“Motherfucker,” Hero yelled, but it was weak. The men holding him flung him to the ground. He was punched in the gut, multiple times. Tara whimpered, but I couldn’t make out her words. At least she was alive.
I licked the blood on my lip, cupping my left cheek where the prez struck me. I couldn’t let this situation escalate. Whatever it took to keep us all safe, I would do it.
“Listen to me, bitch. Lie or smart off again, and I’ll make you sorry. I promise, you won’t like your punishment,” he hissed in my face. My gag reflex hit, smelling his putrid breath. Had he eaten a shit sandwich? “Understand?”
I nodded, fighting the urge to cover my nose with my hand.
“Good girl.” He glowered at me. “Now I know you’re the ol’ lady. Been keeping an eye out for you. Just waiting for the perfect opportunity to snatch you.”
I nodded to appease him. My only concern was protecting Hero, Tara, and Emilee. And her baby, of course. If I could keep all the attention on me, that would help.
“I’ll be calling your ol’ man in five. He knows I’m calling. He’ll want to see his woman in one piece.” He jerked his head to Emilee. “Who does she belong to?”
“Nobody. She’s my friend.” I lied, hoping he’d lose interest in her. He couldn’t find out she was a council member’s daughter.
“Oh, well.” He shrugged. “Least I got the prez’s woman, his queen. He’ll do anything to get you back.”
I shook my head emphatically.
He got in my face, sneering. “What? Why you shakin’ your head?”
“He’s the president. I’m not important to him. Not long ago, I caught a club whore in our bedroom. The bitch said she was waiting for round five with him.”
His eyebrows shot up. “The fucker’s got some stamina.”
“Don’t be impressed. The asshole betrayed me. I won’t put up with that shit and don’t want his pathetic ass anymore.” I hated myself for saying that, but I do anything to get us out of this alive.
“A tough broad, are you?” His tongue swept over his bottom lip.
I shrugged my shoulders, trying to not let his lecherous grin get to me.
“I see the fire in you, baby. There are a lot of men who like a feisty woman, a fighter. I bet you’re not submissive, are you?” He hissed, licking his lips.
“No, I guess I’m not.” My skin prickled.Jesus, help me.
His smile widened, showing off two silver teeth. “Get undressed. Down to your bra and panties.”
I stared at him, holding my breath. He was serious.
“Her too.” He jerked his chin toward Emilee. “Gotta show the goods.”
“Oh, God…” Emilee whimpered.
“Leave her out this… please. She’s young. I’m all you need.”
He narrowed his eyes as I stood and unzipped my shorts and wiggled out of them. The hungry look on his face disgusted me. I removed my blouse to keep his attention off Emilee.
The prez licked his chops. “Only one way to get her out of taking her clothes off.” He stepped in front of me. His foul breath… I’d hurl any second if he didn’t back the fuck up.
“How?” My stomach flip-flopped, fearing his condition.
“Strip for the camera when your ol’ man is on the phone.”
“No, Madeline. Don’t,” Emilee cried out. “I’ll take my clothes off.”
“Shh!” I snapped—stupid girl. Didn’t she know I was trying to save her? I swallowed, working to keep calm. “I’ll do it.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Miss Tough Biker Babe, taking one for the team. All right, when I tell you to strip, you better do it, or else she’ll pay.” He pointed to Emilee.
“I will.” What other choice did I have? This man didn’t give a shit about Emilee or me. He wanted Winters Township and would do anything to get it. I had no desire to find out how far he’d go to get it.
“No, Madeline…” Emilee quietly sobbed into her hands.
I tried not to sob right along with her. My heart broke for Emilee. She was only trying to protect me as I was her. But I couldn’t let her experience abject humiliation in front of these disgusting pigs or the Knights. There was no question in my mind Storm’s brothers would watch with him. Saving Emilee was the right thing to do, but in doing so, I had no clue what it would do to me.
It wasn’t like I was that much older than nineteen-year-old Emilee. I was only twenty-three. I’d already been abused and didn’t want to know what it felt like coming from them.
I was the reason any of us were in this mess. I needed to do everything possible to keep us safe and unharmed.
Even if it meant losing a piece of myself in the process. Dane had broken me before. I prayed I could handle it again.