Sara

  Leone Compound

  “WELCOME, SARA. DON’T you look exquisite on Danny boy’s arm. I was hoping you’d have a bit more fire. I was for sure you’d smack him after realizing he’d kidnapped you and traded you to me. Well, we’ll work on that.” The man laughs sadistically. Half of his face is covered in burn marks while the other is attractive, giving him the appearance of two faces. He reminds me of the villain in one of those superhero movies my brother used to love.

  I look to Danny trying to understand and find some courage, but whoever this man is he has me scared shitless. Maybe it’s the way he stands or simply the way he is looking at me like a filthy old man would, but I know I never want to be left alone with him.

  “I do think my betrothed is sweet on you, Danny,” he says in a sickly-sweet tone.

  “Betrothed?” I question, gaping at Danny. His face is so stoic, void of any emotion. I refuse to accept that he feels nothing for me. He can’t want me to marry this man. I know what the word means. I read a lot. There is no way I will be this man’s wife. I would rather die.

  “My bride, dear. Didn’t Danny explain this to you? Well, where are my manners. My name is Marek, my sweet Sara. I have so many plans for you. Sit. Let’s eat and get to know one another.”

  As if I could eat while looking at his face. I don’t mean to sound so harsh, but the disfigured side of his face is terrifying.

  I dig my nails into Danny’s arm, but he ignores my plea and walks me straight into the arms of this disturbing man.

  The man steps forward as Danny leaves the room, leaving me alone. Goosebumps shoot up my spine as an icy sensation takes hold of me. The hairs on my arms are standing up as he kisses my cheeks. “My God, you are something, my pet.” The way he says my pet makes my stomach turn.

  How could I have been so wrong about Danny. I mean, yeah, I don’t know the guy but how could anyone sell another person. I can’t believe that he did this willingly. We shared a connection. I know he felt the pull to me as strongly as I feel it to him. I have never believed in love at first sight but from the moment he looked at me, I felt as though I was supposed to be with him. Even when he was scaring the shit outta me with his erratic behavior and driving. Maybe his conduct was a result of his own fear. There must be something this man has over him.

  I’m going to find out what, but first I need to play along. I’ve watched Lifetime movies about this sort of situation. I need to make him fall for me. I need him to believe that I want to be with him, and then when I get the chance, I will get away from him.

  I have to start thinking like a survivor and not a victim. Nothing too terrible has happened to me, yet. Sure, being drugged and kidnapped is God awful, but things could be worse. I still have my virtue.

  “Please, have a seat.”

  I manage a fake smile and look directly into this man’s cold, hollow eyes. “I’m starving.” Bile creeps up my throat as he grins at me. He’s repulsive. What kind of sick bastard pays for a teenage bride?

  Now that we are both seated, I keep my focus on the food. I take small, careful bites, praying it isn’t drugged.

  “Do you know who I am, Sara?”

  I shake my head then take a small sip of water.

  “My name is Marek, and I am president of The Devils Rejects.”

  All color drains from my face.

  Seeing my pained expression, he laughs hysterically. “Ah, so you do know who I am. Wonderful. Though I must confess I was expecting your cousin. Harley is it? I sent Danny to grab her from that ballgame, but when he recognized who you were, well...he couldn’t resist. You see, Danny boy, he holds a bit of a grudge against your brother and the delectable Morgan. How are they by the way? I hear a baby is on the way.”

  I feel punched in the gut. I shouldn’t feel betrayed by Danny, but I do. He targeted me. He really sought me out to hurt me. Well, Harley, and not that I would want her in my current situation, but what the hell? What did I do? I don’t have anything to do with whatever beef these freaks have with my family. Anger burns through me and I try to maintain my cool.

  I was only in middle school when Morgan was taken nearly five years ago, but now I remember overhearing my parents talking about the men who had taken her, and these are them. I remember the name Marek so clearly now and Danny was mentioned vaguely. He is the guy who set off the explosion that lead to Morgan’s escape.

  Danny’s hand...Marek’s face— I suppose I can understand their hatred of the MC my parents used to be members of, but they gave this life up. This is what they have been trying to protect me from, but now it is too late. Thanks to my brother and his quest for truth I am now in the hands of monsters. The same devils who used and abused my grandmother, Gypsy Red. Maybe there is something in her diary that could somehow help me. If only I still had it. Was she trying to warn me from beyond the grave? I have never believed in ghosts but why else would I have felt such an attraction to her old journal right before I came to Drag Creek. Did she know this would happen to me? I feel dizzy thinking about it all.

  “You know, I may be a father soon. Harper, my wife...” His lip twitches on the word wife. “The whore is expecting a child soon. My wife isn’t faithful. Don’t worry yourself about her or her spawn. They won’t be an issue much longer. Why Danny cares anything about his bitch sister, I will never understand, but lucky for me he does.”

  Bingo. Danny is doing this for his sister and her unborn child. No wonder he was so motivated to hand me over. I guess he thought he was getting his revenge on my brother and Morgan while saving his sister. It’s an asshole thing to do, but part of me understands.

  “Danny cost me Morgan, but now I have you, the daughter of an original Rebel.” He smirks, like I am a trophy on his shelf.

  Marek doesn’t realize it, but he just gave me something to use against him. Danny hates Marek but he’s afraid of him. I only need to convince him that we can take him out, together.

  If he could find a way to let my family know where we are, they would take the bastard out. They would find great pleasure in ridding the world of such a piece of shit.

  Time to get the ball rolling. First comes planting a seed of doubt in Marek’s mind. He thinks taking me will hurt my family, and it will, but if I can convince him otherwise...

  “So, you plan to what divorce your wife and marry me? Then what? Ask for a ransom? Flaunt me like a prize? What’s your endgame here?”

  He wipes at his disfigured face with a napkin. “What do you mean?”

  “You think my family will care that you have me? Didn’t Danny tell you that I came willingly? I don’t have rebel blood. I’m the black sheep of my family. My parents had me through a surrogate and a sperm donor. My mother could never feel that maternal bond with me, though she has tried.” I shrug. “I was set to run away, when Danny offered me a ride. We got to talking and he told me that you wanted me. You see, Marek. I’ve never fit in with my family. Always felt like I didn’t belong. I’m hoping that together we can show my family that I never needed them to accept me. And now here I am with a man who can make that happen for me.” I smile as he seems perturbed by my information.

  If this man is anything like the men, my grandmother described in her diary then Marek rules by making people afraid him. I can’t show my fear. He needs to believe that I want to be with his ugly ass.

  Before he can say anything, the door to the room we are dining in bursts open. In walks a very pregnant woman. She waddles, cradling her belly. She isn’t anything like I had imagined. I was expecting some rich overdone woman, but this chick... She has her hair dyed white and black. The way it is done the only name I can give it is zebra hair.

  This must be the wife.

  He doesn’t appear happy she has interrupted us, but if I had to guess, he won’t hurt her because she has planted just enough doubt in his mind that the baby she carries could be his. That baby in her womb is the only thing keeping her alive. I may be young but I’m not so naïve I can’t figure things out. My parents tried to keep me sheltered but I have read enough of the diary and had enough conversations with Harley about the outlaw life to not know how these things work.

  “Danny!” Marek shouts.

  He appears at the door.

  “Yes?”

  “Please show Sara back to her room. Seems my wife is feeling neglected.”

  “Don’t send your plaything away on my account, dear husband of mine. Though she does appear young. I’m starving.”

  “Harper,” Marek grits.

  Danny steps forward to collect me, but Marek holds up his hand.

  “Fine. Danny, why don’t you join us.”

  Danny seems hesitant but takes a seat anyway, away from me. His sister is seated across from me as he takes the seat at the opposite end of the table. Ouch. That won’t help me bring him over to my side.

  Once they have been served an awkward silence falls around us. The only sounds are those of Harper licking her lips and clinking her silverware on the plate as she scrapes the final morsels onto her fork.

  “Will there be dessert?” She smiles.

  Marek rings a small dinner bell and the doors open and in walks a woman with cropped black hair clad in only a red thong.

  Marek pushes his chair back and undoes his zipper. The woman goes to her knees and without hesitation or any words passing between them. I watch both fascinated and disturbed by him doing this intimate act in the presence of his wife.

  His large hand curls around her neck as she bobs up and down, taking him into her mouth with vigor.

  “Sara, come here,” he demands, and I freeze.

  “No thanks. I’m good here.”

  “Nonsense. You are going to be my wife. You need to know firsthand what I like. The sooner you learn the better. I’m not asking.” He grabs a knife from the table. And runs the blade up and down the woman’s spine. “You will come here and watch, or I will slit her open right here.”

  I suck in a breath and Danny nods at me as Harper giggles. “You’re scaring her, Marek. This one seems quite fragile. Do take care.”

  “Danny, please escort your sister to the kitchen for her dessert. I’ll be enjoying mine privately with Sara’s company.”

  I want to scream for Danny to do something, but I know I have to appear strong. Marek wants me to be revolted because he loves to watch others squirm.

  “It was lovely to meet you, Harper.” I rise from my seat praying no one can tell my knees are knocking together. Digging down deep, I find the strength to stand behind his chair and place my hand on his shoulder.

  “Excellent, my pet.”

  Marek smiles up at me.

  “Do you see what she is doing with her tongue?” he hisses.

  I can only nod and pray I don’t faint.

  Chapter 23

  Grim

  Sunny, Kentucky

  Born Sinners Clubhouse

  “I AM DAMN SORRY TO hear about your granddaughter. We’ll do whatever we can to help,” Porter offers.

  I nod with a grunt in response. “Your man, Rhyner. You said he has intel on the Devils Rejects. Knows where they take the girls they kidnap until they transport them.”

  “Yeah, sad story there. Not mine to share. You’ll understand but this shit runs deep with the Leone cartel. It won’t be easy, but I will provide you with as many men as you need to bring your Sara home.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “Fucked up shit those bastards are in the business of. Selling girls by the truckload. Even tunnel them to Mexico from underneath his compound. Heard he has the border patrol on his payroll. Not to mention the Mexican officials lined in his back pocket. The property is heavily guarded. I’m talking an army, brother. Combined we may not have enough men.” He shakes his head and my chest aches.

  Dirty fucking bastards. I have done a lot of terrible shit in my life but one thing I have never done is sold a woman or taken her against her will. If those sick assfucks have harmed my granddaughter, they will be praying for the devil to intervene and take me before I finish them off.

  I will hang them upside down and bleed them out, slowly.

  The Leone cartel has reached out to my club in the past, but I have always declined the invitation to sit down with them.

  “Luckily, we have a map of the property. It will take us a few days to ride out. We need to get everyone ready to get on the road. The sooner the better. I’m calling in Wilcox and his men for back up too. We will need every man we can get. How are you on weapons?”

  Wiping the back of my neck. I feel sick. I know I will be signing up good men with families to possibly die, but if it brings Sara home I am willing to pay the price.

  “We’re good. You?”

  “Locked and loaded.”

  “Good.” I step outside and get Rebel on the horn.

  “Got a location. We’ll meet in two hours at the point section. Every fucking member, armed, and ready to go to war. Have it on good authority that bastard Marek has her and ran to the protection of the Leone cartel.”

  “Fuck me running,” he says.

  “Fuck us all running,” I grit under my breath.

  Chapter 24

  Sara

  I HAVE BEEN IN THIS prison for a few days now being forced to costume myself in stupid fancy dresses, because Marek likes to see me wear them. Marek and Danny had a meeting to attend. Apparently, the man who owns this house has returned and wasn’t happy to see me wearing his dead wife’s gown. I am only thankful he didn’t take his anger out on me.

  I am left on my own with Danny’s sister, Harper, and her guard—a beast of a man who looks like he could crush me with his fist.

  “I need to walk a bit. Romando, where is my husband?”

  “With Tiny, testing out one of the new girls.”

  “Excellent. Think you could arrange to show Sara what she will be getting in a lover with my husband.”

  He nods. “Good.” She presses a wad of cash into his palm.

  “Go with Romando, he will bring you back to my room, so we can have a little chat after.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t touch you,” he assures me. “You aren’t my type. I like men,” he informs me with a chuckle, eyeing the relief on my face.

  “Oh, okay.” I breathe a bit easier. For a second, I thought she was telling him to have sex with me.

  Harper keeps walking but Romando grabs my arm and leads me back the way we came from.

  “I need you to listen, I am going to put you in this closet that has a viewing screen inside. You’re to be extremely quiet. I mean, do not even breathe. I will come back for you in about ten minutes. Understand?”

  I nod, not really understanding what the big deal is until he pushes me gently inside, locking me in. At first, I think it is a sick joke or something but once my eyes adjust I push some coats to the side, revealing a screen designed to be discreet, while still giving me a view of what is happening in the next room.

  Marek comes into view and he is completely nude. I wish I could say seeing him is impressive but after what Harley showed me on the internet I am underwhelmed by his size.

  I don’t know what Harper hoped to accomplish. I mean, I am nearly seventeen, I’ve watched porn before. I know the mechanics of sex. I watched her husband get a blowjob at the dinner table for fuck’s sake.

  Another man enters the room, towing a woman behind him by a rope that’s bound around her wrists.

  “Punta thought she could escape,” the man I don’t recognize says with a snarl.

  “You show her what happens to those who think they can go against me.”

  “You can count on it,” Marek says, running his finger along her jaw.

  The man disappears out the door he came through.

  The woman has a gag ball stuffed in her mouth as tears streak down her olive skinned cheeks.

  I feel sick. I don’t want to watch, but if I am to know what Danny has sold me into, I have to. I have to be prepared for what I could face.

  “You’re a stupid bitch, aren’t you?” He tugs on her hair, pulling her head back with brutal force.

  I shudder when he leans in and captures her tears on his tongue. “I do love the taste of your fear. It really turns me on.” He isn’t lying. My stomach churns as his erection grows.

  Marek jerks the frightened woman onward by the rope and bends her over a chair. Where he proceeds to wedge her knees apart.

  Her dark eyes focus on the closet, and I step back afraid that she can see me. Afraid that she will give me away somehow.

  I watch in horror as he forces his fingers inside her. However, when her eyes close, I move forward unable to resist the carnage taking place in the next room.

  I want to burn this into memory. I want to carry this with me always, so that I never forget what a monster this man is. So that if I never escape him, I will never mistake his kindness for anything more than it is.

  “I’m gonna remove this now, but if you scream for help, I’ll only fuck you harder.”

  Undoing he gag, he rips it from her puffy lips and a small cry escapes her.

  The squeak earns her a hard smack across the mouth. Blood trickles down her chin and Marek smiles at her before licking it off.

  “I’m going to enjoy defiling you,” he promises.

  As I watch him take and take from this woman as he drives his cock into her body relentlessly, I vow to myself that if my father doesn’t kill this man, I will. Marek is so vile. I never want his hands on me.

  A shudder ripples through his sweaty body and he jerks his dick out and sprays his gunk all over her. As if what he has done isn’t humiliating enough, he pisses on her before snapping her neck.

  The closet door creaks open as I fight to stay on my feet. He just murdered her.

  I can’t stay here. I have to get away, but if I try to leave, is that what Marek will do to me?

  “Did you enjoy the show?” Romando asks with a smug grin.

  “He just killed her.”

  He shrugs his shoulder as if to say so and keeps marching me to Harper’s room.