Chapter Nine
Dawn sat on the edgeof Gunner’s bed, absently twisting a loose thread on her jeans as the distant rumble of motorcycles echoed outside. She knew Gunner was busy, caught up in club business, handling whatever business dealings the Iron Sentinels had going on, while also trying to track down Jesse.
She hated this. Hated feeling like a liability, like dead weight slowing him down when she knew damn well he had bigger things to worry about. The last thing she wanted was to be another burden on his already heavy shoulders.
Sighing, she stood and stretched. Maybe she could help. Maybe if she got out of this room, got some air, she’d be able to think clearer. She made it to the door before she hesitated. Gunner had been adamant that she stay put. He didn’t trust anyone in the clubhouse to watch over her the way he would, and he’d made her promise—swear—that she wouldn’t step outside unless he was with her. But he wasn’t here now and she was sick of hiding.
With one last glance at the empty room, she slipped out into the dimly lit hallway, ignoring the way a few passing bikers gave her lingering looks. Most of them had kept their distance, clearly aware that she was under Gunner’s protection. She doubted any of them would be stupid enough to mess with her.
The clubhouse doors loomed ahead, and she pushed them open, stepping outside into the cool night air. The lot was mostly empty, save for a few parked bikes and the faint glow of a cigarette from one of the club members standing watch by the gate.
Dawn took a deep breath, letting the tension in her shoulders ease just a little. The night was quiet, the roar of engines long gone as the Sentinels handled whatever business they were wrapped up in.
Maybe she should go back inside. Maybe Gunner had been right. She had just turned back toward the door when a cold hand clamped around her wrist. Her breath hitched. Before she could scream, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, yanking her back against a solid chest.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” a familiar, taunting voice whispered in her ear.
Jesse.
Ice flooded her veins. She thrashed, kicking back with everything she had, but Jesse was ready. He tightened his grip, dragging her toward a dark-colored van parked just beyond reach of the clubhouse lights.
No. No. No. She wasn’t going to let this happen. Dawn twisted in his grip, bringing her elbow up and slamming it into his ribs. Jesse grunted, momentarily loosening his hold, and she took her chance, spinning around, aiming a knee right between his legs.
She missed by an inch. Jesse snarled, recovering fast, and backhanded her so hard stars exploded in her vision. Pain burst across her cheek, but she barely had time to register it before he was shoving her forward, forcing her toward the van. The door was already open, the back lined with rope and duct tape.
A scream clawed up her throat, but Jesse’s hand slammed over her mouth before she could get it out.
“You never learn, do you?” he sneered. “You should’ve stayed where you belonged. But you had to be difficult.”
Dawn bit down on his palm, hard enough to taste blood.
“Fuck!” Jesse yanked his hand away, and she used that split-second to twist free, bolting toward the clubhouse.
She didn’t make it three steps before he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her back. A sharp cry ripped from her throat as she hit the pavement hard, her knees scraping against the rough ground.
Jesse loomed over her, shaking out his injured hand, eyes burning with fury. “You want to fight me, baby? Fine.” He crouched down, his breath hot against her face. “But you will learn your lesson.”
Her heart slammed against her ribs. She wasn’t going down without a fight. She swung at him, her nails catching his cheek, drawing blood. Jesse hissed, then grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head.
“You’re really gonna make me work for this, huh?” he growled, his grip tightening until she winced.
Terror pulsed through Dawn’s veins. Gunner. She needed Gunner but he wasn’t here and she was on her own. Jesse’s breath smelled of alcohol and cigarettes. He grinned down at her, his sick satisfaction making her stomach churn.
“You thought you could just leave me hanging?” His voice was smooth, mocking. “Thought you could hide behind your little biker boyfriend and I wouldn’t come for you?”
Dawn bucked against him, twisting, kicking, anything to get free. His laughter was cruel.
“You never learn, do you?” He tightened his grip on her wrists.
She fought harder, adrenaline flooding her system, but Jesse was stronger. His knee pressed against her thigh, his hand clamping over her mouth again, muffling her scream.
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, a frantic drumbeat of panic.
