AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As much as the thought of escape entices me, it’s not that simple. I can’t leave by myself. There are so many of us who need rescuing. It’s overwhelming.
“Tom says he didn’t touch you,” CJ says, not making eye contact. “You can tell me if he did.”
“He forced me to smell his deadly body odor all night, but no, he didn’t touch me like that.”
In fact, it wasn’t horrible. Wyatt was a good big brother to Oliva, telling her knock-knock jokes to make her giggle. I’d fought off a smile or two and even heard Tom chuckling before everyone settled in for the night. Things definitely could have gone a lot worse.
CJ turns, flashing me a conspiratorial grin that might’ve once been attractive to me. Not anymore. “Good. I saw you first, so I should be the one who gets to.”
My lip curls up and I glower at him. “I’m not some prize to be won. I’m a person.”
CJ has the wits about him to appear embarrassed. “Sorry, Raegan. I know that. I’m just trying to make you feel better. You will be married soon and even though Tom is older, I saw you first and laid claim. My uncle might have us present an argument as to who should be able to marry you, but mine is stronger. Tom already has kids, whereas I don’t. Plus, you and me already have a connection.” He touches my thigh and gives it a squeeze that makes me shudder. “You could help plead my case.”
Unable to stand his touch any longer, I shove his hand away. “I will never marry one of you monsters. And if you try to have sex with me, know right now that it won’t ever be willingly on my part. I will not be having anyone’s babies.”
His features darken and his eyes flicker with anger. “One of us will fuck you soon, little virgin, rest assured. It’s your choice whether or not you decide to enjoy it.”
“If you have to resort to stealing girls from their beds in the middle of the night, it’s very doubtful I’d enjoy it even if you tried.” I spit at him. “You’re pathetic.”
He shoves me hard off the log and I hit the earth on my back, knocking the breath out of me. I sit up on my elbows, ready to kick him if he comes near me, but he storms off.
I pissed him off.
Good.
Maybe he’ll stay the hell away from me.
From across the fire, I see Logan stand. He helps Ronan to his feet. At first, I think they’re going to their tent, but then Logan guides him over to where I’m now sitting back on the log.
“Let your sister know everything is fine,” Logan says when they approach, gesturing at the log beside me. “I’m going to take a piss. You have five minutes. Your treat for being good today, pet.”
Pet?
I want to jump to my feet and run my fingernails down Logan’s face. The way he treats Ronan sickens me. But the last time I had a fit, Ronan took a beating. It takes everything in me not to snap at Logan.
“Thanks, Logan,” Ronan grunts out, gingerly sitting next to me.
As soon as Logan walks off, I grab Ronan’s hand and lean into him. The tears come out of nowhere like a flash flood. I cling to him, crying enough for both of us.
“Hey, Rae,” he croons, voice soft and shaky. “It’s okay. I’m all right.”
But he’s not all right. He’s hurt. Logan hurt him.
“It’s all my fault,” I rasp out, hiccupping through my tears. “He hurt you because of me.”
“Shh. Just a few whacks with a belt. I survived. Nothing any worse than what Dad’s doled out before.”
I know he’s lying. I know it was terrifying and painful. He never howled like that when Dad spanked him. None of us kids ever did. This was different. This was a beating.
“I’m sorry, Ro.”
“Don’t be sorry,” he says, voice stern. “Now tell me how you are. Did he hurt you?”
“Tom, the big oaf?” I scoff at him. “No. Just tried to kill me with his stank. Plus, his kids were there too.”
Having Wyatt and Oliva there has helped make sleeping beside the man not so scary.
“Good.” He kisses the side of my head. “You’re strong. We’ll get through this. Just need to hang on.”
