Page 80 of Charger

“They told me if I brought her… if I watched this place, scoped it out, they would pay me in cash, lots of cash.” He starts crying again. “I have no one, no family, no money. I needed the money.”

“I hope it was worth it, fucker. Because if you don’t die here, I will make sure to fucking kill you myself.” I toss him back to the ground like fucking trash, and pull out my cell.

The first person I call is Chain. My hands visibly shake. This is the first time in my life I have ever felt scared. Scared of losing her. She’s mine. Jules is mine. I will tear apart anyone who tries to stop me from getting to her. Destroy anyone who touches her.

THIRTY-FOUR

Jules

A deep shiver wakens me. My muscles ache immediately when I try to move. Have you ever been hit by a car? Because this might be how it feels. As soon as I get a grip on where I am, I feel the cold, damp cement ground under my cheek. The ache in my head is pulsing, thumping, and the nausea is overpowering. I slowly start to sit up, but it’s a bitch, considering my hands are bound together. At least they removed my gag—that was nice of them.

I rest my head against the wall behind me, focusing on anything but the musty smell. Sucking in a lungful of stale air, I try my damnedest not to lose it emotionally. I can’t cry. I won’t cry. I have to be strong. Whatever it is these guys plan on doing to me, it won’t break me down. Unless they plan on killing me, then I guess I am royally fucked.

I don’t want them to know I’m awake, but the cough I try to suppress releases. My mouth is so dry that it’s tempting to lick the puddle on the ground. Just thinking about doing so makes me want to vomit.

Just breathe, Jules. Just breathe.

Zach will come for me. It’s only a matter of time. But what if he can’t find me? I shut my eyes from the utter exhaustion that has taken over my body. I need sleep, but I also need to get the hell out of here.

There’s nothing. No windows, no doors, except for the one at the top of the dark staircase. I let out small breaths to calm my nerves, but my eyes start to burn. No, no, there is no way in hell I’m going to cry, even as I think of Joe. Even as I remember what he did. He couldn’t look me in the eye. I don’t know what they used him for, but it stung deep inside my chest. They said he was watching me, my bar—keeping tabs on it for what? He was supposed to kidnap me? It doesn’t make any sense. Someone I thought I knew wasn’t real.

With my head tilted back against the wall, I look up at the grungy ceiling riddled with spider webs. Is this it? Am I going to die here, get killed, raped? And there they are… the tears.

I hear the creak of the door above the stairs. A small cast of light trails down the steps, coinciding with the dull light bulb dangling above in the center of the room. I try to scooch closer to the wall, which is impossible because I am already flush against it. My jeans are covered in dust and dirt. My V-neck t-shirt with my bar’s name on it is smeared with a similar layer of grime.

I swallow, waiting nervously for the silhouette to present himself. When he does, I can’t say I’m relieved, but at least it’s not Scorpion.

“Morning, sunshine.” Venom walks over with his usual serpentine grin. He’s carrying a water bottle, and I immediately lick my lips with excitement. He crouches down in front of me. The scent of cigarettes fills my nose. “All right, princess.” He holds the bottle out in front of me, and my reaction is like a caged dog. I’m practically salivating.

“You expect me to drink that with my hands tied behind my back?” The attitude drips from my mouth and Venom grins even wider. Bastard.

He doesn’t say anything as he unscrews the cap, his elbows resting on his knees. “You didn’t think I was going to let you go thirsty, did you? Come on, Jules, I’m not the monster you think I am.”

I glare at him. “Oh, no? So, kidnapping me and locking me in a basement qualifies you as what? Knight in shining armor status? If I were you, I wouldn’t put that on your dating profile.”

He throws back his head with a laugh. “Well, I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” He raises a brow and holds the water bottle out, gesturing for me to tilt my head back. Fine, I’m dying of thirst so I couldn’t care less about keeping my pride right now. As soon as the water hits my mouth, sliding to my throat, it’s like heaven. Venom tugs the bottle away, leaving me wanting to squeal for more.

“All right, can’t have you choking. Unless it’s on my dick.” He laughs and I make a disgusted face. “Oh, come on, you enjoyed it, at one point.”

I shake my head. “What am I doing here, Venom? Tell me. What the fuck is going on?”

He sighs, losing his playful side. “Look, we took you to prove a point.”

“Huh?” I look around dramatically. “What point is that, exactly?” I cock my head, waiting for a reply.

He leans in and I suddenly don’t feel as comfortable with him. My body scrambles to the wall as he takes my chin in his hand. “The point. The point is to not fuck with us.” His eyes stare through me. The only chance I thought I had of making it out of here was him. And my hopes were just tossed to the floor and set on fire. “Your little fuck buddy, along with the rest of the Chains, thought we were kidding. Well, now look who’s bluffing.”

“Bluffing about what?” It comes out as almost a whisper.

He stands to his full height, which is tall and smirks. His green eyes sparkle with hate. Then with a wink, he turns around back toward the stairs.

“Wait! Venom, where are you going?” I can’t believe I’m actually upset to see him leave. “You can’t just leave me here! What’s going on? What are you guys going to do with me?”

“Get some shut eye, princess.” With that, the door slams shut and I fall silent, staring off into the darkness.

I actually feel myself start to drift off—must be the leftover side effects of whatever they drugged me with. I slouch against the wall, letting the exhaustion overtake me.

“Rise and fucking shine, darling.” Someone kicks my leg, jerking me awake.

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