by Bella Jewel
“How is he now?”
“He’s getting there.” I sigh. “He went to work wound up and angry. She threw a few threats around.”
“Like what?” Skye asks, tying her pretty long hair up into a ponytail as we enter the main house.
“She’s with some big-ass drug lord, and they didn’t like that Luke was sniffing around, so they threatened him to make him stay away.”
“Do you think you should tell Jacks?”
I shake my head. “No, it has nothing to do with the club. Lucas has it sorted.” I hope.
“What about everything else?” Skye asks as we pass a heap of bikers and get our usual happy greetings. We wave and smile and keep moving through the house.
“It’s awesome, Skye. I’m so happy with him.”
“I’m happy for you.” She grins.
“Yo!”
We both stop, and see Danny sitting in the main room at the table with Mercy and Max by his side. We wave and go over.
“How’s it goin’, Ant?” Danny asks, taking me in.
He’s asking about Michael; I know that. I love that he’s keeping an eye on me.
“It’s great, D.”
He grins. “Glad to hear it.”
Michael got fired after I reported his attempted assault. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who he sunk his claws into. Three other girls also made a report, one of them apparently being forced into having sex with him. She was terrified of reporting him, but when the investigation came forward, she spoke up. I can only imagine the relief that caused.
We’re getting a new boss and in the mean time there is a fill-in, but we’re all keeping our jobs, and that’s the main thing.
“I need another beer,” Max says, sliding his bum off the table he was perched on. “You guys want?”
There is a chorus of ‘yes’ around the table. I look to Mercy, noticing she hasn’t said much and see she’s staring at her phone, face scrunched.
“Hey Merc.”
She looks up, her pretty eyes fluttering. “Hey Ava.”
“How’s college?”
Her cheeks get pink, and my eyebrows shoot up. “Good, it’s fine.”
I study her. Oh, it’s more than fine. Something is definitely going on.
“Come help me find Addi; I have to give her something,” I offer and Mercy jumps at the chance, leaping up and hooking her arm through mine.
When we’re out of the room, I turn to her and say, “So, what was that look for?”
“Remember the guy I told you about?”
“The singer dude . . . Diesel?”
“Yep.”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Well, I arrive at college, first day, and you’ll never guess who I saw.”
My eyes get big. “He goes to the same college?”
“Yep,” she mutters. “And it gets worse. He’s a complete dick and pretty much the guy every girl in school wants to be with, because he’s like, mysterious and broody. He is a known player, and he doesn’t let anyone in. He’s somewhat of a challenge, I suppose.”
“Maybe it’s meant to be,” I point out, pulling her so we’re walking again. “Maybe you’re the one girl who isn’t like the rest.”
“He didn’t even notice me,” she huffs.
“Stop trying so hard, Merc. You’re the funniest, craziest, sassiest girl I know. Don’t give a man like that the time of day if he doesn’t notice you. Ignore him, be different to all the rest, and you might just be surprised.”
“I just can’t stop thinking about that kiss.” She sighs.
“That’s normal; just don’t become another woman that chases him. He’s used to that. Try being what he’s not used to. Try being yourself.”
She smiles. “That’s probably some seriously sound advice.”
I giggle. “Of course it is.”
We reach the kitchen where all our moms are gathered. They turn when we come in and we both wave. Ciara, Mercy’s mom, comes rushing over. “There you are! I’m so glad you could make it back this weekend. I missed you, little mouse.”
Mercy rolls her eyes. “Mom, you’re killing my street cred. Can’t you call me Fire Demon, or something equally as tough?”
Ciara laughs. “You’ll always be my mouse.”
I grin and wave to my mom, Janine and Addi, who are preparing salads for the cookout.
“Sister,” Addison calls, waving me over. “Come, talk to me, tell me about Lucas.”
“Addison,” Mom scoffs. “Keep it G-rated.”
Addi grins at Mom. “Oh poo, Serenity. You’re no angel.”
I roll my eyes and Mom throws an olive at Addi, who it narrowly misses.
“Nothing new to tell,” I say, sliding my booty onto the counter and picking some cheese and popping it into my mouth.
“There’s always something to tell,” Janine says, smiling at me.
“Exactly,” Ciara adds, joining back in the group.
“He’s awesome.” I sigh. “Sweet and broody. The best kind.”
“Ohhh.” Addi winks. “Broody and sweet can be fun.”
My cheeks flush, remembering the bath.
“Apparently so.” Mercy laughs and I fake-glare at her.
“I don’t want to know,” Mom says, blocking her ears with a grin.
“Tell us, is he all cop-like in bed?” Addi urges, her eyes wide with humor.
“Addison!” Mom cries. “No, just no!”
“Oh hush, Serenity. You don’t have to listen.”
I shake my head. “I’m not sharing anything else with you, rebel.” I throw another olive at Addi who catches it with her hand and pops it into her mouth, a wicked gleam in her eye.
God, I adore my sister.
I adore all of them.
CHAPTER 38
NOW – AVA
“So you’re leaving now?” Lucas asks over the phone, his voice low and husky.
“Yeah, I’m leaving now.” I grin as I step outside the compound and walk down the road to my dad’s house, where I left my car.
“It’s been a long day. I’ll be looking forward to sinking deep into you, baby.”
I flush. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I’ll be sure to drive fast then.”
“Not too fast,” he warns lightly.
“No sir, not too fast.”
“Missed you today, kid.”
My heart swells, and I pick up the pace. Cars whizz past me and I keep as close to the darkest part of the road as I can.
“Missed you, too.”
Lights flash behind me and I glance over my shoulder to see a car slowing down, edging up behind me. I squint but can’t see who it is. Maybe it’s Danny, though he was pretty enthralled talking to Skye when I left.
“Ava?”
“Sorry, a car just slowed down behind me.”
Lucas goes silent for a few seconds.
“Who is it?” he asks.
The door opens and five men pile out. My heart leaps into my throat. That’s not normal. When I see the familiar face step into the light, I want to lean over and vomit.
“Lucas,” I say, my voice trembling. “It’s h-h-h-him.”
“Ava,” Lucas growls. “Run. Fucking run.”
I do. I turn and start running. My feet pound hard as I dash down the street. They’re catching up to me on the straight so I dart across the road and down into the thick trees.
“Ava?” Lucas bellows. “Where are you?”
“N-n-near the club, oh God, Luke . . .”
“Keep running. Hide if you can. I’m coming. Stay with me.”
I run faster. Tree branches gouge into my arms and cause intense burns on my skin. It doesn’t slow me. I can hear the pounding feet behind me, see the lights shining past my head. I turn to get an idea of where they are and trip, stumbling over a log. I go down with a cry, my phone soaring from my hand. I scurry towards it while getting to my feet, but I’m too slow.
Arms go around my waist, hauling me u
p, and a needle is jabbed into my neck.
No.
Please, not again.
The last thing I hear is someone saying, “Hope you said goodbye, because you ain’t goin’ to see her again, cop.”
Then I’m out.
~*~*~*~
I wake in a well lit room.
My entire body hurts and I’m chained, my hands behind my back, my ankles bound together. I’m not gagged. The room I’m in is of fair size, with a single bed, a small lamp and one barred window. It’s musky in here, as if the room hasn’t been used for a while. I squirm, trying to turn and get a better understanding of my surroundings.
I have to be strong.
I broke last time; it won’t happen again.
My dad will find me. Luke will find me. He knows I’m missing. He won’t stop until he does. Right?
Fear courses up my throat and I try to squelch it down as I come up with a plan, something to get me out of here. The little voice inside my head is telling me there is no way out, and that scares the shit out of me, so I shove it down and put on a brave face. I’ve been through so much; I can get through this, too.
The lock on the door rattles and I look up to see that monster, the man without a name, enter. He’s got three people behind him, but I take no notice of them, I’m just focused on him. He’s grinning, eyes filled with evil. “Good to see you again, Ava.”
“What the fuck do you want?” I spit.
“Oh,” he says, tapping his fingers together. “The same thing I always want. Blood, gore, revenge . . .”
I flinch but keep my face stern, hard, unwavering.
“And you need me because?” I snap.
“Because you’re part of the plan.”
I keep my mouth shut and just glare at him, holding his eyes, refusing to break.
“I believe you’ve met my sweet Jennifer?”
My eyes get big and dart to his side where the three people are standing, and there she is, her eyes to the ground, her face blank.
“No,” I breathe.
“Oh yes. You’d never believe how utterly thrilled I was to find out not only are you the daughter of the man I want to kill, you’re also the girlfriend of the other tiresome pain in my ass.”
Jennifer is with this monster? This horrible, cruel man? She left Lucas . . . for this?
“What’s wrong with you?” I yell at her. “What sort of person are you? You left a loving, caring man for this . . . scum?”
The man throws his head back and laughs. “I give her what she needs, unlike that weak, pathetic cop.”
I keep glaring at Jennifer, who isn’t looking at me. “You had so much to say the other day. Cat got your tongue now?” I snarl at her.
She looks at me. “You should watch your mouth.”
“Or what?”
“Or I might cut your tongue out,” the man says.
“You said you wouldn’t hurt her, Ricky.”
Ricky. I remember her mentioning that the other day, but it only just clicked that he’s the same person who took me and also ruined Lucas’ life.
“Ricky,” I snort. “Such a lame name for a big, tough man.”
Ricky turns and glares at me. “I will hurt you, Ava. I will pull your intestines through your nose while you scream in fucking pain if you don’t shut your fucking mouth.”
“Hit a nerve, did I?”
He lunges forward, curling his fists into my hair and pulling so hard I scream. “I’m not joking,” he barks in my face. “You want another repeat of Bethy? You want me to go find an innocent little child and force you to blow their brains out?”
I shake my head. My hair pulls and it burns, but I don’t stop.
“Then shut your fucking mouth.”
He lets me go and stands, turning to glare at Jennifer. “And you, keep your mouth shut and do what I’m asking.”
She nods, avoiding my eyes.
“We’ll be back for you later.” Ricky grunts, ushering them all out and slamming my door as he leaves.
Well, I did learn something today. Jennifer is scared of Ricky, but she doesn’t love him. I can see it in her eyes. She might be my way out.
If I can get her alone.
CHAPTER 39
NOW – LUCAS
I rattle the chains on the compound gate, bellowing Jackson’s name. Fear is coursing through my body and rage is building equally as strong. They have my girl. My Ava. My baby. They have her, and god only knows what they’ll do to her. Fuck. She should have never been walking down that road on her own. Never.
“What the fuck do you want?” Muff, the redheaded biker, grunts, walking out.
“Get Jackson. Get him right fuckin’ now.”
“He’s busy.”
“Too busy to find out his fuckin’ daughter has been taken right under his nose?” I roar.
Muff drops the cigarette in his hands and turns, bellowing, “Jackson, emergency!”
Not a minute later, Jackson is coming out buttoning up his jeans, his little wife by his side, her cheeks pink. His VP, Cade, and another guy, Spike, are following him, their women in tow also.
“What’re you doin’ at my gate, screeching and bellowin’?” Jackson grunts.
“He has your daughter.”
Jackson’s face falls. “Who?”
“I don’t know his fuckin’ name,” I bark. “All I know is he took her, right outside your club.”
Jackson’s hands start to shake, and his wife makes a pained, crying sound.
“How do you know this?” he demands, jerking on a shirt. Cade barks an order and before I know it, thirty or more bikers have appeared.
“I was on the phone with her when she was walkin’ home. They showed up; she was terrified. I told her to run but they got her. They also told me I wouldn’t see her alive again.”
“Call back-up,” Jackson roars. “Call everyone you know. We need to hunt down that motherfucker.”
“Care to tell me who exactly it is that has my woman?” I demand, clenching and unclenching my fists, trying to push down the fear.
“His name is Ricky Thompson.”
I flinch.
“What did you say?”
“Ricky—”
I cut him off with a pained bellow as I turn and drive my fist into the fence, splitting my knuckles.
“What aren’t you tellin’ me, cop?”
“That fucker is the man who is currently screwing my ex-wife.”
“The one that went missing?” Cade asks.
I jerk my head in a nod.
“Fuck!” Jackson barks.
“Right now he has a tool to hurt the both of us; he has our lives in his hands,” I say, my voice hitching at the end.
“I’ll get the fucker,” Jackson growls.
“Let me help. I got information on him.”
“Bikers don’t mix with cops.”
“Jacks,” Ava’s mom, Serenity, cries. “It’s our baby.”
“Put your pride aside,” I mutter. “This isn’t about us.”
“He can help us, Prez,” Cade says, keeping calm. “We need all the help we can get.”
Jackson looks to me, then nods. I return the gesture.
It’s done.
~*~*~*~
AVA
I keep my body as comfortable as I can get it, which is proving to be hard when my ankles and hands are chained. I’ve been here overnight—I think. They haven’t come back in. They haven’t given me food or water. I’m thirsty, desperate, and praying Lucas and my father have come together to help me out of this.
I refuse to let fear in this time.
My body is stiff, my back is aching and my ankles and wrists are numb. Add to that my mouth is dry, and my tongue thick and scratchy. I’d do anything for a drink of water. Anything at all. Sleep hasn’t come to me, and so all day I’ve just sat here, waiting for them to come back, waiting for my fate to be sealed.
They didn’t return.
The rattling of the door comes as a surprise to me
for this very reason, and my head jerks around to see it creak open. Jennifer comes in, holding a bottle of water and a sandwich. She doesn’t look at me as she walks in and dumps the food down in front of me, close enough that I can lean over and take it with my bound hands. I do immediately, unscrewing the bottle and bringing it to my lips.
It’s like heaven.
I don’t drink the entire thing, knowing it’ll only make me sick. I place it down and look up at Jennifer as she’s walking towards the door to leave. “Are you really this evil?”
She stops, but doesn’t turn.
“Lucas told me you were loving, a great mother to Shylie, but this woman I’m seeing . . . that isn’t her. Was he right? Was the woman he saw true or was it all a lie?”
She flinches.
I’ve hit a nerve.
Lucas did tell me Jennifer used to be loving and sweet; he also told me she had a weakness for drugs, even when he first met her. I’m clutching at straws, hoping to dig into her deepest depths and pull out the woman I’m sure is still in there—at least, I’m praying she is, because it’s my only chance of escape.
“Don’t pretend to know anything about me. I know exactly what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work.”
“Would you be here if that little girl was still alive?”
She flinches again.
“Because I don’t think you would,” I press. “I think you’d be there, with him, being the good mother you were. Imagine if she could see you now, hurting her father’s girlfriend, hurting her father . . .”
She spins around, baring her teeth. “You know nothing about me. Now shut the fuck up before I slit your throat myself.”
Then she storms out, slamming the door.
I sigh and fumble, picking up my sandwich.
This might take longer than I’d first thought.
CHAPTER 40
NOW- AVA
I glare at Ricky, who is standing in front of me, an evil smile on his face. I don’t crumble in his presence, even though everything in my body is screaming at me to shrink away and hide. I push any images of Bethy from my mind and focus on staying calm and cool. I don’t want to give this piece of shit what he wants.
