They stood there facing each other for several long minutes, anger coming off Houston in vicious waves. Axel really wasn’t sure which way this decision would land and he wasn’t sure he cared. Yes, they needed to find those missing girls and soon, but using Houston to do so was a risky move. While he wasn’t risk adverse, he definitely preferred to have the odds stacked a little more in his favor.
“Fuck you, Axel. You know I’m going to do it, but you’ve got to promise me one thing.”
“I don’t have to do shit. But I’m listening.” He couldn’t wait to hear this.
“She doesn’t become a club whore. She’s not like that.”
“Jesus fuck, Houston. You think we force girls into that shit? Every woman here is here because that’s what she wants. They all know the score and they don’t care. They like fucking Wrath or they just like fucking. Your girl will be no different. I can’t promise you anything because what happens to her will be one hundred percent her choice.”
“Except she won’t be able to leave.”
“Only because she will never be safe. Because of her family someone will always want to get to her. That’s her burden of birth and no one can change that, not even us.”
Houston slumped his shoulders as if some of the fight left him. “Please don’t let her choose to be a whore. I need that.”
Axel knew he couldn’t make that promise, but he promised his Pres to get him on board. “I’ll do my best, brother. I’ll do my best.”
They shook hands.
Chapter Twelve
Isabella
One week later
With my back to the headboard and my legs thrust out in front of me I stared at the tiny tick marks I made on the wall. Each one represented another day of hell. I wasn’t sure if they served as a cruel reminder of the torture I had endured or if I should be proud I survived this long.
When the two men grabbed me at the hotel I had no time to do anything. I don’t know how they found me there. I only assumed they were hired by my father and I was being returned to him and my gilded prison.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As I looked down at the various bruises and cuts that marred my arms, legs and stomach a lone tear tracked down my swollen cheek. Everything hurt. My head, my body and especially my heart.
I ran on my wedding day not knowing the consequences. I only knew I couldn’t accept the fact my father arranged for me to marry one of his business associates as part of some deal. What I didn’t know at the time could fill a book. I wasn’t part of a simple arranged marriage meant to bring two families together in a show of solidarity. Far from it.
I was nothing but property and I was sold for a million dollars.
I knew this now because every time the man who would have been my husband comes into this room, he reminds me — with his cruel words and his fisted hands. The bastard plans to earn his money back with pounds of flesh.
My only escape is my mind, but I fear it won’t last much longer. The good memories with Houston were so brief they were beginning to fade. So far those twenty-four hours with him had kept me somewhat sane. But he has no idea where I am or who I am and I have no hope of escape.
I wanted to roll over and bury my face in the pillow and I can’t. Every move brings a fresh wave of unbearable pain. Everything hurts.
On the second day of my capture, he removed the cuffs and chains and told me to fight because it made his dick harder.
I fought —to get it over with.
Now all I can do is sit here and wait for the next time. I told him I wanted to die, but he said death was too good for a woman like me. I have to learn my place.
The door to the room rattled, causing me to moan. With the taste of blood still in my mouth, I wasn’t ready. I pulled my legs up to my chin and hugged them as my captor entered the room. His visits were becoming more frequent.
Without uttering a word, he unbuttoned his shirt and laid it across the back of the chair. He removed his belt and folded it in half, grabbing the ends in his hand.
I recognized the desire in his eyes and I wanted to fight against it. “Please don’t do this,” I begged. How could I not?
“I see you still aren’t taking your training seriously. I’ll have to do something about that.”
The smile on his face made me want to throw up. I turned away briefly and swallowed the bile.
“I can’t take anymore. Please.”
“You’ll take whatever I give you until I’m satisfied you’ve learned your lesson. Then we can discuss your future.”
I twisted back to him. “What do you want me to learn? I don’t understand what you want me to do.”