Torch (Tarnished Souls MC Book 1)

by Dusty Lassetter

  Wearing the long-sleeved shirt, that hangs off one shoulder, skinny blue jeans, Serenity’s kneeling next to, Taz, who is lying on the ground. The picture quality on their shitty cameras doesn’t show any real detail, their condition is based on body language. Taz’s is screaming bloody and beaten, while Serenity’s says protective and scared. Slasher stands above them, his stance blaring arrogance. He must be talking, because Serenity starts inching close to, Taz, shaking her head. There is no telling what he is saying, or asking. When he removes the knife from his pocket, pointing it at, Taz, she slowly starts to withdraw from him. With weakened arms, Taz, reaches for her, but then she looks at him with tears streaming down her face, and says something. The horrible truth of what, Slasher, is doing soon uncovered. Serenity starts to crawl toward him, her head bent down, long hair dragging on the floor, only stopping when she is mere inches from his jeans. Reaching up with shaky hands, still hiding behind her veil of hair, she starts unbuttoning them.

  “NOOOOO..” Scarlett screams, running toward the computer. With little effort, she yanks it off the table, cords unplugging, wires flying, throwing the monitor against the wall. She doesn’t stop there, every item on the desk, including C.D.s, get tossed too. I stand beside her, stunned, also numbed, by what I just saw, unable to do what I came here to do. Be her support and help keep her calm.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” Buck shouts from the entry way. I don’t bother glancing up, there is no way I can look that man in the eye without breaking down. If he was to see, what I just did, it would break him, destroy any hope for humanity he has left.

  Meanwhile, Scarlett, has yet to calm down. Now stomping her foot on the computer screen, tears streaming down her face. Teller, having seen enough apparently, walks over to her. Wrapping his huge arms around her tiny waist, he lifts her up, flailing arms and all. He then drags her out of the room, kicking and screaming.

  “This is a total fucking shit show.” Saint mutters, his eyes roaming over the room that looks like it was just hit by a tornado. The screen to the computer is completely busted, some of the C.D.s have been broken in half, while others are only scratched. There is a hole in the wall from, Scarlett, throwing whatever happened to hit it. Who really knows at this point.

  “Mia..” I can hear my name being spoken, so I turn toward the direction the voice came from. Torch is standing at my side, face full of concern.

  “He’s using him against her, Torch. Slasher is keeping, Taz, alive as a game.” I declare, knowing he seen the same thing I did. The knife was pointed at, Taz, until Serenity started crawling toward that bastard. He obviously figured out that she will do anything to keep him alive. I’m not a foolish person, despite what some may think, I realize devotion when I see it. As long as, Serenity, can keep this club’s VP alive she will, but at what cost.

  “Someone better tell me what the hell is going on.” Buck orders, as I walk into, Torch’s, awaiting arms. He pulls me against him, allowing his warmth to comfort me, making it easier to just exist right now. I always thought of myself as a strong woman, a loner that needed no one, but now that I have, Torch, I realize how lonely I was. Without him here, to support and protect me, I would not be able to make it through this. Judge me all you want for becoming a woman that relies on her man. I don’t care, because I know if you’re one of the ones judging, you don’t have a man as good as mine.

  ##########

  We never went to the second house. After, Torch, told Buck what was on that video he lost it. I can still hear the anguish in his scream, as he continued, Scarlett’s, work and destroyed the house. He went from room to room releasing his anger, all the while silent tears fell from his eyes. Torch, being the loyal friend and member, told him everything he wanted to know. Answered every question he had. I can’t say I blame him for being honest, but maybe, just maybe, for the sake of, Buck’s, sanity he should have left out the last part. No father wants to hear that their, only, daughter is being forced into sexual favors. It took Saint, Irish, and Brass to get him out of the house, and on his bike. We had overstayed our welcome. Torch, being the only one sound of mind to lead, set the house on fire. He is hoping, Slasher, and his men will believe it was caused by all the electrical equipment. If they find out we are going to their safe houses they will move, Serenity and Taz, before we can find them.

  With everything that happened I honestly felt guilty for not being there for Scarlett. To say I was shocked when I walked outside to find her nestled in, Teller’s, arms is an understatement. I was expecting her to immediately fall into mine, upon arrival, and the look on, Teller’s, face was one of misery, but she didn’t. I guess she was content where she was, even if the giant ogre holding her was uncomfortable. After a few seconds went by, he eventually shrugged his shoulders, and relaxed his body a smidge. I guess the rumors about him are true. He doesn’t like many people, especially women.

  Now we’re all headed to the kitchen, well almost everyone. Buck headed straight to his office, slamming the door, making it clear he wants to be alone. The rest of us go for the fresh brewed coffee, thanks to Rebecca, resting our drained bodies around the big table.

  “Well?” Hammer asks. I remember a time, not so long ago, where the members wouldn’t talk in front of us women. Now they realize we are a part of this, whether they like it or not, everyone freely talks, unless it’s about other club business. We still get left in the dark when it comes to that, but it doesn’t bother me. All I want to help them do is take down, Blacktop Sinners, then I will never ask about anything related to the club again.

  “It was a total shit show.” Saint answers, saying exactly what he did back at the house. Taking a seat next to, Sammy, he twists his neck, a loud pop following. “Apparently, these sick fucks enjoy raping women and having it on film. Not only did we see Serenity and Taz, there were others. We need a plan, people. There’s too many women for us to save, it’s time we start thinking about getting the police involved.”

  While all the men seem to be thinking about what, Saint, just suggested, I take my place on, Torch’s lap. It really isn’t a bad idea. The police could call in the FBI and together they could figure out a way to save these women. They’re most definitely the better option for after care. All these women will most likely suffer from PTSD. I’m no therapist, and I know not a single person around this table is qualified to take on that responsibility.

  “You’re right.” Torch, mumbles. “As much as I hate to admit it, we need help. As soon as we find Serenity and Taz, we will alert the authorities about the rest of the women. That doesn’t mean we will stop hunting any man wearing, Blacktop Sinners, colors, we’ll just have to be careful.”

  “I know someone in law enforcement. She is the District Attorney for McCulloch County. I’ll give her a call as soon as you give me the go ahead.” Hammer says to, Torch. Just like a rabbit that’s heard the crunching of leaves, Rebecca’s head shoots up, her ears listening to everything coming out of Hammer’s mouth.

  “Why is this the first we are hearing of your little friend?” Saint questions, in a teasing voice, making air quotes when he says friend. He obviously seen the way, Rebecca, reacted, and plans on having a little fun with the two of them. It seems like it’s been forever since anyone’s smiled, so no one tries to save, Hammer, from the hot seat.

  “I wasn’t aware you needed to know about every woman I’ve slept with.” Hammer grumbles, giving, Saint, a look that promises bodily harm if he pursues this any further. Surprisingly it’s not the tattooed biker he needs to worry about, Sammy, is staring at the confusion and hurt on, Rebecca’s, face. Her momma bear instinct now on full alert.

  “Did you know that during a woman’s pregnancy her foot can grow up to two sizes bigger?” Sammy asks. looking directly at Hammer. A sweet smile on her face. Her grin may seem innocent, but her tone can’t hide the annoyance she’s feeling.

  “No, I did not know that.” He replies, a look of caution on his handsome face. Part of me feels really bad fo
r him, because he honestly didn’t start this, Saint did, but I’m actually glad everyone finally gets to see the hormonal lady I have to deal with.

  “Unless you want to feel just how big my foot is; I suggest you refrain from talking about your whores in front of my sister.” Sammy sing songs, popping one of those cinnamon candies in her mouth.

  “Did she just threaten to shove her foot up his ass?” Someone whispers. After which, the rest of us start laughing. This is the first time any of them have witnessed the, Sammy, I know and love. Saint, loving the outcome of his bear poking, drapes his arm around, Sammy’s, shoulder. Placing his hand out, he waits, with a smug expression, for her to drop some candy on his open palm. When seconds tick by, and there are still no candies in his hand, his arrogant expression changes.

  “Sammy, girl, don’t leave me hanging.” He states. After a short pause, Sammy, eventually gives him what he so desperately wants. The room once again goes quiet. Everyone remembering the situation we’re in. It was nice to smile, after going so long without being able to, but our nightmare is not over. Most importantly, Serenity’s and Taz’s, isn’t over.

  “We’re going to find them.” Torch reassures me, leaning up to kiss my lips.

  “I love you.” I whisper, letting the truth come out in my voice. With his help, I can make this life worth living, I can have the family I so desperately wanted, but was too stubborn to admit. This is the man I’m going to grow old with. As long as I have, Torch, by my side, I’ll never feel alone again.

  Read on for a sneak peek into Taz and Serenity’s story… Coming Soon!!!!

  Subject to change.

  Chapter 1

  Serenity

  Do you believe in love at first sight? It’s a question many people think about. Some have faith that it’s true, others doubt it. You can’t really blame the nonbelievers, can you? True love at first sight doesn’t happen often enough to be proven. When I say true love, I mean the emotion that over rides any other sensation in your soul. It consumes you, makes your body, heart, and entire being crave the one person you need, want, more than anyone else. Every time that person is near, his essence sends your body into overdrive. All you can concentrate on is the sound of his voice, the touch of his warm skin, the smell that can only be associated with him. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I not only believe in love at first sight, I’ve experienced it. The moment I laid eyes on, Taz, my heart literally skipped a beat. I know it sounds cheesy, something only read in books, but it’s my reality. My heart not only beats for me anymore. It pulses for every one of his glances, the way he sometimes looks at me like I’m the only woman in the room, and the countless smiles he’s sent my way. For all the times, I’ve caught him with other women, the many occasions he’s told me I was nothing more than a spoiled biker princess, and the countless times, Taz, has held me in his arms when I’ve had a bad day. That’s why as I sit here, contemplating my current situation, there is no part of me screaming to save myself. To stop playing this sick game with, Slasher, the Blacktop Sinners President. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this man. The one presently, with his head in my lap, beaten body splayed on the dirty floor, clinging onto a life most people find unworthy. He is the VP, of the Tarnished Souls MC. Has done unimaginable things, but they don’t define him. Growing up in the biker world, my dad, Buck, the President of Tarnished Souls, taught me something. Not all criminals are monsters. That is the belief I hold onto. While I’m sitting with my back against the wall, waiting for the boogie man to show back up and demand something else from me. You see, Slasher, isn’t just a criminal. He’s not only evil, with a heart as black as night. The President of the Blacktop Sinners doesn’t have a soul. I know this because I’ve stared into his eyes, and all I’ve seen is an emptiness that would scare the devil himself.

  “Up.” I hear someone order, meaning I must have dozed off. My eyes shoot open, taking in my, now familiar, surroundings. The tiny basement is damp, dark, and dingy. The foul smell surrounding the room not only comes from us, but also from the mold growing up the side of the walls. Slasher is standing directly under the only light on the ceiling. No matter how much I hate to admit this, he is attractive. With wide shoulders, long legs, and hands the size of a catcher’s mitt. He stands well over six-foot tall, short black hair, with golden eyes the color of honey, that shine, with specks of green memorizing his prey. Looking down at Taz, who’s still sleeping. Most likely from all the blood loss, I take a deep breath. It’s time to switch my brain off and find my happy place. On the outside Slasher looks nothing like the monster he is on the inside.

  “What’s the matter, Princess?” I hear his voice echo off the walls around me. His baritone is low; the way fake concern easily shows in his voice is just another example of how deranged he really is. This is about control and power. It’s not good enough to manipulate me by using Taz. He acts as if he wants me to want him. I never speak to him. Choosing to keep my words and thoughts to myself. The only thing he’s getting is my body, that’s another fact that keeps me sane. It gives me the strength to gently place Taz’s head on the ground, before crawling my way toward, Slasher. The first time I got to my feet after he called for me. Making my way over to him, he had three men teach me a lesson, by using Taz as a punching bag. Lesson learned, I should stay on my knees.

  “You really are beautiful.” He states, as I sit back on my heels. I keep my head tilted down, hiding behind my hair, waiting for whatever he asks of me. I’ve been lucky, so far. He hasn’t let anyone else play with his new toy, or forced me to give him something that is not his to take. “You would look even better at my side. As the Queen of, Blacktop Sinners. What a shame that’s already been promised to someone else.”

  I let my gaze run over a crack in the floor. Trying hard to concentrate on anything other than the man standing over me. He surprises me by staying silent, only reaching forward to place his hand on my head. I stay completely still, scared of what he will do. Not only to me. I remain unmoving for Taz, and the knowledge he won’t survive another beating.

  When we were abducted, out of the club house, we both put up a good fight until the bastards shot some type of drug into our neck. Waking up in this basement, disoriented and sick, I could hear the low grunts escaping, Taz, as five men stood over him kicking and punching. With the little strength, I had, I staggered to his side, taking a few shots myself, refusing to stand by and watch as they killed him. That was the first time I met Slasher. It’s one greeting I’ll never forget. Stopping his goons from doing any more damage to Taz. With a smile on his face. I became his puppet. The moment I showed, Slasher, I was willing to die for my dad’s VP, he knew he owned me. I can’t tell you how long we’ve been down here, locked away, but I know one thing. I will make sure we both survive this, at any cost, because I want to see if he feels fear. My dad will find me. When he does, Slasher will have to answer for everything he’s done.

  “I’ve got a surprise for you.” He declares. The door at the top of the stairs opens, the sound of scrapping boots following. My throat constricts, making it hard to force air into my lungs. This is it. The day I’ve dreaded. The nightmare that’s woken me up several times is about to become my new reality. Slasher has grown bored of foreplay. He’s going to take what he wants, and then give me to all the others.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Princess.” He whispers. “But they are only here to bring me my supplies. You’re still new to me, I’m not quite ready to share you.” He says, adding, “yet,” at the end, his voice leaving no room for confusion. It’s not only a warning, for things to come, it’s a promise.

  “Maybe you shouldn’t trade her, Boss.” An unfamiliar voice says, “she’s way hotter than the red head.” For the first time, since I’ve been here Slasher finally slips. The cool, always in control, persona vanishes. The venom in his voice when he speaks to the stranger makes one thing clear, he’s obsessed with whomever it is this man was talking about.

  “You’ll watch
your fucking tongue, or I’ll cut it out.” He threatens, “you don’t have permission to even think about her is that clear? She’s mine. MINE!”

  “Yes, Boss.” He mumbles, obviously aware of his mistake. Another man’s voice can be heard trying to pacify Slasher before two pairs of footsteps disappear up the stairs.

  “Now that we are alone.” Slasher says, then catches himself, “well almost.” I can tell in his voice he is talking about Taz, from the disgust lining his words. With my head still bowed I can’t see what he is doing. The only thing I have to go on is the noises around me, but all the fear coursing through my veins makes it hard to picture anything other than my death. Would he drag it out? Force me to give myself to him just to kill me moments after.

  “I can practically smell the fear coming off you, Princess.” He says in a soothing voice, scrapping something across the floor, moving closer toward, Taz. “I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, there is nothing to fear except fear itself.” Finally, the scrapping sound ceases, but soon after a grunt from Taz can be heard. My head automatically rises, eyes scanning the floor where he was. Slasher, is slapping him awake while forcing him into a chair.

  “I’m going to give you something to enjoy, asshole.” He murmurs, “let’s see how mad, daddy, gets when his little princess is rubbing her pussy all over his VP.”

  “Fuck you.” Taz, forces through his clenched teeth. With more force than necessary, Slasher, draws back his fist before landing it on the side of, Taz’s, face. A wound, on his eyebrow, that had barely managed to scab over, opens back up. Fresh blood running down the side of his face, Taz only laughs.