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Music’s pulsing throughout the club as I make my way through, nodding to a few of the security team. I head for the stairs leading to the second floor and check on the girls.
Night’s Bliss contains three levels. The first is for the public with a high entrance fee. Those that come in and are over the legal age, but under twenty-one get a stamp that can be seen by UV lighting. If someone with the stamp comes up to the bar to order a drink, our bartenders will know right off the bat who they are, thanks to the lights we have hanging over the bar top. On the second floor is where our girls work. There’s not only a yearly premium for a VIP membership, but for time with anyone who’s on shift, there’s a fee. All the money the girls make goes to them except for ten percent. That percentage goes to the benefits Finley had set up for them, such as insurance and the security team who keep them safe. The third floor contains Finley’s office and rooms for the girls who want to stay here and not leave the club when they’ve finished work for the night.
Spotting Gemini and Suke, I nod to them. “Everything okay up here?”
Suke smiles and glimpses the lounge area for the second floor. “You know it. The mayor here tonight?” she asks, quirking a brow.
“Yeah, I saw him come in.” Finley and I had approved the mayor getting his membership after a long talk with him and agreeing to sign a few other papers we keep for those who are in an authoritative position with the government. We’re not about to let them use our business against us—it works both ways when it comes down to it.
“Good, then I’m gonna head to my office. I’ll be here another hour or so. If anything happens, y’all know where to find me,” I say, winking teasingly at them.
Gemini giggles and rolls her eyes. “Get out of here, Cedric.”
Spinning on my heel, I head back down the stairs to my office. Where Finley’s is on the third floor, mine’s down here. I wanna be able to step in if need be, and I can’t do that if I’m not on the first floor.
I don’t wanna see anything else happen to those who are under my protection, not after what had happened to Finley. I can’t fail again. I won’t.
Chapter Three
Arwen
Staring at the clock next to the bed of my motel room, I’m exhausted. I didn’t realize when I checked in, I had picked a pay-by-the-hour sex palace. Okay, so maybe not a palace. It’s too scummy for that. The walls are paper thin—I’ve heard way too much for my liking in one night.
When I’d checked in, the clerk at the counter eyed me up and down like they wanted to take advantage of me. I truly think if I didn’t get out of there quickly, he’d have tried. The moment I get into my room, I slide a chair under the doorknob—not taking chances. I could already hear the sounds of men’s groans and women’s cries of pleasure.
In the hours I’ve been here, I don’t think I’ve slept a wink. I might’ve dozed for a few minutes here and there, but fear has me in its clutches.
I want nothing more than to sleep, but with the time ticking by, I need to get out of here. By now, I’m sure my family’s figure out I’ve escaped, and they’re searching for me. There’s no way they’ll let me go easily. The faster I get to a bus station, the safer I’ll be.
The clock strikes ten at night, and I decide it should be late enough. Scrambling off the bed, I peek out the window, seeing if there’s anything out of the ordinary. Not that I’d know if it were. Mainly I’m checking for any goons who work for my family.
Opening the door slowly, I glance either way before stepping out. Having paid in cash, I don’t bother going to the office to check out. I leave the key in the door and start walking, still not having a clue as to which way will get me to the bus station.
My stomach growls, reminding me I’ve not eaten since I ran away. I’ll eat once I know I’m safe. I don’t think I’d be able to keep anything down as it is with my nerves.
Wandering meaninglessly, I scan the area—constantly looking over my shoulder. I finally stumble upon the bus station. Or what looks like a metro.
Excitement builds, and I pick up my pace. The sooner I can get a ticket, the sooner I can get out of here.
Keeping my eyes peeled for any of my family’s men, I cross the street and start across the parking lot. I’m halfway through there when I find myself yanked backward.
I let out a sharp cry of pain as I’m slammed into the side of a car.
“Tsk. Tsk, Arwen. Did you honestly think you could escape your father and uncles?” One of my worst nightmares, Ciro, cackles, wrapping his fingers in my hair—gripping the strands tightly. Tito and Sylvain stand on either side of the man holding me pinned to the car, grinning maliciously. “Now that we’ve found you, Stefano has ordered you be taken to Tainted X and be punished.”
No. No. No.
The smirk on Ciro’s face says it all. My uncles had promised they would be the ones to handle my punishment. Just like they have done many times.
Ciro takes a step back and pulls me to him. “Maybe if you’re a good girl, we won’t be so harsh on you. You’ll be in for a rude awakening when your future husband gets his hands on you. You think your family is bad, just wait until he has you.”
I don’t know what it is that comes over me, but I must have completely lost my mind and gone insane. Kicking at Ciro’s shin, I start fighting him. I’m not sure how I end up free of his grasp—honestly, I don’t care. I just need away from him and the other two goons.
Backing away from the men, I pivot on my toes and make a break for it. I don’t dare glance back. I can hear them chasing after me.
The beat of my heart roars in my ears, nearly deafening me.
Breathless, I know I’ve gotta find somewhere to hide and escape them. Darting across busy streets, I’m nearly hit by a couple cars as the drivers blare their horns while yelling at me through their open windows.
