I dare Manton to sell me

Dear Diary, (Still May 23rd)

My cousin lingered just outside the doorway to see the effect of the lash on my back. It was perhaps the smirk of satisfaction on the man's face that emboldened me.

“Then sell me,” I hissed stopping him in his tracks. “I'd rather be a brood mare, or a field hand, than your personal whore.” I don't think Manton was expecting this kind of defiance from me after seeing me under the lash. He stormed back into the stall, his eyes flashing with rage, and he grabbed the whip out of the plantation manager's hands. Much to my surprise, it was Mr. Kyleson who stopped him.

“Your pardon, Sir.” The Irishman's calming influence had nothing to do with sympathy for my plight. “A pretty thing like this will bring a better price if you don't raise welts on her fair skin.” His cold assessment of my value as a slave made me clench my fists, but this time I kept my mouth shut.

Manton already had the whip raised high, and I was flinching to avoid the impact. He let the moment linger, enjoying my anticipation, and his total power over me. I shivered as the two of them shifted from regarding me as a disobedient animal to be punished to an item of value to be sold.

“Perhaps you're right, Kyleson,” Manton said. “We'll bring her to the fancy maid auction on Chalmer's Street.” I do not know if I was relieved or frightened by Manton's decision to sell me into sexual servitude. “She'll fetch a better price there than if we sell her off the steps of the old exchange as a common black chit. We'll have them put her in the display stocks for a couple of days, before her sale date.” My cousin smiled like a schoolboy as his eyes ran up and down my body. “Let's give the gentlemen of Charleston a chance to FEEL the merchandise.”

In spite of my desire to be strong, I remember shuddering as he ran his hand down my back to cup my bare bottom in his hand. The idea of all manner of men being able to grope me like this outside the auction house made me squirm in anger. Manton laughed like a giddy fool as he gave my backside a gentle squeeze.

“That's a fine idea, Mr. Manton.” Kyleson joined in his laughter. “She won't be so high-and-mighty after you give the buyers a few days to feel her up!”

I squirmed as Manton continued to fondle my bottom. “What do you say, you nigger wench?” He teased. “It's not too late to be a pleasing little pleasure slave. Will you come willingly to my bed... or the block?”