Nash(14)

The logic was messed up, but it was the only thing she could think of to excuse Kate’s actions.

She’s gone.

Biting her lip she went back to work in a foggy haze. There were times she missed her older sister and other times when she was glad Kate was dead.

When it was time for her to finish work, she left the factory floor and grabbed her bag from her locker. Without looking at anyone she set off outside of the factory on her walk back home. Once she got home, she’d have a few minutes to wash, change and head out toward the diner.

Her life was not that eventful, but she got stuff done quickly. Hitching her bag high on her shoulder she kept her head down. The roads were rarely busy where the factory was located.

A couple of cars and trucks passed on their way into town.

Pulling the band out of her hair, she let the locks roam free. She wanted to feel the wind in her face before she was trapped in another building serving someone. There were no other jobs in Fort Wills, and she wasn’t going to follow in her sister’s footsteps. The sound of a car pulling up alongside her forced Sophia to stop.

Gill, along with a couple of his friends, was sat staring at her.

She started to walk away once again. The sound of doors opening travelled to her ears. Her heart sped up, and she focused on the path in front of her. The stretch where they’d stopped was the most deserted with no houses or buildings in sight. This was the part of the walk she hated. Anything could happen to her, and no one would know unless she was lucky enough for a car to pass.

Sophia knew she wasn’t that lucky.

“Hey, why are you rushing?” Gill asked.

Walking faster she tried to avoid him. Gill grabbed her arm stalling her walking. He pushed her against the metal fence behind her.

“I’ve got a job to do. Leave me alone.”

In the next breath he tore the bag from her shoulders throwing it at one of his friends. She recognized all of them but didn’t know their names. It wasn’t high on her list of activities to know the men who were working in the same building as she was.

Smart move, Sophia.

“I don’t like your attitude. I mean, I was friends with your sister, and I’m sure I can extend the same kindness to you.” He caressed down her cheek. His touch repulsed her.

When his hand made to touch her breast, she swatted it away. “Don’t touch me.”

She pushed him hard. Gill came back, slapping her around the face and shoving her harder against the metal barrier. Her back hurt from the slam, and she cried out. His friends were closing in around them, stopping anyone from seeing anything if someone was to pass.

“Now, I’m trying to be nice to you, and all you’re doing is pushing me away.” Gill wrapped his fingers around her throat, squeezing. She clawed at his hands trying to push him away.

Another hand landed between her thighs.

“I’ve been nice and patient with you, Sophia, but my patience is running out.”

He tightened his hold between her legs making her wince. There was nothing gentle about him.

“Now, I’m going to let go. I want you to tell me what I want to hear.” His hand released her throat.

She took deep gasps of breath, needing the air. Bending forward, she tried to clear her thoughts. Sophia wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of making her beg.

“I’m waiting, Sophia,” he said, running his hands down her back. He didn’t have the right to touch her. No man had the right to touch her just because Kate wanted it. She didn’t. Her body was her own, and she was nothing like her sister. It was time she started to remember that. She and Kate were two different people.

Standing up, holding her head high, she glared at him. “Fuck you.”

The backhand took her by surprise, along with the thump to the stomach. She spit out some blood as she tasted the metallic flavor on her tongue. No one had ever hurt her like this.

Grabbing her hair, Gill spun her around, pushing her against the metal fence. Her breasts hurt from the bite.

Sophia panicked as he worked at her belt. “I’m going to fuck you so hard, and then my men are going to take you. Again, and again until you’re begging us to stop—”

A shot rang out followed by a scream. She was released, and she turned in time to see Lash with three men hitting Gill and his friends.

“You touch Skull property, and I’ll fucking kill you. Consider this your warning,” Lash said, firing his weapon through the of one of the friends. Sophia winced while inside cheering at Lash’s punishment. “Get the fuck out of here before I start snapping necks. I don’t give a fuck who you are, but you better make sure I never find out.” The threat was a real one. Everyone knew Lash had killed Angel’s father by snapping his neck. Lash was one tough biker, and no one messed with him.