The Silence That Surrounds

Louis’s POV:

The moment the door slammed open the whole room froze. Harry’s voice instantly dying off and my hands had just finished putting away the last of the dishes. Zayn was barely able to grip the plates and a few of them were dropped but thankfully they broke in the sink. It allowed me to toss them in the trashcan and hurry with wiping down the sink.

“Zayn, mate? Just remember the rules and you will be perfectly ace.” I whispered lowly, falling at attention with the rest of them as the silence now overcame us, the master’s voice commanding respect and out of fear, we obeyed.

“Apologies, Damien. I was trying to get things in order before your arrival. We had little notice –as I’m sure you are aware.” Harry’s voice was gruff but the faint outline of sarcasm was traceable.

Damien chuckled, his smooth deep voice was sultry and his deep olive eyes darkened.

“Well, son, I must keep you on your toes. Order is important but that is something you don’t seem to comprehend. For example, why is Liam in his boxers –which are put on backwards I might add and soaking wet to the bone with no shirt on and soap dripping from his hair?” Damien folded his arms in a stern cross and thinned out pink lips.

“If I had to guess, sir? I would say he was in the shower.” Harry responded with equal coldness, mimicking his father’s stance and glaring at Liam. “Liam? Finish your shower, get dressed and meet us back out here. You have five minutes, go.”

Liam turned and hauled ass back down the hall. I had to admit, if it weren’t such a nerve racking situation, I would have been on the ground in hysterics. Instead, I kept a frown plastered firmly on my face and looked beside me to see Niall shaking his head.

I shared his sentiments. This could have gone better.

“Louis, my boy. How has my son been handling things with the hostages, reports?” Damien turned toward me and I inwardly flinched.

“Professional as usual, Master Styles. We have Ms. Stone in Harry’s room, bound and gagged, as per your request in hostage status. She’s kneeling on the floor and awaiting for your arrival to meet her. Perhaps, if it pleases you, her curiosity is quite piqued. She desires to know more of her father. We have told her nothing other than what she needed to know. If it also pleases you, she has agreed to help to bring down her father. She knows that she was traded and has been of little trouble since, sir.” I responded, standing a little straighter as Damien approached me, his tall lanky figure was towering. He reached around 6’3, medium built with a slight muscular but slim build. His hair was a mousey brown, styled back in a professional clean, reaching nearly to his shoulders. His arms were weren’t powerful but he did have strong built arms. His cold, dark olive oil eyes gave a frightening compliment to his slightly thinned beard. A barely noticeable five o’clock shadow. He was handsome, just like Harry –but he was dangerous and when in uncharted waters, tread lightly.

“Very good. The other hostage, Dylan? Status?”

“Code red status. Ten point restraints. Fitted with protective boxers and absorbent cup. We still have to put him on a schedule of when he will be unstrapped to use the side pan unless you otherwise issue order for him to be moved down to high profile status to allow him use to regular facilities –with restraints and our assistance of course. He has been fitted with a three layered gag. There was some complications earlier with his sister and I’m afraid his cooperation will need a little more motivation. However, in addition to the gag, he has been blindfolded and placed on sound deprivation punishment.” I paused and watched Damien closely as I gave my report, looking into his eyes unflinching. I know if I fucked this up we would all pay.

“We hope to break Junior Stone down quicker with this punishment as we found it is having a slightly more positive effect in combination with the blindfold than anything else that was tried. Because he is code red, we have not left him unguarded, there is one of us guarding him twenty-four, seven. Liam is scheduled to start administering sedation tonight around six. That should put him to sleep and keep him under until morning. I am on guard duty right now but starting after supper, Harry will relieve me.”

Damien nodded his approval.

“Very good, Louis and what of these three stooges?” He gestured to Niall and a Zayn.

I followed his hand and swallowed thickly, Liam running back into the room to stand by Zayn – just in the nick of time for Damien to further make his point valid.

“Their progress is perfect. No attachments to hostages this time and they perform the tasks that are required of them. The perfect submissives.” I answer, although that was a wholehearted lie but with Harry glaring at me, I sure as fuck wasn’t going to tell Master Styles anything different.

“If only you had been born into my flesh and blood, Louis. You would be a son, a father would be proud of unlike those who are unthankful for everything.” Damien smiled casually and reached behind me to ruffle my hair. I gulped and looked at Harry nervously but he was looking down and away, a scowl still on his face but it was defeated.

“Well, Damien, not everyone can be perfect as perfect as you, hm?” Harry responded before folding his arms.

Niall let out the breath he had been holding as Damien seemed to ignore Harry completely.

“As I’ve told Harry, I have five trainees, you will show them the ropes around here on how hostages are handled. Since I enjoy my peace and quiet, you will all do so the same way I taught you when you first came here. If I hear so much as murmur without it being to address me or me addressing you, you will be punished. I believe you all are familiar with the wooden splintered paddle I keep with me. I hope I won’t have to use it on anyone but because I’m not that confident in your capabilities – there may just be some red and bruised asses around here.” He smirked, placing a hand on Liam’s shoulder. “If you are not ready when you are supposed to be, I will lock you in the bird cage. Understood?”

Liam nodded.

“Yes, Master Styles. Perfectly.” Liam assured, clearing his throat to get rid of the shakiness.

“Good. Now, Louis? Go back to your charge. I will send in Steel, you will go over the rules with him that he is to obey while in my cabin. You will train him how to take care of an incapacitated hostage. Use Dylan as a learning tool, he has never overlooked a hostage before. Teach him how to correctly restrain and gag someone without causing injury. He ended up bruising Colton’s mouth the other day using him as the dummy and nearly choked him to death.” Damien smirked, remembering the thought. The young man needed a quick lesson and he knew I was good for it.

I nodded respectfully and turned down the hall to Dylan’s temporary room, opening the door to see him fidgeting in his bed, strangled barely whispered muffle sounds coming from his mouth. I shut the door and came to stand above him, studying his pathetic struggling.

I could see the slight wet patch on his shorts, his earlier protests made sense, no one had bothered to let him up yet for the side pan and he had been on that bed for a good ten hours. He must have been holding it before then if the cup flooded over. Oh well, not my problem.

I sat down on the chair beside the bed with my arms crossed.

“Sucks to be you, mate.” I murmured, knowing he couldn’t hear or see me. I felt bad for the trainee – he’s the one who will be getting the crash course in hostage care. The best thing I’ve found is to treat it like any other job and just not think about it.

I was sitting about ten minutes before the one I assumed to be Steel walked in. When he opened the door he looked around before laying eyes on me and snorted.

“You’re training me, pretty boy? With what? How to pick up dudes?” He snarled, eyeing me in challenge.

I rolled my eyes and gestured to the deaf, dumb and blind hostage who hadn’t tired of struggling in his bindings yet.

“Something like that. You’re about to get real intimate with Dylan here, he’s a code red. They aren’t as lucky. So if you would be so kind as to come and take a seat, I will explain exactly what you will be doing- right after I explain some basic rules that you are to follow at all times while in the presence of Master Styles.”

Steel rolled his eyes and came over toward me. I got up from the chair as he sat down, his arms crossed as he inspected the hostage, his lip curling in disgust.

“Did the prick piss himself?” He snorted, his dark grey moon eyes were shining like silver – which made sense why they called him steel.

“Yes he did and guess what? You get to help me get him cleaned up.” I smirked, leaning against the chair slightly, my hand balled into a fist.

He opened his mouth to refuse and that’s when my knuckles made contact with his cheek, forcing his head to snap to the side before I leaned in so my lips were right by his ear.

“If you ever challenge or disrespect me again, I will kill you without a second thought. I like your spirit but I will not tolerate your disrespect. You come from the streets, that part is obvious because I’m in the same boat but I will end you, don’t make me do something you’ll regret because Master Styles expect all of us to act cordial. Got it, muffins?” I warned before slapping him hard in the back and using my other hand to hold his shoulder so he didn’t get up.

Apparently my glare – and the switch knife I had pulled out of my pocket was enough for him to mutter an agreement.

“Good little tough boy. Okay, Muffins, we’re going to get him cleaned up and changed. Everything we need is in the box over there. You get his torso and legs unstrapped, leave his upper half and wrists alone. I’m going to go get a hot washcloth from the bathroom and a towel…and see if I can’t find the long john shorts because apparently they’re going to be needed.” I muttered the last part and walked away from the slightly dazed Steel and leaving the room to complete my task.

*

Harry’s POV

I watched Louis leave without hesitation and turned my attention back to my men. Zayn and Niall were noticeably paler than before, Liam was looking at the ground like a guilty dog who just got hit with the newspaper and though I’d never admit it in a million years to my father, I felt terrified in his presence. I was not in control and he damn well made sure I knew it.

“Harry, my son, I am dying to meet the lady hostage – the one who’s life you asked me to spare and overlook for the week because you thought she could bring in something valuable to the table to bring down Stone – call me a skeptic but am I truly to believe that this girl will uproot to this way of life from Easy Street and turn on mummy and daddy?” My father snorted in disbelief of the ridiculousness idea.

“I believe you will find her actions are genuine, she’s in my room – bound and gagged, awaiting whatever you see fit to do with her.” I answered curtly, seeing Niall’s head snap to mine. While no emotion reached his eyes, I could tell by his body language alone that he was telling me my word choice had been a poor decision.

I shrugged uncaringly and gestured out.

“Come, I will introduce you. You can decide for yourself.” I offered but my father tasked me.

“Now, Harry – we have business to take care of. Each of your men will be trainees to my men. The only difference is, the older ones, Steel and Colton are almost similar in age. Colton is – I think a year or two older than Liam and Liam is twenty-four, correct?”

I gritted my teeth but nodded.

“Good, Steel is Louis’s age, a year older maybe but then again I don’t give a fuck enough to learn useless information. I don’t even know when your Goddamn birthday is and I don’t really care. Anyhow, Steel and Colton will be allowed to perform orders without supervision but I acquired some younger ones – ages sixteen and seventeen to be exact. Jonathan, the seventeen year old has been with me a few months. The sixteen year old, Christian, I just got a few days ago. Payment for his mother’s drug habit – sound familiar?” My father chuckled and patted my head sarcastically. I threw his hand away and glared, my green eyes burning death into his forehead, my heartbeat quickening. I was challenging him.

“I’m not mentoring a fucking kid.” I glowered but my father was not taking no for an answer and the next thing I know is I’m on the ground, my jaw feeling the force of the blow.

“ You will NEVER refuse anything. You got that, girl-boy?! Huh!? You are mentoring him that is not a fucking request! He is not to perform any order without your supervision and if I find you are neglectful of my commands, your ass will feel the consequence! AM I UNDERSTOOD?”

I put my hand up to my jaw gingerly, the sting is going to bruise and I am almost positive the fucking asshole made me chip a tooth.

I knew my eyes were a vibrant green, I could feel my hatred, I could feel nothing but the overwhelming power of loathing.

When I didn’t respond he lifted his foot back and kicked me in the side, my body flipped in the air once in a full turn before I rolled over winded, black spots in my eyes. I was dizzy and couldn’t see straight. Thankfully Damian was nice enough to pull me up by my shoulder length curly hair. Having experienced this treatment every day of my childhood since I was thirteen, my hair roots grew strong enough where the pain was a welcomed relief. At least I was feeling something besides the numbness.

“Thanks dad.” I gasped sarcastically, seeing Zayn looking down at the floor and not moving.

“Don’t you call me that you ungrateful fuck!” My father screamed before I felt another punch – this time to my lower back, right in the kidney.

I groaned, collapsing to my knees. The pain was unbearable and rendered me momentarily speechless, my lungs struggling to pull in air.

My chin was grabbed roughly and forced up. I was small compared to the giant that now hovered over me.

“This is where you belong, Harry. On your knees in front of me. Your rightful fucking place, boy and don’t you ever fucking forget it!” He sneered, smiling down at me before fixing his fingers through my disheveled hair, smoothing it back into place. “Now, you’re going to stay like that and I’m going to introduce you to your charge, got it?”

I couldn’t even answer, I hurt so much. Instead I collapsed onto my hands, my face looking to the ground. It looked like I was bowing to him but it was just too painful to stay in that position anymore.

“I want an answer, Harry. Do you understand?” My father asked calmly, his tone back to his usual calm demeanor.

I nodded my head; which wasn’t a good enough answer because he dragged me back onto my knees.

“Harry, you need to stop defying me. It’s not good for your health – or anyone else’s if you get my drift.” He coaxed, making sure I was steady before looking at Niall.

“You, blondie; you got a piece of fabric on you?” My father demanded but Niall shook his head.

“No, Master Styles, I don’t.” Niall replied when he realized my father was giving him the same glare.

My father huffed and looked down.

“You will mentor Christian, he shows promise but there are a few nasty habits that need bred out of him first. His crying for one, his need to fill loneliness – sound familiar? I want it all bled out and you are the perfect teacher to teach him. Ms. Stone, she’ll be the volunteer. She failed to get anything from her brother, yes? Well then, we will put her to better use.”

With that my father whistled loudly into the silent room and five figures came in from the outside.

“Niall, you will be paired with Jonathan. Explain to him the rules and what is to be expected of him. Zayn? You are paired with Colton. He has been ever the defiant one lately. Steel? Down the hall, to the left, you are paired with Louis, he is in there waiting for you. Shane? Your medical, talk to Liam. He’ll explain your place and Christian, my dear boy, you will be paired with my son, Harry.” He smirked, petting my hair like a dog before pulling me from the ground by my hair again. “Harry was about to introduce me to a pretty little lady, you want to meet her?”

My father’s tone sounded like he was talking to a four year old and not sixteen…but then again, he just introduced me to his gang begging on my knees.

Red hot embarrassment creped onto my cheeks. I hated this man with all my being. He made me insignificant, he made me his prisoner and someday soon – that will change. I will kill him; but that day is not today. I remain his prisoner but I won’t always be. Someday I will break the chains Damian has on me. I know when I do I will be chained into another pair but for now, I will remain silent. That’s my world and soon, it will be Christian’s as well.

“Sure, Master Styles, sir.” Christian smiled shyly and looked at me. “Are you okay?”

Damien backhanded the boy and glowered before I could glare.

“Rules, boy. Remember the Godfucking rules!” He yelled and I gestured out before grabbing the young lad’s arm, rather tight and forcefully before leading them to my room where Sophia was being kept.

As we entered into the hallway though my father started to sneeze. He was severely – make that deathly allergic to cats and I had let mister Tum Tums out earlier to roam the house freely. He was safely running about outside but his fur was something to be desired if you didn’t like shedding. I smirked, knowing I could cause my father a little bit of misery without resulting to violence.

“Fucking Christ, do you have a pet or something?” Father sniffled, having to balance himself against the wall as he let out a huge sneeze.

“Something like that.” I replied lightly before throwing the boy into my door and opening it, pushing him in. “Damien, Christian – meet Ms. Sophia Stone – the hostage that was traded and forgotten.”

Sophia stiffened at the sneer in my voice but I didn’t care. She was the only thing I had control over right now besides the boy and he’s far too agreeable. I needed her anger.

So without another word, I marched forward and ripped the blindfold from her face before reaching behind her and untying her gag, letting it fall to her lap.

“Ms. Stone? My father, Damien Crow Styles and one of his own trainees, Christian. Say hello.”

Sophia couldn’t really turn around but both men came about to get a better look at the rather beautiful girl. Her blue eyes were fearful and she kneeled down in a submissive position.

“H-hi. M-my name’s Sophia.” She stuttered out which made me grip the back of her hair in a tight hold.

“Now, now Ms. Stone –“ I started but Christian stepped forward and dropped to his knees, reaching around and embracing the nearly petrified girl, her eyes locked on Damien, the man’s scowl souring as he watched the scene unfold.

“Hi, Sophia. I’m Christian. It’s nice to meet you. Don’t be afraid.” He soothed her, his voice calm and soothing.

I was rendered speechless and Damien – well, his skin was turning a violent red, he was upset.

“I want this fixed, do you hear me? I want the humanity bled out of him or his blood – whichever comes first.” Damien growled before grasping Christian’s shirt and pulling him back from the frightened girl and bringing his foot back, connecting it into Sophia’s stomach.

She let out a surprised exclamation, her body twisted painfully to its side on the ground.

“A pleasure to meet you Ms. Stone. Now, when she regains her breath, bring her back to her brother. She gets something out of him today or she dies. Motivate the prick if you have to but I’m not playing. I’m not having my time wasted and if you’re smart Harry, you’ll keep Christian here from making any more stupid fucking mistakes!”

With that he stormed from the room with a slam, sneezing and coughing the whole way back down the hall.

Christian knelt down to Sophia, shaking her gently with a few tears forming in his eyes.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry Sophia.” He apologized to the semi unconscious girl.

I stepped in, taking out my knife and bringing it toward Christian’s shoulder, stabbing the tip of the blade into him without a shred of mercy.

Christian let out a pained cry before backing away from the girl and holding his other hand to the small bleeding wound.

“You get my hostages hurt over some stupid mistake, boy, I will end you! Now sit back and shut up, not another word and if you think about moving until I tell you to, I’ll castrate your barely formed balls off!” I yelled in anger, my fist tightening around the knife as he simply sat where he had landed and looked at me wide eyed.

Did this kid really not understand the rules or did he just not fucking care? Jesus Merry of Christmas.

“I-I’m sorry, I just didn’t want her to be afraid.” Christian stuttered and I let out a sigh.

“You and me need to go over some rules, kid and you better obey them or I’ll tell Damien and he can have the pleasure of slitting your throat. You don’t listen to rules, kid, you’re gonna end up dead one of these days. I had to learn and you’re going to learn. Got it?” I glared, seeing him nod, his own eyes wide with fear.

I relaxed my hold on the knife and sighed, beginning to go over the rules, waiting for Sophia to come back into coherency.

Notes

Phew - this one was intense for me, hope you enjoyed!