She smiled to herself, as Jet caressed her knee while they sat at a table in the dark corner of the bar. Her friends were having a good time.
“I could use some fresh air. I’m going to use the restroom real quick. Meet me out front?” Jet asked with his adorable smile. The man was to die for. She thought maybe he wasn’t so interested in her, and she felt panicked. He was the type of guy a woman dreamt of meeting. He was tall, and handsome, with dark brown eyes that immediately drew her in. When he looked at her, it was as if he could see her soul. He had a suave sense about him, too. The man knew how to seduce a woman, and she was so ready for his seduction. He threw down bills like he had money and with a powerful attitude.
He gently took her chin between his thick fingers and tilted her head up toward him as he stood. She followed him with her eyes, wondering if his chest was filled with muscles, and wanting to explore it. He leaned down and kissed her softly, then shocked her when he pressed his tongue between her teeth. “Meet me outside. Here are my keys, so you know I mean it. Hurry,” he said, pressing his keys into her hand. She squeezed them as she watched him head to the bathroom.
She took a deep breath and released it as excitement filled her body. She was going to see where this led, and hopefully it was to his bed.
She glanced around to see if any of her friends were around, but she couldn’t see them. Plus, Jet said hurry. She quickly walked outside, passed the security guards, and headed to the side of the building. Jet was there to meet her. He took her hand and made their way through the parking lot to walk down the strip. Instead he led her deeper into the parking area.
“Hey, I thought we were getting some fresh air?”
He pulled her closer, turned her in his arms, and cupped her cheeks. He kissed her on the mouth, taking her breath away. When he released her lips, he smiled. “First, I need a little alone time. Someplace quiet.”
He took her hand and pulled her closer to a souped-up Corvette, with tinted windows sitting between a navy-colored van and a dark burgundy Cadillac.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she hoped his car was the ’Vette.
As he leaned against the car, he pulled her close and started kissing her again. His hands roamed slowly over her ass, then against her thighs and up and under her skirt. He was a great kisser.
She was absorbed in his embrace when she thought she heard something behind her. Then there was a pinch to her neck, and she gasped and reached up.
“Hey,” she said, turning behind her to see two men in a van with the side door opened. Her eyes darted around, and she noticed bodies inside. Women tied up, and gagged. Before she could scream, they were pulling her into the van as her body began to feel numb. It was like she lost all control of her muscles as she slipped out of their arms and to the floor. Vision blurry, she heard a muffled voice and looked toward the door, the only light. She fought to keep her eyes open as Jet spoke to her.
“You be a good girl now, Amanda, and do what the boss says. Maybe you’ll live longer than most.”
Chapter
5
Quaid was relieved that Sage didn’t fight them on coming back to their estate. He wasn’t certain if Matt would be able to keep control much longer. He had been so angry and concerned over Sage’s well-being. When he heard the radio chatter about the dance hall fight, Matt immediately woke Quaid. His brother didn’t have a lot of patience. He expected people to obey his command, to step into line and remain there at his command. Sage was fighting him tooth and nail, and seeing her hurt tonight was enough for Matt to draw the line. He just hoped that Matt remembered how fragile Sage could be, and how earning her trust was key to developing their relationship. He knew the painkillers were kicking in, and as he attempted to lift her out of the truck to carry her, she insisted on walking. She wobbled on her feet, and shivered.
“Let Quaid carry you. Your body has been traumatized, you’re exhausted and cold, so stop fighting us when we’re here to take care of you.”
She stood there and tried to take another step and nearly fell.
“Damn it,” Quaid said as he lifted her up and into his arms.
Matt placed her bandaged arm gently onto her belly, and still held that stern, serious expression.
“Let’s get her inside and warmed up.”
Quaid carried her up the walkway and into the house as Matt locked the doors behind them.
“I feel sick to my stomach,” she whispered.
“It’s probably from taking the meds on an empty stomach and only those two beers you had. It is after four o’clock in the morning,” Matt stated.
“What in God’s name is going on?”
Quaid and Matt turned toward the entry to the kitchen as the lights came on and both Virgo and Dale stood there.
“Oh God, what happened to her? Is she okay?” Virgo asked as he hurried to Quaid and Sage.
“Put me down, Quaid. I can walk.”
“You just said you felt sick and you were completely off-balance outside. Let me set you down in the chair and we’ll make you something to eat.”
“I’m okay, Virgo, Dale. There was a little trouble at the dance hall,” she said as Virgo and Dale moved to either side of her.