“Knife, make sure Drax knows not to let them go anywhere alone. The same goes for you. If they ask for me, you know how to reach me. I don’t want them disturbed.”

  When I looked at the other two, I narrowed my eyes at them. “Don’t go running all over tonight telling people we have guests. They need to rest. And, Satyr, cut out the flirting. You make her uncomfortable. Now, I’m off to bed. See you all later.”

  Without another word, I walked off and headed for the nearest door that would take me outside and to my house. I tried not to let myself visit the past as I walked there. It was never a good place to be.

  Lakelyn:

  River locked the door as soon as the men left. He scowled. “What’re we gonna do, Lake? We can’t stay here. There’s no telling what these bikers will do to us. We can disappear, and no one will know what happened to us. They’ll rape you or sell you, maybe both. And they’ll kill me.”

  “River, I don’t need you running through all the possible horrible scenarios. I know them! Christ, how did we end up in this predicament? How did you get caught?”

  He sheepishly took me through what had happened before my arrival. When he was done, it was my turn.

  “When you didn’t return, I got worried and came looking for you. I was out back, wondering if you’d left, when I heard voices and recognized yours. That was when I noticed the back door was cracked open. I was sneaking down the hall to find you when Tyrant roared. I thought he was killing you.”

  “I almost shit myself when he did. That guy is scary as hell. His tats are amazing and terrifying at the same time. What I want to know is why you didn’t run. You know the deal,” he scolded me.

  “I didn’t accept your deal. I’m not letting my little brother be captured and do nothing.”

  “Then why did you yell for me not to stop and to run? I’m not doing that to you. We either both run, or we take our chances together.”

  I sat in one of the chairs. I didn’t want to get the bed dirty, and as much as we tried to stay clean, it was hard. We could only use so many gas station restrooms or even homeless shelters. I was dying for a real bath and to wash my hair. River sat across from me in the other chair.

  “I wish I’d never asked you to do this with me. I should’ve found you somewhere safe to go. This is no way for you to live. You should be getting ready to start college,” I said with regret.

  “And you think it’s the way you should live? Hell no, Lake. We made a pact when I was small that we’d always be together no matter what. It was us against the world. You’re the reason I wasn’t thrown into some hellacious foster home or something when Mom died. Dad would’ve never been able to care for me if it hadn’t been for you. You got the short end of the stick. You had to raise me and take care of him.”

  What he said wasn’t wrong, but I never resented caring for River. Dad had made me want to smack him sometimes, but I had loved our dad. I just didn’t understand him.

  “I never resented helping to raise you. It was sad that I had Mom for fifteen years, and you only got her for five. As for Dad, he couldn’t deal with more without her. She was the one to keep him even keeled.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it. And then you did it and finally said enough. You called it quits way later than you should’ve. We know how that went. You and I do best when we stick together. So, no more telling me to run. Whatever happens, it happens to both of us. Deal?” He held up his pinkie finger. When he was little, he loved it when we made pinkie promises. Those were sacred. With a heavy heart, I hooked mine around his.

  “Pinkie promise,” I whispered.

  “Okay, now, if you don’t get in there and into that shower, I will,” he threatened.

  “Why don’t you go first? I want to soak in the tub afterward,” I suggested. The idea made me want to moan in pleasure.

  “If you’re sure, then here I go.” He grabbed the clean clothes and rushed into the bathroom. Watching him go, I couldn’t help but want to cry. Would we ever be safe, or would it be like this for the rest of our lives?

  I sat there deep in thought about what had happened a couple of months ago. I would’ve never in a thousand years have imagined it. And no matter how often I tried to think of another way to address it, I kept returning to what we were doing now. Living on the streets was preferable to that fate. I’d die first.

  Besides living rough, the thing I missed was my work. For River, I hated that he had to give up his friends and wasn’t starting college. I should look at the bright side. The weather was warmer than it was two months ago. I thought we would freeze to death when we first ended up on the streets. The next several months gave us time to make our way south, where it would be warmer in the winter. Maybe if we went far enough, we could begin over. That would be wonderful, though I wasn’t sure it was possible.

  I was lost in my head until my brother came out. He was smiling. “Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “This place has tankless water heaters like a hotel. I ran it, and it never got close to cooling off. Enjoy.”

  Not wanting to waste another second, I snatched up the clothes and went to take advantage of it. Lord knows when we’d be fortunate enough to be clean like this again.

  Lakelyn: Chapter 5

  A persistent banging noise woke me up. It took a few moments to register the sound and where I was. I sat up gasping. River was stumbling toward the door in his shorts. He was yawning and scratching his head. He’d done that since he was a toddler and woke up. His rumpled appearance made me smile. He unlocked and opened the door. I was glad to see he only cracked it. I was sitting up with the blanket up to my chest. No way did I want anyone to see me this way.

  “You’ve got fifteen minutes, then I’m eating without you. Get a move on,” Tyrant’s gruff voice said.

  “We’ll be ready,” River said before closing the door. He locked it again. “Time to get up. The big man is waiting. I’ll let you have the bathroom first.”

  I flew out of bed. Snagging up the clothes on the table, I hurried in there. I didn’t have anything to primp with, so it didn’t take long for me to be ready. I looked down at the clothes I had on when I was done. I was tempted to wear my clothes, but the thought of wearing those dirty things made me shudder. I’d just have to deal with these.

  Walking out of the bathroom, River’s eyes widened when he saw me. “Not one word,” I warned him.

  “Yes, ma’am, I’ll be back in two minutes, maybe three,” he said as he passed me.

  He’d already dressed. His clothes, while big on him, looked good. I wish I’d gotten some from the same person. I tugged and tried to adjust mine, but it didn’t help. He was back as promised. Taking deep breaths, we went to the door together. River unlocked and opened it.

  I looked up at Tyrant’s face. He was leaning against the opposite wall, expressionless. When he saw me, his expression morphed into one of fury.

  “I’m killing him,” he muttered.

  There was a young guy about my age standing behind him. He stared at me, making my cheeks turn pink. The next thing I knew, Tyrant removed his leather vest and handed it to the guy. Then, his T-shirt was whipped up over his head. I know my tongue had to be hanging out. His muscular chest was covered in tats, just like I imagined. They were the entire length of his arms and torso. I wanted to ask him to turn so I could see his back, but I didn’t.

  Tyrant handed me his shirt. “Put that on. After breakfast, we’ll find you something else to wear,” he muttered darkly.

  “I can’t take your shirt,” I hissed.

  “Well, if you don’t, we’ll stand here until you do. Come on, woman, I’m hungry. Let’s go,” he said, taking back his vest and putting it on. The sight of his tatted self, wearing only the black leather, was sexy as hell.

  I slowly pulled his shirt over my head. His scent filled my nose. I inhaled deeply. I wasn’t sure what was in his scent. There was leather, musk, a hint of smoke, but not cigarette smoke, and more. The shirt was warm, and when it dropped over me, it hung below my ass. Good, it would help to hide my ass cheeks that were hanging out in the back. He hadn’t seen those.

  As we exited the room, I was taken aback when Tyrant’s hand reached out and took mine. It was a quiet quartet that went up the long hallway. The closer we got to the big room we were in last night, the more voices could be heard. I tried to remove my hand, but Tyrant wouldn’t let go.

  Nerves assailed me. We were about to walk into a room full of men, bikers—outlaws. Last night might’ve been a fluke. Maybe Tyrant needed it to organize his men. My heart began to pound. When we entered the room, the noise faded away to dead silence. Over a dozen sets of eyes were focused on us. I fought not to shrink behind Tyrant, but it was hard not to do it.

  Satyr and Brutus came toward us with another two men. What was it with these guys? Were they all hulking beasts? When they reached us, Tyrant pulled me forward.

  “Satyr, ask me why I have no shirt on. Why is she wearing it?” Those were the first words out of Tyrant’s mouth.

  “She spent the night with you?” Satyr asked, sounding disappointed.

  “No, dumbass. She is wearing it since what you gave her left her practically naked, and if I’d brought her in here that way, she would’ve been eaten alive. Who did you get those clothes from?”

  “I asked Mera for something. I told her to give me her most decent. She said that was.”

  “Christ, Mera thinks dental floss and Band-Aids are too much. Why the hell would I want Lakelyn dressed that way?” Tyrant barked.

  “Well, if you plan to let them stay for a while, then I figure the kid can prospect and help wherever we need him. That only leaves one job for her,” Satyr answered.

  I stiffened at the implication.

  “You want her to be a cumslut?” Tyrant asked in a soft voice that I hadn’t heard him use.

  Terror filled me. I yanked my hand free of Tyrant’s, bringing his attention squarely to me. I backed away.

  “I think it would be best if we left. We’ll get our clothes and leave in a few minutes. Thank you for last night.”

  Murmurs were coming from all over the room. Before I could take my brother’s hand and run, I was walled in by the two men who came with Brutus and Satyr. I swung to go sideways, but I was facing Brutus. I stepped back and hit a rock-hard body. Arms came around me, caging me. I recognized Tyrant’s arms. I knew those tattoos and his scent.

  “You said you weren’t hurting us or expecting anything in exchange! I should’ve known you were lying. You touch my sister, and I’ll fucking kill you,” River snarled. I shivered.

  “Boy, I suggest you watch your tongue and not make threats you can’t keep. Threatening our president isn’t the way to stay healthy,” one of the men said.

  “Stop, please, stop. I’ll do whatever you say. Be whatever you want. Just don’t hurt him.” I had to hold back a sob.

  I was gently shaken. “What did I tell you two about trying to sacrifice yourselves for the other? Don’t do it. No one is turning you into a cumslut or hurting either of you. Have I made myself clear?” Tyrant’s voice rose. He was directing it to everyone.

  “Yeah, we hear. Who are they? How did they get here? Why are they here?” the one who threatened River asked.

  “If you’ll all back the fuck off and let them breathe, I’ll tell you. Christ, like a bunch of hyenas. Go sit,” he ordered.

  Everyone moved away and took seats at the tables closest to us. I was bundled over to a chair. River followed us. He was still watching the men with distrust. Tyrant lowered me into a seat and then took one next to me. My brother was on the opposite side of me. Everyone was waiting for Tyrant to speak.

  “This is Lakelyn and her brother, River. I found him going through the dumpster at the garage last night. His sister joined us later. I had Brutus bring a couple of guys and a van to pick them up, and we brought them here. They ate and then spent the night. Any other questions?”

  The men exchanged glances. I saw puzzlement and disbelief, but no one asked anything.

  “Good. Before I let them eat, I guess I should let you animals introduce yourselves. Make it quick. We all have stuff to do today.”

  The man who set off River leaned toward us. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything I said. I’m Howler. I’m the club’s sergeant-at-arms.”

  As he said that, I recalled that their vests had names, and some had positions on them. The other one who had come over to us with him was Cobra, their VP. From there, they ran through their ranks.

  When they finished, I was about to say something, but four women came out of the kitchen, snagging my attention. Their expressions were curious and uneasy. As they rounded the bar, I noticed their clothing. One of them had to be the donor of my clothes. I bit the inside of my cheek. Were these their wives, or what they called cumsluts? I hated that name. One of them came marching over. She was the boldest of the bunch and, by her looks, the oldest.

  “Who do we have here, Tyrant?” she asked. Her tone was just this side of respectful.

  “This is Lakelyn and River,” he said.

  “He’s cute. We always love to have new prospects. Hey, honey, why don’t you let one of us show you a good time and welcome you to being a prospect? I promise you’ll love it.” Her smile at him slid away when she looked at me. “But I don’t think we need another slut. Four is more than enough,” she said as she curled her upper lip.

  My fear was replaced with anger. Who was she to sneer at me? And her offer to have sex with my brother made me want to punch her even more.

  “For your information, he’s not a prospect, and he’s not interested in your offer. And I’m not here to be a slut. We’re here because Tyrant asked us to be.”

  She glared at me. The men were all watching and not saying a word, not even Tyrant.

  “I know that’s a lie. There’s no way Tyrant would invite unknown people to stay here. You’re not club, honey. I can tell that. A woman like you couldn’t handle these men. You don’t have what it takes.” She ran her gaze up and down me dismissively.

  I didn’t know what came over me, but the next thing I knew, I stood and yanked Tyrant’s shirt off. I waved at myself. I might not be as curvy as I once was, but she had no reason to be a bitch. I pointed to myself, then to her. I heard the men muttering and a few soft whistles.

  “From what I see, I wouldn’t have to do much to be like you. Look, I even have the clothes,” I snapped.

  Her face flushed red.

  “Wait, those are my clothes! That’s what you wanted them for? You said you needed one of my best outfits,” she shrieked at Satyr.

  “What did you think I was planning to do with them? Wear the fuckers?” he asked.

  “I don’t know, jacking off with them. Who knows? Take them off, bitch. I want them back,” she snapped.

  “Settle the fuck down, or so help me, your ass is done, Mera. Lakelyn, put my shirt back on. Now,” Tyrant snarled.

  I didn’t want to push him, so I did as he ordered. Something told me he was not to be pushed. Mera stood there with her arms crossed and a furious expression.

  “If you guys are done with breakfast, get to work. As for the rest of us, we’re eating, and then I need to speak to Lakelyn and River. VP, I’d like you to stay if you can. As for your clothes, Mera, she’ll return them as soon as hers are washed and dried. Alice, will you go to the last guest room and get them? I’d like River and his sister to be able to change back into their clothes soon.”

  Relief filled me. He was letting us go. I smiled at the one who nodded when he said her name. I gave her a tentative smile. “I can do that if you show me where the washer and dryer are. There’s no need for you to wait on us,” I offered.

  “It’s part of my job, and I don’t mind. I’ll go get them now so they can get started, Tyrant,” she told him before walking off.

  “The rest of you, I’ll send a prospect to come get you when we’re done eating, so you can clean the kitchen. Until then, go find something else to stay busy,” Tyrant commanded the rest of the girls.

  The three remaining women moved away, but I saw Mera turn and glare back at me. I held back from flipping her off. The men began wandering out of the building after calling out their goodbyes. After that, it was a repeat of last night. Food was gotten, and we sat to enjoy it. I could eat a bit more this morning, and so could my brother. When we were finished, Tyrant and Cobra took us down another hallway to another room. Tyrant unlocked and opened the door. It was an office.

  Inside, we were shown seats in front of the desk. Cobra leaned against the wall. His president sat in the chair behind the desk. My mouth went dry as I waited. At least we got two meals, a hot bath, clean clothes, and a good night’s sleep out of it. I’d take it as a win.

  Tyrant:

  As we sat eating breakfast, I couldn’t get over how the morning had started. However, I shouldn’t be surprised. After leaving them last night, I went home and spent a very restless night. I couldn’t stop thinking about their situation, reliving things best forgotten, and dreaming about Lakelyn. When I got up this morning, I still had no idea what I planned to do with them, but the first order of business was to feed them.

  When that door opened, and I saw what she had on, I wanted to slap my hands over the prospect’s eyes and then stand there feasting my eyes on her. However, I saw how uncomfortable she was, and I didn’t like the thought of any of my brothers looking at her, so I removed my shirt. It was the only thing I could think of to get her covered as quickly as possible.

  Walking into the common room and having the men ask questions wasn’t unexpected. River’s defense of her and her subsequent attempt to protect him by offering herself up had enraged me. I was a first-rate son of a bitch, but I wasn’t someone to allow that.

  When Mera came out and made her remarks, I was stunned at Lakelyn removing my shirt, and I wanted to punch all the men in the face for daring to stare at her sexy body. Thinking of it made my jeans uncomfortably tight in the groin section. I was hard. Even if she had lost weight, she was incredibly alluring. You’d have to be dead or into men not to find her attractive. It was all I could do not to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out of there, where no one could see her but me.