Page 18 of Deadly Ruck
I choked back a sob and turned my face to bury it in Dallas' chest. A few hours ago, we were a perfect little family. Now, we were torn apart. Literally and figuratively. Nothing more than dust on the breeze.
"I've got you," Dallas said softly. "Whatever happens, I'm not letting you go." He stroked my hair and held me so tight I could barely breathe.
I knew he meant that. It might be the only thing I knew right now. He was the only person in the world I could trust. The only one, apart from myself, who'd get me through this. We'd get each other through this. Somehow.
"I've got you too," I managed to say. "We can do this."
What choice did we have anyway? We'd survive and find a way to get out. I'd never given up on anything yet, I wasn't going to start now. Did that mean I hadn't given up on Atlas and Jay? Deep down I wasn't ready to do that yet. We'd been through too much together already. While there was a possibility they knew nothing about blowing up the cottage, however small, I'd cling to that. It might just be the only thing that kept me sane.
We drove along the dark highway until we reached the outskirts of Dusk Bay.
Here, small houses sat on big blocks, resisting development for now. Most of them stood for close to one hundred years, while the city grew up nearby.
The driver turned the car off the highway, and up a long, winding driveway to a large house. Its grand colonial features appeared to be newly renovated and possibly extended.
Not everyone was resistant to change it, I supposed.
The car came to a stop beside Jones' vehicle. We were immediately surrounded by his armed minions. One of them opened the door beside Dallas and waved his gun to gesture for us to get out.
I wanted to tell him to fuck off. The minion, not Dallas.
Since he was armed and looked like he was willing to use the weapon, I followed Dallas out of the car, keeping physical contact with him the entire time.
Atlas and Jay came around to stand beside us.
Dallas and I both glanced at them, and deliberately kept an arm's distance between us. The moment reminded me of the days when Storm and Atlas hated each other. Maybe it would have been better if things stayed that way. Storm, Frost and Ramsey would still be alive.
Of course, I let Atlas' charms get the better of me. My pussy wanted what she wanted and now we were all fucked. I hated myself for it.
Atlas rolled his lips and looked frustrated, but he didn't say anything. He obviously got the message that I didn't want tohear it right now anyway. Nothing would excuse any of this, not now.
"Take them inside," Jones instructed.
The minion nodded. "Yes boss." He waved his gun at us again, gesturing in the direction of a side door. He walked behind us, Atlas and Jay on one side, some other minions on the other. We were outnumbered and outmuscled, so any thought of running was pushed aside for now.
Once we got inside the building, escaping would be more difficult, but we'd find a way. Dallas and I were smart and resourceful. We wouldn't stop looking for opportunities until we got our chance.
Inside, the house looked even bigger than it did from the outside. My initial perception that it was newly renovated was backed up by the large kitchen with shining appliances and dark marble countertops.
If I had to guess, I'd say the floors were original, but the stain on them looked new. To the side of the kitchen was a sitting room with white couches and light-coloured rugs, all of which looked like they'd been put there the day before. One of the rugs was even curling upward in the corner, as if it was recently unrolled.
The whole place smelled of fresh paint.
"Welcome." Jones stretched his hands to either side. "You're my first house guests. Don't worry, we won't be here for long. I have some matters to attend to in Dusk Bay, then we'll be moving on for a while. I'm sorry I don't have time to give you a guided tour, but I'll be back in a few hours." He gave me a slick smile and a lowered his hands as though somehow I should be happy to be here.
"Take her into the room at the back," he instructed. "Keep an eye on her. I want her in one piece when I get back, ready to enjoy her."
I debated the wisdom of spitting at him, and decided it was probably not a good idea. As well as being unhygienic, he might retaliate. Getting out of here would be even more difficult if I was battered and bruised.
No, I’d restrain myself. For now.
"We'll see she stays put," Atlas said. "She can be a handful, but we know how to handle her."
I raised an eyebrow at him. I wanted to handle his cock with my knee, or maybe a brick. I forced myself not to think about his cock. That kind of thinking would only lead to increased frustration and anger at his betrayal. I'd let him fuck me and this was how he responded? That was in no way okay with me.
Dallas squeezed my hand tight. So tight, I could tell what he was thinking. He was trying not to snap at Atlas, or anyone else here. He wanted to tell them to keep their hands off me. But he knew speaking out could get him killed. If he was dead, he couldn't be with me anymore. We'd already seen what they'd done to my other three boyfriends. I couldn't lose him too.
I had to give him credit for his self control. Storm would have told them to ram it up their ass.
