Chapter 35
The chilly air sends goosebumps down my spine when we settle into the hard chairs of the large wedding venue. Shadow's presence looms over mine when he sits beside me, scanning the crowd with his beady eyes.
I swear to God, he’s up to something. Besides murder, of course. It feels like whatever he’s tasked me to do will be child’s play compared to what he’s got up his sleeve.
I blow out a breath, trying to center myself. Mentally, I’m spiraling down the drain in anticipation. What will he do? Will I have to end Elias tonight?
"We will post guards at every entrance to ensure the couple's safety." He smirks, toying with something inside his suit jacket. "That also means I'll know if you make a run for it. Elias may think he's in charge of a lot, but he's not really. I am the most important man in this room."
Jesus Christ. Can someone say narcissist? He thinks highly of himself. His empire will fall one day, and I can’t wait to watch it burn.
I keep my eyes ahead at the people chatting with each other in their seats. True to his word, guards are posted at every emergency exit with guns holstered to their hips. Their beady eyes constantly scan the crowds, looking for anyone with ill intent.
Well, you're looking at her. Apparently.
"When the time is right," Shadow hums, leaning back like he doesn't have a care in the world. "Then you'll strike. What did Gabriel call you? His little snake?" he smirks at me, eyeing how my muscles tighten at the sound of that word. Snake. I fucking hate that term.
"And how would you know that if Gabriel doesn't have a clue you're still alive?" I hiss through gritted teeth, getting sick and tired of his attitude lately.
"Because that's what I do. I'm a fucking shadow. I collect information about everyone. Especially you. You were the one who propelled me into what I am. So have a little fucking gratitude because I could have killed you on sight. But I spared you. So, you owe me. A lot." He glares discreetly in my direction before smoothing out his face.
I open my mouth to defend myself but think better of it. He will use anything I say against me or store it in his mind. Whatever. Besides, the lights dim above the guests' seats when I lean in to tell him off.
Everyone around us hushes. People take their seats everywhere. The atmosphere seems to shift the moment the flower girl and ring bearer come toddling down the aisle, tossing the flowers, and gripping the pillow with rings.
An odd emotion takes me over at the sight of the two small children together. They look so happy. Free, even. Just by walking down the aisle in celebration of two people getting married. They probably don’t understand what’s happening and only do as they are told.
I swear my Grinch heart swells two sizes too big, threatening to jump out of my fucking chest. But I don't understand the feeling. Why am I getting slightly choked up? Or even jealous when the bridesmaids appear in dull pink dresses and sweep the floor as they walk beside the groomsmen.
Cheer. Utter fucking joy sweeps through the venue. Everyone feels it in the seats as they swipe away the moisture from their eyes.
And then Jenni makes her grand appearance and takes my breath away again in her elegant gown.
I wish I could have helped her plan this, done her hair, or straightened up her makeup.
But I was a traitor instead.
If I could speak to her, I could explain that I only protected my little sister. I never intended to hurt her or her parents or whatever.
Jenni smiles so widely as Elias clings to her side protectively. Lovingly. Instead of standing at the altar waiting for her like normal grooms, he walks her down the aisle with pride puffing out his chest and happiness wafting off him. He probably would have done the honors if her father were still here.
But I killed him with my spying.
I've never seen two people so happy and in love with each other.
It makes me miss them more than anything.
Jericho. Arrow. And even Shepp, despite seeing him yesterday. My heart yearns to hold his hand again. To make sure he's okay after a night spent apart.
I desperately miss the boys so obsessed with me they forced me into their home, chased me through the woods in the pouring rain, and made promises I knew they couldn't keep.
Right now, my safety is at risk. I'm in the midst of bullshit with Shadow, who so cleverly left Shepp behind when we intended to run. Since Mikhail left with Sunny, disappearing into the sunset without an address or phone number, I'm at a loss.
Everything keeps falling apart, taking piece after piece from me. Soon, there won't be a Journey left behind. Just a mass of swirling darkness in my place. Cold and lifeless, devoid of anything but murder on the mind. The girl my monster wanted to shape me into being—his perfect weapon.
I don't want it to happen.
I want the light left in me to shine through and overtake the monstrous creation hiding deep in my soul. One day, I won't come back from the gnawing numbness it leaves behind.
Jenni's red hair curls down her back, bouncing with every small step she takes. The material of her dress swishes with every movement. Her smile grows wider when they finally stand hand in hand before the priest in front of the altar.
Love oozes off them.
I melt into my seat, wondering if Jericho could love me like Elias does Jenni.
Then I remember how he used to look at me when he thought no one was looking. Pure devotion and obsession flowed through his gaze, giving me the answer to my question. Given the opportunity, he could love me like that.
They exchange their vows, not bothering to draw out the ceremony any further than necessary. Watching the two of them join hands as the priest announces they're husband and wife has tears forming in my eyes, and I clap with everyone else.
Will I ever get that? Will I get the family I've always wanted with the boys? I've longed for something normal. Or what society deems as normal. A husband and wife living in harmony, navigating through life with one another. My story would never truly be like that. I'd never get the white picket fence or the actual wedding.
Because I'm already married. Legally, at least.
It's another thing a man took from me before I could give my consent.
Do I want to be married? Yes. In the future, of course. To Jericho? Well, the jury is still out. I know, in my gut, he did what he thought was necessary. It was to protect me and the inheritance I did not know about. So we could move the money to a secure bank out of Gabriel's hands. That didn't seem to work, though. I gave Gabriel every piece of ammunition he needed to take it all away from me. Just like Jericho said I would. He knew exactly what I would do when faced with danger against my Sunshine's life.
I could have done great things with the money in the future and donated to women's shelters—hell, I could have opened my own for women, children, and even men in need. I could have donated to drug rehab facilities, giving everyone a chance to get away from harmful drugs without the worry of the cost. My ultimate dream would be to help others who can't seem to help themselves.
Like my mother. Like me.
As Elias and Jenni walk down the aisle hand in hand again, I stiffen. Jenni's eyes bug out of her head when she sees me sitting in the crowd. The joy she feels doesn't slip off her face. In fact, her grin widens even further. Confusion hits me hard, but I offer her a smile as I wipe the tears from my cheeks. Is she not upset with me? Does she not hate me?
"If you would all join us across the way, we will start the reception. If you are here for favors, I will gladly receive you when the time is right and honor the tradition." Elias looks around the room with a foreboding presence. "Until then, please join me and my wife after our pictures have commenced." Elias waves a hand, leading Jenni away. Several guards surround them as they walk out of the ceremony room and on their way to have their professional pictures done.
Shadow's gaze inspects the area around us as people leave the room—no doubt following Elias' instructions. I sit patiently, taking in every face that passes, memorizing the tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces. Are they her family? His? Are they truly happy that they've come to witness this today?
I know I am.
"When the time comes, you're going to ask Elias for a favor," Shadow says, not bothering to look at me as he makes his unruly demands.
"And what kind of favor will I be asking?" I do the same, keeping my gaze on the now-empty room. All the applause and joy instantly evaporated when the others left the premises, taking it with them, leaving me to sit in the heaviness of the room beside Shadow.
"Such an archaic thing, isn't it? The head of an organization granting favors and forgiveness for wrongdoings," Shadow hums in his untrustworthy musings, digging into his suit jacket.
He's worse than my damn monster when it comes to his cryptic ways.
"I guess. Isn't this more of a mafia thing, though?" I eye the small pocket knife nestled in Shadow’s grip. It’s so tiny I wonder how he’s expecting me to take someone down with it.
Shadow snorts, tossing the knife into my lap carelessly. Good thing it’s folded down and not poking out. "Something like that. But remember. I have my eyes on you." Abruptly, he gets up from his chair and straightens out his suit. "Now, I have meetings of my own. People to see. Friends to make. Be a good girl and Shepp won't get hurt." A cruel smile passes over his lips. "If he hasn’t been already," he hums, stepping away from me until the room is empty.
It's just me, my broken fucking heart, and the task he's given me.
Not that I'm going to do it. But I need time to come up with a plan. I can't kill Elias. He hasn't done anything to me. Besides, he's the one who got Jenni out of the arranged marriage and brought her here for a safer life.
Well, as safe as she can get with a gang leader.
I eye the tiny pocket knife cautiously before tucking it into my dress beneath my right boob. Thankfully, they’re taped in and not moving, so the knife can snuggly stay there without being obvious. I hope at least.
I sigh softly, moving around the ceremony room easily, eyeing the decorations with envy. Beautiful flowers decorate almost every inch of the room. Jenni's touch, I can tell. She one hundred percent had a hand in making all this happen. It's her flare for expensive things, but it's done wonderfully.
I stand in the middle of the aisle, looking over my shoulder at the room. A stray voice here and there floats through the air from the party, cranking up to full volume across the way. People hoot and holler, chanting Jenni and Elias' names on repeat. Warmth spreads through me, envisioning their happiness on display like it was here. I can even feel the touches of love standing where they stood under the flower archway at the end of the aisle. Leaning back, I stare at the colorful flowers decorating the arch and gently run my fingers over the beautiful petals. I pluck a pink one, bringing it between my fingers and gently rubbing it.
I get lost in the feeling of it—the atmosphere. Everything ceases to exist around me. My mind tumbles through the trenches of darkness, trying to resurface from the depths of what I need to do, and killing Elias is not at the top of my list—speaking to him, yes. But killing? No. Maybe he and Jenni can help me get Shepp off the island. Fuck. Any way I look at it, there's no way I can leave him stranded there. Shadow said himself—there was no way to leave the island without dying, and the boat ride over here was a miserable hour-plus ride through the rough ocean waters. Who knew I could get so damn seasick? Not me.
Heat envelops my back, blanketing me with a familiar warmth. It's like diving into familiar sheets and snuggling down for a good night of sleep. It's home without the four walls. The smell you rejoice in the moment you walk in the door with a serene smile.
I sag into the embrace. Recognizing the pair of arms immediately. The same arms that have wrapped around me before in a loving embrace. Well, as loving as he can get. More like obsessive arms. I'd run away if I were a normal person. But I'm beyond that, even when his large, calloused hand wraps around my lips, stopping my complaints.
Because I have a lot of those, and if they're here, they'll listen to every word I say.
A hardened body presses into my trembling one from the front. Silence engulfs us like a bubble. We soak it up, embracing our small moment together before chaos ensues. It ticks by slowly—second by second, minute by minute.
I'm almost certain I'm hallucinating. Am I so desperate to have them back that my mind is cruelly tricking me?
Moisture pools in my eyes when Jericho stands before me with a pensive expression, taking every inch of me in with his calculated stare. I stare back, taking him in, waiting for him to speak. Dark bags droop beneath his weary eyes, aging him ten years. Exhaustion shines through his stare, but he relaxes in my presence.
What the hell have they been through since I was taken?
Jericho gazes around the room. "I promise I'll give you this one day. More extravagant than this. Whatever your heart desires, I'll provide. Always."
Always?
I shudder when his words slither through me. Promises fill his vision, and I'm helpless to look away. Stuck in his hypnotic gaze. Fire brews there. Determination grips him hard when he steps up to me, peeling—who I can only assume is—Arrow's hand from my lips. I suck in a rough breath, shuddering when his eyes fall to my lips. A deep hunger twists his face. With every breath I take, he watches me with an intensity that sets me on fire. Without another word, he dives in. Ruthlessly taking what he wants. With every swipe of his tongue against mine, he steals more pieces of me.
My breaths. Soul. Sanity.
Every fucking thing.
And I let him.
I lap it up and swallow it down.
A moan slips from between my lips as I leave everything behind. My fingers clutch his suit jacket, forcing him closer until I'm the meat in the sandwich. I forget it all. Losing myself in the sensations of Jericho and Arrow.
Jericho's lips journey down my jaw, nipping away at my flesh. My chest heaves as he marks me as his. And fuck. I want him to. I want him to fucking take me right here in the open, under the flowers and opulence. Anyone could walk in and see who owns me, mind, body, and soul.
The Devils.
My Devils.
Arrow's irritated voice filters through the fog permeating my consciousness. Rough hands work over me. My breasts. Squeezing them into oblivion until wetness coats my panties. Arrow grunts in my ear with possession.
"Mine. Mine. Mine. Kitten, don't you ever fucking leave me again." His lips suck on my neck. Opposite of Jericho. Marking me as his, too. “Never fucking leave me again. I’ll handcuff you to me if I have to,” he murmurs more, going on and on about keeping me close.
But I don’t mind.
I melt into them, wishing we could continue this forever. But Arrow has other plans. Jericho's lips leave mine with a grunt. I peel my eyes open reluctantly, looking up at the towering man with swollen lips and vengeance in his gaze. His fingers curl at his sides, making fists. Ready to pounce on Arrow as he takes a step back with me in his arms, putting distance between the three of us.
"Arrow," Jericho says, raising a brow.
"You're being selfish. As always," Arrow snarks, poking a finger into Jericho's chest tauntingly. He takes another step back with me in his arms, holding my back to his front tightly.
Before I can protest or tell Arrow to chill—which never works—he spins me to face him, then abruptly dips me like in the movies. His face hovers above mine with a manic grin. "I've always wanted to do this, Kitten. And in a wedding chapel, of all places. This is perfect. If I could fuck you right now, well, that'd be even better. I'd take you on the red carpet and leave my marks all over your porcelain skin. Fuck. I want to bruise you. Use you. Keep you. Now, I'm going to fuck you with my tongue." His lips are on mine in a feverish movement, taking whatever he can get. But I give right back, twirling my tongue with his. I lose myself again in the reunion of our bodies, letting the both of them take what they need.
Because I needed it, too.
They're my Devils. Mine to fuck and keep, as well. They can claim me over and over again, but I need to do the same.
Arrow's heavy breaths echo through the room when he detaches his lips and lays his forehead on mine. “On second thought, Kitten. I need you. Desperately. I can’t let you walk out of this room without my cum dripping between your legs,” he breathes with a desperate growl in his voice, pulling me impossibly closer. “Now, be a good girl and drop to your hands and knees. I’m going to live up to my promise.”
I shudder at his words, wanting to tell him to get fucked. That I have business to attend to and can’t stay here. Elias needs to help me get back to Shepp and keep him safe. The last thing I need to do is drop to my knees with pleading eyes and beg them to fuck me good.
I should walk away. Even though every fiber of my being calls to their souls, begging them to remind me who I belong to. Them. The Devils of Briar Cove.
Goosebumps sprout across my flesh when I investigate the depths of his light gray eyes. There are so many emotions shining back at me. Desire is the most potent, eating me alive. My pussy contracts around nothing when he silently begs without making a move.
I need to go. I need to save Shepp.
But my body has other ideas. Perking up at the feel of their bodies rubbing up against mine.
“Here?” I whisper with a slight quiver in my voice.
The venue is empty. The only noise comes from the crowd gathered at the reception across the way.
“Are you afraid, Kitten? Scared someone will walk in here and see me fucking you from behind while Jericho strokes his cock above your face?” Arrow whispers, leaning in with a smirk. “I dare you. I fucking dare you to take us both. Right here and now.”
Jericho makes a noise in his throat but doesn’t say a word when his teeth nip my neck with encouragement.
Am I afraid? Yes. It trembles down my limbs, shaking me to the core. If someone witnesses me on my knees with cock in my face and pussy—I’m dead. Shadow will take me out right here and now. If that’s not his plan, anyway. I’m sure he’s counting on me failing with my shitty knife. Elias will be my death. But this?
This will be my goddamn awakening from the darkness I’ve been in for so long. But Shepp… He’s in the back of my mind. Images of him covered in bruises and bloodied after a torture session at the hand of Shadow’s men.
What’s happening to him while I’m here playing dress up and getting fucked by his two best friends?
“You’re lost in thought,” Jericho hums, pressing his lips against mine. The warmth of his tongue invades my mouth, taking me hostage and silencing the damaging thoughts roaring through me.
“It’s Shepp,” I gasp out when he bites my bottom lip, and the taste of copper hits my tastebuds. “He’s not here.” Before I realize it’s happening, tears leak down my cheeks, carving their existence down my flesh. “He’s back on Shadow’s island and…” I trail off when Jericho’s tongue laps at my tears, following the trail they made straight back to my eyes.
“We will deal with him after we deal with you.” There’s a hint of demand in his voice, dripping with so much lust—I know he’s fallen into the depths of it. “We won’t ask again, Little Chaos. Get on your knees and bend to our wills.”
I want to say no. Get fucked, assholes. But my mind and body have detached. No longer working in sync.
My knees tremble at his words. I’m supposed to be a big bad bitch with a job to do. But I give up. Melt into them as if I’m their doll to prop up and fuck as they wish.
I shudder when Arrow’s fingers curl in my hair, yanking my head back with force. His breaths echo in my ears, blowing down my exposed neck.
“Jericho, why don’t you check our girl’s pussy? Tell me how wet she is at the thought of getting caught.” He chuckles lowly in my ear, locking me against him.
The hem of my skirt moves against my thighs, slowly working until the cool air of the room brushes against my slick pussy. Am I wet at the idea of getting caught? Absolutely not. Nope. Not me. Well, maybe. Or it could be their fingers working over me and consuming me. They don’t hesitate to take what they want when they want.
And I’m fucking aching for it right now. It’ll mend the tear in my heart where Shepp belongs.
A fog drifts through my mind. Their words and heated exchanges go right over my head. The heat of Jericho's fingers reaches my clit. A feather-light touch teases me, forcing my hips forward, seeking his touch.
I’ve missed him so goddamn much.
I gasp when his fingers tear through my barely there panties and straight into my pussy, only stopping until my pussy adjusts to the welcoming intrusion. He scissors his fingers, building an orgasm in my core. Fire consumes me. Moans spill from my lips. Not caring who sees us out in the open. It’s so close to spilling over, and he’s barely touched me. But I need him. Them.
Well, until he pulls his fingers out with a dark chuckle and holds them in front of our faces. His fingers drip with my arousal, glistening under the soft lights.
“I’d say my wife is very excited at the prospect of getting caught on her knees.” I swallow hard at the dark look crossing over Jericho’s face as he speaks. Wetness coats between my thighs, growing wetter by the second. Especially when he devours my desire, swirling his tongue over his fingers with a satisfied hum of approval.
I’m salivating to feel their cocks inside me. Daydreaming of the orgasm that’s on the cusp of throwing me over the edge. One more touch and I’m fucking done for.
“Jericho,” I whisper desperately, leaning against Arrow’s shoulder.
A cloud of lust falls over us. Our chests heave.
“What shit, I didn’t get a taste,” Arrow grunts, grinding his dick against my ass. His fingers dig into my hip, no doubt leaving bruises behind. “But that’s okay,” he murmurs, nipping my ear lobe.
“Get on your knees, Little Chaos,” Jericho says, freeing his cock from his pants and stroking it up and down. I lick my lips. “You’re going to gag on my cock while Arrow fucks you from behind.”
Arrow doesn’t waste a moment guiding me to my knees until they’re sinking into the plush red carpet.
“We have so much to talk about,” I say, looking up at Jericho as he looms above me. Pre-cum glistens from the tip of his dick, practically rolling off.
“We do,” he agrees, stroking himself a few times. “But first, we’re going to fill you with our cum. Then we can discuss things.”
“But…” I wish I could say I finished my thought. But I became so full of dick that the only thing I could do was squeak around Jericho’s cock hitting the back of my throat.
“Fuckkk,” Jericho growls, twirling his fingers in my hair. “I forgot what a good fucking girl you are, Little Chaos, always taking my cock. Just like that,” he breathes, throwing his head back with his eyes squeezed shut.
“We won’t last long, Kitten. Our dicks have missed you so much. Mine more than his,” Arrow quips the last part, shoving my dress up further until my ass is completely exposed. “Arch your back, Kitten.” Arrow’s fingers work down my spine, tilting my hips until my back arches. “And say my goddamn name around your gag,” he grunts in my ear, thrusting into me until I’m full.
I scream around Jericho’s cock as they pound into me. Using me for all their pleasure and mine. My pussy convulses around Arrow’s dick, building and building until I crash down with a muffled scream.
Fuck. Fuck. I shout in my mind as the salty taste of Jericho’s cum spurts down my throat, and I swallow it without batting an eye.
Jericho breathes heavily above me. His chest tightening against his shirt with every inhale and exhale. Those dark eyes find mine as I jolt over and over from Arrow pounding me from behind, sparkling with unsaid words and affirmations. Warm fingers run through my hair, tucking it gently behind my ears as he leans down and presses his lips to my forehead.
“I’ve missed you, Little Chaos,” he murmurs just loud enough for me to hear as he pulls his dick from my mouth. I gasp for breath, my lips forming a silent scream just as I was about to shout the same.
“Fuck, Kitten,” Arrow says in a strangled moan, stopping all his movements as he fills me with his warmth, groaning against my neck, leaving hickeys with every nibble of his teeth. “You’re my goddamn salvation,” he murmurs in my ear. “Don’t ever fucking leave us again.”
I wish I could promise that. I wish I could say that I’ll never get kidnapped again. But in this life? I’m sure I’m in for a hell of a ride.
I nearly groan when he pulls out of my pussy slowly, torturing me with his length.
“We’ll celebrate rounds two and three later. For now…” Arrow trails off with a chuckle, tucking himself back in.
Jericho gently helps me to my wobbly feet, righting my dress until I’m completely covered. Arrow’s cum mixes with my arousal on my thighs, making my flesh sticky with every step I take.
“Don’t you dare wipe me away,” Arrow says with a pointed look, wiggling his brows. “I want you smelling like me in front of all those people.” His grin ends any worry I have within me. Well, for a moment.
"You said you have to tell us something?" Jericho asks, tucking his hands into his pockets. His dark eyes eat me alive, almost pulling me in for round two. If it weren’t for the sounds of the people across the hall escalating, I’d happily do it again.
But this isn’t the time. Or the place. I have a bigger fish to fry.
The bubble we’ve been in instantly pops. I pull my shoulders back, lifting my chin. I have a mission I need to go on, with or without them. Elias and I must have a conversation about getting me back to the island without Shadow knowing.
Shepp has saved me so much over the years, and it’s my turn to step up and be his hero. My rock. My savior.
"So much stuff to catch you up on."
And so I do. I tell Jericho and Arrow everything that happened on the island. From the cave prison we were put into, to the fight pits, to Mikhail and Sunshine, to meeting with Elias, and finally to here. By the anger masking their expressions, I know it’s wise that I left out the slight starvation and dehydration Shadow put Shepp and me through.
"So, your sister is with Mikhail Antonov?" Jericho asks with zero emotions in his tone. But by now, I’ve learned his emotions. The slightest twitch in his jaw and the widening of his pupils puts me on edge.
"Yes,” I breathe with my heart squeezing in my chest. I trust him. He never gave me a reason to believe he’d put her in danger. Sunshine loves him. He loves her.
"And you're telling me that Shadow poisoned Naum? The head of the fucking Russian Mafia? Holy shit, this is worse than we thought." Arrow slightly chuckles, rubbing his hands together with a manic grin. Like this is the best Christmas present he’s ever gotten.
"It means there's unrest within all organizations," Jericho muses with a frown, shaking his head.
"He said he'll get in touch with you. He said he'd vow his services to your cause here," I whisper.
"Seems we have more to think about then," Jericho hums.
"And this Darrell guy?" Arrow asks, leaning forward to look at me. "I'll kill him for ever putting his hands on you. Do you think he wants the tip of his nose? I can remove that for him and make a necklace.” I nearly blanch and puke all at once, but I shake my head.
“Arrow, no.” Bile rises in my throat at the imagery. It’s so strange that my stomach has become so weakened by Arrow’s violence.
Ugh. I should be used to this by now.
Never in my damn life did I think I'd be in a moment like this with men so obsessed. They made me theirs against my will, taking me and turning my world inside out. I thought they were the worst in the beginning. Fucking me with masks on, keeping their selves hidden when they knew exactly who I was.
I was set up from the get-go and bamboozled by their presence.
But they did so much for me. They took care of me at my lowest without me having a clue. Shepp with cooking. Jericho and Arrow with stalking.
But I'm not scared or wanting away.
I'm safe with them.