Page 30 of Deadly Ruck
Only everything.
Chapter Thirteen
Chelsea
I manageda brief shower and change of clothes without being disturbed. The guys all took quick turns after me, barely getting under the water long enough to soap and rinse.
After about twenty minutes, we arrayed ourselves around the room. Dallas and I sitting side by side on the bed. Jay on a chair. Atlas reclined against the wall beside him, legs crossed at the ankles. He looked relaxed, but I knew he wasn't. He was as on guard as the rest of us. Waiting. Ready.
Finally, the click of the door came. Even though I was expecting it, I startled slightly.
Dallas squeezed my knee for reassurance.
I squeezed his in return. In spite of assurances from Nyla, I struggled to have faith in this plan of hers. Her visit could still have been nothing more than a ruse, to discourage me from fighting back.
Maybe I was being naïve, but I didn't think so. I genuinely believed her when she said she wanted to take down Carlos Jones. Those brief moments of vulnerability were peeks behind her mask. A façade she spent years building. Once she had to keep in place to protect her life and her sanity. My heart hurtto think she'd spent this long biding her time, preparing for the right opportunity.
On the other hand, she had used me like I was some kind of toy. A puppet to be moved around however she wanted. I couldn't see them, but she still had her strings attached to me. Given half a chance, she'd tug on them again. Next time, I'd be ready. I’d push back. I wasn't going to let her, or anyone else, control me.
One of Jones' minions stepped into the room ahead of him. He glanced around to make sure it was safe before nodding to his boss.
Jones' gaze swept over all of us, taking us in one by one, before his gaze lingered on me. "I see you're ready to leave."
I rose slowly, forcing my mind to the headspace I used to be in when I was stripping. Provocative, sensual. Confident in my own skin. Storm's nickname for me was Panther. That's who I'd be. A cat, stalking her prey.
"I like it here," I said smoothly. "It's comfortable." I stepped toward him like I was back on that stage. I was the one in control here. He was the toy, he just didn't know it yet.
"I'm taking you somewhere better," he said. When I was close enough, he placed a finger under my chin. He didn't need to tilt it up to meet his gaze. Unlike my boyfriends, he was the same height as me. Tall, but not as tall as them.
"What's the hurry?" I tilted my head slightly, so as to avoid dislodging his finger. As much as I wanted to. Even this light touch felt slimy. Repugnant.
I reminded myself to switch off those thoughts and focus on what was really important. Getting out of here with everyone intact but Jones.
To be honest, not looking back at my guys was a struggle. I could almost feel them wanting to punch out Jones' lights.They mentally had their fingers wrapped around his throat, squeezing, squeezing.
"Dusk Bay is a cesspool," he said. "I'm sure you'd prefer to be somewhere other than here. I know I would."
"I like Dusk Bay." I pouted. "I thought for sure you'd have one of those nice, big houses with a view of the bay."
He looked at me with undisguised suspicion. I could almost see the thoughts tumbling around in his brain. What was I up to, and did he care? If I was up to something, surely he'd be able to deal with it. Why not enjoy me while I was being agreeable?
Arrogant prick.
"I do have a house like that," he said. "But it's not the place for you right now. I want you away from here." The first hint of doubt flickered across his dark eyes. The longer I was here, the greater the chances my brother would find us. At least he was smart enough to be scared of Ice.
"That's so sweet," I purred. "Are you worried about me?" He was worried about his own ass, that was all. He only cared about what he could do to mine. I placed a hand on his chest and smiled.
He grabbed my wrist and held it firmly. "I don't waste time worrying. But I won't let anyone take what's mine."
Behind me, one of the guys let out a soft growl. I couldn't tell if it was Dallas or Jay. I knew it wasn't Atlas. Not when he was still pretending to be a dutiful minion. He was the only one who hadn't taken a shower. Instead, watching over us to make sure we continued to behave.
Jones chuckled. "I see we have some objection, but they'll learn. I own you now. In fact, now might be a good time for demonstration. We have a few minutes before we have to leave for the airport." He slid his hand from my chin, my cheek and grabbed a fistful of hair. "Get on your knees."
I'd been issued that instruction so many times in the past, complying was almost automatic. I didn't need to think, just sank down, taking his hand with me, still tangled in my hair.
"Good girl," he said smoothly. "Take out my cock."
Judging by the size of the tent in his pants, I'd have to find it first.
