The fall had broken Rolfe Eklund’s ribs, punctured his lungs, and blood gurgled from between his lips. Reaching into the man’s boot, he removed the knife he always kept there.
Leaning close, he whispered, “I see from his eyes what you’ve done to him. It will not stand.” Then he said loud enough for the stunned and silent crowd to hear, “I am Elijah Mathias Eklund. I am your son and I am your destroyer.”
Stabbing the long knife into his throat, he dragged it to his groin, opening him to the audience above. He watched him take his final breath before wiping his fingers on the blade. Staring up at the crowd, he painted lines across his face in his father’s blood and roared with his arms back.
“This boy is protected on penalty of death. Any who touches him will die screaming.” He kicked the eviscerated body of his father. “Bring my next opponent and drag this piece of shit out of my sight.”
He willingly stayed to fight for another week to earn the cash he needed to get them back to Washington from South Africa.
Hollow remained with him and they were given a wide berth by the other fighters, spectators, and promoters. Upon their return, he explained that his father had disappeared.
The second time he freely performed penance was when he broke the woman he loved.
Walking to a ferry, boarding a ship, he made his way to the newest location for games in Greenland. For more than a week, he allowed each rival to land two hits before he wiped them out and sent them from the pit unconscious.
Every hit that connected was punishment he deserved for what he’d done to her. Selfishly seeking one thing for himself, he’d done damage it would take Brie years to recover from.
As another limp man was dragged from the ring, Hollow appeared in the threshold that led from the pit. Their eyes met and shared horror would always be there.
“He submits. The exact message was I submit, Elijah.”
“It isn’t about his submission.”
“You can’t stay here, Elijah.”
He stared at the stone wall. “How is she?”
“She doesn’t leave the building.” Elijah’s eyes closed in pain. “Harper hasn’t returned to Washington. He also doesn’t leave the building.” Hollow shook his head. “It’s like a fucking hive over there. A message?”
“I need two more weeks.” He rotated his neck on his shoulders as his next challenger was let into the pit from the other side. The man was massive with dark skin and blue eyes. “I atone for my sins.”
He stepped into the circle, allowed the man to hit him in the side and the back.
Then he destroyed him with focused strikes and watched as he was dragged away.
Glancing over his shoulder, he told the man who still stood there, “It’s going to take some time.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Mid-September 2015
Brie painted and slept for the most part. Her friends kept her from falling into complete despair but their worry was clear.
When Tawny and Riya called, she was happy to soak up their natural effervescence. They wanted to visit but, more often than not, she told them she wasn’t up for company.
Knowing they were getting increasingly stressed about her state of mind, she invited them to the apartment for brunch. She’d done her best to hide evidence of her incessant crying before she opened the door.
Tawny took her in quickly and wasted no time. “We leave for Dallas in two days and you’re going with us.”
“I can’t. Not yet. I don’t need to be around people.”
“You’ve wanted to see the club forever. KiKi wants to meet you in person and I know you’re done with her mockups. You need to get the fuck out of this apartment, Brie.”
She shook her head, unsure about seeing a place she knew had history for Elijah and Harper. A place she’d hoped to visit with them one day. “You guys don’t need me around right now. I’m ridiculous.”
Riya took her hand, “We hardly see you.” The brunette chose her words carefully. “You have to start getting out, getting back into the world, Brie. It will take time to heal but it will take more if you stay in seclusion.”
Glancing across the living room, she stared at the whale sculpture and the violin. She’d had a special case delivered that was lit and sealed to display it.
“I have the means to go somewhere but I have no idea where I should go. I feel wrong in my skin, sensitive to the touch. Unable to think clearly.” She swallowed hard. “I always knew so I should have expected the pain. Somehow, I never really saw it coming. Not when and how it did.”
Lowering to the dining chair beside her, Tawny said gently, “Come to Dallas. You know you’ll have fun and we love having you with us. Just the ticket, I think.” With a wink, she added, “Riya has been so worried. I hate seeing her cry.”
“The Riya card. You’re such a bitch.”
The friends laughed and Tawny nodded seriously. “Acknowledged. Pack a bag and let’s get our drink on in a place where I don’t have a record.”
“Yet, Tawny…you don’t have a record yet.”
“Your mouth is moving but I can’t quite understand.” Standing, Tawny grabbed a plate. “Stop working all the fucking time and have some fun.”
“I like working. It keeps my mind occupied.”
For an hour, they ate and Brie honestly did feel better by the time she walked them to the front door.
“Thanks. You guys are incredible.”
“Duh. Oh, I bought you a leather skank outfit to wear.”
Then she pulled the door closed before Brie could question the strangeness of the statement.
* * *
Elijah was gone twenty-six days when the security team on the ground floor reported he’d entered the building.
Harper waited as he opened the door to the apartment.
He sobbed in sadness and shame. There were bruises, scratches, and abrasions all over him and it looked like he’d lost twenty pounds. His lips were cracked, both hands were torn up.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Elijah.”
“Do you even understand why you’re apologizing?” There was a long silence and he shook his head. “I thought not.”
He moved to pass him and Harper put his hand on his shoulder. “I missed you.”
“You missed me as one misses a tool that’s formed to the palm after years of use. Comfortable, familiar, easy to pick up when you have need of it. Just a tool.”
“No, Elijah. Never.”
Without another word, he walked to his bedroom and locked the door.
Harper knew the wound he’d caused between them might never heal. Gabriella would have been able to help Elijah but Harper didn’t know what to say to make things right.
Then again, if he hadn’t lashed out at her in selfishness and fear, the three of them might even now be together in the sanctuary instead of struggling with their pain separately.
In his own bedroom, he mourned the loss of her, the way she’d always known what to say, the love that would have healed so many hurts over time.
Filled with self-loathing, with loneliness, Harper wept.
* * *
“Eklund.”
“Hollow.” There was a pause. “She’s meeting with KiKi.”
“When?” He recited the date and time. “For what purpose?”
“Website upgrades. New graphics.”
“She goes alone?”
“Chadwick, Scottsdale, Riya, Tawny, and the java boys.”
“Winters and Natalia?”
“Unknown if they’re aware of the trip.”
“Keep me posted of changes.”
“Done.”
* * *
Brie’s initial impression of The Playground wasn’t at all what she expected. It was done in deep jewel tones and dark woods, well-lit, and welcoming. Every surface sparkled and the staff seemed happy to be at work.
Kikiama Espinosa greeted their party at the door with a huge smile. “Welcome to The Playground.” Introductions were
made and she told them, “Call me KiKi.”
To Brie, she said, “I’ve heard incredible things about you. I look forward to picking your brain. We’ll have time for business later. Right now, Misery’s show is about to start. Let’s get you good seats and drinks.”
She seated them in an alcove with several comfortable couches. Riya and Tawny settled with their men on either side of them.
Brie chose a seat alone. The sleek leather portfolio in her lap held the mock-ups she’d done for the club. It felt odd to be having a business meeting the way she was dressed.
Tawny had presented her with leather pants that felt like they were painted on, a stunningly detailed corset tank in royal blue, a bolero jacket that matched the pants, and black riding boots that ended at her knees.
Her hair was pulled back in sparkling blue clips and fell down her back. Her makeup was heavier than any she’d ever worn.
Riya and Tawny wore chokers that matched their leather outfits. Several times during the trip, Tawny attempted to get her to wear one as well.
Filled with sadness, she refused. “No. I don’t belong to anyone.”
Micah tried to explain. “Brie, it’s a safety precaution...”
“It’s a lie when it comes to me, Micah. No. I can’t.”
Self-conscious and wishing she hadn’t come, Brie stared at a painting across from her. Standing up, she walked to it and realized the detail was incredible. She wondered at the medium used and gently touched the very edge.
“Come with me.”
Glancing up in confusion, she looked at a man standing beside her. “Hello.”
“Come with me,” he said more forcefully.
A stranger was trying to give her a command as if he’d earned the right. “I’m sorry…what?”
He grabbed her upper arm roughly and Micah appeared like a dark demon, positioning himself between them.
“She’s off limits, mate.” His tone left no room for argument.
The older man hissed, “Bullshit.”
Drawing himself to his full height, Micah growled, “She’s off limits. Back the fuck away or I make you back away.”
The fingers around her upper arm tightened sharply before releasing her. The look the stranger gave her caused a shiver of fear to skate up her back.
He clenched his fists and walked away.
Micah led her back to their group and she lowered into a chair. He crouched in front of her with a gentle smile.
“Brie. Some of the members are more aggressive in this environment. Stay with us so we can run interference.”
“They think…” She swallowed hard. “It’s assumed I’m available for sex, isn’t it?” He nodded and she closed her eyes. “I didn’t understand, Micah. I should have listened. I was hurt but it was foolish.”
He patted her hand and gave her a wink. “Stay with us. You’ll be safe in KiKi’s care while you talk.” She nodded and he returned to Riya’s side.
Unable to look at any of them, uncaring about the show taking place, Brie rubbed her hand over her heart and tried to get her shit together. She gripped her portfolio tightly and struggled not to cry and humiliate herself in public.
She missed Elijah and Harper. She wouldn’t have felt so out of place if she’d come with them.
The thought brought tears she couldn’t fight. Avoiding looking at her friends, she made her way to the closest bathroom.
Using tissue, she blotted away the damage to her makeup and took a deep breath. Pressing her fingers to her temples, she closed her eyes and tried to center, tried to find her way back.
When she reopened them, the same man who’d thought she was available stood behind her.
He grabbed her hair and wrapped it around his fist several times. At her ear, he whispered, “You will fucking obey or I’ll make you hurt.”
“The fuck I will.” She rammed her elbow into his sternum but he didn’t let her go. “Get off me!”
Slamming her against the wall, he bounced the back of her head off the tile. His fingers gripped her throat tightly, limiting airflow and preventing her from screaming.
He glared at her. “Did you think to see what the lifestyle was all about? Did you read your steamy erotica novels and think you knew what the fuck to expect? Silly bitch.”
Dizzy, she tried to kick him but he pressed himself against her, limiting her movements. His other hand roamed over her breasts and between her legs.
“I chew up little girls like you every week. I’m a kid in a candy store with this lovely new trend.”
Gasping, Brie managed, “Stop.”
“I’ll stop when I’m done. You want to see what the thrill of submission is all about, honey? I’m happy to show you.”
Tighter and tighter, he squeezed her throat and she distantly heard him unzipping his pants. Then he was gone and she felt herself falling. Arms caught her, held her, as she tried to focus.
Reality was confused as she watched Elijah systematically obliterate the man who’d tried to rape her.
Releasing her bodyweight, she slipped through the hands holding her and landed on her knees. Crawling toward him, she placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Elijah, stop…stop.” Her voice sounded like ground glass. He turned and the man she usually saw in his eyes wasn’t present. He returned to punching the man in the face and she tightened her grip. “I love you. Don’t kill for me, Elijah.”
He blinked and she saw he was back. Her head dropped between her shoulders and blood dripped on the floor as arms lifted her from behind. It was only then she realized it was Harper who held her.
Elijah tore his shirt over his head and held it to her face. She was shocked at how quickly her blood soaked it.
She passed out and came out of it in the back of a limo.
They pulled under an emergency room canopy and she gasped, “None of you can go in with me.”
“What the fuck are you talking about, Gabriella?” Harper looked livid.
“They’re going to think I’m a hooker.” He started to speak and she shook her head. “I’m a Mexican woman dressed in leather who looks like I just got beat up by my john. Trust me on this.”
Tawny leaned over her face. “I’ll take you in.”
“Your men…”
“I’m never photographed with them, Brie. No one knows me.”
“She is not a goddamn…”
“Shut the fuck up, Delkin,” Tawny hissed. “You run a company that’s publicly traded. You’re on the boards of several prominent charities, as are the rest of you. You don’t know the goddamn preconceptions people have about women just like her all over the motherfucking planet. Stay in the fucking car. I’ve got this.”
She settled her eyes on Elijah. “Your hands are fucked up and your shirt is soaked in her blood. Stop. Think. You know I’m right and you know I’ll keep her safe.”
Fists clenched, vibrating with fury, he gave a single nod.
Tawny wrapped Brie’s arm around her shoulders and sat her up. When the driver came around, he helped them from the interior. Over her shoulder, she commanded, “Get them the fuck out of here.”
Brie stumbled beside Tawny through the emergency room doors and the nurse at the desk rolled her eyes.
The redhead barked, “She’s not a hooker, you cunt. Do your fucking job or call the police to save your old ass.”
Over the next hour, the doctor on call managed to stop the nosebleed that raged completely out of control due to eighteen months of blood thinners. He confirmed her vitals were stable and put her on an IV.
At one point, security handcuffed Tawny to the chair beside her bed. The moment the pissed off guard left the room, the redhead slipped them and stuck them in her back pocket.
Quietly, her friend asked, “How do you feel, bitch?”
“Weak but alright.”
“We’re leaving. Where do you want to go?”
“Anywhere that isn’t here.”
Carefully detaching the IV like a fucking nurse, sh
e helped Brie sit up and get her bearings.
When she nodded, she supported her as they made their way from the hospital. A block away, the redhead hailed a cab.
The sun was lighting the sky when a woman Brie would have sworn was familiar the day before climbed into the pilot seat of a small plane and took off.
Drifting to sleep several times, she came to as Tawny set the plane down on a private airstrip in the middle of nowhere. She cut the engine and took a deep breath.
“Welcome to my bolt hole, Brie. You’re the only person in the real world to ever see it.”
“Where are we?” The entire situation was surreal and more than a little fascinating.
“Not far from the Canadian border. Vermont specifically.” Tawny climbed down and helped Brie to the ground. “Come on, bitch. Let’s get you out of the BDSM Barbie getup.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Learning the day after he returned from penance that Brie would be going to a BDSM club filled Elijah with dread.
Elijah had no intention of interacting with her. In the weeks since he’d left her, there hadn’t been a single photo of her from any source. He needed to confirm with his own eyes that she was alright.
Harper insisted on joining him.
Brie was not alright. Despite the stunning way her friends had turned her out to help her blend in for her meeting with KiKi, the woman he loved was clearly wrecked.
She wore no collar. Elijah knew Chadwick would have tried to convince her. He understood her refusal, it made him love her more, even as he worried.
In the time it had taken Elijah to circle the stage for a closer look at her face, he lost her.
Panicked after her earlier run-in with the sort of man he despised in their circles, he knew he needed to find her quickly. Seeing her leather portfolio on the chair, he knew she hadn’t left with KiKi.
The ladies’ room. Avoiding being sighted by her friends, he made his way there quickly.
The vision he walked into made his entire mind go red.
A man held her against the wall by her throat, her feet just off the floor, as he worked at the closure of his pants.
She was choking and her nose was bleeding.
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