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“If you hurt her, I’ll fucking kill you,” I whispered.
Donovan laughed, then forced me to my knees. While one hand wrapped itself in my hair, the other unbuttoned and unzipped his khaki slacks, freeing his dick. “Open your pretty little mouth, sis.”
I did as I was told, and my gaze followed Ashkov while he sank into a chair and watched, his soulless dark eyes glinting with lust. Ashkov shelled out a lot of money for his victims, but once he beat and raped the women, they were often discarded and left for dead. Unfortunately, the one thing that would ensure I would remain alive was Donovan. There was no way he would let me go. I was too valuable to him. I knew for a fact he charged a lot of money for a night with me. And the rougher someone wanted to be, the more they had to pay.
Donovan thrust his disgusting dick into my mouth, gagging me. His body shuddered as his come hit the back of my throat. Once he was finished, he pulled out and cupped my chin, wiping the corner of my lip with his thumb. “Be a good girl, Giselle. I’ll see you around eight in the morning.”
Shit, I would spend the night with Ashkov. Hell, with any luck, he would use and kill me. At least that thought gave me something to look forward to—a way out of Hell. It would be better than carrying around the scars his abuse would leave behind.
Donovan jerked me into a standing position and smoothed my hair before he stepped away. I wasn’t sure where Ashkov had disappeared to, but before I realized what was happening, Donovan spun me around and a cloth slipped over my mouth and nose. Seconds later, my entire world faded to black.
9
Zayne
The time with my friends was exactly what I needed. As we hung out in the conference room, laughter filled the air, reminding me that taking an occasional evening off was good for my soul.
Holden’s fingers drummed against the tabletop right before he stood from his chair at the head of the table and approached me. “Do you have time to chat privately?” Concern twisted his expression.
“Always.”
I took a moment to tell everyone goodbye, then followed Holden as he led the way to the elevator. Once the door was closed, he pressed the button for the penthouse. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly stressing.
The chime broke the silence, and the elevator opened. We exited, and I followed Holden into the hall. He paused before the little square box on the wall and held still as the green light scanned his eye. The lock clicked open, then we entered and secured it behind us.
“I wanted to make sure there wasn’t anyone around.” Holden slid his hands into his pockets and walked through the living room to the black leather sofa.
I remained quiet, allowing him to gather his thoughts. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the Spokane River, and I made my way to them, my tennis shoes squeaking against the white marble floors with each step. Leaning against the glass with my shoulder, I stared below as the water rushed by. The city lights bounced off the waterfall’s foam, holding my attention for a moment. Water had always been my peaceful place. If I’d realized that sooner, I would have ended up a Navy SEAL instead of an Army Ranger, but I’d still served my country with pride.
“Have you heard anything from Brian at the FBI lately?” Holden finally asked.
I turned slowly, understanding Holden’s anxiety. Brian was an FBI contact who occasionally worked with Pierce. The last case that Brian helped with was Holden’s when River had been kidnapped. That entire situation took a crazy-as-fuck wild turn, not to mention that Holden’s sleazy father, Tim, had been involved. Holden had refused to let his father get away with withholding information that put River’s life in jeopardy. So, he dealt with him after River was safe.
“No, but Pierce might have. It would look suspicious if I asked. Are you regretting what happened with your father?”
Holden smirked. “Not one fucking bit, dude. Even if shit went south, I made the right choice. And when we find the others responsible for hurting River …” Holden’s jaw clenched, his hands fisted together.
“As far as I know, there’s nothing leading the FBI to us. Besides, Tim is missing, that’s all.” I raised a brow at him. “I told you I had your back, man. I know how to pull shit off without leaving a trace. You should call Pierce and see if they have any updates on your family. He’ll talk to you, especially since River was taken and he knows you guys are going to be on edge until everyone involved in her kidnapping is found.” I blew out a sigh. “How’s River doing? I realize it hasn’t been a year since she was rescued, but she seems to be doing well.”
“She’s in therapy twice a week, and she doesn’t even go to the bathroom without security hot on her heels when we’re at work or in public.” Holden shook his head, disbelief registering in his expression. “It’s weird as shit to realize that half my family is fucking twisted, and the other half … I didn’t understand how special they were until I almost lost everyone.”
“I’m glad things are better for you and River. You both deserve all the happiness in the world.” I meant every word I said.
Holden’s smile lit up his face. “Yeah, she’s amazing. I’m one lucky son of a bitch.” His dark brow arched. “Are you dating anyone, or do you need a few nights of fun while you’re in town?”
I chuckled, realizing Holden was changing the topic. “I might take you up on the offer. There’s no one I’m interested in at the moment.”
“Bullshit.” Holden barked out a laugh. “We all know you’re into Brynn. As soon as you two get anywhere near each other, the fireworks start exploding. It’s like you have your own electrical storm brewing.”
“Can’t happen, plus the situation has changed, and she and I have already talked about it. It’s best for everyone, but I only see her as a good friend. Besides, she’s in love with at least one guy, maybe two. Even if we did go out for a while, it wouldn’t end well. Not to mention, it’s clear that Chance is in love with her, and I won’t step on his toes. He’s a good guy.”
“So, you know about Chance?” Holden stretched out his arm along the back of the sofa, then crossed his jean-clad legs in front of him.
“I didn’t until Sutton told me what was up. As soon as she explained that she thought Brynn had feelings for him too, I was out. Everyone’s friendship is too important to me.” I didn’t want to go into detail about what had happened with Giselle at the moment. It could wait for another day.
“You’re a better man than me. I would have swooped in and tried my hardest to make someone fall in love with me.” A playful grin slipped into place.
“I can appreciate that.” I sank into the recliner, the soft leather bending with my weight.
