by E. C. Land
“What’s going on with you lately?” she asks as I pull open the bag of food.
“What do you mean?” I ask, examining the contents and groan. “Seriously, babe? A salad?”
Not that I have a problem with it, but where the hell’s the greasy burger and fries?
Mara-Lee shrugs giving me a smirk. “Maybe if you start feeding yourself, then you’ll get what you want. Be grateful Finley made sure to add the grilled chicken to it. Oh, the other container has your protein shake ready for you.”
Great.
I didn’t have a shake this morning before leaving the Fort.
My grin turns into a full-on smile. “You’re the best. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d wither away for sure.” She giggles. “Now, answer me, what’s going on with you? You’ve not seemed your usual self lately.”
“How so?” I quirk a brow, placing the food on my desk and leaning back in my chair to meet her gaze.
“You know what I mean. You’re not acting like a manwhore, and you dove into your work like there’s no one else who can do it,” she says, eyeing me inquisitively. “Talk to me.”
“Nothing’s wrong, babe, I promise you. I’ve just decided there are more important things than sinking my dick into any random skirt,” I grumble. I’m not able to lie to Mara-Lee. We don’t lie to each other. Finley, her, and I know everything there is to know about each other.
It’s another reason I’m overprotective of both women. But Finley and I are determined to make sure nothing else ever happens to Mara-Lee. She’s been through enough in her life.
“This doesn’t have to do with what happened to Finley, does it?” It’s all I can do to keep from flinching at Mara-Lee’s whispered question.
In truth, I feel responsible for not being there to protect Finley from what happened months ago when that sick fucker, Victor, who at the time Vex was trying to gather information on, had attacked her.
“Just drop it, babe,” I grumble, glancing behind her to stare at the monitors once again. “I’m fine. Long as nothing else happens to cause harm to anyone I care about, I’m good.”
“Whatever you say,” Mara-Lee huffs, hopping off my desk. “I swear the woman who ends up being yours is gonna have her hands full.”
“Not gonna happen,” I grunt, rolling my eyes at the woman as she walks toward the door.
“We’ll see.” She giggles.
Yeah, we’ll see about that.
Music’s pulsing throughout the club as I make my way through, nodding to a few of the security team. I head for the stairs leading to the second floor and check on the girls.
Night’s Bliss contains three levels. The first is for the public with a high entrance fee. Those that come in and are over the legal age, but under twenty-one get a stamp that can be seen by UV lighting. If someone with the stamp comes up to the bar to order a drink, our bartenders will know right off the bat who they are, thanks to the lights we have hanging over the bar top. On the second floor is where our girls work. There’s not only a yearly premium for a VIP membership, but for time with anyone who’s on shift, there’s a fee. All the money the girls make goes to them except for ten percent. That percentage goes to the benefits Finley had set up for them, such as insurance and the security team who keep them safe. The third floor contains Finley’s office and rooms for the girls who want to stay here and not leave the club when they’ve finished work for the night.
Spotting Gemini and Suke, I nod to them. “Everything okay up here?”
Suke smiles and glimpses the lounge area for the second floor. “You know it. The mayor here tonight?” she asks, quirking a brow.
“Yeah, I saw him come in.” Finley and I had approved the mayor getting his membership after a long talk with him and agreeing to sign a few other papers we keep for those who are in an authoritative position with the government. We’re not about to let them use our business against us—it works both ways when it comes down to it.
“Good, then I’m gonna head to my office. I’ll be here another hour or so. If anything happens, y’all know where to find me,” I say, winking teasingly at them.
Gemini giggles and rolls her eyes. “Get out of here, Cedric.”
Spinning on my heel, I head back down the stairs to my office. Where Finley’s is on the third floor, mine’s down here. I wanna be able to step in if need be, and I can’t do that if I’m not on the first floor.
I don’t wanna see anything else happen to those who are under my protection, not after what had happened to Finley. I can’t fail again. I won’t.
Chapter Three
Arwen
Staring at the clock next to the bed of my motel room, I’m exhausted. I didn’t realize when I checked in, I had picked a pay-by-the-hour sex palace. Okay, so maybe not a palace. It’s too scummy for that. The walls are paper thin—I’ve heard way too much for my liking in one night.
When I’d checked in, the clerk at the counter eyed me up and down like they wanted to take advantage of me. I truly think if I didn’t get out of there quickly, he’d have tried. The moment I get into my room, I slide a chair under the doorknob—not taking chances. I could already hear the sounds of men’s groans and women’s cries of pleasure.
In the hours I’ve been here, I don’t think I’ve slept a wink. I might’ve dozed for a few minutes here and there, but fear has me in its clutches.
I want nothing more than to sleep, but with the time ticking by, I need to get out of here. By now, I’m sure my family’s figure out I’ve escaped, and they’re searching for me. There’s no way they’ll let me go easily. The faster I get to a bus station, the safer I’ll be.
The clock strikes ten at night, and I decide it should be late enough. Scrambling off the bed, I peek out the window, seeing if there’s anything out of the ordinary. Not that I’d know if it were. Mainly I’m checking for any goons who work for my family.
Opening the door slowly, I glance either way before stepping out. Having paid in cash, I don’t bother going to the office to check out. I leave the key in the door and start walking, still not having a clue as to which way will get me to the bus station.
My stomach growls, reminding me I’ve not eaten since I ran away. I’ll eat once I know I’m safe. I don’t think I’d be able to keep anything down as it is with my nerves.
Wandering meaninglessly, I scan the area—constantly looking over my shoulder. I finally stumble upon the bus station. Or what looks like a metro.
Excitement builds, and I pick up my pace. The sooner I can get a ticket, the sooner I can get out of here.
Keeping my eyes peeled for any of my family’s men, I cross the street and start across the parking lot. I’m halfway through there when I find myself yanked backward.
I let out a sharp cry of pain as I’m slammed into the side of a car.
“Tsk. Tsk, Arwen. Did you honestly think you could escape your father and uncles?” One of my worst nightmares, Ciro, cackles, wrapping his fingers in my hair—gripping the strands tightly. Tito and Sylvain stand on either side of the man holding me pinned to the car, grinning maliciously. “Now that we’ve found you, Stefano has ordered you be taken to Tainted X and be punished.”
No. No. No.
The smirk on Ciro’s face says it all. My uncles had promised they would be the ones to handle my punishment. Just like they have done many times.
Ciro takes a step back and pulls me to him. “Maybe if you’re a good girl, we won’t be so harsh on you. You’ll be in for a rude awakening when your future husband gets his hands on you. You think your family is bad, just wait until he has you.”
I don’t know what it is that comes over me, but I must have completely lost my mind and gone insane. Kicking at Ciro’s shin, I start fighting him. I’m not sure how I end up free of his grasp—honestly, I don’t care. I just need away from him and the other two goons.
Backing away from the men, I pivot on my toes and make a break for it. I don’t dare glance back
. I can hear them chasing after me.
The beat of my heart roars in my ears, nearly deafening me.
Breathless, I know I’ve gotta find somewhere to hide and escape them. Darting across busy streets, I’m nearly hit by a couple cars as the drivers blare their horns while yelling at me through their open windows.
Racing down the sidewalk, I know at least one of the goons is still behind me. I come up on an alley and decide to take it without even thinking.
Being tackled to the cement, I scream in pain.
“Stupid fucking girl,” Ciro snaps, rolling me to my back and straddling my legs. “You actually think you can escape? I don’t think so.”
Ciro wraps a hand around my throat and squeezes. “If I didn’t care where I fucked you at, I’d do it right here and now. Treat you like the whore you really are.”
I clench my eyes closed while I pray for death. It’s better than anything he’ll do to me. My uncle’s punishment is always about allowing his men to rape me.
The first time he’d allowed his men to punish me, I was fourteen. After that one, I’d wanted to kill myself and tried only for my brothers, Danti and Amer, to find me. My other brother, Benito, I don’t think he’d care if something happened to me or not. He hates me, and I’ve never found out why. However, Danti and Amer love me, every chance they had, they watched me like a hawk after my attempt at suicide. The two of them tried to keep me safe, but it didn’t always work. Anytime I did something to upset my father or uncles, I was taken to Tainted X and punished.
“Hey, what are you doing?” someone yells and comes over, knocking Ciro off of me.
I don’t know who my savior is, but I don’t waste a moment in being free of Ciro. I scamper to my feet—making a run for it.
Darting out of the alley, I make a break for it, glancing behind me to see if I’m being followed. Letting out a breath, I face forward once again and keep going.
Exhausted and breathless, I come upon another alley and hide in the shadows of a dumpster. I can’t go any further, not without catching my breath first.
Leaning against the building, I pull my knees up to my chest. I wrap my arms around them and rest my head against the cool brick. From the sounds coming from inside, it must be some type of club. I know it’s not Tainted X, though. I at least know that much.
Closing my eyes, I start to drift off to sleep without meaning to. Being out in the open as I am it’s not something I want to do, but I’m finding myself unable to stop from succumbing to the dark abyss of my dreams. Or I should say nightmares.
Chapter Four
Cedric
Finally getting ready to head home from a full night’s work, I step out of my office—locking the door behind me. I’m exhausted and look forward to faceplanting into my bed.
“Hey, Cedric,” Halton calls my name. Twisting my head, I grimace at the look on his face and the fact his brother, Colton, is right on his heels.
“What?” I demand.
“We gotta problem in the bar. Wanted to catch you before you left,” Colton grunts, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Explain.” I don’t wanna deal with anything tonight.
“Looks like a few of Preacher’s goon squad are in here tonight. One of them is talking up Libby at the bar. The other two are on the dance floor hitting on a couple college-age girls.” Before Halton even finishes, I’m on my way to check it out for myself.
Preacher’s been trying to step on our toes far too often lately, and it needs to be handled sooner rather than later.
I spot his men right off the bat. What the hell is Tito, Ciro, and Sylvain doing in here?
Narrowing my eyes on Ciro at the bar, I storm over in his direction. Nodding to Libby, I glare at the bastard for coming in here. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing coming in here?” I snarl, at the same time holding myself back from beating the shit out of the asshole.
Ciro smirks and lifts his drink to wave in front of him. “We were in the area and decided to get a drink.” Nonchalantly, the asshole takes a sip of the dark liquid inside.
“I suggest you gather your friends and leave,” I warn him, making it known he’s not welcome in this club.
“As you wish. Oh, and if you by chance come upon Arwen Petruccelli, I suggest calling Stefano right away,” Ciro says, placing his glass on the bar and standing from his seat.
Arwen Petruccelli?
Isn’t that Danti’s little sister?
From what I know about her, she’s never allowed off the property. Other than pictures, I’ve never seen the woman in person. No one has. She’s a mystery that makes people wonder who she is. I remember when I was a teen, my father talking about her beauty. How whoever her father and uncles allowed her to marry would be in for a treat, because of how beautiful she is.
I think it’s one of the only things I’d have to agree with my father about—if I remember correctly. She’s definitely a magnificent woman—at least in pictures.
Clearing my thoughts, I follow Ciro and the other two assholes out the front entrance. I stop outside next to Asher. “Next time, don’t let those men in here,” I order, knowing he’s still learning. It’s why he’s manning the door.
“You got it,” he grumbles, knowing he’s screwed up. Asher’s been learning to read people better, and for the most part, the guy does a good job of keeping those who will cause trouble out. Once we know he’s able to do this, we’ll switch him up, and he’ll be working inside with the others in keeping an eye on those inside the club.
Nodding, I tap his shoulder. “I’m outta here.”
“See ya tomorrow,” Asher says, getting back to work as a few girls come up to the door. One of them looks at me with come fuck me eyes.
Shaking my head, I start down the sidewalk leading to the alley where my car’s parked near the back door.
Rounding the side of the club, I scan the area. Ever since Mara-Lee found Eliya back here being beaten nearly to death, we’re constantly keeping our eyes out for other possible threats coming at us.
My father and brother must think I’m stupid if they believe I’d allow what they did to the woman get to me. Yes, we’ve taken Eliya into our protection, and I’ll take care of her, but she’ll never be mine.
Passing the dumpster, my steps falter—spotting a form next to it, seeming to be trying to hide in the shadows.
What the hell? Why does everyone seem to want to hide behind our club?
Fuck.
The figure doesn’t move as I approach. I realize it’s a woman with her legs brought up to her chest. Squatting next to the woman, I furrow my brow in concern. She’s not budging. If it weren’t for the way her chest rises with her breaths, I’d think she were dead. I reach out and brush her hair out of her face to see if I know who the woman is—still, she doesn’t move.
Peering into her face, I glance down at her neck. My concern grows to anger when I notice the bruising already forming there. Someone had tried to kill her. Looking back into her face, I realize who she is. I never forget a face, even if it’s from pictures.
This woman is Arwen Petruccelli.
Fuck.
I can’t leave her out here. Not with those goons of Preacher’s having come around. I’m sure, without a doubt, Arwen is hiding from them.
Scooping Arwen into my arms, I carry her light form over to my car and place her in the passenger seat.
Mara-Lee, Finley, and Vex are gonna have a field day with this shit. But with one glimpse at this girl’s face, I know I’ll do anything to protect her.
Closing the door, I round the front of my car and climb in behind the wheel on the driver’s side. If she’s looking to hide, I’ll keep her safe and won’t allow anyone to come near her.
I slide the key in the ignition and start my car. Putting it in drive, I pull out of the alley. I keep an eye out for anyone who could be following me as I speed through the streets heading for the Fort. I contemplate calling Danti Petruccelli to let him know his sister’s safe
. Then again, could I trust him? Yeah, he and Finley have an arrangement between them for when he gets his father and uncles taken care of. He and his brothers have other plans for taking over the family business.
The last time Finley met with Danti, Amer, and Benito, the three of them explained they’d be handling everything when it comes to Preacher. It’s just taking them some time to get organized as they weed out the men they can trust. Danti had informed them they had no choice but to get this done before their father and uncles married off their sister. They never told us who she was supposed to marry, though. I wonder if that’s why she ran away.
Pulling into the garage, I park and twist the key turning the car off. I hop out of my side, stalk around to the passenger side, and lift Arwen into my arms.
Arwen’s head lays on my shoulder, causing a strange protective sensation within my chest. Prowling up to the house, I open the door without a problem. Inside, I use my foot to gently close it behind me. With it being late, Dominic’s asleep, and I don’t wanna wake him up.
On silent feet, I start for my end of the Fort, meaning I’ve got to pass the kitchen and living room. Already hearing the murmurs of the women in the house, I suck in a harsh breath and keep going.
“What the hell?” Finley demands, spotting me first. Vex and Mara-Lee both twist on stools to face me.
“Is that . . .” Mara-Lee starts, her face going pale as she eyes Arwen.
“Who is that?” Vex asks at the same time.
“Yeah, it is,” I answer quietly, looking from Mara-Lee to Finley. “Give me a minute, and I’ll tell you.” I don’t bother waiting for an answer, and I head down the hall sensing all three women following me.