usual forceful tone.
At the mere mention of the name Duo saw both Quatre and Trowa visibly stiffened and quickly directed their sight at their plates. Not taking the hint, Duo in a most causal fashion glanced over at the archway leading into the dining room.
Dressed in a flowing white robe worn over loose white pants Noin's Head of Security looked far different than he did dressed his stark and imposing black uniform. But the change in color was the only difference.
Chang's cold ebony eyes still locked intently on everyone he viewed as if the brooding orbs were trying to bore straight into their souls. His equally black hair was pulled back into his usual ponytail showing off the rounded curve of his high cheekbones. But his golden skin was enhanced by the paler garments making it seem that he gave off a glimmer as he walked sternly to the table.
Duo knew he should also avert his blatant curiosity but until that moment Duo had only caught a glimpse of Chang as he made his way through the basement shortly after Duo was taken down. He had had but a brief look at the man he had been warned to stay away from.
Duo had always been able to judge how much care he should take around strangers. His whoring, especially on the streets, had quickly developed a keen sense of who people were and what they might be capable of doing.
On the streets this sizing up of potential clients could be a matter of life or death. Duo had once let his instincts be clouded, let down his guard just one time and Treize had taken full advantage of his lapse of vigilance.
Never again would anyone have that power over Duo. If checking out Chang was dangerous so be it. At least he would know his opponent and what to watch for if Chang should take offense. Duo tilted his head never lessening his study of the Chinese man as he took his seat beside the newcomer.
If Chang was annoyed by Maxwell's obvious interest he didn't let it show. Perhaps it was out of respect for his surroundings and his employer that he did not respond although Duo doubted that Chang respected or showed deference to anyone.
The more plausible explanation for his lack of any visible retort was that Chang was himself sizing up the Lady's new "pet". He, too, no doubt had a high degree of "street smarts" or he would not have survived in his line of work. And Duo further had no doubt that Noin's henchman was as ruthless and cunning as Quatre supposed him to be.
Silently the Asian man studied Duo letting his icy sight run the entire length of Noin's newly acquired whore. Then without a change in his hardened glare or his stiff-assed posture Chang redirected his eyes purposely letting them lingering on the Quatre fair face.
Winner continued his eye's downward cast while drawing up his whole body. With his compact body language he showed he was indeed aware of Chang's clearly unwanted attention.
Trowa did let his eyes shift under his long bang's concealment just enough to see Chang's focused gaze then promptly began to become infuriated by his lustful ogling of his lover. Under the tablecloth's edge Trowa slipped his hand into Quatre's entwining his fingers, doing his best to comfort his frightened partner while trying his best to keep his increasingly hot anger from boiling to the surface.
"One day Chang I am going to kill you." Trowa promised himself, "One day soon."
Noin leaned forward signaling to her Head Butler to begin dinner. After the first course was served and the staff, save for the Butler, had retreated to the kitchen Noin raised her wineglass.
"I want to welcome Duo to our little family." she stated with uncharacteristic coyness. "I hope you prove to be a valuable asset." she continued with a certain sensual sparkle in her liquid blue eyes.
Everyone lifted they glasses nodding in agreement to the Lady's wishes.
Duo offered his best, most sincere smile to his Mistress' toast never taking his eyes from her face as he took a small sip. If the wine was drugged he didn't want to ingest too much. Better to see what affect the "kiss of the grape" had before imbibing further.
There seemed to be no residual influence from the wine as Duo settled into a pleasant dining experience, as pleasant as could be expected under the circumstances.
Noin carried on the majority of the conversation asking Duo questions about his past. Duo, although he never lied outright, did color the truth in most cases. He knew Noin was fully aware of his past connections with Khushrenada and probably all the sorted details of his being bought by Rogers. Noin was too shrewd a businesswoman to not check out the prior owners and the history of her "merchandise".
Throughout the mainly one-sided exchange Chang silently concentrated on his meal. It didn't take long before Duo was well aware that a knife was an implement with which the Chinese man was very skilled. The Asian man's expert welding of the sharp utensil left no double has to his proficiency and his ability to do a good deal of damage if he wished.
Likewise Duo made no mistake that Chang was as equally handy with a gun. And there was no uncertainty in Duo's mind that Noin's Security Chief was strong and agile enough to pull your arm on of its socket and beat you to death with the amputated limb.
Quatre's recalling of Chang's harsh punishment of the tardy man quickly came into focus and the warning of staying away from the Lady's madman was put once again to memory. Yes Chang was one mean bastard of that Duo was certain.
Poor Quatre totally unnerved by the entire tense situation picked at his food avoiding even so much as a stray glance in Chang's direction. Trowa continued his stealthy peeks making sure his display of protection was obvious to everyone.
Finally the gentle manager could no longer stand the strain. He whispered something to Trowa who nodded in agreement. Waiting for a break in the conversation Quatre politely asked to be excused stating he had a terrible headache and wished to go to his room.
Noin nodded, "You may go."
As Quatre started to stand his employer added in a quiet tone, "If you don't feel better later called the house physician. If he gives you any trouble tell him I gave my permission."
"Thank you." Quatre replied wobbling beside his seat.
Steadying himself on the tabletop he paused to shore up his unsteady legs. Without a similar polite request Trowa stood, too, sliding his arm about his lover's waist. "I going to make sure he gets to his room all right." he stated his tone clearly relaying that he was not asking for Noin's consent.
"Very well." she responded with a sigh.
Once the troubled duet was out of sight, Noin leaned back in her chair. "It seems it is just the three of us. Oh well let's make the best of it shall we?" she said then gave orders to have their brandy and desert served in the main sitting room.
Duo playing the dutiful "pet" for all it was worth pulled out his Lady's chair then fell in walking slightly at her side but careful to keep a little to her back.
Chang scooted back his chair with a curt puff putting his employer and her plaything on notice that he did not intend to join them for sweets. "I have to supervise the shift change." he announced tossing his napkin on his plate.
Noin tiled her head in acknowledgement but did not reply. It wasn't until she had eased herself onto a sofa's plush cushions and pulled Duo down beside her that she spoke.
"Now it seems it is just the two of us." she purred stroking Duo's cheek with that damned riding crop she had to bring along. "What do you suppose we can do to pass the time?"
Duo settled back once more calling up his old practiced smile. "Whatever Madam wishes to do." he grinned putting himself into his "business" mode.
TBC...
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