CHAPTER9
Cassie
Sinners.
That’s what I’d once considered the Wild Boys. They seemed impervious to traditional laws, capable of doing anything they wanted. While all four had been born with a silver spoon in their mouths, Alexander had taken his building power to an entirely new level, becoming head of the Durante mafia family.
I’d been terrified of the man’s capabilities, which was why I’d wanted to take him out first. I still couldn’t believe I’d failed, but he was right. He’d never disclosed any allergies or other afflictions, the entire family careful of relaying any information outside their illustrious world that could indicate a single sign of weakness.
What I’d noticed was that only Alexander continued to wear their special ring. Maybe Brogan had lost his, but Daniel was far too organized to lose anything. They’d done everything to distance themselves from the pact they’d shared.
As I lifted my head, I could tell by his demanding glare that any further antics wouldn’t be tolerated. I’d overheard only a portion of what they’d said, but if they managed to locate my motel room, it was possible that they could follow a trail to my real identity. If they did, would it matter at this point? I fisted my hands, trying to maintain any level of composure while my stomach continued to churn.
The estate was gorgeous, even more sprawling than I’d realized as I’d been racing away from my prison. Brogan dumped me on my feet the moment we hit the pool deck, although he kept a tight hold, his hand firmly wrapped around my neck.
I brushed away sand, shivering from his hold alone.
All three men stood stoically for a full minute until Alexander nodded toward one of the main buildings.
“Bring her inside.” His voice was dead calm, as if he’d already planned out what punishment the three men would provide, and it didn’t bother or excite him. I was still hovering on a precipice, a cliff overlooking the bottomless pit, my heart racing somewhere between sheer panic and utter terror. I tried to remember anything Garrison had told me about them and how they handled what he’d called ‘difficult situations’ but nothing came to mind.
Everything was a total blur of the past and present, presenting itself like a monster clawing his way into my system.
Brogan pushed me toward the open door, giving me no time to object or react in any way. Alexander turned away, but not before he allowed me a glimpse of the thoughts that had been written all over his face.
He had plans of more than just issuing harsh punishment. His emerald pools of eyes indicated he wanted nothing more than to devour me, stripping me naked and debasing every aspect of my being. I continued to teeter on the craggy edge, unable to catch my breath. The man was lethal, a dangerous combination of sex appeal and a hunger for violence and control.
A part of me wanted to beg for my life, but the thought sounded ridiculous. Whatever they had planned for me included humiliating me in every way they could.
I had an urge to grab the door trim, trying to prevent Brogan from dragging me inside, but it was useless, the forcefield of a man holding me blocking my attempt.
As soon as I was pushed into the center of the room, I folded my arms. There was no amount of self-protection that would keep me safe from them, but it felt as if I’d grabbed a tiny portion of control. The sprawling area was a game room, complete with a massive pool table and bar, four sets of round tables and chairs. There was also a terrifying looking contraption located close to the center, the steel and wooden piece straight out of the Dark Ages.
It also reminded me of the time spent in the pain room in Alexander’s club.
“What is this place?” I asked, which sounded ridiculous to me. They weren’t here to provide me with any information.
“This place is a special resort I had built, Dahlia. It’s an entire world full of pleasure and pain.” Alexander slowly walked in my direction, moving around me in a complete circle. “You see, my very special customers demand something more than just playtime in a club after hours. They long to become immersed in an environment created just for their fascinating desires.”
“You mean their sadistic, twisted needs,” I muttered.
He closed the distance, lifting my chin with a single finger. “An accurate statement, but I certainly don’t criticize whatever they enjoy delving into. There are thousands of people who long to have their fantasies fulfilled. I provide whatever they need to have a glorious experience.”
“By inventing a world of sick domination and torture.” Of course, my haughty words weren’t going to win me any points, but I still had nothing to lose.
But my life.
Would they kill me after they were finished? I only hoped that Daniel’s commitment to keeping the peace and incarcerating criminals would be remembered. I almost laughed. What was I thinking? He’d crossed the line, moving from the good side to one of evil where anything goes. Maybe he’d never changed after all.
“While I toss out customers who use torture of any kind, adults should know when to draw the line.”
I loathed Alexander more and more, his twisted mind making everything sound so palpable.
“Even if that includes murder?”
My question amused all three of them. “What do you think you were doing, sweet Dahlia?” Brogan asked, the heat of his body licking against the embers buried deep in my system.
I tossed my head, holding back a whimper. “I had my reasons and they were justified.”