Obsession (A Bad Boy's Secret Baby)(55)

We were leaning on the shiny handlebars of her brand new motorcycle. She'd been so proud of that thing, she'd saved up for it forever. The first time she'd taken me out for a ride, I'd been terrified.

But then, she'd shown me what it felt like to fly.

Nothing was better than the wind playing with my hair, kissing my cheeks. The road was our path to freedom, an escape from the dreary slum of our town and home. Once, she'd promised me we'd leave together. Just go, never looking back.

I'd been naive enough to believe her.

Well, we're both away from home, now, I thought bitterly. Clutching the photo, I fought down a fresh wave of sorrow. No. I can't get swept up in this, not here. There was too much to do.

And I needed to do it now.

Sliding the picture back into the jacket pocket, I put everything on the top of the toilet. I'd take it all with me, but changing into it now felt like a step backward. Clean and clear-headed, I wanted to take advantage of my evolving mood, find a plan—any plan.

Spotting a white robe behind the door, I slid into it smoothly. It was a little big, but it would work for now. My wet hair tumbled over my shoulders, fighting my attempts to untangle it with my fingers. I need to think. How do I get out of here?

Peeking from the bathroom, I confirmed that I was still alone. I couldn't resist testing the doorknob once more. There was no surprise that it jiggled uselessly, but my frustration still grew. What was that guy thinking? What gave him the right to make me some weird sort of prisoner?

He called me a damsel. That word floored me with disgust. I'm not a damsel.

What would Claudine do if she were here?

Pacing, I studied the room for inspiration. There was very little to look at, just a tiny dresser that held nothing but a Bible, the bathroom I'd already explored, and a bed that was good for one thing only—sleep.

There was a small window as well, but when I spread the blinds, I saw it would be no help. It was a straight fall to the ground below, nothing to grip or help me climb down. I'd snap into several pieces if I tried to scale the painted sides of the building.

Downstairs, something loud crashed. Jumping, I froze, ears straining to listen for more noise. What the hell? Whatever had happened, it had a distinct, destructive edge to it. Minutes later, nothing beyond silence kept me company.

Chewing the inside of my cheek, I went back to pacing. Adrenaline was rising in me, fueled by the unknown. I was out of my element, dropped into a new world with drugs, guns, and slavery. Here I am, wanting to go back to the latter, I thought with a laugh. That's why Ronin thinks I'm crazy. Or suicidal. Or both.

Thinking about the biker again, I warred with my mingling emotions. If he really thought he'd been saving me, it was hard to be mad at him. Then again, when I'd tried to reason with him, he'd responded by calling me a junkie and a liar.

He was my only method back to the brothel... back to Claudine. He had transportation, and he also knew the way. But, if I couldn't get his help, I had a vague idea of the direction we'd driven. If I just had access to his damn bike, I could get to a main road. Surely, I'd find someone who knew of the brothel. It had been too busy for it to be an unknown.

So much was up in the air, and all of it relied on me getting out of here. Eyeing the room again, I crinkled my mouth. A weapon, maybe. I could catch Ronin off guard, knock him out and run. Would that work?

It was an exciting idea, but beyond the Bible, there was nothing to wield. Plus, I was much shorter than the guy. Hitting him in the head with a book was comical. If I had anything bigger, it still might not work. He looks pretty tough, guess he'd have to be to stand up to those bikers.

Even with my foggy memories, I knew Ronin had been stunning in his confidence. A straight on attack from me was pretty stupid to try.

But what else was there?

My attention roamed back to the bed, gliding absently over the blankets. Wait. I stood perfectly straight. Beds can be used for more than just sleep. Oh god, was I really going to do... that?

Lowering my hands, I tightened the strap around my bathrobe. Never in my life had I tried—or even thought about trying—to seduce a man. It wasn't a skill in my possession, not by a mile. I wasn't some shy virgin, sure, but handling a boyfriend was nothing like tempting the enemy.

The enemy...

Rustling my hair, I rocked on my heels. This is a dumb idea. You won't know what to do. Then again... Ronin had 'won' me in that crazy poker game. He hadn't known me from a hole in the floor, didn't that mean he had to like me, even just a bit? Who would risk their life for someone they weren't interested in?

Crunching my molars, I glanced at the door. Don't over think this. Just give it a shot. If he falls for it, he'll be vulnerable. I can probably slip the keys to his bike from his clothes. My stomach did a little flip. Fuck. That means he'll have to take his clothes off.