Chapter 22

Morgan

Lexington, Kentucky

“Think, Morgan. Think.” I glance around the small bathroom. There isn’t a window I can climb out of. Maybe there is something I can use for a weapon.  Quietly, I look through the vanity drawers, only coming up with a dull nail file. It will have to do. When I see a chance to strike, I am going to take it. My folks didn’t raise no damn chicken.

A soft knock raps at the door. “You alright in there?”

“Coming,” I announce, sticking the nail file in my back pocket.

As soon as I open the door and step into the hall, I am met with Danny getting in my face.

“Listen, you have no reason to trust me, but my brother-in-law is here, just follow my lead. He’s pure fucking evil and not the sort of man you want to be on the radar of.”

I cross my arms. “Maybe I want to take a walk on the wild side,” I taunt.

Before I know it, Danny has me pushed again the wall, his nose pressed to mine. His deep blue eyes bore into mine, I get the message he is trying to convey, but what I don’t understand is why he cares. He doesn’t know me, and he damn sure doesn’t owe me any favors.

“I’m being serious, your life could depend on it.”

I don’t know why, but I believe him. Maybe it’s the tone of his voice or the sincerity behind the depths of his eyes, but he’s afraid…for me.

Heavy boots stomp down the hall in our direction.

Looking over Danny’s shoulder, I see him…this guy, his leather cut has a patch that reads the name Devil. His stormy eyes lock on me and he smirks. It’s the kind of smirk that travels straight to your most intimate areas, your most private thoughts, however there is something dark about him…menacing even. Sinister. The cold look in his eyes makes me believe he really is the devil.

Cold sweat breaks out across my shoulders, and I shrink back, wishing I could melt into the wall. I wonder if this is the fear that Danny was trying to warn me about.

“Who’s this? A new pet of my dear wife’s?” The intimidating man says, as he towers over us.

“My girlfriend. I brought her here to meet Harper, but she’s stepped out.”

Why is Danny lying? What in the hell is going on here? 

“Pity, she’s a pretty one. Are you much attached to her?”

He practically shoves Danny away from me, and I instantly miss his protection. His callous hands hold my face as he studies me. “What’s your name, sweet thing?”

“Miracle,” I give him my birthname, hoping it registers with him somehow, but I don’t see a hint of recognition.

“Very attached,” Danny states, wedging between us once more. He’s standing with his back to me, acting as my shield. “Tell my sister, I stopped by. We have plans.” He palms my hand, squeezing tight, warning me not to argue.

Devil grabs Danny’s shoulder, clenching him tight. “Stay, we’ll have dinner. It’s been so long since we’ve spent any time together, old friend. We’re still friends aren’t we, sport? You want to stay, don’t you, sweetheart?” He looks to me, and I stay silent and still.

I don’t know what to do here.

My free hand flexes, wanting to go for the nail file and stab this guy in the throat, but I doubt it will even really break his skin and then what?

Before I can make a choice, Danny answers him with an of course. “Miracle just needs to call her folks and tell them we have had a change of plans is all.”

“Sure, by all means. Please do.” He squeezes Danny’s shoulder once more and whistles as he continues down the hall.

“Come on,” Danny urges, pulling me in the opposite direction. He takes me back to the room I was in before.

“What are we doing?”

“You’re sitting down, and I am calling my sister to figure out what in the hell to do with you.” He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You could let me call my dad. If you take me to him, he’d reward you.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t do that.”

“Please, you said yourself that guy is evil. You can take me right now. Let’s get out of here. I don’t know what your deal here is, but I can get you a better deal with my old man. Please!”

“Who is your father?”

“Rebel Black.”

His face goes pale. “Oh fuck. Fuck no. Goddamnit, Harper! What the fuck did she get me involved in?”

“So, you know who he is?”

“Who doesn’t know who your family is. Had I known, I never would have…”

“No one has to know. You take me to my dad and I will tell him you rescued me.”

“This is fucking crazy. If I take you home, I betray my sister. If we stay here, who knows what they will do to you. Fuck!”

He reaches me his cell phone.

My fingers move in a flurry to dial my old man. As soon as I hear his voice, I start talking, “Daddy, I’m in trouble. This woman took me, her name’s Harper. Daddy, listen to me, please. I have help. His name is Danny and he is gonna get me away from them, but I need you to promise that if he does you won’t hurt him. He’s helping me.”

Just as my father promises, the door swings open. I quickly drop the phone to the couch as Harper enters the room with Bridgette.