Page 77 of Obsession

“I’ve got the Gallos.” Angelo was already pulling his phone from his pocket.

“Cade and Ryder, too. I want our women out of the city in case this blows up.”

I didn’t feel emotions like other people. But I couldn’t stop the gratitude tightening my chest. My family rallied behind me without a question.

I stalked to the door as they worked, making my way back outside. The sun was just starting to set as I popped the trunk of my car. My fingers found the button in seconds and the hidden compartments opened.

They were filled with guns, ammo, knives, a small blowtorch, which was Angelo’s favorite. I started filling my pockets. This was all the supplies we were going to have because I wasn’t waiting. Every second Lark was with them was a moment she could be hurt. Tortured. I couldn’t allow even an ounce of her pain.

“You shouldn’t go.” Vander grasped my shoulder.

It had taken me years to understand why my brothers had kept me at a distance. They were protecting me. From our world. From the pain and violence. But there was no stopping me now.

“She’s mine.” I slammed the trunk closed. The sound punctuated my words. “I’m going.”

I’d rather die saving her than live knowing I hadn’t tried. There would be nothing left for my brothers to protect if Lark died. I’d be lost without her.

44

Lark

My head spun, but this time it wasn’t from the concussion. I squeezed Violet’s fingers through our shared cage wall.

I had no idea how long I’d been listening to her talk. Tell me how she’d gotten here. All she’d been through. And the gravity of the situation I was in settled inside me.

I’d been kidnapped by sex traffickers.

I still didn’t understand why they wanted me. It wasn’t random. They’d come into my home. Was it about Nathan? He said he wasn’t in this kind of business and I believed him. Maybe they were an enemy.

“I’m so sorry, Lark.” Violet’s hold tightened on my hand. Her lip trembled, and I saw the unshed tears in her eyes. But she was stronger than she realized because they didn’t fall.

“This is not your fault!” My voice was harsh because after everything she’d told me, I needed her to know I didn’t blame her. That someone cared about her, even if it was just the girl in the next cell. “We’re going to get out of here.”

“No.” She whimpered. “We’re not.”

“Listen—.” But my words were cut off by the squeaking of the door. I moved into the middle of my cage, not wanting to alert them that Violet and I had talked.

The man I’d seen kill the other walked into the room. His expensive clothes and swagger were a stark contrast to the gray box he kept us in. He smiled as he stepped aside so another man could enter.

It was obvious right away this was the other brother Violet told me about. He looked like an older version of the first. His hair cut was more stylish, with a gelled swoop. He wore a button-up shirt and slacks compared to the other’s jeans and t-shirt.

But their eyes were the same. Dark and dead. Devoid of emotion.

Sweat broke out on my palms as I clenched my fists. My heart smacked into my ribs. But they didn’t focus on me.

“Hi, Violet.” The first one smirked, giving her a little wave. “We didn’t get to talk much earlier.”

“Why are you doing this, Aaron?” Pain laced her voice as she spoke to him.

“Because I can.” He shrugged.

“Come on.” The other brother scoffed. “You’re not dumb. Naïve. Trusting, but not stupid. You know why. It’s the oldest reason in the book.”

“Money.” She spat as if the word was toxic.

“Bingo.” Aaron chuckled. “Craig and I dared to dream of more. And we found it.”

“You’re sick.” She sounded like she was the one who was going to throw up. I wished I could reach her. Wrap an arm around her shoulders and tell her it would be okay.

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