Finally, Jeffries is ready to meet me. I have to talk over all this bullshit and make him see that we have a future together. I need him on my side. I’ve got to feel like I own this shit again, building my business from nothing and making a name for myself. Undoubtedly, people know my name, but it’s always been associated with Carter. I am the one that they all fear. I was the front man; I just have to prove I have the balls to be behind the business side. For too long Carter has hidden behind the reputation I built for him, the business I made a complete success.
“Hey,” I say as I walk into the kitchen, wrapping my arms around her waist. I never tire of feeling the way I do around her. I finally feel like the dark part of my soul has light. That the dead has been awoken.
Brushing her hair away from her neck, I kiss and nibble gently, feeling her squirm beneath me. Spinning in my arms, she faces me, a sadness growing in her eyes.
“Do you have to go? Like, right now?” She pulls the corner of her lip into her mouth. It does crazy things to me.
“Don’t do that. You’re gonna get me killed,” I joke. “Keep that up and I’ll be taking your sexy ass back to bed instead of meeting the man that wants my head on a plate.”
“You’re in trouble?” she screeches.
“No, baby. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Talking. Clearing the air. That’s all.”
“You’re sure? Well, that doesn’t sound overly convincing.” She sighs, resting her head on my chest. “I just want us to be together. No trouble, no chance of you getting killed. The anxiety is too much, Brax.”
Feeling her unsteady breath against my chest, I graze my hand over her head. “It won’t always be this way, Izzy. Promise.”
“You don’t know that.” Looking up at me, I notice the glisten of tears as they swell in her eyes.
“Hey, don’t,” I say, pulling her back against me, wanting to take away whatever has her upset. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me.” A chuckle rumbles in my chest. “Nate has assured me his father is going to hear me out. He’s positive this will be a step forward for us.”
“Sure,” she croaks out. “I should go get ready. I’m meeting Tara for lunch,” she says with a smile, her palm pressed against my chest. Dipping my head, I press soft kisses against her supple lips, over and over.
Laughing, she pulls back, tapping me lightly on the arm. “Just get back to me. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Keep your cell phone with you at all times, Izzy.”
“Oh, I will.” She turns and makes a face at me as she steps away.
Grabbing her arm I pull her back, my grip a little tighter than I’d intended. “I mean it, Izzy. I need to know you are safe. I won’t risk losing you again.”
“Ow,” she grumbles, glancing down at my hand clutching her arm. She tugs on it a little, snapping it from my hold that eventually loosens. “He’s dead, Brax. I have nothing left to fear.”
“You’re my girl. I just want to know you are okay. I’m not taking any chances.” I turn, opening the drawer where I left the small pistol I had purchased for her. Grabbing it, I hold it out to her. “Here. This is for you. It’s small enough to fit in your purse, but I’ll rest easy knowing you have some way of protecting yourself.”
Gawking at me, she shakes her head from side to side. “No… I can’t.”
“Can’t what? Shoot a gun?”
“I, uh, I have no idea how to even hold the damn thing.” Walking over to her, I grab her hand and lead her to the door to outside. The rear yard is huge, the high fence lining the entire perimeter. Positioning her small frame against my chest. “I know you don’t know jack about guns which is why this little one is perfect.” I hold the gun in my hand, showing her how to open and close the cylinder. “The bullets go here,” I show her, “but don’t worry about that for now. The sound of the gun firing is going to startle you. But you get used to it.”
“I can’t do this…”
“Yes, you can. There are just two things you have to remember. Don’t point the gun at anyone other than the bad guys and don’t put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. It’s that simple.”
I place the handgun in her right hand, positioning her hand in the correct way. “It’s important to have a good grip on the gun. Now hold it out in front of you. Aim for the tree over there.” I nod pointing to the small tree to the right-hand side of the yard.
“You’re not really going to get me to fire this thing, are you?” Her voice is high-pitched and I need her to relax, dammit.
“You need to be able to take care of yourself, Izzy.” I meet her frightened gaze with a serious one of my own. My brows furrow together and I glare at her until she gives me the tiniest of nods. Groaning with resignation, she holds the gun up in front of her, her hand shaking a little as she holds it out straight, pointing it toward the tree.
I wrap my fingers around her arm. “Relax a little. Don’t stiffen up.” I flick my gaze over to the small tree. “Aim for the trunk, Izzy. Place your finger on the trigger and squeeze lightly.” I watch her intently as the skin around her eyes crinkles, her focus narrowing on the target. I jerk a little as she fires off a shot, my eyes darting toward the tree.
“Did I do it?” she croaks, her head whips and her eyes widen in surprise. I look again, stepping closer to see the bullet hole located in the middle of the trunk. I turn slowly, a smile spreading as I look at her face, her eyes still widened in shock.
“You did it, baby.” Taking a few steps forward, I reach out lowering her arm that still clutches the gun. “Keep it on you at all times.” I give her a warning with my eyes and watch as she nods her head, accepting my request. “You know you look so damn hot pointing that gun.” Snaking my arms around her waist I pull her into me, my eyes glancing down at the gun in her hand. I notice her finger resting against the trigger. “Trigger,” I say with a nod. “Remember, don’t rest your finger there. It’s sensitive. The slightest squeeze and the gun will go off.”
“Shit,” she mumbles, retracting her finger and holding it precariously in her hand. “What if it goes off when it’s in my purse?” She offers the gun to me like she is holding a bomb in her hand.
“Keep it in the holster,” I say with a shrug. Making our way back inside, I put the gun back in its holster, sliding it into her purse. Grabbing my keys and phone from the countertop, I light up the screen of my phone, conscious of the time. “Baby, I need to make tracks.” I place a soft kiss on her forehead, stroking the side of her head gently. “Have fun. Stay safe.”
Racing over to the door, I give her a fleeting wave as I make my way over to my bike, mounting it and revving the engine. The gates open and I pull away from the drive, fleeting a glance over my shoulder. It’s hard to explain the protection I feel for that girl. I finally feel like my life is back on track, my heart nesting in the place it’s always meant to be. With Isabelle.
Driving the short distance, I pull up at the Savages’ residence, and I just have to hope that Nate has kept to his word. He promised that he’d spoken to Jeffries and cleared the air. I’m still going in with realistic expectations. These fuckers are Savages. It’s in their nature to be erratic, and so far, Nate is by far the most civilized of the Savages I’ve met.
I park up my bike amongst the other twenty or so lined up outside the front of the house. I chuckle a little, knowing this is a result of their unexpected good fortune. I dig into my back pocket, pulling out my smokes. The need for nicotine is strong right now, and I know it’s the nerves kicking in. I’m here to smooth things over with a bunch of crazy-ass bikers. You could call it mission impossible. Taking a huge drag, I draw in the much-needed hit, flicking the end with my thumb over and over.
“Hey, man,” Nate shouts, bouncing over to greet me. I hold out my hand and he takes it, slapping his palm against mine, pulling me in for a man hug.
“All good,” I ask with a lift of my brow.
“I told you, man. This is just to clear the air. My old man is cool now. Well, when I say cool,” he leans into me, “what I mean is he’s pissed about it, but the money has definitely sweetened him up a little. He sees you as a serious ally. Especially since we have struck up quite a friendship.”
“I like working with you, Nate,” I say patting him on the back. “You have a long way to go, but I like you. You’re different to the rest.”
“Yeah, well, that’s what my father doesn’t like about me. You know, that I’m different. He doesn’t like the fact that I’d rather spend hours sketching out tattoo ideas rather than fucking shit up the way the rest of the gang do.”
“That earns my respect,” I say, offering him a smile. “Don’t change, man.”
He nods, leading me into the house. We make our way into the main room, Jeffries sitting with one leg pulled over the other. The smell of weed is strong in the room.
“Braxton,” he sings, stumbling to his feet as he rushes to greet me. I hold out my hand, offering it to him. Taking it, he squeezes tightly, covering it with his other hand, patting the back of my hand. “It’s good to see you.” He nods, pursing his lips; his eyes hold a serious expression. “I’m saddened by the whole Xander situation,” he barks, dropping my hand and walking over to the large leather chair he just stood up from. “Please,” he points to the couch beside him, “take a seat.” Walking over, I drop down on the couch, Nate following closely behind me, drinks in hand. Placing two glasses out on the small coffee table in front of us, he grabs a bottle of bourbon, pouring a small amount into each of the glasses, before turning and walking out of the room.
“Not going to lie, I’m a little fucking pissed off right now.”
“I’m not gonna argue about the rights and wrongs of what happened that night, but shit like that doesn’t happen where I come from.”
“That was my man,” he roars, leaning forward onto his knees. “You had a problem with him, you bring him to me. You broke the unwritten rules putting your motherfucking bullet into my man’s skull.” He grasps the glass while pointing his forefinger at me. “And what made the whole fucking thing worse was you and that cocksucker Carter lied about it. I called him out on where Xander was, because come on, my men don’t just disappear.”
The thudding in my chest does nothing to calm my nerves. I slowly shuffle forward in my seat, leaning until I’m close to him. “I don’t follow no fucking Savage rules. You walked onto our turf and your piece-of-shit man put his hands on one of our girls. I wasn’t going to let the sick fuck get away with that. Looking back, yes, I should’ve reacted differently. But I don’t regret killing him, not for a fucking second. Because that’s what I do. I react to the situation, just like I did at Alvrez’s place and my reaction there made you a motherfucking millionaire.” Glaring at him I know there is a fine line between giving as good as I get and pushing all the wrong buttons. “And there’s more where that came from. We can work together, Jeffries. We can continue making money. Lots of money.” Grabbing the glass, I throw back the amber liquid, swallowing it down in one gulp. The warmth has a pleasant kick and I can’t help but slam the glass down on the table in front of us.
“How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you won’t kill another one of my men the minute my back is turned? Huh?”
“Oh, come on,” I say dropping back into my seat, holding out my hand. “Put yourself in my shoes. Fuck, man, you’d have done the same. The girl was Carter's cousin. That alone was fucked up.”
“Shit.” He blows out a huge breath. “That tiny piece I had my eye on?” Rolling my eyes, I nod a little. “She was a fine piece, I kinda don’t blame Xander for wanting a taste, but I get it.” He holds up his hands in surrender, his eyes meeting my harsh glare. “He crossed a line, and you did what you thought was right at the time.”
I let out a huge breath as the words fall from Jeffries’ mouth. He’s starting to understand, finally. Like it’s fucking registering in his tiny brain.
“But one thing you need to note, Brax. You have a problem with any of my men, you come to me first.” He holds out his hand. “I think we could work real fucking nice together. What ya reckon?”
“I reckon we have a deal.” I place my hand in his, giving him a firm, hand-squeezing shake.
“My son has had nothing but good fucking things to say about you.” He chuckles, dropping the hold on my hand and pushing his heavily tattooed hand through his hair. “Pussy motherfucker seems to have taken a shine to you.”
“Do me a favor…” I flick my chin upward a little.
“What?” he asks, picking up the half-smoked joint from the ashtray on the table and resting it loosely against his lips. Grabbing the lighter, he flicks the lid, placing the larger-than-necessary flame to the end of the joint. Dark smoke surrounds him, filling the air surrounding us.
I narrow my eyes, lean in a little and lower my voice. “Don’t call him a pussy. Boy did you good. He needs to be shown some respect.”
“Don’t talk to me about respect.” He takes a huge drag of the joint, blowing the smoke into my face.
“Listen, I’m not trying to be a dick here, but it seems to me you give Nate a hard time when he really doesn’t fucking deserve it.”
“I do give him a hard time. You’re right about that. But listen, what would you have me do? He’s not like us, Brax. He’s not the son I imagined I’d have.”
“No,” I roar, “he’s much more than that.” I stand up, leaning forward and patting his shoulder lightly. “Nate is a good kid.”
“I think that’s the problem.” Jeffries shrugs, finding his feet and standing in front of me, his hand resting on my shoulder.
“It was good that we could clear the air,” I say as we walk over to the door.
“I look forward to working with you again.”
I let out a sigh of relief, nodding in agreement. “I’ll be in touch,” I say, shaking his hand for a final time. I catch sight of Nate standing near the door. He lifts his head when he sees me and I know he’s checking to see how it went. I narrow my eyes on him, nodding my head ever so slightly.
“Nate,” Jeffries shouts over. “See Brax out.”
“Got it,” he shouts back, stepping closer to me.
“Good. It went good, right?”
“I’m still in one piece, aren’t I?” I retort, clasping my hand on the back of his neck. “Thanks for smoothing shit over with him, although, I’m not sure why he listened to you. He still isn’t your biggest fan, is he?” Scratching his chin, he shakes his head slowly. “Nah, fuck. We never have been that close, but coming home with the money fucking helped. He takes me seriously now.”
“You’re a good kid,” I say as we walk through the door and over to my motorcycle. “You’re my favorite Savage of them all,” I say with a laugh.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He laughs too, and I can see why this kid doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of them. He’s just a little too nice. No doubt he carries the fucking crazy gene, but it’s like the lifestyle hasn’t quite rubbed off on him. I think he’s good for Tara. I just hope the two of them can make it against all odds.
Getting answers is the focus of the day. And there is only one person other than Carter that I know I can ask.
My mother.
Tara has driven us to the house that holds a thousand memories and we sit outside in silence for what feels like a lifetime.
“So.” She reaches for my hand, squeezing it a little. “Do you want me to go knock on the door? I don’t mind.”
“No, it’s fine. I need to do this. I’m just trying to compose myself.”
“You got this, babe. I’m with you every step of the way.”
“I’m not scared of facing her, I’m just scared that I won’t be able to believe a word she says, and today is about getting the truth. I need to know.”
Making her way around to my side of the car, she opens the door, urging me to step out. I jump out and pull my hands into the sleeves of my jacket. Hiding my nerves is easier than admitting how I truly feel. I take slow, steady steps toward the house, stopping at the large wooden door.
“You knock,” I say with a glance and a nudge of my elbow.
“Okay,” she says, lifting her clenched fist, rapping her knuckles against the wood. I watch as her eyes roam over the dilapidated house. “I can hear someone,” she whispers, stepping back to look through the window beside the door.
The door opens, and a gasp escapes my mother. “Isabelle. It’s really you. Oh, baby.” She rushes toward me, wrapping her arms around me tightly, but I freeze and in my heart have nothing to reciprocate. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
“I’m not here for a reunion, Mom. I’m here for answers.”
Pulling back she draws her brows together, her eyes search mine as she questions me. “Answers… for what?”
“Maybe we can come in, talk civilly about this.” Tara speaks in a calm, sensitive tone, her eyes flit between me and my mom and I know she can feel the tension between us.
“Sure, I mean, I wasn’t expecting guests, but come in. Of course.” She steps back, allowing us to enter. I follow her into the living room, sitting down on the edge of the well-worn couch.
“So, spit it out. What is it you’re so desperate to know?” She stands in front of me and I lift my head to meet her bloodshot eyes. I swallow down the lump of disappointment that has formed in my throat, hardly able to believe this is my old house and the haggard-looking woman in front of me is my mother. She’s drunk already, the whole place is littered with empty bottles and smells like some kind of old bar.
“I need the truth about my father.”
“What about him?” she snaps, annoyance lacing her tone.
“Did he work for Carter? I mean, you know who Carter Mellano is, right?”
Her face blanches and her mouth drops open a little. “How do you know about that?” she croaks before stumbling over and dropping in the seat opposite me.
“I need to know the truth,” I yell. “You knew where I was, didn’t you?”
“No, of course not.” She stutters her words and I know it’s a lie.
“You’re lying.” I scream so loud it scratches the back of my throat. Tara rests her hand on my knee in an attempt to calm me, but it has the opposite effect. I bolt from my seat, over to my mother, leaning into her, one hand placed on either side of the chair. “Tell. Me. The. Truth,” I grate out, unable to unclench my teeth. “Now,” I roar and she jerks with fright.
“Okay, okay,” she whimpers, tears filling her eyes. “Your father started working with Carter, small-time dealing, but it got out of hand. He was making Carter good money, only, he was robbed. Some thugs jumped him, taking all of the money he’d made this particular day. See, your father wasn’t a fighting man. He did what he needed to, but violence wasn’t his thing. I had no idea what he was mixed up in until he came to me one day saying Carter was pissed about the money that was lost and that he had to pay it back within five days. If he couldn’t he was coming to take you. He admitted to your father that he wanted you. He said that you were destined to be with him, that he would take you and own you completely.”
“So that’s why he kept me locked away all that time?”
“Yes, Isabelle, you have to believe me. We did what was necessary to protect you.”
I shake my head, leaning in until I’m so close to her face we’re practically touching. “No. No one does that to their own daughter. You could have moved me away…”
“No,” she interrupts. “He would’ve found you. It was too much of a risk. Please, we were just protecting you.”
I push myself away from her, placing both my palms against my face in an attempt to control my raging thoughts. “Do you know what I’ve been through? How being separated from my friends and being completely isolated has affected me? Do you have the first fucking idea?”
“Isabelle, honey, it’s okay.” Tara tries to soothe me, her hand caressing my back. “No,” I snap, moving away from her touch. “It’s not okay. Jesus, it all makes sense now. Brax said you didn’t look bothered. And that’s the reason you didn’t file a missing persons report.” I let out a growl of frustration, reaching for the empty glass of vodka on the table and launching it against the wall. The sound of glass shattering echoes around the room, shards of glass cover the floor.
“How long, Mom, huh? How long would you have kept me locked up?”
“Sweetheart, please.” She steps up from her chair, holding out a shaky hand as she tries to placate me. “We only did what we thought was best for you. To keep you safe. When you’ve calmed down, you’ll understand…”
“Understand? I’ll never understand how you’ve treated me and what you’ve done. You could’ve gone to the police. You could have done… something, anything but that.”
“Do you have any more questions?” she asks quietly.
“What is it, Mom? Am I taking up too much of your precious time?”
“Now you’re just twisting my words.”
“Just forget it,” I say, charging toward the door and barreling out and over to the car. I lean against the car, a sob wracking from me, my body shaking thunderously. A million unanswered questions play over and over in my mind.
“Izzy,” Tara shouts over, her footsteps thudding behind me, but I don’t react. My body quivers as I wail into my arm. “It’s okay,” she whispers wrapping her arm across my shoulder trying to comfort me. My rib cage aches as I struggle to breathe. Pulling me away from the car, Tara wraps her arms around me, holding me steady. “I got you.” She strokes my head. “We should get you home.”
“No.” I can’t help but snap. “I don’t want him to see me like this.”
“He needs to know the truth. He deserves to know.”
“I’m scared,” I choke out, looking up at her through my wet lashes. “I’m scared what will happen, that this will cause so much more shit than we’ve already been through.”
“Babe, you can’t move on until this whole thing is out in the open. The truth will eat away at you and cause tension.”
“But he’ll kill him,” I murmur, swiping the tears that roll over my cheeks. “Brax won’t rest until he’s made him suffer.”
“I know, I know.” She tilts her head, tears welling in her eyes. “But what Carter has done to Brax is just… well, fucked up. If Carter has it in his head that you belong to him, I’m not sure he’ll ever stop. He’s the kind of criminal who is used to getting his own way. He’s used Brax and played games and all the while he knew what had happened to you.”
“Do you think he knew about Alvrez?” I gasp as a sudden wash of realization comes over me. “They were working together. What if he’s the one behind all of this?”
“How could he be? Your father was hiding you from him. He didn’t know your exact whereabouts.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure.” I step back, grabbing the handle and opening the door.
“Where are we going?” She looks at me with her hands held up, her eyes wide.
“I’m going to ask him. I’m going to talk to Carter.”
Sighing heavily, I slam the door shut, reaching for my belt. Tara hurries into the car, dropping into the driver’s seat. “Babe. I can’t do this.” She allows her eyes to fall shut. “He’ll kill us both, that’s if we even make it inside.”
“How else will I know? I have to go there. I have to confront him. If I tell Brax about what has happened, someone will die, and I can’t risk it being him.”
“But… you… you’re risking your own life.” Grabbing my forearm, she squeezes lightly. “Carter has this eerie calm exterior. But don’t be fooled. Behind that mask is a man who is willing to murder anyone at the drop of a hat. He’s dangerous, Izzy. He’s like a bear. He looks cute and all, but those fuckers will hunt you down for fun and eat you alive.”
I shudder, listening to her telling me about Carter, but something deep in my gut is telling me I need to face this head-on. “I’ve been tortured and close to death. I’ve suffered things you can’t even imagine. But I made it out. I’m here to tell the tale, and I’m not going to risk the chance that he might do it again. If Carter was behind this, what’s to say I’m safe?”
“Let me speak to him. I’m family. Maybe that will stand for something?” Her nose crinkles as she looks at me with sad eyes. “I got your back, Izzy. You and Brax are more like family to me than my own family.”
“Come with me. We go together, see if you can get him to open up.”
“Of course, I’ll try. But there are no guarantees.”
“Thank you,” I say, rubbing my clammy palms against my jeans, staring back at the house. My mother is standing at the door, looking directly at me. I glare at her. Hard. She doesn’t move, or go back inside, but she drops her head, losing the contact she had with me. I feel sick to my stomach, filling with dread and disappointment. I feel so betrayed by her. That she sent me away with my father and didn’t give me a second thought. I guess it was a blessing in disguise for her. It gave Mom a chance to cozy up with her new boyfriend, all the while getting shit-faced. I reach down to the passenger side floor, grabbing my purse and placing it in my lap. If I’m going in there, I need to be prepared. Be willing to protect myself.
We drive for a while in silence. “Hey.” She turns to me, flashing a smile. “You’re quiet. You okay? Shit, stupid question really…”
“No,” I cut her off. “I’m okay.” I smile before turning and glancing out of the window. “You know, one day…” I pause, tilting my head to the side, “one day I should go back there, where Dad kept me locked up. Even if it is just to burn the place down.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ve been through, and if that’s what it takes for you to move on, then I say do it,” she says with an assertive nod.
“Glad I’m not the only crazy one around here,” I say, rolling my eyes and flashing her a sideways smile.
Looking out of the windshield, I notice we are finally pulling into the entrance to Carter’s, the usual security on the door.
“Shit,” I murmur, craning my neck to look at the guys standing at the entrance. “Do you think we’ll get in?” I’m not sure if it’s the panic setting in, but I start tapping my leg, my eyes wide and on Tara.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I don’t think I have any choice. Walking away without getting answers is like living on a knife’s edge. I just have no idea what will happen. And I can’t live in fear, I can only face it. Whatever this is, whatever he has planned, I need to deal with it head-on.”
“Dammit.” She slaps her hand against the steering wheel. “You amaze me. Your fire and determination are admirable.”
“Not really,” I reply with an absent shake of my head. “It’s just my survival instincts kicking in.”
“Well, whatever it is, I think you are one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Now, let’s go in there and face him together.” Taking my hand, she clutches it tightly and I reciprocate, squeezing lightly.
“Thank you for doing this.”
“You don’t need to thank me. We’re friends, and I’m pissed for you. After all, he’s my cousin.”
“This isn’t your fault.”
“No, but when it’s your own flesh and blood, you can’t help but feel a little responsible. But I promise you, I’m nothing like him. My mother sheltered me from the world our family lives in for as long as she could.”
“You’re here with me, supporting me. That means more than you’ll ever know.”
“Let’s get this over with.” She swings her door open, stepping out of the car. “Hey, tell my cousin we are here to see him,” Tara shouts to the two huge guys standing in the doorway.
“Is he expecting you?” the one with the shiny bald head asks. I make my way over, following just a step behind Tara. She knows Carter better than I do, so I’m happy to let her take the lead.
“Look, dickless. Just let us in. I’m his cousin. I don’t understand why you’re being so damn difficult.” Crossing her arms, her shoulders sag as she lets out a huge sigh.
“I’ll radio him,” the other guy informs us, turning and speaking into the handheld radio he’s just plucked from his waistband.
Goose bumps cover my skin the second I hear his voice come over the radio. “Send them in.”
Stepping aside, the two men hold their arms out, securing the doors open. “You got lucky this time,” the bald-headed guy sneers. “He’s out back. Beside the pool,” he informs us with a nod. Tara glares at him, shooting him a quick, sarcastic smile.
“Asshole,” she mutters under her breath as we charge through the hall and to the door that leads outside. I clutch my purse in my hand and I can’t help but notice how much it shakes. I’m fueled on anger and fear. A dangerous combination.
“You good?” Tara asks, looking at me over her shoulder.
I nod, straightening my posture, ready to face him. The man who may be responsible for ruining my life.
“Well, it didn’t take you long. I’ve been expecting you,” he drawls out, lazing back in the patio chair, his face pointing up to the sky. “What’s wrong, Isabelle? Scared to come alone?”
“I’m not scared of you,” I say with a scoff.
“Really? Are you sure about that?” He sits upright, looking me dead in the eye. “Because I think I do scare you and I also think it turns you on.”
“Carter,” Tara yells at him. “You have to stop this. NOW.”
“I don’t have to do anything.”
“We came here for answers,” she says, glaring at him. “Isabelle deserves to know the truth.”
“I told her the truth the other day at the bar. Isn’t that right, Isabelle?”
Shuddering, I cross my arms over my heaving chest, trying to find the right words. “My mom told me you were the cause of my father keeping me locked up all those years. But there’s something else I need to know,” I say with a gulp, my nerves evident in the way my voice sounds. I’m trying to control my emotions, but sometimes it’s easier said than done.
“What?” he asks, pushing himself out of the chair, his hands sliding into his pant pockets as he saunters toward us. I instinctively step back, holding my hand out to him. “Don’t come any closer,” I warn him.
“Why?” He smirks, continuing to take steps toward me. “You think I want to hurt you, Isabelle?”
“I don’t know,” I yell at him. “I have no idea what your agenda is right now, but I do know one thing. I don’t trust you. Not in the slightest.”
“She can trust me, can’t she?” he says smiling at Tara standing beside me.
“What is going on with you?” She swallows down hard, pointing her finger at him. “I’m ashamed to call you family.”
“Oh, get over yourself, you righteous little bitch.” He storms toward her, stretching out his hand as he wraps his fingers tightly around her throat. “You are a Mellano. You seem to have forgotten that small little detail.”
“Get off her,” I roar, tugging at his arms, trying to get him to release his hold on her. I frantically tug, her hands scratching and clawing at his hands around her neck. I grapple with his hands, finally getting him off of her. Only then, he turns his attention to me.
This is a mess.
Shit.
Tara drops to the floor, gasping for breath. I look down, trying to locate my purse, realizing that in my attempt to help Tara, I dropped it on the ground. Carter's hand grasps a handful of my hair, tugging painfully hard as he tilts my head back.
“You knew about Alvrez, didn’t you? This was all your doing.”
“Well, aren’t you a clever little thing? How did you work it out?”
“I didn’t,” I manage to force out. “Call it a gut feeling.”
“Years, Isabelle. Years I listened to that whiny little bitch talking about you. About how he couldn’t move on with his life. All the while, I knew you should be mine, that when we did find you, I’d claim you for myself. Only Brax became my friend, and a damn good money-making machine. We hired detectives, and eventually they tracked you down. It was hard to keep that a secret. I was working tirelessly to come up with a way to have you to myself, that’s where Alvrez came in…”
“If you wanted me, why get Alvrez to pick me up? He tortured me, raped me, Carter!”
“That was never part of the plan.” He shakes his head, closing his eyes. “I had no idea that he wouldn’t be able to control himself around you. It was only ever supposed to be temporary, you have to believe me. I wanted to be the one to take your virginity, to claim you as mine and only mine. But it seems that you have quite an effect on men, Isabelle. Everyone wants a taste of you.” He lowers his mouth to mine, darting out his tongue before pressing his lips against mine.
“Let her go.” Tara manages to get on her feet.
“My purse, Tara,” I rush out, and strain to watch as she scrambles for the purse. Taking it in her shaking hand she struggles to open it, but manages to find the gun, pulling it out and holding it toward Carter.
“You’re really doing this? You’re pulling a gun on me?” He glowers at Tara, her hand shaking as she points the gun directly at him. Dragging me, he positions me in front of him, shielding himself from the line of fire. I suck in a sharp breath of air, cowering at the site of the gun now pointing at me.
“Drop it.” He growls his instructions. Tara’s eyes flicker between me and Carter and I allow my eyes to close a little, letting her know that she should do as he says.
“I’ll put it over here,” she informs him, slowly side-stepping over to the glass outdoor table. Placing it down, she looks over at us warily, wondering what her next move will be. “So, what now? What is it you want, Carter?”
“You came here. You tell me.”
“I came for the truth,” I choke out.
“So now you have it, you want me to do what? Let the both of you go so that you can run back to your little boyfriend and tell him what really happened?” he murmurs against my hair, his warm breath causing me to shudder.
“He doesn’t know we are here. I haven’t told him anything.”
“She’s telling the truth, Carter.” Tara holds her hand out to him, pleading not only with her soothing voice but with her beautiful brown eyes too. “Just let her go. We’ll leave now. We won’t say a word to anyone about this.”
“Yeah,” I say in agreement. “I’ll keep this to myself, just like last time. You know, I didn’t tell Brax about what happened in the bathroom. You can trust me. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
“That’s not enough.” He shakes his head adamantly. “You know, I’d given up on you. I told myself that maybe you were always meant to be with Brax, and that I could move on and forget about you. But I can’t. Seeing you again made me realize why I wanted you so much in the first place. Braxton isn’t the only one that has searched for you, or waited for you.”
“I’m not a car, or a dog you can just pass around.”
“I claimed you way before Brax got his fucking hands on you.”
“You’re crazy,” I gasp. “A complete nut job if you believe that bullshit. My heart and soul has only ever belonged to Brax, no matter what delusional ideas you have in your head!” I look over to where Tara was standing; only she’s gone. My eyes scan the surrounding area in a panic as I look for her.
“There’s nothing he can do to save you now.”
“What are you going to do to me?” I choke out, fighting back the tears that are on the verge of breaking the seal. Clasping my chin in his grip, he drags my face until my eyes meet his. They are so dark, they borderline black. Narrowed on me, I can’t help the shudder that wracks through me. “I’m keeping you. Making you mine. As for you…” He snaps his head, looking for Tara.
“Fuck,” he growls, his hand landing heavily on the back of my neck, causing me to cower, his grip is so tight. “Where the fuck did she go?”
“I don’t know,” I offer weakly.
“Fucking bitch,” he growls, dragging me with him as he storms inside and over to the guys standing at the door.
“She left?”
“Uh, yes, sir.” The bald-headed guy looks at us in confusion.
“You fucking piece of shit,” he roars. “And you didn’t think it was weird she was leaving alone?” He pushes his free hand through his short brown hair. “Well done, cocksuckers.” He throws his hand in the air in resignation. “We are going to need men. I want this place locked down. Nobody comes in or out of here without my approval.”
My legs become shaky as sharp pains shoot through my neck. The hairs on my arms stand on end as fear rips through me. Once again I’m captive, but now I know the one man behind all of this is the one holding me now. Turning and forcing me down the hall, he keeps his grip tight on my neck.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. Carter, let me go.”
He laughs, a deep bellowing laugh, and I instantly hate it.
“What!” I shout at him. “What is so funny?”
“I was just wondering whether you would sound as sweet when you’re begging for me to stop.”
“You don’t want to do this. You know you’re no match for Brax. He’ll kill you,” I spit back, knowing our lives hang in the balance, trying to get Carter to see sense. “Stop this now, just let me go.”
“It’s too late.”
Tears blur my vision of where he’s taking me, but rage blooms inside me. No way have I survived everything I’ve been through, to surrender to this asshole. Dragging me into a room, the door slams shut behind me.
I let a solitary tear slide down my face.
I won’t die this way.
Only the strongest survive.
I’ll fight him until he’s the one begging for me to stop.
I will get my revenge for everything he’s done.