Page 51 of Straight, No Chaser
He tries to spit on me, but the saliva just dribbles down his chin. Difficult to purse your lips while trying to get used to the newly empty space in your mouth.
"Easy to be a big man, with all your goons around."
Adrenaline pumps through my muscles from his threat. I haven't enjoyed a real fight in a long time. "You want to go? Then let's do it."
Duncan doesn't even have to stretch to release Hunter from his shackles, who collapses to the concrete floor. His arms probably numb after dangling for so long. After a long minute, he makes it to his hands and knees. But I'm nice and don't kick him in the ribs. Just wait patiently for him to get on his feet.
But I'm a mean bastard who doesn't miss an opportunity to taunt him a little bit. "I'll even give you a few hits before I kick your ass."
All three of my bodyguards step back, demonstrating the leeway he's going to receive. Hunter twists his arms and bounces on his feet like he's fucking Rocky or something. I roll my eyes, garnering a chuckle from Boz and Duncan. Nothing from Franklin. But I don't take offense. He can't help he's dead inside.
Hunter balls his fist and races toward me, so off balance with his erratic swing, I don't even flinch from his punch to the gut. His good eye widens, realizing the waste of his effort. "Really? My fucking four-year-old brother hits harder than that."
A few more laughs from the guys. They like Eli too. Humiliation flushes Hunter's face, and he lunges for my jaw. No more force than a chick slapping me for my smart ass mouth.
I'm getting bored and rock on my heels. My angel's waiting for me. To end him and get back to her.
He goes all in this time, attempting an old football move and tackling me with his shoulder. But he's weak and flabby, only able to use his weight as leverage. We hit the ground, my back slamming into bolts from a long gone machine. Tearing through my shirt. Fucking sad the only injury this motherfucker can dole out is a scrape.
Now, it's my turn. I roll us over and land three huge punches to what's left of his nose. Getting high off the blood and skin sliding over my knuckles. "You touched her, and nobody gets away with touching what’s mine."
I push off of him, and brush the dust off my pants while Franklin directs the guys in attaching him spread eagle to the concrete floor. Dude's got some amazing tools to be able to adhere this fucker to the concrete so securely.
Stunned and hurting, Hunter remains silent, not fighting against his new circumstances. Until Franklin unsheathes his carving knife. The bastard yelps and thrashes against the leather straps, slicing his tan skin like a million tiny paper cuts. His taut face as red as his hair.
“Come on man, she ain’t worth it. You know she’s nothing but a bitch. I mean, she’d be all over me. Rubbing up on me with those huge tits and then nothing. Wouldn’t even suck my dick after I’d been putting up with her playing me for almost a year.”
Fire rages through me from his insults. Fucking bastard never deserved her mouth or her pussy. And especially not her heart. Yeah, motherfucker because that’s all mine. I crouch down next to him, and tap his hand. "This finger? This fucking filthy finger was in my girl?"
His teeth grit, already wincing from the impending pain. "She asked for it. She wanted me to fuck her. She liked it."
His pathetic attempts to convince me burn my gut. A fucking fool for never realizing the gift he had and lost with her. "No she didn't and you were too fucking stupid to know it."
I nod to Franklin. A smug ass smile curls my lips. I'm going to fucking love watching this asshole suffer.
Hunter's gaze flies between me and my enforcer. Panic curls his body back. Instinctively recoiling from the weapon in Franklin's huge hand. Yet it's no use. Too fucking late. His scream as the blade slices through bone calms me like a pacifier.
His thumb for every tear she shed.
His ring finger for every instance of humiliation she endured.
His pinky for every feeling of doubt she carried for standing up for herself.
He will pay.
Ignoring the blood pouring out of his mangled hand, I focus on his face. Crumpled and wet like a fucking pussy. He thinks he's going to die. But oh no, that's too fucking good for him. No, we'll just make him wish he was.
After Franklin moves to his foot, his big toe sliced off, Hunter passes out from the shock. Flailing back against the concrete so hard, blood pools round his stupid head like a halo. So fucking ironic.
But, that's fine. Franklin's got all night and fucking loves his job. He's in no hurry. I nod to him.
"Go ahead, take your break."
Franklin grabs his smokes and heads outside. Quickly enveloped in the darkness surrounding the abandoned factory. I check my watch. Almost two am. I'll enjoy one more hour of his torture before I head back. Hopefully, the light in the barn will be off when I return unlike when I left. Because I know Junior won't like the answers to his questions.
16
Chapter Sixteen
