I stare at the ceiling. My gaze following the endless swirls in the plaster around and around. My body and mind too wired to sleep. Waiting for the message from my guys that they’ve found Hunter. Planning the punishments I’m beyond eager to inflict on him. Craving his blood and tears to avenge my girl.

Who I miss like a fucking pussy without her curled next to me where she belongs. I should be fucking grateful she’s safe in her childhood bed, sharing a room again with her little sister, while Eli’s tucked into the hide-a-bed sofa downstairs. Shaken up by Molly’s attack, he finally calmed down enough to play in the little cubbyhole created between the top of the mattress and couch frame. Genuine laughter filling the living room from Caroline playing with him, pretending like they were bears hibernating in a cave.

Contrasting with the heartbreak in the kitchen, where Molly cried with her mother and tried to reassure her father. Too upset to talk, Junior retreated to the barn. Taking his anger out on mucking stalls and fixing the wobbly ladder to the hay loft.

While I messaged Franklin, the sickest bastard I know, offering him the opportunity to come here and torture a motherfucker who enjoys mistreating women. Nothing he loves more than giving an asshole a taste of his own medicine. Although his cruelty is always much worse than the perpetrator's.

My body tenses when the wooden floor creaks from the hallway. Someone else is awake. Fuck me when the door slowly opens, and Molly steps inside. Her pensive gaze zeros in on mine. No words between us as she strides to the bed, lifting the covers and curling in around me. As desperate for me as I am for her.

I don’t ask her if she’s all right because I damn well know she isn’t. Neither of us are. Both of our bodies coiled tight with stress and indignation. Instead, I stroke her forehead, brushing the long hair away from her beautiful face so I can see her as she rests her head on my chest.

She looks up at me, so despondent and forlorn. All of her earlier contentment stolen by that motherfucking bastard. That I’ve got to find a way to give back to her. “What can I do to make it better?”

“Make love to me.”

Gladly. She crawls up my body, placing soft kisses on my mouth. Intoxicating me with the taste of her sweet strawberry lips. I let her take the lead, showing me what she needs. Soft hands push down my boxer briefs, my ready cock springing up as soon as the elastic slides past the head. Over and over, she strokes the taut skin, running her fingernails along the bulging vein. Feels so fucking amazing I swear to god I shiver under her touch. Fuck if my eyes don’t roll up in my head from her version of heaven she takes me to. Which I sure as hell must create in return for her.

I glide down her arm and inch up her over-sized t-shirt. God fucking damn. Baby's girl's commando under her improvised nightgown. Knowing full well what that temptation does to me.

Brushing over her silky folds, I dip just deep enough to make sure she’s ready to accept me. But I don’t linger. Not tonight. I don’t want any thoughts of that motherfucker in her mind while I’m fucking her. A breathless gasp accompanies her hips lifting. Seeking my comfort. Welcoming my love.

Unable to wait any longer, I roll on top of her. Eliciting a small giggle from the bed groaning under my shifting weight. With her parents’ bedroom immediately below us, I refuse to take her where her they can hear us.

I climb off the mattress, holding out my hand to help her up. She flips off the lamp switch, while I drop down onto the window seat. Salivating with absolute lust as she pulls her top over her head. Bathing her gorgeous body in nothing but the abundant moonlight. Making her glow even more beautiful if that’s fucking possible. I twirl my finger. Needing to see every inch of her naked splendor.

Her head shakes, defying my command. Fucking sexy as hell to see her confidence. Instead, she steps forward and straddles me, sliding her knees across the smooth wood while her sweet pussy hovers over my cock. Watching while I guide her hips lower and my dick slowly disappears inside her. So fucking tight and perfect.

She looks up, a vulnerability I fucking hate, clouding her gaze. "Sometimes it scares me how bad I need you."

Fuck me. So fragile and raw. Defenseless from the control that she entrusts me with. Unaware of her power over me. That I can never let her regret. The admission reaches to the deepest layers of my soul. That I thought for so long was too mangled, too wounded for any hope to flourish. To believe goodness still exists. Except the proof sits right here in front of me. "I'm always yours, angel."

“Luciano.”

The best fucking sound to hear my name fall from her lips when her body welcomes me inside her. Skin softer than cashmere glides under my fingertips as I run my hands over her shoulders and up and down her back, feeling the delicate bones under my palms. Patient as I’ve ever been as she adjusts to me again.

I lift up to meet her burgeoning thrusts. Nothing more seductive than her claiming me. She needs to comprehend the depth of my feelings, of the impact she has on me. Fisting her hair, I hold her head a breath from mine. "Who's ring are you wearing?"

A sharp intake of air before she licks her lips, so close she brushes across mine with her wet tongue. Fighting every instinct not to suck it into my mouth.

"Yours."

"Who's dick is inside you?"

Her arms coil around my neck, sheathing herself to me while I cup her ass cheeks. Grinding her forward and backward in the way I know she likes. That I fucking love. Coaxing a moan to rumble in her throat.

"Yours."

So fucking beautiful as she fights to keep her eyes open. Heavy with need for the release only I can grant her. My own cock twitching to be so close. "Who do you belong to?"

"You."

The fevered whisper almost undoes me. But I want more. I want it all. Greedy and insatiable to know she's mine. That no other man fills her thoughts. "I want to hear you say it."

"I belong to you."

I suck the hollow of her throat when her head falls back. Ecstasy roaring through her body. Pumping a few more times, I can't hold back. "Fly for me, angel."

I yank her head forward, covering her mouth with mine, and swallowing down her cries as I come inside her. All her screams belong to me. No one else ever gets to hear baby girl's bliss.

Fingernails tickle the nape of my neck while she nuzzles my shoulder. “You know, you’re very sexy when you smile like that.”

Loving the playfulness in her tone and touch, I relax and twist to rest my back against the wall. Giving us a better view of her expansive farmland. “I didn't know I was.”

“You look like that every time we make love. Like you're really happy.”

I kiss her cheek, warm and smooth under my lips. "Happiness doesn't even begin to describe it."

"Same here."

Only a few minutes pass before her body softens and even breaths blow on my chest. Exhaustion claiming her. Not even stirring from my phone buzzing incessantly on the small dresser. Time for me to go. As much as it kills me to leave. But I owe her irrefutable peace of mind that son of a bitch will never hurt her again. I press my lips against her forehead one last time before I tuck her into bed. "Sweet dreams, angel."

* * *

Acrid smell of urine welcomes me as I stroll into the crumbling building. Stupid motherfucker's already pissed his pants. Guess Franklin's started the party without me. No worries. Still plenty of time to fuck this bastard over.

Hunter twists back and forth, fighting like a dumb ass against his restraints. Yeah, because this pussy ass thinks he can break free from metal chains strung over twenty inch steel pipes. What a fucking moron.

Franklin gives him a shove, chuckling while Hunter runs on tip toes to try and keep the handcuffs from cutting any deeper into his ripped skin. Matching the blood leaking from his mouth. Guess Franklin's already yanked out a few molars. Hunter quickly learning the punishment for getting too mouthy.

"Evening, boss."

Boz chin lifts me, his jaw clenched tight. Still smarting from earlier when he didn't get to finish the job. I pat him on the back, his thick muscles flexing under my hand. "Don't worry. You'll get your turn."

A vicious smile curls his lips. This is why my men love me. I give them the ability to utilize their best talents, and in return, they give me their undying loyalty.

I shake Franklin's hand, and he steps back, acquiescing to my authority. Hunter isn't as welcoming, scowling as much as he can manage with a swollen cheek.

“I see you've met Franklin."

"Fuck you!"

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.