Jackson is one of the many boys Joey and Carlos had helped rescue from the auction. He has been working under Carlos for a few weeks now. He'd begged to help be a part of taking down all the men who were involved in his capture. “Do you think he’s ready for a task so dangerous?”
“He will be. He has proven to be very useful to us over the last few weeks. He’s definitely a quick learner. He has the eye and instincts to someday make the perfect assassin. Trenton wanted to be of service too, but the kid is too unpredictable and unhinged. Joey’s worried about him constantly. He hasn’t shown much progress, but he probably needs more time. It hasn’t even been a full year since he endured the worst days of his life.”
I nod in understanding, folding my arms across my chest. “It probably doesn’t help with his family shutting him out.” Trenton is another teen rescued from being auctioned off to the highest bidder. He started off working at the sanctuary Joey had built for men and women who have nothing to return to—survivors who need help healing. The kid wasn't thriving there and was scaring others around him with his night terrors that often led to some form of violence. Either he woke up with his pillow torn to shreds or with a knife jammed into a nearby wall. He almost hurthis roommate by accident. They'd tried to take his knife, but the poor kid only feels safe with a weapon under his pillow.
Joey thinks it’s best to let him stay in one of the apartments above the club and he also could help tend the bar at night. Keeping him busy decreases his restlessness and he’s doing better with his new living situation. Going back home is still not an option for him. His family says he's too dangerous to be around his other siblings and he thinks they blame him for his brother's death.
“Poor kid has been through a lot. We'll do everything we can to help him get through this. We all have our own demons we battle daily.”
“Trenton will eventually find his way. We all do. I wouldn’t worry about him too much. He has us now. They all do.” I pull on the lapels of my jacket. “Any idea on who else could be working with Mr. Williams?”
“Not yet, but I think we’re getting closer. We will see where Dave Williams leads us. If we’re lucky, he’ll lead us straight to all of them.”
“When have we ever been that lucky?”
He huffs. “After all the shit we’ve been through the past few years, we are bound to be cut a break at some point.”
"Let's hope so. It’s time we put an end to all this, and make these men realize only death will come for them if they continue fucking with us. It’s their funeral if they choose not to stop and it won't be one anyone will care to attend either.” The wives of these men are usually happy when they are told their husbands won’t be coming home, relieved to know their children are safe from the monsters they once were forced to live with. “Let me know when you have Mr. Williams. I want to be sure to greet him personally by returning every bullet he’s left on my property.”
Carlos leaves my office and before he can close the door all the way, Germo walks in with a concerned look on his face. “Are you sure it’s safe to go out tonight?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“After what happened to Phillip in the parking lot I assumed—”
“I’d hide inside my house for the rest of my life?”
He swallows hard. “I was going to say take more precautions.”
“I can still achieve that while not hiding like some scared puppy with his tail between his legs.”
“It’s just that the man from the other day, he didn’t seem—”
“How about you let me worry about who I choose to share my night with, and you focus on making sure no one gets locked in a damn trunk again. Phillip should have never been outside the club alone. There should be at least two men walking the perimeter at all times.”
Germo’s jaw tightens and even though I can tell he wants to argue. He doesn’t and slumps his shoulders in defeat. “Let me know when you’re ready to go, boss and I’ll make sure to have the car ready. I will at least be the one to accompany you tonight to make sure you get back home in one piece.”
“Have it running at seven p.m.”
The door slams shut behind him and I sigh, leaning back in my chair. I stare up at the clock on the wall. The day can’t be over fast enough.
Chapter 7
Miguel
I twist the band of my watch around my wrist, impatiently waiting for the car to pull up in front of the club. “Stay with the car, I’ll be back in one hour.”
Cesar, nods, bringing the vehicle to a stop beside the curb and I jump out the moment the doors unlock. No one else has ever made me this nervous, anxious, and excited all at once. Marcus holds the ability to pull emotions I didn't know I was capable of having.
I rush through the club doors, and Venny waves me to the front desk. “Good evening, Mr. Ortega. He is waiting for you over there. His guard has been turning men away left and right. You better hurry before he grows too impatient.”
I'm quick on my feet, rushing toward the back of the club. Not because I'm worried about another man taking my place, but because I'm ready to give my boy what he needs. Marcus won't miss out on his chance of experiencing what we had the othernight for some random Dom who knows nothing about how to take care of his needs.
My hands ache to touch him again and my ears are badly needing to be submerged in his sounds of pleasure. The noises he makes are a beautiful melody I could listen to on repeat. My cock twitches in my pants and warmth rushes to my groin when my gaze lands on the beautiful man strapped to the St. Andrew’s cross straight ahead. He’s blind folded again, wearing only a pair of black silk panties and a matching leather crop top covering only his upper back. I approach him with careful steps, not wanting to move too quickly and alert his guard.
The large man standing next to him looks me up and down with a scowl. "Are you Edmond?"
"Yes."
