Delilah stood there, naked save for her tiny lace panties and bra, and the stocky guy’s eyes nearly popped out. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a radio and held it to his lips.
“Ground control to level six. I have a message for Mr. Hyland. I repeat a message for Mr. Hyland.”
A small group of interested men had gathered by this point, and heat rose to her face as half a dozen pairs of eyes drilled into her exposed flesh.
“Copy ground control.” The voice from the radio burgeoned the tension already straining in her limbs. “What is your message?”
The guy in front of Delilah smirked, and he reached forward to stroke the side of her lace-covered breast.
“Hey.” Connor yanked her back before his finger could reach its destination. “That’s not the deal. This is a delivery for Hyland, personally.”
“The boss don’t mind sharing.” His dark gaze twinkled with certainty. “I’ll have her sooner or later.”
“What he does with the whore once I’ve got my woman back is up to him.” Connor’s tone was predatory, and if she hadn’t known better, she would have been certain he meant every word. “But not until I take her up to, what did you say—level six?”
The stocky guy’s brow furrowed, moving the radio toward his mouth again. “Mr. Hyland has a delivery from Connor Reilly. Says he wants to bring it up personally.”
Static filled the air for a moment.
“Ground control, this is level six. Confirm, what is the delivery?”
His grin widened again. “Tell him it’s that redhead whore he lost. Delilah’s back.”
The voice at the other end laughed. “Copy. I’ll tell him.”
“Search him.” The one with the radio gave the order while another moved to pat Connor down for weapons.
Of course, they found none.
“What’s your plan?”
The question came from a tall man standing to their left. Delilah recognized his face, but like so many of the others, she couldn’t place the name.
“You’re just going to walk in here and return Mr. Hyland’s property so you can get your woman?” He smirked at Connor in disbelief.
“Fuck you!” Delilah spat the words in his direction. “I am no one’s property, you arsehole.”
The guy sneered at her, but her lips closed at Connor’s low growl.
“That’s enough out of you, whore.”
She gasped at how menacing he sounded, how utterly convincing.
“We talked about this already. Shut it, or I gag it.”
Delilah twisted in his grasp, but it was useless. Connor had her, and the more she squirmed, the more she realized she was just putting on a show for the assembled men.
“That’s precisely my plan.” Connor straightened as he answered the second guy. “He has something which belongs to me. Two things actually, so I’m proposing a swap.”
The stocky guy laughed. “I ain’t sure she’s worth one of those things, let alone two.”
Delilah shot him a hard stare, but yet again, it was Connor who answered.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion. You’re just part of the heavy machinery around here.”
That comment evaporated the smile on the guy’s face, and he scowled at Connor just as his radio came to life again.
“Mr. Hyland has ordered them to go up.”
Delilah’s belly knotted at the confirmation. This had been their plan all along, yet the thought of being back in front of Hyland, particularly in this condition, did nothing to assuage her rising trepidation.
“Brilliant.” There wasn’t an ounce of relief in Connor’s voice, only the self-assured arrogance she had come to associate with the men in Hyland’s organization. His transition into the place was seamless. “Show us the way.”
“I’ll come with you.” It was the second, taller guy talking. “Make sure you don’t get lost.”
“How kind.”
Connor pushed her forward, steering her through the leering throng in the direction of the elevators. Smaller than the ones at The Syndicate and far less fancy, the three of them crammed inside the cubicle, and Delilah waited as the tall guy selected the sixth floor.
“You’ve got some balls, man.” He grinned at Connor. “I’ll give you that.”
“Hyland has something I want.” Connor’s tone was even as the elevator sprung into life. “It’s straight-forward enough.”
“Yeah, but you stole from him first. You took the whore.”
“He put my brother in the fucking hospital.” Connor hissed the accusation, pulling Delilah closer toward him. “Hyland’s lucky to be breathing at all.”
“That’s some cocky shit considering where you’re standing, Reilly. You only have the whore as collateral.”
“Fuck you both,” she muttered. “I am no whore.”
“Shut it.” The words bounded around the elevator as both men replied at the same time.
Genuinely unsure about Connor’s motivations and royally pissed off with the other guy’s approach, Delilah struggled against the ropes yet again, but it was useless. Connor had bound her tightly. There was no chance of escape.
The cubicle halted just as she gave up, her focus shifting to the doors sliding away. Of course, she’d been to Hyland’s office before—it was the place he’d kept her caged for most of last week—but usually, she’d been ferried up and down the back stairwell. By all accounts, this was a grand entrance.
Three armed men were waiting as they stepped into the dark hall. Delilah knew all of their simpering faces, and she lowered her gaze as they took in the sight of her.
“Which way?” Connor’s tone was curt. “And don’t even try to fuck me over. I will cut you up so small, the worms won’t even have to chew.”
One of them gave a small laugh. “Connor fucking Reilly.”
Connor inhaled. “In Technicolor, boys.”
“This way.” The one in a dirty white suit turned, leading the way, and she had no choice but to follow, stumbling between the sneering smiles of Hyland’s men and Connor’s insistent pace.
She was vulnerable now—truly exposed and defenseless.
Delilah was willing to bet Hyland had Molly in the same cage he’d held her in for so long. She would be important to him—a prize to laud over his rival gang, so it was unlikely he’d have farmed her out to any of his cronies. At least, Delilah hoped he hadn’t.
Aside from Molly, there was only Dalton—the man she adored—but he was weak as well, scarcely recovered from the ordeal in St. James’ park, and it had sounded like he’d been attacked again. Concern knotted in her chest. Christ, she hoped he was okay. Delilah needed him to get her out of this. If Molly was out of the equation and Connor was questionable, she needed Dalton as she’d never done before.
“In here.”
She recognized the dark wooden doors as they approached, knowing exactly what awaited her once they were pulled back to reveal Hyland’s office.
The pack paused at the doorway, waiting while the white-suited one knocked. The reply was only one word, but it was enough to ramp up the terror in Delilah’s body.
It was the voice of the man who’d owned and controlled her for so long—the architect of all her misfortune.
Zander Hyland.
“Come.”
Chapter Twenty
Dalton
“Well, isn’t this nice?” Hyland laughed cruelly as the large double doors were flung open behind Dalton’s head, and a group of people entered his office. “The Reilly boys, back together again.”
Dalton straightened his body as he turned to look at the arrivals. He’d started to feel a little stronger since he’d connected with Delilah and Connor—probably a consequence of the fact no one had punched or kicked him for at least an hour—and that fact had given him hope. He’d known they were coming and knew Saul was too, but he wasn’t clear what plan they’d concocted, enabling both of them just to walk in off the street and saunter up to Hyland.
His gaz
e fell over the men who’d initially entered. He didn’t know any of them but was sure they worked for Hyland. Frantic, he searched, looking for the faces of the ones recognized, but nothing prepared him for what he finally saw.
Delilah was standing just past the doorway, wearing virtually nothing but her underwear and shoes. Her face was flaming, her eyes large as they explored the room, ultimately finding him and settling on his face. Worse than that was the fact it was his own brother who seemed to be restraining her. Dalton wasn’t sure if Delilah’s arms were tied together, or if Connor was merely holding her in place, but there was no doubt, she was under his control—there under duress.
His heart pounded, his mind trying to process what he was seeing.
It’s okay. Delilah sent the thought to him, her lips parting as though she wanted to vocalize the sentiment. It’s just part of the plan.
But there was little conviction in her tone, and she looked smaller and more vulnerable than Dalton had seen her since the night he’d saved her from Morley.
Oh God, Dalton—look at you. Delilah sounded bleak. What have they done to you?
“What the fuck is going on?”
The question slipped past his lips, ignoring Delilah’s concern, and Hyland laughed again.
“I’ll ask the questions around here, Dalton, if you don’t mind,” he answered. “Come in, everyone. Tomkins, shut the doors, please.” Hyland glanced in Dalton’s direction.
“I believe your brother has come to barter for your freedom, Dalton, or perhaps for the liberty of his caged lover.” He smiled at Molly, still crammed inside the metal structure, and frustration swelled in Dalton’s chest. If only he was stronger. If only he hadn’t been taken out at St. James’ park.
If only, if only, if only…
“Connor?”
Dalton appealed to his brother, ignoring the infuriating smirks of the men around them as their gazes locked.
“What are you doing?”
Connor’s green gaze was cold. “It’s like he said,” he replied, pushing Delilah forward. “I’ve come for Molly.”
It’s not the way it looks. Connor’s unspoken words reverberated around Dalton’s head. It’s a ruse—a distraction—a way to buy time until Saul and the others arrive.
But Delilah? Dalton’s gaze pierced him, but he could hardly help it.
That was his woman, standing there exposed and helpless, while his brother pretended to use her as surety. This plan was fucking awful.
It was Delilah’s plan.
Connor’s voice cut through his misery.
This was her idea.
Dalton sighed, his gaze returning to Delilah’s expression.
“So, we have a little sibling rivalry.” Hyland rose from his seat and clapped his hands. “How wonderfully entertaining. Do come forward, Connor, and thank you for bringing back what you stole from me earlier.”
Was this your idea? Dalton’s brow rose as he posed the question to Delilah, and he knew she registered it from the way her lips twitched. It was hardly the normal response to being paraded virtually naked in front of the arsehole who’d already held her prisoner for a week, but Delilah was hardly the average woman.
I’m afraid so, sir.
Dalton sighed, lifting his cuffed hands to his forehead with exasperation.
Why, Delilah? Why?
For you, Dalton. Her voice was imploring. And for Molly. We didn’t know what Hyland was doing to her while you were hurt. We had to do something. Connor was losing his mind!
“We’re a little old for that, Zander.” Dalton glanced toward Hyland as he gave his analysis. “I’m well used to my brother.”
Hyland grinned. “So, you approve of him using the little whore as a bargaining chip?”
Dalton’s jaw tightened. Every time Hyland called Delilah that, the well of anger and resentment grew. Every time he so much as heard the word, Dalton’s strength seemed to flourish as though the urge to land a punch square in Hyland’s smug face was now his life’s work.
“I wouldn’t put it that way.” Dalton tilted his head at the grinning bastard. “But then, you do have his lady locked up in a cage.”
“Yes, you fucking do,” Connor growled, steering Delilah closer toward the place Molly was held so he could see her for himself.
“What’s the issue, gentlemen?” Hyland’s tone was laced with sarcasm. “I thought you boys liked this sort of thing? The cage was really a nod to your kinks, not mine.”
“No one else cages my kitten.” Connor’s voice was like thunder, and even Dalton flinched at the uncompromising tone. “You crossed the line, Hyland.”
“Is that right?” Hyland smirked at him. “Is that why you’re the one in my office? Your woman caged for my viewing pleasure while your brother is beaten half to hell?”
Connor released Delilah for the first time, leaving her by the cage while he advanced toward Hyland. “That’s fucking right.”
“Careful now.” Hyland’s tone was playful, but it had an air of warning. “You boys are unarmed and completely outnumbered, remember? You wouldn’t want to do anything stupid.”
Connor’s gaze flitted to his brother, his thoughts coming in loud and clear. I’m going to kill this bloody bastard.
“Let Molly go, and you can have Delilah.”
Hyland’s hands slid into his suit jacket pockets. “What do you think, gentlemen?” He directed the query over Dalton’s head toward his men. “Does that sound like a fair deal to you?”
The one in the murky white suit chuckled. “I think you can do better than that, sir.”
Hyland smiled, sinking back into his seat to listen. “Go on.”
“Well, you should have them both, Mr. Hyland. Take the whore as recompense for all the hassle today. After all, he ain’t armed like you say, sir. We checked. What’s he going to do about it?”
Dalton’s heart raced as they finally got to the crux of the matter. Hyland’s gaze slid past him and back to Connor.
“He has a fair point,” he told Connor. “What are you going to do about it?”
“I’m going to fuck you up so bad, your own mother won’t recognize you.” Connor’s hands balled into fists at his side. “I could do it, you know. I don’t need a gun.”
Three of Hyland’s men stepped past Dalton with their weapons raised at Connor’s throat, ratcheting up the tension in the room until there seemed to be no oxygen left at all.
“Really?” Hyland smiled. “Well, that will be impressive. Are you faster than a speeding bullet as well, Mr. Reilly?”
Keep your shit together. Dalton’s eyes fluttered closed with the thought. If you’re right—and you had fucking better be—Saul will be here any minute.
Connor glanced in his direction once more, confirming he’d heard the advice.
“What do you think, ladies?” Hyland was beaming. “I could get another cage and keep you side by side. One to blow me while the other one acts as my personal footrest.”
Molly panted at his words, her gaze rising to Connor, but Delilah never even looked Dalton’s way.
“You’re a mean-spirited little prick.” She pushed past Connor, advancing on Hyland with intent, despite the fact her wrists were still bound. “A cruel fucking moron with the tiniest, most insignificant cock I’ve ever seen.”
Hyland glanced her way. “Oh, Delilah.” He shook his head with a forced smile. “It’s only been a few hours, but I’ve missed you so much.”
She flashed him an audacious smile. “Neither Molly nor I will be sticking around here to do you any favors, you arrogant arsehole.”
He rose from his seat, towering over her in an instant, and Dalton lurched forward from his chair, his instinct to protect Delilah kicking in even though he was in no position to do so.
“Sit down.” The guy in the white suit turned and shoved him back onto the hard chair and head spinning, all Dalton could do was blink up at him.
“I think you’re right.” Hyland nodded to the guy who’d just pushed Dalto
n back into his place. “I think I will have them both. I already know how fiery this one can be, and I can’t wait to sample them both.” He took a step toward Delilah, but she scuttled away from him. “Who knows, maybe I’ll get two pillories set up in the corner, and I can take turns, fucking you both. That’s what you girls like, isn’t it?”
“You fucker.” Connor’s expression had hardened, and even in his groggy state, Dalton could see where this was headed.
He had no idea what Connor and Delilah had been thinking, but whatever their intention, this scene was descending into disaster, the sort of serious trouble which could mean someone got hurt.
“Watch your tone, Connor,” Hyland grinned, clearly reveling in the power he wielded over the four of them at this moment. With the women trapped and Dalton incapacitated, only Connor was functioning on all cylinders, and he was about to talk his way into a whole new world of pain if he wasn’t careful.
And Connor so rarely was careful anymore.
“Our negotiations are over. I’m grateful to you for returning the whore, but I’m afraid you’ll be leaving empty-handed.”
Connor shook his head. “No way, Hyland. No, fucking way.”
Hyland laughed with conceited glee, gesturing toward the white suit. “Help our guest to the door, please.”
“Certainly, sir.” The suit stepped forward, waving his gun in Connor’s proximity. “It’s time for you to go.”
Dalton pulled in a painful breath. Things were going from bad to worse. All Connor had managed to achieve so far was Delilah bound and half-naked in Hyland’s office, and now, he was about to be forcibly ejected.
Where the hell is Saul?
Dalton heard Delilah’s silent plea, and as he watched Connor shove the gun away from his body, he had to agree with her query.
Where the hell was Saul?
“I’m not leaving,” Connor snarled at the guy despite the fact the other two already had their weapons pointed toward his head.
“Master, please.” Molly whimpered from the cage below, the first time she’d spoken. “Please, just go. I can’t see you hurt as well.”
“Aww, isn’t that sweet? And she calls him Master. I like that.” Hyland lurched for Delilah, grappling for her bound wrists, capturing them despite her attempts to resist. “Maybe I’ll have you call me Master, whore.”
Tested: The Dark Necessities—Dalton's Tale #3 Page 13