Lexi, Property of Rhyder: A Motorcycle Club Romance (Blood Brothers MC Book 6)

by J. A. Collard

  This time when I’m escorted out of the limousine and to the staircase of the plane, I’m not tied up, drugged, or gagged, so I suppose that’s a plus.

  “Mr. Lawrence, your plane awaits you, sir,” the man standing by the plane says.

  “Thank you, Dion.”

  Dion nods to me, then Master holds my arm while we make our way up the stairs. Once inside, I take a look around. The plane has black leather seats with a mahogany-colored table between two chairs on either side of the plane. Master walks me to a seat and promptly asks me to sit. I do as he says and adjust myself as best I can.

  He looks down at me, his eyes piercing mine. “Do I need to bind you? Or are you going to be a good girl?”

  “I’ll be good,” I answer, not wanting to be tied up again.

  “Excellent.” He spins on his heels and takes a seat on the other side of the plane, pulls out a laptop, and begins to type. I look over at him until Dion steps in front of me and asks, “Can I get you something?”

  “Just some water, please.” He smiles, and it’s sincere.

  Maybe Dion can help me?

  The pilot steps out of the cockpit, has a word with Master, and then he turns to me, saying, “Buckle up, please, ma’am, we’re about to take off.”

  I grab the seat belt, buckle it, and then inhale trying to calm my nerves. As the engines come to life, I stare out the window, and we take off. Slowly ascending into the air, I shut my eyes and squeeze the hand rests on the side of my chair never liking this part of flying.

  Dion returns with my water and a glass of amber liquid for Master. I drink my water right away feeling parched and place the glass back on the table. I watch Master as he sips his liquid, catching his eye now and then.

  What will he do with me?

  Am I the first he’s ever bought?

  Will he rape me?

  All these questions keep rattling around in my brain, yet I don’t know if I’ll get the answers.

  I think of Paige and wonder where she is.

  Was she sold to a rich man as well? I think that’s obvious—these assholes paid such exorbitant prices for us.

  I wonder if she’s flying somewhere else or staying in Mexico?

  My heart sinks at the thought of Paige alone with a complete stranger. I make a promise to myself that no matter what happens to me, somehow, in some way, I will get Paige home again.

  I don’t know how.

  But she deserves that much, even if it’s just a promise.

  LEXI

  The plane lands, and I look out the window noticing green mountains and fields in the distance.

  Where are we, the flight wasn’t that long?

  Even though it’s a private airport, there’s something familiar about it. I look over at Master who’s packing his laptop into a satchel and hear the pilot say, “We’ve touched down on US soil.”

  The US? That means I’m home.

  Master’s eyes are immediately on me, and his stern look tells me he knows what I’m thinking.

  Where are we in the US?

  I look out the window once again trying to figure it out or see some sign, but there’s nothing for me to see.

  Master stands and hands his laptop to Dion, then offers his arm for me to accompany him. Once we step out of the plane and make our way down the stairs, the warm air hits me. There’s another black limousine waiting for us a few steps away from the jet.

  The driver has the back door open ready for me, and once again, Master lets me in first, and I scoot over to the end of the seat. Master shuts the door, and I feel the cool air of the air conditioner blowing on my face. Champagne and glasses sit to the side, and I wonder to myself how many other girls have sat here in this same position.

  The limousine begins to drive, and a sign comes into view—Sonoma Country Airport.

  We are in the USA.

  My heart beats faster with that realization, and then as we continue to drive, a sign approaches, and it reads, ‘Welcome to Napa, California.’

  Hope fills me. Maybe I will be able to get back home.

  Napa, my parents have gone away on weekends together to Napa leaving us girls behind while they rekindle their marriage. They’ve always told us how beautiful it is, especially with the wineries all around them. They usually go once or twice a year to get some time out, especially with their hectic careers.

  We drive through beautiful fields of grapes, and the sunshine is cascading down on the vines. If this were another time, I would appreciate my surroundings, but it’s not. Right now, I’m being taken to my new home with my Master. I watch him out of the corner of my eye and see he’s on his cell.

  If only I could get that cell, then maybe I could call my parents.

  Master looks at me. “I’m guessing by now you know where we are?”

  “Um… yes. We’re in Napa.”

  “That’s correct. Now tell me, Red, have you ever been to Napa?”

  I shake my head. “No.”

  “Mmm,” he says, looking out his window. “You’re going to love it here. I live on a winery, one that’s been passed down from generation to generation. I create my own wine, and we supply the special blend to retailers all over the world,” he explains, pride shining through in his voice. I listen to him intently, not wanting to miss any tidbit of information about where I’ll be, should I somehow be able to call for help.

  Master then turns to me, and out of nowhere, he asks, “Tell me, Red, were you sexually active? How many men have you had?”

  Is he serious right now?

  Not expecting him to ask anything so private, I feel my cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

  “By the looks of how you’re turning pink, I’d say probably not so much.”

  I look forward, my eyes trying to see if the driver has heard any of this nightmare conversation, but I notice a glass screen between us and sigh in relief.

  “You see, Red, I’m a man who has a huge appetite when it comes to sex. I like to know that my women are clean. So, I repeat… how many men have you been with?”

  “That is none of your business,” I state, anger rising within me.

  He lets out a wicked laugh, and when he’s done, he gives me an intense stare holding my gaze. “You will soon understand, Red, that you will behave in my presence, and when I ask you a question, you will reply honestly. I won’t accept your smart-ass comments. If you speak to me like that again, I will punish you.”

  The hand on his thigh turns into a fist, and it occurs to me that this man means everything he says and that he would indeed punish me.

  “I’m going to ask you one more time… how many men have you been with?” He sucks in the bottom of his full lip, and I don’t miss the word women, so there have been others.

  Looking down at my entwined hands, I whisper, “One.”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you right. Did you say one?”

  Feeling tears pool in my eyes, I look over at him. Sniffling I repeat, “Yes, one.” I then look down at my lap. “That can’t be right. A beautiful young woman such as yourself, surely you would have your pick.”

  I don’t say anything because the last thing I want to do is tell him that the one asshole man who I lost my virginity to actually raped me.

  He taps his fingers on his knee. “So, who is this man? Is he your boyfriend?”

  Why can’t he just let this go!

  I shake my head in answer. It seems like he won’t give up on this conversation.

  “So, who, then?”

  “A stranger,” I say, my voice coming out all croaky as I try to hold back my tears by blinking as fast as I can.

  “A stranger? One-night stand, then?”

  “You could say that.”

  “That’s nothing to be ashamed of. There will be no judgment from me.” His cell suddenly rings, and I thank the Lord above for the interruption.

  I listen to his conversation as the driver turns left into a driveway and stops at black wrought iron gates. Two me
n stand there in black suits and dark glasses. They must know who’s inside the limousine because the gates are opened, and we make our way down a long driveway.

  Fields of grapes cover the entire land for as far as I can see. There are men and women working out there looking as if they’re picking grapes. Straight ahead is a mansion that looks like a plantation home. It has whitewashed walls with roses planted all the way around it. They are in full bloom and quite spectacular to the eye. Stairs lead up to the veranda where there’s a two-seater swing. The house is huge, and the balcony above gives you a bird’s-eye view of the land. To the side of the house in the distance there is a large stone building, and I wonder what’s in there—probably where they make the wine.

  We come to a stop, and the driver gets out of the car, opening the door.

  Master gets out, and then he places his hand out for me to follow. I don’t want to touch him, and, in my mind, I picture me refusing his hand, but I know it won’t get me anywhere to be disobedient. So, I simply accept my fate.

  Once we’re out, the sun hits my skin, and I sigh with the warmth on my face. My mind wanders back to the dungeon where Paige and I were kept, and this being such a vast difference from that dreadful place. Paige. Oh, God, Paige. Every time I think of her, my stomach turns to knots and threatens to empty.

  “Hello, Master, welcome back,” a lady says with a slight Spanish accent standing on the porch. The woman looks over at me and gives me a small smile. She appears young and maybe only a few years older than me—perhaps in her early twenties.

  “Hello, Gail.”

  We make our way up the stairs with Master keeping his hand on the lower part of my back. Once we’re face to face with Gail, she looks at me, saying, “Welcome to Casa De Lawrence.”

  Am I supposed to say thank you? I mean, how can this woman welcome me—I’ve been kidnapped, held against my will—so I smile because I can’t bring myself to say the words, they taste bitter on my tongue.

  “Come on in, I’ll help you get settled.” She opens the door, and I step inside followed by Master. The foyer is a huge marbled area with a table set in the center and fresh flowers in a massive vase. We make our way down the hallway and into the living area. The beauty of this home is remarkable with its dark wood floorboards and modern furniture.

  “You must be famished. Can I get you something to eat?”

  I look over at Gail, and the thought of food makes me feel physically ill. I’ve been through too much to eat, my stomach still feeling uneasy from all the drugs that were in my system.

  “No, thank you.” I smile, not wanting to seem ungrateful.

  However, Master gives me a stern look. “She will eat, Gail. You need to keep your strength,” he adds.

  I don’t argue, there’s no point. So, I simply nod and smile back.

  “Come in, take a seat at the table. I’ve made some panini. Hope you like it.”

  Master announces he has to step away to his office, so I sit on the chair.

  Gail looks up at him with admiration, and for the hell of me, I cannot figure out why.

  “Gail?”

  “Yes, Sir Lawrence?”

  “She’s just like the other girls. No different. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir,” she replies, looking from him to me.

  Gail’s beautiful with her long dark hair that’s tied up in a bun. She has the lightest blue eyes I have ever seen and bronzed skin. I can’t help but wonder why she’s here as his housemaid. Master looks at me with some sort of unapproving glare, then he leaves the room

  Gail smiles and hands me a panini sandwich on a plate. “Eat up,” she says, then places a glass of orange juice right in front of me.”

  Quickly, I drink its contents realizing how thirsty I am. Then reluctantly, I pick up half of the panini and take a bite. Chicken, mayonnaise, and something else makes my taste buds come to life, and my stomach makes a growling noise. I smile, embarrassed.

  Gail watches me eat from behind the island.

  “Do you live here? I ask between mouthfuls.”

  “It will do you no good asking questions. Sir Lawrence doesn’t like it when his girls ask them.”

  “Oh, okay,” I reply, then take another bite, feeling annoyed that I now know I can’t confide in Gail.

  “How is it?”

  “How is what?” I ask.

  “The panini, silly.”

  “Oh, sorry, really good.”

  “I’m glad. When you’re done, I’ll take you upstairs to get settled.”

  I look around the room wondering if anyone else lives here. Gail turns and begins to clean up some dishes. There’s a door to the right leading outside, and I contemplate whether I should make a run for it.

  “I wouldn’t if I were you?”

  I look over at Gail who has her back to me. “Wouldn’t what?” I ask, confused.

  Gail turns around, leaning her back against the sink. She’s wearing blue denim shorts with a short-sleeved white top. “Do yourself a favor and don’t try and run. He will find you, and he will drag you back.”

  I swallow the lump in my throat and can’t believe how she somehow read my thoughts. “I, um… I wasn’t going to…”

  “That’s what they all say.” Gail looks away in the distance, and I can’t help but think that maybe she has tried to run too. I want to ask her what she means, but I know she won’t answer me. Maybe if I try and befriend her over time, she might help me.

  I will have to bide my time, wait for the right moment.

  “And don’t try and make him fall in love with you. He’s incapable of it.” Now, I definitely sense some sort of sadness in her voice and wonder if she’s tried to make that creature love her. It seems an odd thing to say, but then I think I don’t care at all, so I continue to eat, but the annoyance of a headache has me rubbing my temples.

  “Would you have some Advil?”

  “Sure. Red, is it?” she asks while looking at me oddly.

  “Yes, but not really.”

  “Ah… Master’s choice, I’m gathering?”

  I nod. Gail reaches into her pocket and removes a set of keys, then she walks to the side of the kitchen and unlocks a cupboard. Removing a box, she takes out some Advil and then fills my glass with juice and hands them to me. “Here, this should fix it.”

  “Thank you.” I swallow the tablets and ask, “Can you take me to my room. I think I need to lie down.”

  “It could be the heat giving you a headache. It’s quite hot in Napa Valley this time of year.”

  I nod, then stand as Gail leads the way out of the kitchen. She begins to step up the stairs, and I follow behind her. “Here is your room.” Gail opens the door, and we step inside.

  I’m surprised at how beautiful it is. There’s a four-poster bed with a sheer white curtain dangling from the top. The white furniture is elegant and makes the room look bright and cheery. A dressing table sits to the right beside the window with a matching walk-in closet. I sense Gail’s eyes on me, and I turn to her.

  “Do you like it?”

  I give her a warm smile. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Good because I wasn’t sure. Master just told me to get your room prepared, and I didn’t have any idea of what types of things you would like.”

  I look at Gail and wonder how many rooms she has prepared for this so-called Master in the past. I’m dying to ask, but I know she won’t tell me, so it’s not worth my effort. I walk slowly to the bed and sit, staring out the large bay window at the sunny day and think about my sister.

  Gail must notice a change in me because she says, “I see you have a lot on your mind. I’ll leave you to get settled.” She points to the closet telling me that there are clothes in there for me and undergarments in the drawers. I don’t respond. My heart is aching to be at home and safe with Paige. If only things could go back to the way they were.

  “If there’s nothing else you need, I’ll leave you then.”

  I look up at Gail and allow a
tear to fall down my face. “Gail?”

  Her hand stills on the doorknob. “Yes?”

  “Will Master ever let me go home?”

  Gail looks around the room, her mouth tight, and I can see she’s struggling with the idea of telling me too much. But then she stares at me as if her mind has been set in concrete and speaks, “Your life before this house doesn’t exist. It’s best to forget what was before and accept what is now. Everything before here doesn’t matter anymore. It is your job to please Sir Lawrence. That is your only duty now.”

  Tears fall freely at her honesty, and now I wish I had never asked the question because she’s admitted my worst fear, that I am to be Master’s captive, and that he will never let me go back to my family. The realization that this is my life hits me hard, and I begin to sob hysterically allowing all my pain and suffering of the last few days to leave me.

  I slide to the floor, my back against the bed and cry harrowing sobs into my hands. I faintly hear the sound of a door shut and then a click announcing the door is now locked.

  I can’t deal with any of this.

  I want to go home.

  I want to go home.

  Those words keep echoing in my mind, and I can’t stop them from repeating over and over.

  I want to go home.

  I want to go home.

  RHYDER

  We stand at the meeting point awaiting the El Pasos wearing the Sinners’ cuts. This place is secluded, off-road, and down a dirt track. There is nothing but darkness surrounding us past our bikes. Without the light of our bikes and van, there would be nothing but black.

  We rode into LA not that long ago, not having time to rest. We kept riding until we reached the meeting point the El Pasos gave Tate. Not that I wanted to rest, I couldn’t anyway, not with the anticipation and apprehension I’m feeling. I look around at all the men—Blood Brothers mixed with the Sinners. Tate stands ahead of us, and Prez and I stand behind. Tracker is ready and waiting in the van while Hawke and some of the other boys blend in with the Sinners.

  My heart is thumping as I wait in hopes that Lexi is in this delivery. I don’t know what I’ll do if she’s not. I have to find her, not being able to do anything but think about her and what I’m going to do to the asshole who kidnapped her.