Page 11 of Sheltering Hollis

Rubbing a hand over my shorn hair, I tried to buy some time. They all looked so disconsolate. My plan hadn’t included rescuing women. How the fuck was I going to leave them? “I think …” I started but didn’t finish as a woman rose to her feet even though she was unsteady as she stood.

She leaned against the rough wall, her eyes wide, scanning her surroundings with caution and determination. However, she started forward on shaky legs. The other women scooted away as she moved around them, taking a step towards me.

I couldn’t help but notice her striking beauty; even in this setting, she was a knockout. Her hair fell in chestnut waves, and even in the dim light, her eyes shone with an inner fire—her actions already set her apart from the others. I had to admire her courage. She was pale and soft, like gossamer. There was almost no color in her face apart from the soft hazel of her eyes and the dark brown of her lashes.

Miguel noticed my interest and chuckled softly. “Ah, interesting. I see you’ve spotted one you like. She’s a beauty. I saw her earlier and thought about keeping her for myself, but I already have a few too many.” He nudged me as if we were sharing a joke. I consoled myself with the thought that perhaps I could kill him later. “There’s always a pretty one in each shipment, so I’ve tried to be reasonable,” he said as if he were confiding a secret.

The rest of the women cowered away or eyed us cautiously, but not this little spitfire. Even though she was terrified, she clutched her hands together, braiding her fingers over and over. Then she really surprised me.

“Take me with you,” she said. Then again, with determination, her chin quivering.

That was not part of my plan to be saddled with a woman while I tracked down Makarovich. Luka shifted nervously next to me. I knew he wouldn’t approve of this at all, but still — I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s your name?”

“Hollis.”

I walked closer, my eyes never leaving her face. She watched me with wariness and defiance, her gaze meeting mine head-on. There was fear there and a fierce determination. Well, perhaps she knew something. Either way, there was something about her — I couldn’t leave her here.

“Hollis,” I said, tasting the name on my tongue. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

She didn’t flinch, didn’t look away. “Take me with you,” she repeated.

I turned to her, considering her words. “I’m here to discuss business with Mr. Rodriguez. I wasn’t planning to make a selection for myself or encumber my travels.” I drew the words out, watching her the whole time, the way her breath fluttered in her throat, the way her breasts rose and fell.

She raised her arms to cover her chest, but I could have told her it was useless. Crossing her arms did nothing but accentuate them. I couldn’t take all the women, but I could take her.

“Perhaps you’ll liven up my travels after all,” I said casually and then leaned forward toward her. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll make all your wishes come true.” I tried to impart meaning behind the words, but I wasn’t sure if she’d catch it. She swayed towards me, her eyes glazing with tears, no doubt losing her courage.

Finally, unable to stay silent, Luka bit out in Russian, “This is a bad idea, brat.” He wasn’t wrong, but luckily, he wasn’t hard to ignore.

“She is a prize,” Rodriguez crowed. “What do you think about the rest? We have product coming in from all areas, but primarily, the women from the US sell best.”

“Perhaps we can discuss your methods and expand those.” Looking at Luka, I acted like I was thinking of a grand scheme. “Don’t you think we could make big money if we expanded something like this to the Bratva in Moscow?”

Luka looked at me blankly and then schooled his features. He leered over at the women, “Yes, boss. Definitely. American pussy? We’d make billions.”

Rodriguez slapped my shoulder with glee, practically shivering with greed. “That sounds great. We’d rake up. Well, take her as a gift.” He gestured to the girl who had cast her eyes to the floor. She had walked close enough that I could see her almost shivering with fear, but still, she ensured she wasn’t touching me.

“Very well, let’s talk this evening about details.” I turned to leave, gesturing to the girl. Then, at the last minute, I turned back to Rodriguez. “Oh, I’d like to meet your lieutenants. Just details.” I smiled and slapped him on the back. “Let’s go, Luka.” Striding from the dingy warehouse, I ground my teeth and hoped the girl would follow, and I didn’t have to drag her.

She hesitated momentarily before stumbling after us. As we walked out of the warehouse together, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this woman, Hollis, was about to change everything.

NINE

Hollis

I couldn’t stay here in this fucked up situation. If I stayed here, there was no way to get out and get back to Olive, and that wasn’t something that I could live with. When the warehouse door opened again, my breath almost stopped. He walked in after I’d made my decision. I wasn’t sure if I was rushing things — if I was desperate. Of course, I was. He was my chance.

The men that entered were dangerous, their presence commanding and intimidating, but there was one – the one called Dimitri. It was instinct that had me standing and calling out to him. His hair was cut military short, shorn almost to the skull, tattoos even down onto his knuckles, intricate designs that spoke of a life steeped in violence. But despite his imposing appearance, I didn’t get that sense in my belly that he’d hurt me even though he was here in this place. There was this disgust in his eyes as he looked at the other man and around at the women crouched on the floor. If there was any opportunity, this was it. Distrust gnawed at my gut, but I had to take the chance.

"Come," he said, his voice steady and calm. "Let's get out of here."

I glanced at the man named Rodriguez, whose smile was unsettling—a predator’s grin—and then back at Dimitri. With no better option, I stumbled over my feet and followed, thankful he didn’t grab me. At least when I walked out, it was of my own volition; otherwise, I wasn’t sure I could bear it. The afternoon sun was blinding. The heat and humidity hit me like a wall, the air thick and oppressive, but the fresh air was a welcome change from the stifling interior of the warehouse. Where was I?

We reached a sleek black SUV parked nearby, its polished surface gleaming under the harsh sunlight. Dimitri opened the passenger door for me, his movements precise and controlled. I hesitated again, my mind racing with what might happen next. Was I jumping from one captivity to another? But the thought of staying in that warehouse was even worse.

I climbed into the SUV, the leather seat cool against my skin. Dimitri softly closed the door behind me and walked to the other side. He slid in with an effortless grace, his presence filling the confines of the space. The man he came with took the passenger seat, turning slightly to look at me with curiosity, interest, and — anger? The driver started the engine, which purred to life with a low rumble. As we pulled away, I looked back at the warehouse, feeling relief and apprehension, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me.

“Where is this? Where am I?” I asked, struggling to adjust the maxi dress down over my knees. The dress had seen better days, the cotton stretched and worn and, even worse, splattered in places with things I’d rather not think about. My voice trembled despite my efforts to stay composed.

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