Torch (Tarnished Souls MC Book 1)

by Dusty Lassetter

  “You’re so evil.” Rebecca states before agreeing to help me. Sammy is more hesitant, but eventually agrees as well. “Scarlett, what about you?” I ask. Hoping she finally decides to come out of her shell a little. With a little groveling from Rebecca and Sammy, Scarlett, reluctantly whispers. “Yes.” Feeling like I have the upper hand once again, I relax in to the comfy queen size bed, and fall asleep with a smile on my face.

  Chapter 8

  Mia

  Rubbing my arm, trying to ease the pain from the bacon grease catching me like a horny teenager would a STD, I hear a deep chuckle. Rebecca and Sammy, having heard too, turn around so fast they probably gave themselves whiplash.

  “Sorry to startle you, ladies.” Torch says, striding into the kitchen sporting a panty melting smirk. With a tight pair of wranglers, bare chest and wet hair, he’s the recipe to every woman’s wet dream. “Do you cuss at all your food while you’re cooking it, or is the bacon special?” He asks me, leaning his hip on the counter by the sink.

  “How’s your arm?” Rebecca questions, causing Torch to notice the tiny red marks near my wrist. Making sure to give her the evil eye. I inwardly smile when she turns around and starts talking to Sammy. Not at all bothered by my anger, the little brat.

  “Let me see.” Torch commands, now standing in front of me, waiting for me to place my arm in his open palm. Not in the mood to fight, having not had my cup of coffee, I gently place my arm in his grasp. “It’s nothing really.” I say, “I’ve been hurt worse.” He takes the pad of his thumb, gently rubbing away the stinging pain. “I know you have, Mia.” He replies, making sure to show just how angry and remorseful he is, like he’s somehow to blame for all my misfortunes. Realizing I haven’t said anything, just been standing here enjoying the feel of his hands on me, I quickly pull my arm back.

  “Did we wake you?” I ask in a sugary sweet voice, causing him to quirk his eyebrow. Yep that’s right, buddy boy, I can pretend to be nice.

  “No, Spitfire, you didn’t.” He says, “I always wake up early on Saturdays. It’s the only time I have to spend with my little sister. She would kick my ass if I were to forget.” The pride in his voice when he talks about her has me turning my head around to look at the two girls I now consider my family.

  “Sit down, Romeo. I’ll fix you a plate.” I offer, feeling my pulse speed up with the smile he gives me. Like most men he obviously enjoys being waited on by a woman. Grabbing a plate from the cabinet, looking over my shoulder, I catch him checking out my ass. Considering the tiny pajama shorts I’m sporting, he most likely got an eye full. Showing no shame, having been caught, he licks his lips and gives me a look letting me know he would much rather have me for breakfast.

  “Looks like I’m just in time.” Saint sing songs, walking into the kitchen wearing nothing but his boxers. Sammy turns bright red, a squeak of shock coming out, before she can cover her mouth. Rebecca’s back goes ramrod straight, taking a step back, she almost causes me to drop Torch’s plate.

  “Go put some clothes on, asshole.” Torch commands, “these ladies don’t want to see your morning wood.” Having said that, all our attention zeros in on Saint’s manhood, and sure enough he is sporting a morning chub.

  He eventually understands his mistake, coming out here like that, and apologizes. “I’m sorry.” He mumbles, giving Sammy a grin while trying to cup himself and hide the tent that looks to be growing.

  “I’ll fix you a plate.” I holler at his retreating back, feeling a little sorry for the fool. Once I’ve poured Torch’s coffee, I place his food in front of him, and watch as satisfaction lines his face. “Thank you, Mia.” He states, dropping his tone, somehow making his gravelly voice sound sexier. Shaking the fog from my brain, remembering the reason I’m here, I reestablish my hatred for all things Torch.

  “I’m just doing what any good slave girl would.” I declare, making sure to put some distance between us. “That is why you refuse to let us free, right?” Hearing the growl that comes from his chest, I quickly exit the kitchen, no longer concerned with making Saint’s breakfast. I need to come up with a plan to get me and my girls out of here. Not continue to play house with a bunch of bikers that could potentially harm us.

  ##########

  Later that day, while Torch was out of the clubhouse, Buck came into the room with Hammer and Saint asking if he could have a chat with us. What he meant was could he interrogate us, again. Being patient, knowing a losing battle when I see one, I agreed to answer the questions he had. It’s not like I had a choice.

  “We need to know if there was anyone else you can remember seeing. Maybe they didn’t participate in Carlos’ sick games. They may have been there for business only.” Buck explains, his low voice. I can see why he is the leader of this club, there is something about the way he talks. It pulls you in, makes you feel comfortable.

  I’m sitting on the bed, Sammy and Scarlett at my sides, and Rebecca is on the other side of Scarlett. Sammy squeezes my hand, letting me know she had seen others come and go but doesn’t feel comfortable saying it out loud. Saint, having noticed her reaction, bends down in front of her. Placing his two fingers on her chin, he forces her to look up, causing a growl to come from my chest.

  “I’m not going to hurt you, Sammy.” He confirms loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. “Carlos could not have mastermind behind your kidnapping. We need to know who we are up against to help protect you and our club, Love.”

  Sammy visibly relaxes when he uses the word of endearment, her eyes now focusing only on his. “I was taken from my room, in the middle of the night, but not by Carlos or any of his men. The guys that grabbed me wore leather vest, almost like yours.” Sammy whispers, starting to shake from the memory of her captors. “Before they knocked me out, I was able to see the blood red lettering on one of their vests.

  “What did it say, Love.”

  “Blacktop Sinners MC.” She finishes, the group of men in front of us all stiffening at hearing the name. Buck’s face turns cold causing Scarlett to shake violently in Rebecca’s arms. Thankfully, Saint’s able to control his emotions, still holding Sammy’s gaze, he gives her an encouraging smile. “Thank you, Love. That information will help us keep you ladies safe.”

  Now I’m sitting at the bar, throwing caution to the wind, deciding to drink until I can no longer feel this sense of dread in my stomach. The liquid is easy to swallow. Burning a slow trail down my throat into my belly, warming up my insides. The main room is clear of all whores, Buck announced, to the members that were present, that the club is now on lock down until further notice. They obviously know more about these, Blacktop Sinners, guys than they are willing to tell me. After seeing their reaction to Sammy’s information, I tried to question them. It’s funny how they expect answers from us, but are willing to give none in return.

  “She’s had enough.” I hear a familiar voice say to my left, turning around too fast, I have to take deep breaths to keep from getting sick. I start to sway on my stool, trying to figure out why there are two cavemen trying to boss me around. I barley stand a chance when there’s just one, how am I supposed to handle two?

  “Listen here, Buddies.” I command of them, “I think I know when I’ve had enough. You two can mind your own damn business.”

  “Bring her a glass of water.” The one on the left states, ignoring my rant. Pointing my finger at him, I try to stand up. “You should have been here sooner, Romeo.” I slur out, “I could have used a drinking partner.”

  Catching me in his arms, Torch places me back on the stool, “Mia, why are you drinking enough to put yourself in a coma?” He questions.

  “Blacktop Sinners, that’s why.” I tell him. Taking a drink from the glass of water, like I’ve been deprived of it for months.

  “Take it easy, Spitfire. If you drink it too fast you’re going to blow chunks.” Torch says, taking the glass from me. “Where did you hear about the Blacktop Sinners?” He questions, his gravelly voice soothing my musc
les in ways I’ve never experienced before.

  “That is who took Sammy from her room.” I whisper out, exhaustion starting to settle in. Torch is instantly in my personal space, grabbing me in his arms, cradling me to his chest. Snuggling into his warmth, feeling protected from the world, I start to close my eyes. “Don’t let them question us without you again. I feel safer when you’re there.” I mumble, the alcohol making it hard to keep my true feelings hidden. His arms tighten around me, causing me to give a sigh of content, before I close my eyes again. Making it hard to not fall asleep with his scent surrounding me.

  Chapter 9

  Mia

  I’m awoken by a concerned voice whispering in my ear. “Mia…..Mia…” Rolling over on my side, I crack one eye open, instantly regretting the movement because my head starts pounding. “Mia… Sammy has been in the bathroom throwing up all morning. I’m starting to worry about her.” Scarlett continues to tell me. Looking into her green eyes, shinning with concern, I slowly rise into a sitting position.

  “What time is it?” I manage to mumble out despite my dry mouth. I can taste the foulness of the liquor I drank last night, or maybe this morning. I’m not real sure on the time line.

  Before Scarlett can reply I hear Sammy start dry heaving through the door, and the sound alone makes it difficult to not take up position beside her. “What should we do?” Scarlett asks.

  “Nothing.” Sammy responds, now standing in the bathroom doorway. Her grey eyes gleaming with unshed tears, looking paler than normal, and frown lines around her mouth. “It’s just a stomach bug.” She mumbles.

  “Do you need anything? Maybe some ginger ale or water?” I manage to get out, between the nausea and headache. It suddenly dawns on me, if she says yes, I will have to try dragging myself to the kitchen. Instantly feeling guilty for my selfish thoughts, I rise to my feet. “I’ll grab you a drink.” I insist, but not before I brush my teeth” I finish, as Sammy starts shaking her head. With each new step, I take my stomach manages to stop turning, but my head keeps a steady pounding rhythm behind my temples, reminding me of last night’s stupidity. Thankfully the clubhouse seems to be deserted, only one biker sitting at the bar.

  “You should be in bed.” I hear an all too familiar voice state. The same voice that plays on repeat in my dreams. Not bothering to turn my head in the direction it came from, I continue toward the kitchen. The concern I hear in his voice almost has me stopping, but I remember the reason why I’m so hungover. Last night after the interrogation we went through, yet again, Scarlett looked more shaken up than normal. I waited until the men left the room, then explained to the girls that we had to stick together if we wanted to be free again. With a little persistence, she eventually broke down and told us everything. How she came to be with Carlos. That’s why I should have kept myself under control last night. It’s more important now, than ever before, for me to get all of us out of here. The members of Tarnished Souls cannot find out who Scarlett belongs to.

  Swinging the refrigerator door open, I’m startled when a calloused hand gently grabs my shoulder. The muscles in my body going tight, a clear indication he has startled me. “Sorry.” He mumbles, turning my body to face his. We are standing inches apart, in front of an open refrigerator, and the only thing I’m wearing is a tank top and underwear. Next time, before leaving the room, I really should make sure to cover myself up. Especially since Torch seems to find me, like a moth to a flame.

  His dark blue eyes start trailing a path down my bare skin causing my body to heat with desire. Everywhere he looks I can feel it on my skin like it’s his touch. My heart rate starts to rise, my breathing, no matter how hard I try to control it, gets faster. My nipples are fully erect, and the smile on Torch’s face tells me he is loving the reaction I’m having. I remember the wonderful things he did to me with just his fingers and my mind starts flashing images of what it would be like to be underneath him.

  “While I would love to find out what is going on in that pretty little head of yours, I need to know what happened last night, Mia.” He says, taking a step forward. Trapping me even further, making it harder to remember what I came in here for.

  “What do you mean? What happened last night?” I reply, deciding to repeat his question back in order to give myself some time to come up with a game plan. I know exactly what he is talking about, but there is no way in hell I am going to tell him the real reason why I was drinking like a starved alcoholic. It’s bad enough that I told him about the interrogation, and how his lack of presence affected me. Which is true. At least when he’s there the questions get directed to me, and my girls don’t have to share their personal nightmares.

  “Don’t try to toy with me, Mia. I’m not someone that plays by the rules.” Torch’s gravelly voice warns me, pulling me flush against his body. Wiggling my hips to get free, he tightens his grip on me when I come in contact with the only part of his body he can’t control. Removing his right hand from my hip he starts running his fingers along my scalp. With a tug to my hair, that hurts in the most delicious way, he tilts my head back, forcefully taking my mouth with his. The kiss is raw and dirty. His teeth nipping my bottom lip, before he plunges his tongue into my mouth with a controlled urgency. The fingers in my hair get tighter, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my core. He is literally lighting up all my senses, making it hard to think about anything other than the throbbing between my legs. His smell, the feel of his rough hand holding me close to him, his taste, and the small grunts of approval he gives me when I tangle my fingers in his hair.

  “’I’m next.” I hear someone say, my brain not able to register the voice when it is zeroed in on everything Torch is doing to me. Torch unhurriedly pulls away, his eyes seeking mine. “Go away, Saint.” He commands, that dark gaze.

  “You’ve never had a problem sharing before.” He laughs out from the entry way of the kitchen, obviously trying to give Torch a hard time. The growl that comes from Torch’s chest has Saint frowning, and me putting some space between us. There is no reason for me to stay and witness the ridiculous behavior of the alpha male species. Without Torch’s presence overwhelming me, I remember what it was I came in here for. Grabbing a bottled water, I turn around, and make my exit.

  “We’re not done here.” Torch states, trying to grab my shoulder. Shrugging of his touch, no matter how difficult it is, I give him the same look I’d give Carlos when he tried to order me around.

  “I’m not yours to command, Romeo.” I tell him. Feeling some of the desire racing through my body disappear. The smile that comes to his face, along with that stupid dimple, is enough to make me miss those muscular arms being wrapped around me.

  “Not yet.” He says casually, like he knows something I don’t. Not liking the gleam in his eyes, I decide to take him down a peg. “You may think that since I’m here, as your prisoner, that I have no choice in what happens to me.” I state, my voice rising with the aggravation I feel towards letting him affect me. “But you’re not the only one that can play dirty.” Walking through the kitchen entry way, past Saint, I can hear Torch’s low growl when I purposely touch the club’s enforcer while squeezing between his body and the door frame.

  ##########

  Sammy is sound asleep, lying next to Scarlett, while Rebecca and I are pacing the floor. We have been at the compound a little over a week now. Every day we do the same thing. Wake up, eat, then lock ourselves in this room watching mindless reality shows. If I have to hear one more rich housewife bitch about not having the right pair of open toe shoes I’m going to rip my ears off. I’ve never been the type of person that can stay idle for long.

  “We need a plan to get out of here.” I mumble out loud. No one responds to my statement; they’ve heard it multiple times. Planning an escape is something else I do in this room, locked away from Torch and all his biker buddies. Since the morning, we will call the ownership incident, I have avoided that man at all costs. I never leave the room without Rebecca or Sammy, and when we
do venture out it’s just to get food and drinks. Buck hasn’t lifted the lock down yet, which means all the members and their families are here. I was surprised to learn that he didn’t have a wife, just one daughter that is more than happy to be here, judging by the glances she gives Taz. Her name is Serenity, and the hand full of times I’ve talked to her in passing I can already tell she is smitten.

  “We need money.” I continue mumbling. “Just enough to get out of this town, away from these bikers, and far away from, The Blacktop Sinners.”

  “We can’t steal from bikers.” Rebecca states, “they would kill us.”

  “I never said we should steal from them.” Not even I’m that brave, “but maybe we can talk the men into giving us jobs. They are always going on and on about being our protectors, and having our best interest in mind.”

  “You could convince Torch.” Rebecca says, a look of excitement crossing her face. She wants out of this mess just as much as I do. We are both worried about Scarlett and Sammy. Who has been sick every morning since we’ve been here. Nervousness can easily do that to a person, and these men seem to make all of us uneasy at times.

  “No. I’m going for the bigger fish.” I announce, “Buck’s about to learn how convincing I can be.”

  Chapter 10

  Torch

  I’m sitting around Buck’s office with Taz, Saint, and Teller when someone lightly taps on the door. Thinking it must be one of the member’s old lady’s no one gets up to answer, “it’s open.” I holler out. The last person I’m expecting to walk through is the very same one I’ve thought about all week. Constantly envisioning her sexy body withering beneath mine, begging me to take what I want. The vivid images my mind conjures up is enough to reroute my blood to the one limb that’s been begging for her touch.