Page 63 of Soul

I smiled at this child who was wriggling her way into my heart. Fuck. I wanted to wipe her sadness away, hug her better, and reassure her nobody would ever hurt her again. But that would be a lie, and Maci would know it. But I did understand one thing about kids.

“How about burgers, fries, milkshakes and ice-cream?” I asked.

“Yay!” Maci cried, beaming, and I’d guessed right. Kids loved junk food!

Bryony

This morning had been so productive, and I’d finished the book and sent it back. It was a new author to me, and her style was different from what I was used to. It had forced me to triple-check the edits before sending it off, but it was done now, and I was happy.

I had been planning to relax, but my phone had pinged. I had received a notification. Maci’s script was ready.

Jumping in the car, I thought I’d pick up some fresh seafood and make a paella for dinner tonight. I had chicken breasts and spicy sausages already, so some prawn, etcetera, would be easy to grab. I parked behind the pharmacy and headed inside to collect her prescription. The guy at the counter told me the pharmacist had just popped out and asked if I could come back in ten minutes.

Unfussed, I headed towards the harbour where the best fish was to be found and purchased what I needed for the paella alongside some fresh fish. Then I picked up the medication and remembered I needed to grab some peppers and headed in that direction.

“Hey gorgeous,” a guy catcalled.

I ignored him and hurried into the grocers, buying what I needed. When I came out, I saw he’d been joined by another, and they were both watching me.

“Fancy a drink, babe?” the first man called, and I shook my head.

“That ass, juicy as fuck. Come here, darlin’, let me show you what a real man looks like,” the second added.

I sent them a look of disgust and headed towards my car. Footsteps thudded behind me, and I realised my mistake.

I was slammed against the wall, and my arm wrenched up my back. Moments later, I was shoved down the alley and into the empty car park.

“A man speaks to you, bitch, you don’t ignore him. You get on your fuckin’ knees and suck dick and be grateful he noticed you,” the asshole snarled.

Terror flooded me as I tasted blood in my mouth from where my face had been slammed against the wall.

“Help me, Mac. Let’s get her back there, show her what a real man does with a pussy like hers. I bet my cock would ruin her,” the second guy sneered.

“What’s the betting, Duster? She’s got a nice, tight cunt waiting for us.”

I couldn’t speak, as I was so terrified. I was spun around and slammed against the wall again. Hands ripped my blouse and roughly grabbed my breasts and squeezed hard. I wanted to scream, but it was stuck in my throat as I gazed at the men in front of me.

The one called Mac laughed as he leaned forward and licked my neck before biting. The pain made me scream, and a blow hit my face.

Hands tore at my jeans, and I felt them unzip. I was going to be raped in an alley as people walked past.

“Let me go!” I finally found my voice and began fighting back. I slapped at the hands trying to tear my jeans down, and I hollered again. “Someone help!”

“Shut the fuck up,” Mac snarled.

A blow hit my face.

I screamed, and my mouth exploded in pain with another punch. I bit Duster’s hand as he tried to cover my mouth and shrieked as hands finally pulled my jeans down.

“Bend this cunt over,” Mac ordered. “Remember this, bitch? If we let you live, we’re with the Royal Bastards.”

“But I’m with the Royal Bastards!” I yelled and Mac and Duster paused, and I struggled to get free. Mac’s hand wound in my hair and yanked my head towards him.

“You don’t have a cut.”

“I’m dating Soul!” I cried. “Stop! Someone help!”

Mac licked the side of my face. “Then taking your tight cunt will be even more of a pleasure. Duster, call for a van. I think we found the new entertainment for the club. A Royal Bastard pussy.”

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