I tried repeating Val’s words, but the taste of blood was so sharp it cut off my words.
“What Val? You think I can’t handle a gun?” Case squeezed the trigger, her aim perfect and deadly as a very nice bottle of Jack shattered meeting a cruel end.
“If you don’t want to end up with the bottle of Jack I suggest the both of you stop beating the shit out of Thorn. Do you think he wanted Selena taken? Or that he loves her any less than the both of you?” Twisting the gun, Val was up first.
“Do you know where she’s been almost every night for the past week Val? With us. She loves you and Miranda, so she was never going to tell you that she was hurting. You were her whole life. This place her whole world. Now everything’s changed. She’s taken care of everybody, but you didn’t see that she needed someone to take care of her. Swinging the gun Law was next.
“Now before you open your mouth and tell me that you were going to take care of her remind yourself what happened last time you tried that. You fucked up big time, and I can’t blame her for dropping your sorry ass. She’s not something you can just come back and collect like a long-lost suitcase. She will kick your ass, and I plan to make popcorn so I can watch. Trust me she bites.” Case hissed.
I couldn’t help it that a small smile managed to make its way to my face, still wearing the teeth marks to back up that statement.
“We are running out of time. Selena has taken care of everyone here in this room. It’s our turn. I don’t need to tell you that Thorn is the only one who knows who and what we are dealing with. He’s the best chance we got. So, I’m going to take care of my boyfriend before he hits the floor and then we will get to business. That fucker is not getting two days to hurt her. Everyone agree?”
Everyone in the room nodded and finally Case lowered the gun.
“I like her.” Law murmured.
Case wrapped her arm around my waist.
“Your boyfriend huh?” The taste of blood fading as I tried to keep my eyes open so that I could see her face.
“Be quiet. I know you were letting them beat the shit of you because you feel responsible. I am going to get you cleaned up and then you need to tell me the whole story. Getting the shit kicked out of you won’t help Selena. Give me something that will.”
My girlfriend was a badass, and I would tell her anything she wanted. If I didn’t, she might turn her gun on me.
Chapter Ten
SELENA
I was in the dark. I hated the dark, reminding of a past I had spent years trying to forget but some things you can never erase. The cold cruel cement plastered to my ass as I awaited whatever the bastards who took me would do to me. The cell’s scent of blench mixed day old garbage assaulted my nose leaving me gagging. The bastards who had taken me told me I was here because of Thorn, that he owed them something and I was leverage to use to get him to pay. If Thorn refused then a whole lot of bad shit was going to happen to me.
I could kill Thorn right about now. That was if I could move. I was covered in bruises, the sick shade of purple standing out against my olive skin. So far, they hadn’t touched me with anything other than their hands, but I wasn’t a fool. I knew what was coming. I only hoped I could find a way out of this mess before that happened. I wasn’t a fucking helpless girl that couldn’t defend herself anymore. That side of me died a long time ago. I needed a plan. Screaming seemed to help. They wanted me weak and afraid. I could be both if I had to. My scar pulsed as I smiled.
*
Helping Thorn to my old room, I sat his crazy ass down on the bed. I went to the bathroom turning on the water. My hands shook as I put a towel under the faucet knowing that pulling a gun on Val and Law had been stupid and risky. Still, I couldn’t think of anything else to do. Watching Thorn absorb every blow, his body rocking back and forth had caused something deep to rise to the surface. I couldn’t let them keep hurting him. I had to stop it. The gun seemed like the best option. It had been left it just lying on one of the tables; a little temptation I knew they would listen too.
Taking the warm, wet towel with me, I saw Thorn trying to stay upright on the bed. His body wanting to give in, but he was making sure he stayed with me. Smiling when he saw me I knew that if I had to, I would do it all over again. There was nothing I wouldn’t do to take care of him. How was it possible to fall so fast? How was it that meeting one single person could cause the whole world under to shift beneath your feet? Thorn was an earthquake. A fault line that swallowing my heart in its glorious destruction. Watching Thorn sitting there I realized a wet towel wouldn’t be enough.
“Let it go handsome; a simple towel isn’t going to do the job. We need to stop making this a habit.”
Swinging an arm over my shoulder, he countered, “I am kind of fond of this habit. Well, not the beat down but the after care.”
Trying not to grin not wanting to encourage his madness.
My hands making quick work on his clothes, careful not touch anything in case I hurt him more.
“He likes you,” Thorn said, glancing down I saw his dick was happily pointing in my direction.
“Get in.” I motioned to the tub.
“Are you joining me?”
“No.”
“You are no fun.” Thorn pouted. His lips had to start to swell, and he looked like one of those girls who did duck face in every photo. It wasn’t a good look.
“I’m not supposed to be fun right now. I am trying to take care of you not him.” I said dropping my eyes to his dick.
Thorn slid into the tub making him wince. I knew the water would sting, but who knows where Val and Law’s hands have been. It was the easiest way to get him all clean at once.
“Close your eyes.” Grabbing a washcloth, I moved it slowly over his face trying not to notice the way the water started taking on a crimson hue. Keeping my attention on Thorn, I knew the clock was ticking, but my thoughts rested on the man in the tub. The way he touched me. The moment I woke up in his arms. Thorn had become my safe place to land. I couldn’t help but wonder if knew that I was becoming his.
Chapter Eleven
Clean and dressed as some nice drugs flowed through my system I was feeling pretty damn good. My body still showing its displeasure of being used as a punching bag, but it would get over it. My dick, on the other hand, wasting no time in showing Case it was working just fine. At least something was.
“Who has Selena?” Case sat down beside me as her blue eyes filled with questions.
I sighed.
“His name is Marcus, and he’s a major asshole. He’s also in the business of selling woman. I found that part out a little too late. The job required me to collect something. When I got there, it wasn’t a something it was a someone. I refused to deliver her. Instead, I found her a safe place and gave that monster his money back. I wanted no part in what he was doing. I also told him that there was a nice place in hell waiting for him and I would be back to make sure he got a first-class ticket. He skipped town before I could keep my promise.”
Lowering my head, I swallowed hard. My heart felt like it was shrinking inside as a rush of worthless washed through me. Selena was paying the price for my fuck-up. What was worse was that if Marcus had been paying closer attention, he would have Selena wasn’t the one he wanted. Had he known about Case she would have ended up back in a nightmare because of me. The pain killers not strong enough to kill the thickness in my throat and the tightness in my chest as my mind flashed images of Case naked covered in bruises. I held her thin, battered body in my arms once. I didn’t think I could do it again.
Case stayed silent as she softly placed her hand in mine. Her head drifting to rest on my shoulder before finally speaking.
“He never wanted the money. He wanted the girl. That’s what he wants you to deliver.”
“And there is no way in hell I plan to do that so..”
“We’re fucked.” Case sighed releasing a breath.
“Yep.” I agreed not knowing what else to say.
“Maybe not. We have money, power and a room full of trained killers.” Her eyes lit up as she grinned. What other girl would get happy after the words trained killers? Only the best girl in the whole world.
“Marry me?” The words out before I could catch them.
Case chuckled shaking her head. “Those drugs must be really good.”
I nodded not ready to tell her it wasn’t the drugs.
“Are you good if I go get Val and Law? We need a plan, and they are the ones that can help us.” Her voice coming out steady, a planning turning inside that head of hers.
“Do you think you should go get them?” I asked, “You did point a gun at them.”
“It was an act of desperation. Besides, I saved your ass.” She boasted, her eyes gleaming.
“I’m not complaining. You are a total badass.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I would. You were amazing in there.” I insisted.
Her shoulders shrugged, “Well okay if you say so. Now don’t move I’ll be right back.”
She walked away, and I was reminded that I never wanted a partner. Never wanting someone that could get hurt or in my way. On the rare times, I had needed one Val was always the one I called. Val and I existed in the shadows. No one to miss us if something went wrong. I knew I shouldn’t encourage Case, but I never wanted anyone by my side more than her. Her fierceness like pure fire. A rare light in the shadows. Combine that with Val, Miranda, and Law, and we were something not to be fucked with. Marcus didn’t know what was coming.
Chapter Twelve
Thorn, Val, and Law sit at a table working together instead of killing each other. I honestly wouldn’t have believed it if I wasn’t watching it with my own eyes, but then again Val and Law informed me they were more afraid of me than Thorn. Apparently, I had made quite an impression.
“Got him.” Law’s face broke out into a smile. It wasn’t joy or pride. It was predatory. His dark eyes gleaming, his perfect white teeth flashing under the dim lights of the club. Law was a wolf in a three-piece suit.
“That was fast.”
“My dear it’s what I do. There is no one that can hide from me. If I want you, I will find you.”
Law made me believe it. A man like him would have never given up unless someone asked him to. What happened between him and Selena now even more of a mystery.
Thorn moved closer to Law, his eyes taking in the info on the screen.
“Is this current? Marcus never stays in one place too long. He could have left already.” Thorn questioned.
“I don’t make mistakes. At least when it comes to things like this.” Law’s voice grew softer, no one else seeming to notice the change. It was subtle, a well-practiced art of covering up the pain. We were in the land of secrets and Law fit right in even though everyone else here wanted to deny it.
“He’s here Thorn. So is Selena. Now do you want to keep second guessing me or do you want to deliver some delicious vengeance?” Law retorted his eyes narrowing at Thorn with impatience.
“Vengeance is more my taste,” Thorn answered as a glint surfaced within the tiny slits that were now his eyes. His eyelids had swelled from the blows, but he still managed to look excited to ride into another battle.
“Good. And you Val?” Law turning his head to meet Val’s eyes.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Val promised.
All three of them smiled. It wasn’t the kind that put you at ease. It wasn’t sweet or inviting. It was a sinister promise drawn upon their lips. Law, Val, and Thorn were wicked things and Bound, and Bared was the devil’s playground. It was time for a field trip.
Chapter Thirteen
“I might not like you Val, but I do like your weapons.” Law offered another grin clearly impressed by the arsenal of guns, knives and other deadly things that surrounded us. Glancing at me he asked, “Do you think she should be in here?”
I rolled my eyes. “Play nice, and you won’t have anything to worry about.” I reached for a gun, but Thorn stopped me.
“You aren’t going.”
My eyes widened, gritting my teeth I managed an “Are you serious?”
Val looked at Miranda.
“That goes for you too Miranda. It’s too dangerous. You and Case are staying here.”
Miranda stepped up to Val, her body tight with tension. “I think you have lost your mind V. Selena is my best friend I will not be left behind.”
Miranda looked sweet, but she could be just as deadly as Val.
“I haven’t lost anything Miranda neither has Thorn. We can’t focus on finding Selena if worried about you too. I understand why the both of you want to come. I also know the both of you can handle your shit, but Thorn and I need you to stay back at the club where it’s safe. Selena is going to need the both you when this is all over.”
I hated to admit it but Val’s made sense. I didn’t want to stay behind, but I would only be a distraction. Thorn didn’t need any more of those right now.
I tried not choking on the words as I replied, “Val’s right Miranda. Trust me I want to lock and load just as much as you do, but they will be distracted if we are with them. Isn’t the most important thing getting Selena back home?”
Miranda nodded, her eyes filling with tears before blinking them back. “The minute you have her you call us and Val be careful I didn’t find you just to lose you to some asshole. We’ve been down that road. Let’s not do it again.” Miranda’s voice wavered as a few tears broke free to slide down her cheeks.
Val pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her, tucking her close. His face softened, their love becoming something tangible. My eyes moved from them to Thorn. He was watching me, the look on his face not revealing a single thing. Did he want what Val and Miranda had? Did he long for it like I did? Could a man like him ever fall in love with a girl like me? My heart waging war inside my chest, an army of blades carving it into pieces wanting something I didn’t even know if I believed in anymore. Falling in love was easy. Keeping it was the hard part.
Capturing his hand in mine, I whispered, “You be careful too. I know how much you enjoy getting shot.” I tried to smile, hoping the joke would lessen the unsure space between us. His arms snaked out to drag me against him, my arms slipping around his waist as his heartbeat pounded inside my ear. That steady rhythm had been my lifeline more than once. He couldn’t know what he meant to me. He didn’t understand the sharp sting ravishing my heart.
“I’ll try to avoid it this time.” He assured as I tilted my head up so I could see him better.
The black eyes and dark bruises were like a second skin, so natural he didn’t notice them at all. I should have been worrying about his pain, but instead, the feel of him so close sent memories of my body under his crashing through my brain. The space between my thighs starting to grow damp before willing myself to find some restraint. We were surrounded by weapons, with an audience, facing death and danger and yet I was getting turned on. I let go of him, hoping space would allow me some room to breathe.
“You make sure you do Thorn. Call me when it’s done.” My voice trembling slightly. Thorn most likely assuming it was because I was worried about him. That was part of it, but I was also fucking horny as hell. What the hell was wrong with me?
“Are we done with lovey dovey shit?” Law’s voice chimed in, “I would like to go put a few hundred bullets into the bastards that took Selena.”
Thorn and Val nodding as Miranda and I watched the three of them head out the door.
“Why don’t we go clean up the mess they made? I for one, don’t want Selena to see the way those three broke her club.”
“That’s a great idea. I think Selena might try to kill them if we don't.”
“Lead the way,” I said as I tried offering smile but didn’t reach my eyes.
All Miranda and I wanted was for the phone ring.
Chapter Fourteen
> SELENA
The cool bite of metal twisted into my wrists, I had almost forgotten what it felt like. It had been such a long time since I was the one wearing the cuffs. Flashes of Law pushed their way into my mind, and I could almost hear his voice whispering in my ear, telling me how beautiful I looked when I was helpless, that I was his good girl and he couldn’t wait to break me. The difference was back then I let Law break me. Wanting and needing it, with a craving I didn’t understand.
Hanging in these cuffs, suspended off the ground, I knew these men were only into hurting me, getting off on the power and pain they inflicted. Strung up for a group monsters and their sick amusement. I had ripped my life back from the hands of devils before. I did it once I would do it again. I was not a fucking damsel in distress, but I could play one.
“Please don’t hurt me.” My voice remained soft and sweet, using it as a lure. My fear the bait they couldn’t resist.
“It’s not that want to hurt you, but someone needs to pay for what Thorn took from me. Try to remember that when I make you scream.”
He struck. A blow to my right side directionally under the ribs. I recoiled, my body swinging in the chains like a puppet on a string. The pain so striking it scattered my every thought. Then another blow landed, striking with such force my body slammed into the wall behind me as I heard a sickening crack. My rib breaking like it was glass instead of bone.
“Did you hear that Selena? Even if you didn’t, I know that you felt it. Breaking bones is one my favorites things to do. You see I don’t believe in starting off simple, working my way up to the type of pain that breaks you. I give you my all, and if you survive, then I know you are a toy I want to keep.”
Ruthless hands gripped my hips dragging my body forward as his cock drove inside of me like an iron hot poker tearing through my insides. The force driving my body up causing my broken rib to scream. Over and over again, he thrust. The violent act of his fucking, pushing every piece of my past out of my system, replacing it with a new horror of him inside me. I flung myself into the darkness, my soul descending into the blackness living within me. The part filled with hatred and rage. I fought so hard to keep it from taking me, but now I welcomed it as I forgot everything but vengeance. Feeling him come inside me, he contaminated me from the inside out. His grunt of pleasure drowned out by a steady buzz inside my ear.
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