She rested her head on my chest. “Thank you, Daddy.” She sounded like she meant it too.
I started rubbing circles on her back, comforting her. “Just relax in my arms, baby girl,” I said. “Your Daddy will take care of you.”
Eva’s eyes drifted shut and it wasn’t long before she was sleeping. I was glad she was able to at least get some rest despite the situation.
I had noticed Eva plenty over the few months I had been undercover. She was always perched on Cobra’s lap or kneeling at his feet. She always looked scared and half-starved.
The Demons regularly kidnapped women and forced them into their brothels. It was obvious that even though Cobra called Eva his girlfriend, she was no freer than the women in the Pleasure Room. I had been trying to think of ways to free her without compromising my cover, and I had been coming up blank.
Even now I wanted to stop the charade and get out of here with her. I dreaded returning her to Cobra. But if I left now, all the intel I had been gathering would have been for nothing.
CHAPTER THREE
Eva
I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept so well as I did in Hudson’s arms. He was so gentle with me. I don’t know how I got to be so lucky.
Too soon, he was shaking me awake. “I’m sorry, baby girl. The two hours are up.”
My stomach clenched. The thought of going back to Cobra was more unbearable now than it was before. “Yes, Daddy,” I said softly, sitting up.
He didn’t look happy about the situation either. He stood up and ran his fingers through his hair. “I hate to say this, but you’ll have to take off the clothes.”
I knew he was right. It was nice being covered up while it lasted.
I pulled off the shirt and sweat pants, so I was only in a pair of shorts again. “Okay, Daddy, I’m ready.”
He wouldn’t look at me. “Then let’s go.”
“Wait,” I said quickly. “Before we leave, I just want to thank you. You were…you were really nice. I really appreciate it.”
He closed his eyes briefly. For a second it looked like he was in pain. “Don’t thank me. Not for this.”
Hudson led me out of his room and to Cobra’s room. Unlike Hudson’s room, Cobra had a whole suite with a huge bedroom, walk-in closet, and state-of-the-art private bathroom. But I would happily go back to Hudson’s room if given the choice.
Hudson turned to me as if he wanted to say something, but before he got the chance, Cobra’s door opened and he was standing there. “Right on time,” he said, grinning at Hudson. “Did you enjoy the whore?”
Hudson grinned at him but it didn’t reach his eyes. “She was a treat.”
“Maybe I’ll let you take her for a spin again some time. If I’m feeling generous.” Cobra grabbed my arm. “Let’s go, baby.”
He pulled me into his room and closed the door behind him. “Now do you see what happens if you don’t please me? Or maybe you like being treated like a whore and passed from guy to guy.”
“I-I’ll please you, sir,” I forced the words out. “I’ll be better, sir. I promise.” Tears sprang to my eyes, unbidden.
Cobra started to unbutton his pants. “Let’s see how grateful you really are.”
Several hours later, after he was done using me, Cobra permitted me to make myself some food.
It was past midnight at this point and the entire compound was quiet. I wasn’t allowed to explore, but from what I could gather, this was an old warehouse that had been renovated. The first floor held the Pleasure Room and a drug mill for meth, heroin, and God knew what else. Then there were rooms for high-paying clients who wanted more privacy with the women. Then rooms for the bikers. The top floor had the community kitchen, Cobra’s private room, and his office. I had no idea where they kept the kidnapped women.
I shivered a little as I walked down the hall. Did this place ever have any heat? Even though I was allowed to wear a shirt again, I was always freezing. I don’t remember being this cold in my previous life. Then again, I was allowed to wear clothes in my previous life.
I was surprised to hear voices coming from the kitchen. “--Wednesday is the best day. Foghorn is in charge of security and he’s always drunk…”
Part of me wanted to turn back, but I didn’t know the next time I would be allowed to eat food. Steeling myself, I opened the door.
Hudson whirled around, a phone in his hand. His expression was slightly wild as he pocketed the phone. He looked around. “Are you alone?”