Heaven to Hell (A Naughty Box Production Book 1)

by Rue Volley

  “It’s a valid question. You’re my brother, and you’re a prominent face in this community. I worry—“

  “You’re out of line,” he cut her off as he clenched his jaw.

  I balled my fists to keep my hands from shaking. “Look, I should get going.”

  “Don’t. Not tonight.” Cade gripped my wrist. “It’s—”

  “Really. It’s fine,” I said.

  Rena flashed a syrupy smile. “See? The trollop wants to leave.”

  “It’s your birthday, Gen,” Cade lowered his voice as he rubbed my elbow. “Don’t let her scare you off.”

  I grabbed my purse and focused on the exit, making a break for it. “You guys enjoy.”

  Cade was a few feet behind me as I powered my way toward the double doors. “Genesis, wait!”

  “Good riddance!” Rena shouted.

  A blast of cool October air hit me in the face as I blasted through the doorway. A fraction of relief satisfied me with each step I took, increasing my distance from Rena.

  “Wait!” Cade said. “Please?”

  Tears threatened my eyes. “What?”

  “We shouldn’t have come to Envy tonight. It’s Rena’s dive, and I wasn’t thinking about…”

  “It’s not your fault.” My teeth chattered as a wave of emotion crashed through me. “Look, I just want to go home.” The last word was a hushed whisper and I realized how much the single syllable stung and meant nothing. I had no home.

  “You didn’t tell her, did you?” He looked down and his voice lowered, his long eyelashes accentuated under the streetlight. “Rena. About…”

  “Nope.” I shook my head. “She still thinks you’re straight as an arrow. It’s not my place to tell her you’ve been sleeping with Andy for the past four months.”

  His shoulders slumped with relief as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I know, I should tell her I’m gay. It’s not fair for you to keep quiet about Andy. It’s not fair to him either,” he sighed, “but somewhere along the way, it became our secret.”

  I looked up at him. “You don’t have to prove or explain anything to me. I know what Rena’s like.”

  Cade pulled me against his firm chest for a hug, his citrusy scent invading my senses. “Let me walk you home.”

  I took a deep breath and waited for the words to tumble from my mouth. “Maybe it’s time I move out.”

  His grip tightened around me. “What? No. Where’s this coming from?”

  “I can’t let you support me forever, Cade.”

  “What did Rena say to you?” his voice was protective with an undertone of authority as he braced my shoulders and looked into my eyes.

  “Forget it.” I shook my head. “Look, I just need some time by myself. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

  “I don’t like the idea of you walking home alone—”

  “It’s only three blocks.”

  “But…”

  “I just want to be alone.” They were words I’d one spoken to Eliza to push her away, and I forced away the memories, knowing it was history repeating itself.

  He studied my expression. “Are you sure?”

  I nodded, burying what happened with Matteo deep inside me. If I brought it up, Cade would end up in jail, and Matteo would need a tombstone. “Yeah. Everything’s fine.”

  “Text me when you get there, and promise me we’ll talk about this tomorrow after I get home from work?” He clenched his jaw. “For now, I’ll go deal with Rena.”

  “Sure,” I replied, turning the other way. “Tomorrow.”

  “I won’t be far behind you. I have to work at six in the morning. Covering for Olivia.”

  “The work of an EMT’s never done.” I forced a smile as I headed down the street.

  “You’ve got that right,” he replied. “No talking to strangers!”

  I glanced at my cell phone and ignored Cade’s attempt at softening the heavy evening with humor. It was nearly midnight, and my birthday would be over soon. Good riddance.

  My stilettos were killing me. I kicked off the red shoes and hooked my fingers through the straps. My bare feet met the wet ground as I wriggled my toes. The sound of the club faded into the distance with each passing step, my ears ringing as the repercussions of alcohol thrummed through my body. Cool night air felt fresh in my lungs, and I bit my lip. Maybe Rena was right. I relied on Cade too much, and it was time for me to find my way in the world—alone.

  Six months ago, he found me on the shore at a lake nearing hypothermia. He took me in, cared for me, and asked me to stay with him. Not once did he ever question the injuries on my back. My wings had been torn off during my fall, and two deep wounds were the only evidence of their existence. It seemed any type of immortality had been yanked out from underneath me, and it was like I was given a second chance at being human.

  That night on the beach, Cade was mourning the breakup of an ex-boyfriend as he drowned his sorrows in a fifth of rum. He told me I was his saving grace, but in reality he was the one who rescued me. Ever since, we’d deemed each other our “safety net” when it came to the opposite sex. Cade wasn’t interested in women, and I wasn’t willing to trust men after what Sterling had done to me.

  I darted across the street two blocks away from apartment complex, and I opted to take a shortcut through the park. As I trailed across the rolling hills of green grass, a layer of dew sprung up from the blades, causing icy droplets to settle on my toes.

  Crash.

  A chill caused me to turn around as my dreadlocks whipped me in the face. Trees. Garbage can. Swing set. Community swimming pool. Normal. Shaking off the nagging sensation, I turned around and hastened my pace. Stop being stupid, Genesis. For a moment, I entertained the idea of walking back to Envy, but visions of Rena’s hard stare and abrasive words were enough to keep me at bay.

  Gravel crunched under the soles of my feet, but something felt off...wrong. I froze on the trail, but the sound of miniature rocks continued to sound. A realization hit home: I wasn’t alone.

  My first thoughts were whether Matteo or Rena had followed me. Neither sounded like a pleasant encounter, but the idea of a stranger never entered my mind. Adrenaline tasted bitter and desire for fight or flight took over. I took off at a sprint, bits of sharp rock digging into my heels as I ignored the biting pain.

  My breath was loud in my ears as I ran faster, balling my fists as I pumped my arms. I dared to glance behind me and saw a man in black with long hair pursuing me—gaining. I darted behind a set of outdoor bathrooms, pressing my back up against the wall, the cold brick a failure at consoling or hiding me.

  The snap of a twig sounded, and it was accompanied by heavy panting.

  I clamped my hand over my mouth and felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. My breath hitched and I scoured the darkness for an escape when I was interrupted by an unfamiliar male’s singsong voice.

  “You think it’s your birthday…”

  My heart thudded in my ears.

  “But you couldn’t be more wrong…”

  I turned around and pushed off the wall, running headfirst into the solid chest of a second male as they wrapped their arms around me, lifting me from the ground.

  “Let me go!” I shrieked, kicking as I nailed my captor in the shin with a solid hit, but it didn't grant me freedom.

  “It’s your death day,” the first voice grunted with a snarl.

  A sweet, ether-like aroma filled my nose as a piece of cloth was shoved against my face. I flailed, struggling, but exhaustion flooded my limbs and head as unconsciousness took me over.

  3

  I woke up, sprawled out across my stomach on cold, hard ground. With a groan, I lolled my head against the gritty surface, instantly regretful of moving. Silence surrounded me while blinding pain screamed throughout my body. Every movement was a chore as I tried to force my eyes open. Part of me wondered if I’d gone back in time. The confusion was reminiscent of the night I met Cade—when I hit the wall of water after Sterling
pushed me from Ascension. With heavy eyelids, I squinted and my vision was a blur of grays and browns, leaving me to see a kaleidoscope of triplicate. The world spun; it was too much.

  A symphony of moans punctuated by the rhythmic sound of flesh slapping upon flesh surrounded me while the distinct smell of sex and sweat filled the air. Where am I?

  I groaned while an invisible jackhammer chipped away at my skull as I forced myself to think. How did I get here?

  “Cade?” I whispered, peeling my tongue away from the roof of my mouth. It was irrational, but I was still hopeful he was nearby. “How much did I drink last night?”

  “You’re so fucking tight!” A man grunted as the sound of a whip cracked. “Yes!”

  “Cade?” I forced myself to swallow the growing lump in my throat. “Where are you?”

  Once again, I wasn’t granted a response.

  The distant sound of murmuring caused my heart to hasten. Two distinct voices were becoming louder, competing against the groans and heavy panting I tried to tune out. Male. One of them was heavily accented. My brain was having trouble untangling their words. Come on, Genesis. Concentrate!

  My cheek was still plastered against the cement floor. A hot breeze felt invasive against my bare skin, and goose bumps hurried up my arms and legs like a domino effect. I mashed the heel of my palm against my forehead, trying to stave off the headache. It was useless. I used every ounce of energy I could muster to push myself to my hands and knees, but I collapsed back to the ground. Gravity won.

  The voices in the distance were becoming louder, causing my blood to run cold through my veins.

  "How much for that one?" a gruff voice asked.

  "Which one?" a Hispanic male answered.

  "The tiny one," Mr. Gruff said.

  "The foreign chick grinding on Cletus? She’s flexible as hell. Her beaver’ll put your cock in a headlock like you won’t believe."

  "No, the pale one next to her. Tattooed blondie with her legs closed. With the dreads and the piercings," he replied.

  “Ahhhh, Lester.” Mr. Accent chuckled. "Everyone’s been asking to pound that one. She’s new inventory, not for fucking yet.”

  Inventory?

  The accented voice continued, “We haven’t ID’d her; Alejandro just found her walkin’ through the woods. No clue which one she is. Haven’t been able to match her up to the clusterfuck of paperwork they sent down.”

  Paperwork? Who are “they”?

  "Everyone has a price, amigo. Even pussy," Mr. Gruff said. “Besides, if Huxley don’t know she’s here,” he paused, “pocket the profit, and no one knows. Just say she died or somethin’. It’s happened to other ones.”

  Dead? Other ones?

  The room fell quiet before the accented voice replied, "I don't know. No one’s caught the snitch yet. If Hux finds out, my ass’ll be…"

  Even with my eyes closed, I could sense the smile on his face as the wheels turned in his head. He sounded sinister and I was willing to bet Lester looked the same. Behind my eyelids, I envisioned a long dark ponytail, scraggly goatee, menacing eyes, and a slew of tattoos.

  “De niro. Cash,” the accent continued, snapping his fingers.

  Lester groaned. "C'mon. Let's make a deal here, Jacob. I've got good product back at the warehouse. Make you lots of money. How ‘bout a trade?”

  An elongated sigh. "How much are we talkin’, Lester?"

  “One hundred twenty-five ounces. Hell, I could go as high as one fifty.”

  Another round of silence filled the air, and it was laced with tension.

  “Two hundred twenty-five ounces,” Jacob replied. “Final offer and I’ll even do you a favor by not blowin’ your head off.”

  “Two hundred twenty-five?" That's more than double, and it’s fucking robbery,” Lester’s voice escalated. “If you—”

  “Learn math, dipshit. It’s less than double. Take it or leave it.” Jacob’s tone was stern and I heard a gun click. “You’re pissin’ me off.”

  More silence.

  "Deal,” Lester’s voice was tinged with defeat.

  “Good answer. I’ve got to go wait out back for another shipment. You box her up and find her paperwork. If anyone asks, I didn’t see nothin’.”

  Box her up? What am I? Chocolates in a candy store? A department store hat? As much as I didn't want to acknowledge it, one fact was certain.

  Someone bought me.

  In the distance, I heard squeaky hinges of a door open, but it didn’t close.

  “And Lester?” Jacob asked, competing against the dual orgasm that occurred nearby.

  Lester didn’t reply.

  “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll have my payment delivered…by midnight. Tonight.”

  Slam.

  I continued to play dead for a moment, my heart pounding within my ribcage. Stay calm. A set of rough hands gripped the flesh below my shoulder blades, and the flavor of adrenaline was sour. Too close to where my wings used to be! Forcing away the terror, I opened my eyes and decided to fight for my life…or what remained of it. Now or never.

  Everything was about the element of surprise. With a jerk, I wrenched my body around until I crashed into the ground and out of the man's grasp. My eyes opened and I scrambled to my feet. The splitting headache seared through my skull again as I grabbed at my head with one hand, my balance rivaling a first-time fisherman enduring a stormy sea.

  "No one owns me," I said through gritted teeth as I caught sight of two people fucking in the corner.

  The sinister man, Lester, didn't look anything like I'd envisioned. He had a shaved head that gleamed under the light. Tiny nose. Weak chin. His pale skin was marked with the distant roadmap of acne, a cut grazing his cheek, and it spanned down to his jaw. The edges of the wound had faded to a pastel shade of pink. He was both lean and muscular, and his mouth twitched as his frosty green eyes watched me. Even without knowing him, I could tell he was pissed as hell.

  I remained still, energy thrumming through me, begging me to bolt for the door.

  Lester hacked up a hearty blob on the ground. “You don't know what you’re up against, sweetheart.”

  “Where’s Cade?” my voice shook and my vision was starting to darken around the edges.

  “Cade?” He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Who’s Cade?”

  At that moment, I realized I was far from home and wondered if I’d ever see him again. Thinking back to our conversation outside the club, my stomach sank. He’d think I packed up and moved on. No one would think foul play was involved. Stupid! Why did we have to see Rena at Envy?

  I took a deep breath and waited for the words to tumble from my mouth. “Maybe it’s time I move out.”

  His grip tightened around me. “What? No. Where’s this coming from?”

  “I can’t let you support me forever, Cade.”

  Reality lured me back in to the situation with Lester. The past could be lamented later. At that moment, I needed to stay focused. "You don't know who you're dealing with,” I seethed.

  "I think I do." He smiled, picking up a rubber-banded bunch of white envelopes from the table. "Tell me your name,” he demanded.

  I pursed my lips, refusing to reply.

  “You see all of these?” he asked, fanning the envelopes in front of my face.

  I swallowed.

  “Each one of these,” he paused, “represents one of you. Proof of ownership.”

  “One of what?” I glared.

  A grin spread across his face. “Oh, you know.”

  From inside my head, I screamed, realizing that he was trying to match my face to a name. Who are you?

  He took a step toward me and I mimicked the action in the opposing direction, forced to move backward. Each step narrowed my escape route until I was pressed back against the wall. Recent history told me there was a gun nearby, and I wasn’t sure whether I was dead or alive anymore. Terror filled me and my limbs refused to react.

  Lester grabbed a handful of my hair,
tugging me backward, beady eyes staring me down. "You think I don't know what you are, angelus lapsus?” He struggled with the last two words, as if he had to recite them from deep in his memory. “Now, tell me your motherfuckin’ name!” his voice boomed through the room as he slapped me across the cheek with the stack of envelopes.

  A bitter look crossed my face as my chest heaved. I translated what he said from Latin to English—fallen angel. He knew. "Fuck you. Big words for an asshole," I spoke through bared teeth.

  “Foul mouth for a heavenly being.” He smirked as his gaze panned down to my torso. “Can’t wait to see if the rest of you is just as dirty.”

  Without thinking, I spat in his face.

  The corners of his mouth drooped downward, and I could sense his rage as his left hand quaked, jamming all of the envelopes in his jacket pocket. "Feel this?" With one hand still tightly wound through my dreads, he shoved me face first to the ground, my chin digging into the cement. “I win.”

  I squealed, doing my best to swallow the pain.

  Lester dug his fingertips deep into the tender scars on my back with his opposing hand. The flesh was still delicate as it threatened to split open, never having fully healed.

  Cade had bought me clothing, and I’d been so careful when shopping. Every shirt, regardless of how provocative, covered the abomination on my back from where my black wings once existed. He knew I’d been hurt, but he never pressed me to tell him how it’d happened. As far as he knew, I was just a girl who fell into his life. Literally.

  I cried out in anguish as the man pushed his knuckles deep into my back, and the pressure was too much, feeling as if his fingers were going to exit through my chest. Now that I was certain he knew the truth about what I was, there no amount of silk, polyester, or lace that could hide me. Incomparable agony seared through my body as a blindfold was pressed against my eyes, tied tight while a rubber gag was forced into my mouth.

  I screamed and kicked for freedom, thrashing and flailing as a cloth bag that smelled of old gym socks was placed over my head. Forced to my feet, I was shoved and pushed until I felt a gust of warm wind against my body. From what I could tell, we were outside. Crying and bartering was useless; it was a death wish to run without my sense of sight, but it wasn’t going to stop me.