Page 5 of Hell on Wheels

This wasn’t new information. “Torin. I can do this.”

“Just don’t lose your temper. He needs to think you’re docile and easily subdued. He likes to dominate.” A frown deepened the lines between his brows. “Use safe words. Get out if he tries to take things too far. I’ll pick you up.”

“Tor—”

“No. We’ll find another way.” He held me tighter. “You’ve suffered enough. All of this is pointless if you end up lost like Molly or killed. It’s not worth the risk.”

“She is,” I insisted. “We can’t abandon her to those sick fucks who bought her from Angel.” I pushed away, staring up at the only man in the world I trusted. “I’ll find her. Soon,” I swore.

Torin nodded, but his lips formed a tight line. He wanted to argue, but we both understood the longer Molly lingered in that life, the higher the chance she might not survive it. We had to continue with our plan and hope Angel trusted me enough that I could find Molly.

I shoved aside my fear and uncertainty, focusing on the reason I agreed to go undercover. Molly needed me, and I wouldn’t fail her, no matter the cost. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to pay with my life.

FORTY-EIGHT HOURS AGO—

“Fuck,” I blurted, pounding the side of my fist onto the pristine marble sink as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Black trails led an inky network of fine threads down my face, constructing an interconnecting stain of harsh lines from my mascara. My pale skin had lost its luster, appearing more corpse-like than alive. On the whole, I looked as bad as I felt.

“Stupid girl,” I taunted myself, hurling the insult. “Whore. Worthless.” My eyes slid shut in painful memory as Fred’s voice invaded my conscious thought. “You’ll never be good for anything other than spreading your legs.”

Defeat was a tangible, breathing entity that whispered my failures and inadequacies with relentless brutality.

My fingers gripped the edge of the counter, ignoring the luxury that surrounded me. Why did monsters hide in plain view? How did they continue to obtain more wealth and power as those they trampled beneath their shoes were silenced by their influence?

“I shouldn’t be here,” I whispered in agony, opening my eyes to watch a few onyx droplets mar the white basin. “I’m sorry, Molly. I tried.”

A sob broke free from my chest as I turned, facing the drugs I found in the room I shared with Angel. He acquired me as swiftly and completely as one of his expensive cars. I had no freedom. No voice. He used and fucked me at his leisure, but at least I didn’t have to endure the touch of other men. Angel was far too possessive to allow it.

I thought his greed and manipulative, controlling behavior would eventually cause him to reveal secrets. How naïve. The man was vicious, ruthless, and hungry for power. He kept a tight hold on his emotions even when drunk and sated. The small amount of small talk between the sheets only served to keep me compliant. He never revealed anything about business. And he never, ever let down his guard.

The only person he seemed to fear was his uncle Salazar.

The opportunity to use that to my advantage never occurred.

Staring at the five pounds of cocaine, I became increasingly furious. Frustration and the knowledge I had thrown away a year of my life for nothing spurred a reckless act.

Picking up the glass of wine next to the sink with trembling fingers, I knocked back the dark red liquid, swallowing down every drop as I hiccupped. “It’s now or never. Fuck you, Angel.”

With a pair of scissors kept in one of the bathroom drawers, I sliced open the brick and began dumping the drugs into the toilet basin. One after another, I slashed into all five, flushing down every bit of powder until none remained. The packages were tossed into the trash, where I decided to leave them. A last act of defiance before I found a way to escape and contact Torin.

Angel would return when he was no longer angry. He had a habit of showing up with gifts after yelling at me and slapping me around. I’d gotten far too used to being spoiled by that asshole. Glancing down at the lowcut dress and twinkling black sequins, I knew I had to walk away.

I’d gotten too involved. Too deeply rooted in Angel’s life.

There had to be enough evidence to charge Angel by now. At least enough to intimidate him into giving up information about Molly. I finally reached the point where I couldn’t keep living like this, even when the guilt threatened to tear me apart.

I washed my face, pulled back my hair, and changed into comfortable clothes. Now, I needed a plan. Angel left me alone after I caused a scene and embarrassed him in his ritzy little club. He shoved me toward his bodyguard and ordered Miguel to take me home.

Home. What a lie.

I heard Miguel outside the door as he coughed, ensuring I stayed where Angel wanted me.

A beautiful prison.

I needed to think. How could I trick Miguel? He was a foot taller than me and at least fifty pounds heavier. All thick muscles and brute strength.

What If I made a loud noise? Broke something? Would he check on me?

Spying several expensive vases in the room, I picked one up, holding it with two hands. This could work. It had weight but wasn’t too heavy to lift.

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