“I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Let’s hope Jaden and Connor get here quickly. We’re okay for a while. After all, we’re party favors.” She gives me a small smile. Her warm tone almost undoes me. I can’t feel right now. If I start, I’ll come apart. I harden my tone.
“What makes you think you know so goddamned much? And just for the record, Viper’s made sure Jaden and Connor won’t get here anytime soon.”
“How did he do that?” Kat sounds genuinely surprised. I look at her in amazement.
“What, you think they’re invincible or something? He used my sister to set up a trap. They’re probably dead by now.”
Kat barks out a laugh. “That’s just what he wants you to think. One thing I know, it will take more than Viper’s goons to put our guys away.” Kat slowly gets to her feet, using the wall as support. “My God.” She pulls up the corner of her T-shirt, exposing a large bruise turning various shades of blue. “Shit. I’ll be pissing blood for a week.” She sighs. “What I wouldn’t give for some ibuprofen right now. Where are these clothes he wants us to wear?”
I point to a small stack of black and white fabric sitting on a shelf. “That would be them.”
Kat limps over and lifts the top piece. A small black French maid’s apron unfolds. The tiny bib is trimmed with soft white lace. A small white lace ruffle circles the bodice and mini apron.
“Great. You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kat holds the small piece of fabric against her. “I don’t know what delusion I had that we might actually be left with a scrap of dignity.”
I focus my dwindling attention on Kat, but I sense no real fear. “Are you crazy or just an ass?”
Kat gives me a warm smile as she tosses one of the aprons. “Hang on. We’ll get through this.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“I’ve had more practice at this than you have.”
“You practice getting your brains bashed in?” I don’t even try to keep the bitchy sarcasm from my voice.
“Oh, it won’t be very pleasant, but try to think of it as a scene. He’s going to play the dinner game. That’s a good thing. It gives the guys time to get here.”
“Didn’t you hear me?” I want to scream at her and smash her head against the wall.
“I heard you, Rayne, and you’re wrong. Do you want to bet on how long it takes them to get here? I give them two hours.”
Two hours? Dare I hope?
37
Jaden
But this thing inside of me would rather I die,
Then let the world see that I’m lonely and scared …
I stand in an alcove of the ornate hall, hidden by the thick velvet draperies covering the walls—moth-eaten draperies covered with dust and mold. I can just imagine the splendor of bygone days when the wood shone on the dingy St. Andrew’s Cross on the stage before me. According to Connor’s description, it was splendid in its day.
I have a view of the entire room. I don’t know how I’ll keep my cool while Viper’s men use our women. I rethink Connor’s rescue plan. Too late to change that now. If Connor can bear to watch his wife get fucked by these men, I can bear to watch them fuck a woman I’ve only known for a week. Liar.
It took one phone call to locate Viper using the tracker Joker dropped into his car music files. A little loophole Viper hadn’t accounted for. Not that we needed it, he’d left a highway for us to follow. Viper had called a meeting with his men, so twenty or so of his goons sit around the table.
I flex my neck and once again give thanks for my solid team. Viper had headed straight for The Manor, his hidey-hole up in beach country. We hadn’t been far behind him. Meanwhile, Connor’s partner, Brian, took Summer to their private rehab clinic. Connor and Kat had joined my crusade to rescue child sex workers. They’d teamed up with professionals to offer physical and psychological rehab to any young women we rescued. Summer was in good hands.
Next, we’d picked up more artillery, a couple of vials of Pentothal, and Connor’s disguise. His plan was just crazy enough to work. He was right, even with our weapons and fighting skills, twenty or more armed guys were heavy odds. A few calls and we knew who Viper used to cater the event. Connor proposed he go in as the sommelier. Viper had ordered a case of 2012 Equuleus from the Château des Charmes winery for the event. He’d ordered one bottle of 2000 Échézeaux for himself. Hard to believe but the man has good taste in fine wines. We’re placing a pretty heavy bet on that being just for him.
A team of servers bustles about, placing huge trays of food on the sideboard lining one end of the large hall. Connor’s disguise is bang-on, even I wouldn’t recognize him. He circulates around the men, pouring wine liberally. Several of the men speak to Connor. I can’t hear him, but presumably, he’s putting his extensive knowledge of wine to good use. Delicious smells fill the room as the sideboard fills with meats, cheeses, and steaming dishes of all kinds. A large turkey and a huge ham act as king and queen, surrounded by enough food to feed a kingdom.
Viper stands and claps his hands for attention. Immediate silence descends as all twenty men turn to face their leader.
“I’ve got a special treat for you lads tonight. Kind of a thank you before we process the next shipment. You all know the rules of the party game. We’ll do five courses tonight—face, breasts, ass, clit, cunt.” Hoots and hollers vibrate around the hall.
“The old bitch is fair game. No one fucks the young one—she’s mine. If I see even the tip of your cock near her mouth, cunt, or ass, I cut it off. No questions. You get her hot and ready for me. You can have her after I’m done with her.”
Another raucous roar echoes through the hall. “Now, who’s got the drugs?” Viper asks.
A muscular man wearing full leathers lifts his hand. “Right here, boss. Ready when you are.” He drops a leather bag on the table beside Viper’s plate.
“Then let’s get this show on the road.”
Two men hustle in Rayne and Kat. Rayne struggles. I’m not surprised. Kat glides in like some African princess, full of élan. My little Dracaena sports a tapestry of fresh bruises. Her abdomen, ass, and thighs cascade with color. Yet, she struggles. I clench my fists at my side. Wait, Jaden.
While I get what drives her—she thinks if she acquiesces, she’s a willing participant—I pray her survival instinct is stronger than her spirit. Maybe Kat can teach her submission has nothing to do with weakness. Stop fighting, Dracaena. I telegraph the message to her. She stills for a moment and cocks her head. I’m here, little dragon.
Viper pulls a vial, syringes, and rubber tubing from a leather bag. He fills a syringe, points at Kat, and then to the chair beside him. “This one first. Maybe she’ll show the little bitch a thing or two about obedience.”
Kat shakes off the men and takes the seat. She hasn’t said a word, but her message is clear. Fuck you. She slides her arm on the table before Viper can grab it. He ties off her left arm and taps for a vein. What the fuck? Is Connor going to stand for this? I catch his eye as he walks by holding a white napkin around the neck of a wine bottle. I quirk my eyebrow and nod toward the action at the table. He shakes his head imperceptibly. I hope to hell the drug Connor’s put in the wine acts quickly.
Viper plunges the needle into Kat’s vein and hits the plunger. Kat leans her head back and sighs. Viper smiles and runs his hand up her thigh. She spreads her legs apart.
“That’s it. That’s how it’s done.” Viper laughs uproariously as he wiggles his finger between Kat’s legs. “You like when I twiddle your twat?”
“I like. Give me more, baby.” Kat pouts and leans toward Viper. Fast as a viper striking, he twists Kat’s earlobe and pulls her head down. “You think this is some kind of joke? That’s good. I hear you like pain.” He laughs and signals. One of the goons helps Kat from the chair. “There’s plenty more where that came from.” Viper motions for Rayne to take the chair. I take a small step. Connor must see me because he moves between Rayne and me, shaking his head.
&nbs
p; “What the hell’s wrong with you?” Viper sounds annoyed. “If you get in my way again, it will be the last thing you do.”
Connor bows. “Sorry, sir.” He moves away. Shit. I almost blew it. Connor’s advice comes back to me: “Think of it as a scene.” But it wasn’t anywhere close to a scene. I want to kill … now.
I wait for Armageddon. Instead, Rayne’s voice rings loud and true. “What the fuck is this?”
Viper backhands her. Rayne’s head snaps back. My hands wrap around my throwing knives, and I’m breathing hard. Rage races through my system like an angry raptor on the rampage. I call on my inner resources to quell the beast. Time enough for that later.
“Bastard,” Rayne hisses. Viper slaps her again.
Rayne, shut the fuck up—now. She bows her head and extends her arm. That’s it. Just hold on. I put every ounce of energy into keeping her calm. That means calming myself. I pull on my tai chi training and adjust my breathing, letting calm energy flow through me. This empathy thing might be bullshit, but it seems to have some effect on her. She stays still while Viper gives the hit. Rayne’s head snaps back as the rush hits her.
“Now, you’re mine.” Viper runs his hand up her leg. She pulls away, but her movements are lethargic. “Don’t worry, honey. In about two minutes, you’ll be begging for it. You won’t be able to fight it now, baby.” He twiddles her cunt just like he had with Kat. Rayne moans and moves away.
Viper grabs a fist full of Rayne’s hair and drags her face to his. It must hurt like hell, but my Rayne fights anyway. I can’t help but admire her spirit while I curse her out for being so damned stubborn.
A rich pink flush dusts Rayne’s skin as blood rushes through her system. He’s given her a goddamned sex enhancement drug. I. Will. Kill. Him.
Viper pulls Rayne to her feet. He holds his left arm straight out. One of the goons shoves Kat into Viper’s embrace.
“Like I promised you, lads, here are your party favors. Remember the rules.” He pushes Rayne closer to the table. “Ready to prime the pump? First course, mouth play above the neck.” He looks down at Kat and Rayne. “As for you two, you’ll serve my men and do whatever they want.” He kisses Rayne full on the mouth before moving back to his chair. The men follow suit and take their seats.
Rayne winces and wipes her lips. Kat looks in Connor’s direction and winks. Okay, she’s taking this in stride. Why can’t Dracaena? Rayne gives no sign of recognition when Connor walks by. His disguise serves him well.
Kat takes Rayne by the hand and leads her to the sideboard. She whispers something in Rayne’s ear. Rayne shakes her head violently and says something in return. She’s not buying it … whatever it is. Urgency radiates from Kat’s small frame. She puts both hands on Rayne’s shoulders and shakes her. “Never.” I lip read the word as it sounds clearly in my head.
Viper slams a large butcher knife into the thick wood of the banquet table. The room stills instantly. “Don’t make me come over there.”
Fuck. Do it, Dracaena. Trust me. We need time. Play along. Trust me. I repeat the mantra over and over. Kat picks up a cheese tray and heads to Viper. Rayne frowns in my direction, her message clear: fine, I’ll play along, but you’ll pay for this big-time, buster. She straightens and follows with the breadboard.
Kat bows low as she presents Viper with the cheese. He helps himself then replaces the fork on the tray. He grabs the bib of Kat’s apron and pulls her close. He licks and nibbles her earlobe. “Very soon, my men will arrive here with your beloved husband. You I get to fuck in front him.” He licks her chin. “Before I kill him.” He kisses her on the mouth. Kat sinks to her knees and bows her head in supplication. Viper laughs. “Yes, you may speak.”
“Please, sir. Do whatever you want with me, but leave Connor out of this.”
Rayne’s mouth drops open, clearly appalled. Watch her. She knows how to play the game.
Viper reaches down and cups one of her breasts. “Then you’d better make me want to let him live. But the bastard will pay for rejecting me.” He pats Kat’s behind. She moves on to the next guy. Viper waggles his little finger at Rayne.
“Your turn. “Time to put these little babies back on.” Viper waves two weighted nipple clamps in the air before dropping them on the table. Grabbing Rayne’s arm, he jerks her closer. He points. She puts the breadboard on the table. He pulls her onto his lap. My blood heats up to a fast boil as I watch him manhandle her, helpless to do anything else.
Rayne’s large brown nubs harden as Viper brushes them with the clamp. She bites her bottom lip hard as Viper clamps her nipples. Her nipples take a nosedive to the floor, bent by the weight. Rayne stares straight ahead. Tears brim in her eyes, but she doesn’t make a sound. As he licks each nipple, her mouth remains rigid. A deep rose flush rises up her chest.
Her determination not to succumb to the drug moves over her face. Rage and pride burn through me in equal measure. The green monster joins the party. I clamp down hard on these emotions. I take a moment to imagine how Viper will feel when I hang those clamps from his balls. Hang on, Little Dragon. It won’t be long now.
Viper’s cell phone vibrates. Connor’s men create a diversion. Finally!
“This better be good … When? … How many?” A huge grin lights his face as he slides the phone on the table. “They’re here. Coming in the back way through the woods. Fools. Sid, Red, Gris, Blow, and Hammer. Go get them.”
38
Rayne
Taking what you’ve got now for the start …
Heat billows through my body. Every cell hums, an all-parts choir pushing me toward the crescendo as the breeze tickles my exposed breasts. Breasts he’s touching. Breasts that want more. I will kill him. Fucking bastard. I’m sitting here in the middle of this huge fucking hall … on Viper’s lap. Ick! Covered in welts and bruises. Wearing a scrap of cloth barely large enough to be called an apron.
The cologne he’s wearing reminds me of ES’s favorite. Major ick! I wrinkle my nose and look over the twenty or so large, hairy, smelly men in the room. The mixture of sweat and cheap cologne makes me gag. The men gaze back, hunger and lust rolling off them in waves. Presumably, Kat and I are their appetizers. Or main course. No fear there for me. Viper made it plain I’m his entree.
I don’t know what the fuck Viper gave me, but I will do almost anything to get laid right this minute. My skin burns with an intensity only touch will soothe. Hell, even Viper’s touch is exciting, and I hate him. I pull on every inner resource I possess to fight the desire. I will not succumb.
Viper’s cell rings and all hell breaks loose. He shoves me off his lap as he issues orders to his men. My heart races with excitement. Jaden is here. But I know that. I can feel his essence coming from the thick draperies in the corner. He hasn’t rescued us. Why not? Who the hell cares? I want to jump his bones.
I know better than to react. Thoughts whirl through my head like wisps of smoke weaving around the loosely woven tapestry of my fucked up emotions and the threads of Jaden’s feelings. I want him to fuck me. The thought consumes me. The spots where Viper beat me sing for more. I should be afraid. Instead, I want to open my legs. It’s the drug. Fight, goddammit. I straighten my spine, ready for battle.
Viper’s got his shorts in a knot. One of his pigs says Connor and Jaden are sneaking in a back way. Jaden’s not here? Bolts of adrenaline bolts through me as panic tries to ensnare me. He’s here, you know he’s here. I will my pulse back to jogging rate.
About half of the guys leave. Viper stays. He sits with a grunt and waves his hand toward the first guy on his left. “Don’t keep Slick waiting.”
I pick up the bread and follow Kat around the table. Steel blue eyes watch me intently as I present the breadboard to the guy named Slick. He slides his hand up the back of my thigh, slowly, almost lethargically. I pull on the boxing gloves, ready to fight the need surging through me. I refuse to let some drug get the better of me. Give in. It’s easier.
Pure rage shoots out from behind t
he curtain, startling me straight. Jaden’s jealous. I hide a tiny bubble of happiness. Let’s face it; I’m fifty shades of fucked up. I should be thinking about my reduced life expectancy. Instead, I’m getting all warm and fuzzy thinking about Jaden.
Viper slams his knife into the table. My pulse jumps into hyper gear. Gawd, I sure wish he’d stop doing that. Freaks me right out. Everyone jumps the proverbial mile. He frowns my way. “Hands where I can see them. Face only.”
Slick grunts and removes his hand. Too bad. His touch calms the tumult coursing through my veins. His vibe isn’t nasty, just lusty. He gently cups my cheeks and licks my lips. He drops a tender kiss on each edge of my mouth. His kisses are bolts of lust flying through my libido, knocking out all my defenses. His breath smells like coffee and caramel, and I drink him in. Suddenly, his lips are on mine, tongue probing mine. I match him move for move. It feels that damned good. Jaden’s fury is my security blanket. He will keep me safe.
You hardly know him. I shove the bitch goddess and her logic to the moon and deepen the kiss. Viper laughs uproariously. “Enough, Slick. Give someone else a turn.”
With a grunt, Slick sets me on my feet.
I pick up the bread and start toward the guy with the scraggy black beard. I shudder. The thought of his beard on my face makes me squirrely. Some of those bastards who banged me had beards they insisted on rubbing in my face. I detest beards, and I can’t stand the feel of hair brushing my face. I take tiny steps, trying to prolong the inevitable when the guy jumps up and runs from the room.
“Where the fuck are you two going?” Viper’s roar rings through the hall.
“Can.” One of the guys clutches his stomach.
“Oh for Christ’s sake. You.” Viper points at Kat. “Get my caesar. Move it, bitch.”
Kat gives me the eye. We scurry over to the sideboard and gather up bowls of salad. Kat glides over to Viper, seemingly unconcerned about the weird goings-on. I head for a small Asian man called Slim who seems totally out of place in his button-down shirt and dress pants. He licks his lips and looks at me with glittering dark eyes. Like he’s about to devour a gourmet meal. I grimace. At least he’s shaven. I put the salad in front of him.
Rage (A Jaden Rayne Adventure Book 1) Page 24