Marked: Chapter 26

“Holy shit.” My mouth waters the second my eyes feast on Harley.

A sweet pink hue touches her cheeks, and she lowers her gaze.

“It’s all right then?” She brushes her hand over her hip.

The deep-red slip dress she’s wearing hugs her body in a way that makes my hands jealous. It hits mid-thigh, showing off her delicious legs. Her scars peek out, but they’re part of her beauty. Every one of them helped saved her from drowning in the darkness.

“It’s perfect.” I pull her into me, running my fingertips along the deep neckline that dips between her breasts and tracing our initials. The thin scab has fallen off, leaving a raised pink outline of our letters. It may scar just enough for us to see it.

“I’m going to have to kill a few men tonight, I think.” I kiss her cheek. At the very least blind the fuckers.

Her lips twist into a worried frown.

“What’s wrong, little bird?” I ask, kissing the edge of her mouth.

“Have you ever hurt someone who didn’t deserve it?” Her warm brown eyes align with mine, and there’s the tiniest of wrinkles between her brows. I wonder how long she’s been thinking to ask me this.

“No,” I answer firmly. “And I never will.” It’s a vow I made to myself a long time ago.

She relaxes in my arms. “These other men you work with, Casper, Jax, and Sam, how do you know them?”

“We met after being stationed in the same shithole. Friends of friends, you might say. I trust them, and everyone I work with.” Directly or indirectly. Our network is small, but it’s powerful. All of us chase the monsters that created the demons inside of us.

“So, you don’t work for bad people?”

I let her go and step back. “No, little bird. I don’t work for bad people.”

I grab my wallet that’s sitting on the end table and tuck it into the back pocket of my slacks. After looking around, I find my suit jacket hanging off the back of a chair and snag it.

“These people you work with, they get you information, right? Like my case?” She fixes the strap of her dress when it starts to slide down her shoulder. “You looked it up.”

I grin.

“I did.” I slide my arms through my suit jacket, fixing the collar once it’s on. I check the time. “We should get going. Jimmy’s usually done by ten, and we want to be there before then.”

“Did you check on the girls? Is Charlie all right? Her sister?” she asks after the elevator doors slide closed.

“Casper called while you were in the shower. They’re doing well. Jackie has three broken ribs. There was some internal bleeding, but they seem to have it under control. She’ll be okay.” I pick up her hand. “If we hadn’t gotten there when we did, she wouldn’t have been. Add another day, and they all would have been gone.”

“We should have asked Artie if he was holding any girls.” She frowns. The blame will not sit on her shoulders, I won’t allow it.

The elevator dings, and I lead her off and toward the garage.

“We would have found them a little sooner, but it wouldn’t have changed what he’d already done to them.” The back lights of my car light up when I hit the fob’s button. “What happened to them is his sin, it’s Vince’s sin, it’s Jimmy’s sin. You don’t carry any of that.” I open the car door for her to climb inside.

“Do you understand, Harley? You’re not to blame. Not for them. And not for you and your sister.” I fix the seatbelt for her so it’s not cutting across her throat. She drags in a slow breath, and I wait. I’ll wait all night, if I have to, for her response.

“I know.” She turns those soft brown eyes on me, and I’m even more hooked than I was before.

“Good,” I say, shutting her door.

As I drive, I rest my hand on her thigh, drumming my fingers. Every now and then I squeeze, wishing I had her naked beneath me in bed. But we have all night for that. Once we get home.

“Did they call the police? The people at the hospital?” She breaks the silence when we’re halfway into the drive.

“No. Casper said the doctors wanted to, but Charlie made it clear they wouldn’t be talking to the cops.” I hit the signal and merge onto the highway.

“But doesn’t the hospital have to when people come in with those sorts of injuries?”

“Casper took care of it,” I assure her.

She grabs her phone that’s charging in the middle console. “It’s Mom again. She’s worried because I haven’t answered her.”

“You two talk almost every day.” They were close, almost too dependent on each other, up until now.

“Yeah.” She cradles the phone in her lap. “I can’t talk to her, Zack. I can’t even think about her without feeling like I’m going to puke.” She sighs.

“We need to talk with her at some point, Harley. Get a clear picture of exactly what went down.” It’s a gentle warning. Nancy can’t go unchecked. Not after the betrayal.

“I know.” She picks up the phone again. “I’ll just tell her I’ll call tomorrow?”

“Sure.” I nod while merging off the expressway. “You need some time to figure out what you want to do.”

“What I want to do?” She types out her response to her mom, then plugs the phone back into the charger.

“We’ll do whatever you decide. She’s your mother. It’s going to be your call.” The woman deserves to burn at the stake. A low fire that slowly eats away at her skin until she falls unconscious. Then a little Middle Ages justice would work well for the rest. The rack, a disembowelment. Any slow and painful end.

But in the end, it will be up to Harley to decide. It has to come from her, so the wounds finally heal. And she can spread her wings to their fullest.

“All those years of worrying about her. Making sure I didn’t do anything that would remind her of Quinn too much.”

I squeeze her knee.

“I became a teacher because I wanted to make her proud, and she was always telling me how great it would be if I went into teaching. Every decision I ever made was based on how it would make her happy, or proud.”

“Harley, there’s no right or wrong decision here. Whatever you want is what will happen. You can worry about it later.”

“She wanted me dead. I can’t just forgive that, right? She was there. They kept her in one of those offices, but she knew, she saw. And when they did bring her to sit with us, she was never hurt. They weren’t doing anything to her, only to us. Like she’d given them the okay.” The pain of it sours her tone. She presses her hand to her chest and leans forward, sucking in air. “Quinn screamed for her.”

All I can do is let her work through the memory as it hits her. The brain only hides what the soul can’t handle. It’s a good sign of her strength that the memories are coming back, but it comes at a price.

Slowly, she calms down. She leans back against the headrest and draws in a deep breath. Her chest rises and falls as she gets her anxiety back under control.

“Better?” I ask when she opens her eyes again. The panic is gone, but her face is a little red.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

I touch her cheek.

“No need.” The light turns green, and I make a turn. “We’re almost there. Five more minutes.”

The entrance to the club is in a back alley. Once inside the foyer, I pull out the passcodes Jeff sent me to both access the building and get us access to the elevator for the club.The doors slide open after I punch in the code.

Once we’re in the elevator, she giggles.

“Sorry. It’s just, that was all very spy movie.” She rolls her shoulders back.

I sweep her hand into my mine, taking note of how small it is. She looks fragile, this little bird of mine, but I know her, the real her. She’s full of strength and beauty.

“When we get up to the club, just remember not to look at anyone in the eyes. Understand? It’s important. You’re with me, and if you look at them, they’ll think they can take you.”

“Take me? Like just pick me up and walk away?” Her anxiety has waned into playfulness. It’s fucking adorable, but this isn’t the time.

I squeeze her hand. “It’s important, Harley. This is a dangerous place; these are dangerous people.”

Her eyes darken. “Maybe they should be afraid of us then.”

I can’t help but smile.

The woman I found with her nose in a book has surprised me.

And not many people do anymore.

“They should. But we can’t do anything while we’re here. We’re going to get him alone, but to do that, we have to pretend we’re into all this crazy shit. So do as I say. Do not look at anyone.”

“All right, Zack. Don’t look at anyone, only you, and do exactly as you say.” She nods.

“Yes. And one more thing.” I squeeze her hand tightly, needing her to heed this part even more. “No matter what you hear me say in regard to you, remember that I will never let anything bad happen to you. I will protect you.”

“I know that, Zack.” She turns a trusting gaze up at me.

“Even if it sounds scary. I need you to trust me. Do you think you can do that?” It’s a lot that I’m asking of her. Hopefully not too much.

She grips my hand tighter. “I trust you, Zack. No matter what you say in there, I’ll go along with it.”

My perfect little bird.

“Good girl.”

The elevator dings our arrival and I straighten, dropping her hand and moving my toy bag to my other side.

Music with a fast, hard beat envelops us as the doors slide open. I step out first, waiting for her to come off the elevator before I continue on. She dutifully stays two steps behind me, to my left. Sweeping my attention across the club, I’m able to keep her in my view while searching through the crowd.

Security guards stand off to the sides, in corners of the room. No one questions if we belong here. As far as they’re concerned, having the passcodes is proof enough. Besides, if I’m a threat, they have enough politicians and judges in their pockets to get whatever trouble I might bring with me washed away.

Fucking sick.

This part of the club, the prelude to the real activities happening behind the door I’m leading us to, is intimate. The striking black dance floor, coupled with the mirrored ceiling, creates the illusion of space and glamour. Plush, black leather couches with red velvet cushions line the outer walls of the club.

We’re passing the black marble bar with red under-lighting, when someone steps off the dance floor, bumping into Harley. She knocks into me and bounces off, nearly falling to the floor before I grab her arm and steady her.

“Watch yourself,” I snap at her, then turn my gaze to the woman who caused the accident. A man hurries to her side.

“I’m sorry. She wasn’t paying attention.” He grabs hold of his woman’s arm and yanks her to his side. “Apologize,” he demands, shaking her.

“I’m — I’m sorry,” she stutters, her gaze flittering away from me and landing on Harley.

Harley looks to me, waiting for my direction.

Such a perfect girl.

I give her a nod.

“It’s all right. Just an accident,” she says, then turns back toward me, keeping her eyes down.

The man drags his woman back into the crowd, and I lead Harley to the main entrance of the real club.

“You’re doing wonderfully, little bird,” I whisper to her as I pull her in front of me and to the other side.

She keeps her eyes lowered, but I catch her proud smile.

As soon as I reach for the handle on the door, it’s yanked open and a man three times my size fills the opening.

“Need something?” He folds his arms over his chest. Very bodyguard-like of him. I wonder if he understands the art of subtlety at all.

“Yes. I need a potato and a fork.” I utter the last ridiculous passcode. I had thought Jeff was making a joke when he shot me a text just before we left. These idiots depend too heavily on their little codes.

The bouncer drops his arms and steps aside.

“Welcome.” He holds the door for us as we enter. Harley’s fear is ramping up. I can sense her, smell it on her. And if I can, others here will too.

I step to the side, letting her come to stand beside me.

Grabbing her arm, I pull her close and lean down to her ear.

“You’re doing great, Harley. I know you’re scared, but can you be my strong girl and keep it up?” I keep my features stoic, just in case anyone is watching us.

“Don’t speak. Nod if you’re all right,” I order her.

She licks her lip, then gives me the sign.

“You’re going to be well rewarded,” I promise her. I wish I could kiss her, release some of her fear. But I need to remain aloof. For both of our safety.

This part of the club is more open, and a much larger space. And it needs it.

There are three bar lounges, all set up with the same black and red color scheme. But there is no dance floor in here. Instead, there are three platforms that all the bar couches surround.

To the left of us, on a raised platform is a naked woman bound to a St. Andrew’s cross. Her head rests against her left arm. Her chest is heaving. Bright red marks cross her chest and her thighs.

A man stands to her side, whispering in her ear. A thin rod is fisted in his hand.

I grit my teeth, reminding myself that safe play isn’t the concern of anyone in this club. This place goes far beyond any BDSM club I’ve ever played in. There is no safe word scheme. No dungeon masters walking around to be certain the submissives aren’t harmed.

As we come to the second platform, it becomes even more evident.

The woman on this platform is on her hands and knees. Blood trickles over her sides and pools beneath her on the floor. She’s been whipped. No one offers help. They sit in their black leather loungers and watch while sipping drinks.

“That was a harsh one.” A man steps up to me. “The idiot went too far too fast. She won’t be any good to him the rest of the night.”

“She’s still alive, isn’t she?” I turn to find him staring at me. His graying eyebrow lifts.

“He’ll get a good fuck out of her, I’m sure.” He laughs and raises a beer bottle to me in greeting. “Baron Barnes is my name. Haven’t seen you here before.” Is this man for real? He’s playing the part of a high-brow aristocrat too well for me to know if it’s a joke or if he’s locked in some sort of mental break.

“No.” I don’t offer more. “First time.”

“This one yours?” He gestures to Harley, who’s standing in the perfect spot where I can see her, but she is out of our way.

“She is.”

“Hmmm.” If his beady little eyes so much as touch her, I’m going to have to remove them. “Mind if I have a look?”

My teeth snap together.

Play the part for now.

“No. Not at all. But any part of you touches any part of her, and it becomes mine,” I warn, and not just for show. I will gladly cut off his fucking finger if it so much as brushes a hair on her arm.

“Girl, step back, lift your chin up,” I order her. “Eyes on me,” I add so she understands where to look. I can’t have her accidentally giving this monster permission to go beyond what I’ve allowed.

When her eyes meet mine, a shiver runs through my body. Her fear has twisted into pride. So long as she keeps her eyes on me, she has nothing to worry about.

I’m her protector.

“She’s got nice tits,” the man says, sipping his beer. He walks around her, his fingers flexing. He wants to touch her ass. I almost want him to try.

A scream from behind me scares Harley. She moves her eyes for a moment but brings them right back to me.

“Are you here to play or to sell?” He comes back around her, stepping in front of her like she’s not a person.

And here, at a place like this, she’s not.

She’s product.

“Tonight, play. I’m not quite done with her yet. She has some more use in her before I make back my money.” I check my watch. It’s nearly nine and Jimmy has a reputation for only staying until ten.

“How much can she take?” Barnes continues his perverted line of questioning.

Her jaw tenses, but she manages to keep her eyes on me. This man is starting to wake the beast inside her.

“Whatever I give.” I turn when there’s another scream. Heat courses through my veins.

I know that sound. Unadulterated pain. The floor shakes with it.

When I turn, I find exactly what I knew I would.

A woman is bound over a wooden horse. Black splotches already cover the majority of her ass. Her hair curtains her face, and is soaked in blood.

“That’s Jimmy,” my guide says, pointing at the horrific scene. “He’s really used her up.” He tsks like he’s almost sad about it. “I was hoping to play with her after he was done, but he’s gonna finish her.”

“Finish her?” I quirk a brow.

“Yeah. He only beats them like that when he’s no longer interested. Ah yes, see, there.” He points to the knife Jimmy pulls from a black bag at her feet. “He’s gonna fuck her and then when he’s finished…” He makes a slicing motion across his throat with this thumb. “It’s gonna be a blood bath.” He laughs. “See. They’ve already set up for it.” He gestures to the bucket that’s been placed beneath her head to catch as much of the mess as possible.

As he’s enthralled with Jimmy shoving his cock inside the half dead woman, I check in with Harley. She’s staring at the scene, and no matter how long I glare at her, I cannot get her attention.

I don’t want her to witness this.

If I pull her away, our little guide here, will suspect I give a shit about her. That will make her even more prey.

I reach around him and slap her hand to get her attention, but she still will not move her eyes.

“Three million!” An insistent bellow comes from further behind me. I take the opportunity to step around Barnes and grab her hand.

“Eyes down, dammit,” I growl in her ear. “Do not look.”

She hesitates, but then slowly she lowers her chin and puts her eyes on the floor.

My chest unclenches.

When I turn back around a man runs to the platform with his hand raised.

“Three million, Jimmy!” he yells, as he reaches the edge of the platform, nearly toppling over onto it when he screeches to a halt. The information that was sent over for me this afternoon explained that stepping onto a platform while someone was engaged in play would be seen as a personal attack. It could cost the man his life.

Jimmy grunts, thrusting fully into the woman, then freezes, looking over at the man who is bent over, sucking in air.

“I will give you three million for her.” The man waves his hand again. “Cash. Tonight.”

Jimmy looks down at the woman, bloodied, bruised, mostly unconscious.

“Three and a half,” he counters the offer.

Onlookers collectively turn to the man still trying to catch his breath. A fresh batch of panic takes over his eyes. They go wide, his cheeks flush.

“Fine!” He nods feverishly. “Just stop. Get away from her.” He picks up his foot, ready to step on the platform, but Jimmy points his knife at him with a shake of his head.

“You can have her after I’ve had my fill. She’ll be alive. But I want what’s mine first, Chad.”

Chad. I try not to roll my eyes. With his blond hair perfectly sculpted around his face and the tailored suit he’s wearing; he looks every bit a Chad.

After a nod of acknowledgment, Jimmy goes back to the woman. He pulls out of her pussy and shoves his cock straight into her asshole. She’s awake just enough to react to the new invasion with a whimper.

Chad looks ready to rush the platform, but he manages to control himself as Jimmy fucks her harder and harder in the ass.

“Pathetic,” Barnes sighs. “She’s going to be broken for weeks, maybe longer before Chad can get any real use out of her this way. He’s buying a broken horse.”

I push my hand into my pocket when I can’t stop myself from making a fist. The urge to pull my knife out of my bag and stick it in his throat is getting harder to ignore.

Finally, Jimmy stops thrusting and unleashes a bellow of his own, signaling he’s found his release.

The crowd, no longer interested, turn back to each other in conversation. Even the women who’ve been kneeling at the feet of their captors, their owners, look somewhat bored now that the scene is over.

“Chad seems to have feelings for her,” I comment as he hurries forward and begins to unbind the woman. Jimmy is already finished with the scene and is cleaning off his cock, wiping off the blood covering his dick and thighs.

“Huh. Maybe so.” Barnes shakes his head. “So, are you going to play next?” He waggles his eyebrows.

I laugh.

“Not yet. We just got here, and she needs to settle down before I get her up on the cross. Her nerves will have her puking on me, and then I won’t have any fun with her.” I reach around and grab Harley’s arm.

“I understand. It’s been a long time since we had a new member.”

“Yes.” I nod. “Vince Scaletto recommended it.” I pretend to look around for him. “Any chance he’s here tonight?”

Barnes’ grin falters at the edges. Did he really think he’d figure me out, find out that I don’t belong here? Fool.

“Vince? No.” He takes a step back. “If you’ll excuse me. The store for the evening has opened, and I need to go shopping.”

I twist around to see where he’s looking and find a roped off area where women are standing on boxes. They range in dress from elegant dresses, to lace underwear, to fully nude.

“He’s going to buy one of them,” Harley whispers behind me after Barnes walks in that direction. I squeeze her arm.

“We’ll deal with that later. Right now, we need to follow Jimmy.”

“Are we going to talk to him?” she asks quietly. “He might recognize me.”

I shouldn’t be letting her speak at all, but she’s keeping her eyes down and being soft enough that no one is paying us any attention.

“I am. Yes.” I gesture to the platform where Jimmy is grabbing his bag and walking away from the battered and bruised woman now lying in Chad’s arms.

“And what am I supposed to do?” she asks, a little more snipe to her tone.

I slide my eyes to her.

“Be a good little bird and sit on your perch. Silently.”