Why Don't You Save Me? (Why Don't You? #2)

1. 1 Tori

1: Tori

My vision swims as I blink into consciousness, my eyelids feeling like someone glued them shut with industrial-strength regret. A groan slips out, low and gravelly, and for a second I wonder if it’s even me. When I finally pry my eyes open, the room slaps into focus—a cramped cell, a lumpy excuse for a bed, and a toilet sulking in the corner like it knows no one’s happy it exists. A single barred window hangs high on the wall, offering nothing but the comforting black of night.

Perfect. Just where every girl dreams of waking up.

A rustling sound yanks my attention across the room, and adrenaline takes the wheel. I jerk upright, ready to fight—or at least throw a really solid insult—until Alicia’s face emerges from the shadows. Relief and dread collide like bumper cars in my chest. I came for her, and now we’re both stuck in this nightmare. Blaze’s bloodied image flashes in my mind, sharp and unrelenting, and guilt wraps itself around my throat like a noose.

Nice going, Tori. Another gold star for the ‘Screw Everything Up’ chart.

She steps into the dim light leaking through the narrow window in the cell door, her expression a mix of worry and shame. “Are you…” Her voice falters, and she wrings her hands like they owe her money. She abandons that question for another. “Why did you come, Tori?”

“I saw you, Alicia.” My fingers twitch, wanting to reach out but not sure if she’ll let me. Instead, I grip the hem of my… shirt? Definitely not mine. That’s a fun detail to unpack later. “I couldn’t just leave you there.”

Her eyes shine with unshed tears as she steps closer, her voice shaking. “Not even after everything that’s happened to you because of me?”

“You didn’t do anything to me,” I shoot back, shaking my head like I can physically throw her guilt away. Standing up—a little wobbly, but hey, points for effort—I take a step toward her.

“Are you kidding? It’s my fault you went on that date with Bren.” Her voice cracks, anger aimed squarely at herself. “Jesus, I can’t believe what he turned out to be.”

“You didn’t know,” I say, my tone firm. “You can’t blame yourself for that. He played everyone.” This time, I don’t hold back, reaching for her hand and squeezing it. There’s a flicker of warmth there, a reminder of the sisterhood we used to share.

Her lips tremble, but her voice strengthens. “He wanted to sell you, didn’t he? And it was them, wasn’t it? The Iron Triad stopped him.”

I nod, watching as the realization punches her in the gut. She flinches, guilt carving its way into her features.

For what feels like hours—time’s a joke in a place like this—we catch each other up. I tell her about Bren, about the boys, about the deal we made. When I admit I’m in a relationship with the Iron Triad, her face morphs into a mix of shock and… is that rage?

Yep, definitely rage.

Alicia’s near heart attack gives way to her story, and it’s a mess of good intentions gone sideways. Determined to prove the Triad’s involvement in Bren’s disappearance, she investigated on her own, using her street smarts to sneak into Nico’s casino. But, as it turns out, asking too many questions doesn’t win you free drinks—it gets you kidnapped.

“In hindsight, I’m the biggest idiot on the planet,” she mutters, tugging at the hem of her leather skirt—an outfit that’s clearly Nico’s doing.

“You’re not an idiot, Alicia,” I say, forcing a brittle laugh. “You’re just loyal to a dangerous fault.”

Her head drops, regret heavy in her voice. “We should’ve stayed away from Bren. We could both be home right now, watching Ponyo and eating my crappy ramen.”

She’s not wrong. Life would’ve been so much simpler. But simpler isn’t in the cards for us. I grab her hand again, squeezing it like I can transfer some of my dwindling courage to her. “Do you know where we are?” I ask, steering the conversation away from what-ifs and regrets.

She shakes her head. “No. We were in the car for hours. That’s all I know.” Her shoulders slump. “There’s no way out. I’ve already looked.”

I glance down at my borrowed clothes, my brain finally catching up to that little mystery. “Uh, do you know how I…” I trail off, gesturing awkwardly to the outfit.

Alicia’s lips twitch into a faint smile. “I changed you. Don’t worry.” But her eyes flicker with something— fear, maybe? Whatever it is, it’s enough to send my nerves into overdrive.

“What is it?” I step closer, searching her face for answers.

Her voice drops to a whisper, her eyes haunted. “Being changed by someone… that’s the least of your worries now.”

The words land like a gut punch. This isn’t just captivity; this is about breaking us, about stripping away everything that makes us who we are. I tighten my grip on her hand, anchoring myself to something—anything.

“I’m strong, Licia,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm raging in my chest. “You know I am. And they’re coming. Thorne, Ryder, Blaze… they’ll find me.”

I'm certain of it.

Blaze will survive, he has too, and then all three of them will rescue me no matter what. They hunted me for years, always able to find me no matter how hard I hid. This will be child's play for them.

I hope.

Still, there's a pit lodged in my throat and a hot coal melting my stomach, scared absolutely shitless about my future. Exactly how long will it take them to get to me? How different will I be by the time they find me?

Alicia’s head dips, her whisper a fragile thread in the silence. “I’m sorry, Tori.”

We sit in silence for a moment longer until faint voices drift from down the hall, the sound prickling the air. Moments later, the metallic clang of a key twisting in the lock breaks the stillness. We bolt to attention, my hand gripping Alicia’s. I brace myself to fight, while Alicia’s posture is broken, submissive. The sight of her carves out a new fear— am I staring at my future?

The cell door creaks open, and Nico steps in. His presence fills the space more than it should, like a weight against my chest.

“Seems you’ve finally woken up.” His voice is as slick as his smile.

My instincts scream to run, to pull Alicia with me and make a break for it, but logic wrestles me back down. Nico’s not alone—he never is. His hulking guard looms behind him, built like a human shield, his presence a solid wall of muscle and menace. There’s no way I can take them both, and even if there were, Alicia’s hand stays locked in mine, unmoving. I tug once, but she won’t budge, her head bowed, eyes averted in shame. The resignation pouring off her makes my throat tighten.

With a shaky inhale, I force myself to meet Nico’s gaze. He’s not dressed in his usual button-down and vest today. Instead, he’s in a black Henley that clings to his frame, paired with dark jeans and sleek Chelsea boots. Casual for him, but somehow it makes him look even more dangerous—like he’s peeling back a layer of his facade to let the predator show.

"Where am I?" My voice comes out rough, low. It’s the only control I have left, the only question I’m brave enough to ask.

He smiles, slow and cold. "You’re home."

The words sink like stones in my stomach. He says it so casually, like I’m not standing in a cell that smells of rust and despair, like I haven’t been drugged and dragged into his dark kingdom.

I glance around at the crumbling cell walls, the peeling paint revealing the gray cement beneath. The air here is thick, stale, carrying the scent of mildew and something far darker—like suffering soaked into these walls.

“Home?” I scoff, clenching my fists. “Not even the rats would call this home.”

Nico’s smile spreads slowly, his gaze flicking from me to Alicia, lingering just long enough to send a clear message. She shivers, looking anywhere but at him.

“Always the comedian,” he murmurs, taking a step closer. “You're in Roseburg, exactly where you belong.”

Roseburg? As in Oregon?

I bite back a retort, pulling Alicia a little closer. She still won’t meet my eyes, but her hand tightens around mine—barely.

“Why are you doing this?” I keep my tone steady, even though my stomach twists with unease. Every word feels like walking through quicksand. One wrong step and I’ll sink.

“Let’s just say, I’m giving you an opportunity. One your… friends will thank me for.” He almost laughs, but there’s no humor in his eyes. “Do you know how many people would kill to be in your position?”

What in the hell is he talking about? Who in their right mind would kill to be in this position?

“Oh, is that what this is?” I snap. “You’re suddenly doing me a favor?”

“Always so fiery.” His voice drops, a rough edge to it as he steps even closer. “But fire can be snuffed out if it’s not handled carefully.” He glances over his shoulder at his guard, who moves forward, blocking the only way out.

I grit my teeth, feeling the helplessness claw at me, but I won’t give him the satisfaction. “Why bring Alicia into this?” My voice cracks despite my resolve, and I feel Alicia’s grip loosen.

“Ah, yes, your ‘family.’” Nico’s smile turns cold. “She’s been entertaining enough. But she’s served her purpose—getting you here.”

Alicia winces, her head lowering as if she’s ashamed, but I squeeze her hand, reminding her she’s not alone. It was my decision to try and rescue her. None of this is her fault. Nico’s eyes dart to the small movement, and his lip curls.

“Don’t worry, Tori,” he says, almost tenderly. “You’ll come to understand your place here soon enough. Your loyalty… it just needs a little persuasion.” His gaze darkens, lingering on me as if I’m already something he owns, something that just needs to be tamed .

“I’ll never be loyal to you,” I hiss, each word laced with venom.

“Give it time.” He shrugs, as if he has all the time in the world. “After all, I have a lot more to offer than those little boys you’re so fond of.”

Rage flares up in me, but Alicia’s hand tugs weakly on mine, pulling me back. I glance at her, the fear etched into her face enough to make me swallow my words. She’s been through too much already.

I can't make it worse.

Keep quiet, Tori.

Nico smirks, watching the internal struggle play out on my face. He's relishing it.

Just wait. I'll wipe that smirk off your face in the end.

“Get comfortable, Tori. We’re just getting started.” With that, he turns and strides out, the heavy door clanging shut behind him.

The moment he’s gone, the anger explodes out of me. “Fuck!” I slam my hand against the door, the cold metal biting into my skin.

Maybe the sound of my frustration is exactly what Nico wants to hear, but right now, I couldn't give a damn. I hit the door again, this time with my fist, feeling the dull ache reverberate through my arm.

“I’m sorry,” Alicia whispers, her voice trembling.

“No, Alicia. Don’t,” I say, turning to her. “None of this is your fault.” I’m not sure if I can even pretend to mean it, but I try. “If anything, I should be apologizing for making you feel unsafe around him.”

The realization that she’s terrified of him in a way she’s never been terrified of anyone before tightens around my heart. I swallow hard, forcing myself to ask the question that’s been eating at me.

Don't do it, Tori.

It's a bad idea.

“What did he do to you?” slips out of my mouth despite my inner warnings.

I'm terrified of the answer, scared to know the truth of the horrors she's had to deal with… terrifying things that might just come my way next.

So you're excusing asking this question because you want to mentally prepare for what might come your way.

You're such a bitch.

Alicia scoffs bitterly, her gaze fixed on the small puddle of water at her feet. “He likes to ‘break in’ the girls himself.” She air-quotes the words, her lips twisting. I know exactly what she means. And the knowledge is enough to freeze my blood.

He raped her.

“I thought that would be the worst of it, but it's not. When he finishes nailing you to the ground, he then tears you to pieces. I've seen him give girls to his most loyal men, circling them around until someone asks to buy a night. And if they hurt any of his clients? Well, you can imagine how that ends.” Her eyes flicker with a memory that I can see is more horrifying than anything she’s saying out loud.

“Did he do that to you?”

Fuck, Tori. Stop asking questions!

She shakes her head, and a small part of me is relieved it isn't worse. But she's suffered more than she ever should have, more than anyone ever should.

Carefully, I take a step toward her. She’s a wounded animal, skittish and broken. But when she doesn’t pull away, I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight, trying to shield her from the pain she’s reliving.

I never thought when she left with the police officer that day that she would end up here. This is a fate I wouldn't even wish upon Sadie, and that bitch deserves some hell. But this… this is worse than that.

“It's going to be okay,” I murmur, more to myself than her.

“No, Tori,” Alicia gasps, pulling away just enough to look me in the eye. “Nothing is ever going to be okay.” My chest tightens at her words, at the silent plea in her eyes. But I shake my head.

“It will be. I'll make sure we escape here together, Alicia. I'm not going to leave you.” I vow, voice steely, though a part of me doubts my own words.

Alicia nods, but her eyes tell a different story. She doesn't believe me. Part of me wants to try to convince her, to make her hope, but the better part of me knows how cruel false hope can be. And what if she's right? What if we can't escape? What if Thorne, Blaze, and Ryder never come?

Before I can try to say anything, the door creaks open, and a tray of food slides through. Alicia grabs it quickly, setting it down without a word, though we both know it’s nothing but a distraction. The food’s barely edible, but we eat in silence, both of us trying to wash the taste of fear out of our mouths.

After we eat, we try to wash up at the tiny sink in the corner, but there’s not enough space for both of us. Afterward, we lay down, her body curled beside mine. The bed’s too small, but I don’t care. I need her close.

I wake up to the delightful sensation of a crick in my neck and the fun surprise of my head dangling off the edge of a rock-hard excuse for a bed. My body feels like it’s been through a blender, and for half a second, I wonder if it’s just another nightmare—but no, the dull throb in my muscles says this is my twisted reality.

Lovely .

My hand fumbles along the mattress, half-heartedly searching for Alicia. Still groggy, my brain plays catch-up as my fingers sweep over the empty space. Empty . My eyes fly open, panic hitting me like a freight train.

I shoot up so fast my head spins, the cold air hitting me as I scan the room for that unmistakable pop of blue hair. The cell stretches out before me, just as dingy and unwelcoming as before, but she’s not here. My stomach plummets.

“Alicia?” My voice cracks, barely above a whisper, as if saying it too loudly will make it real. I try again, louder this time. Still nothing.

Oh, no. No, no, no. This can’t be happening. Where is she? What did they do to her?

My pulse is a runaway train now, and my chest feels like someone’s squeezing the life out of it. I scream her name, the sound ricocheting off the grimy walls and bouncing back to me like some cruel echo.

The door slams open with a bang so loud it feels like the air itself flinches. I sure as hell do. My body jerks back instinctively, but it doesn’t matter. Nico’s already there, moving faster than my brain can process. His hand shoots out, and before I can even think to duck or dodge, I’m pinned against the wall.

His fingers wrap around my neck like a steel trap. It’s not tight enough to cut off air completely but just enough to remind me that he’s in charge here. My skin burns where his grip digs in, and the cold, calculated look in his eyes makes my blood freeze.

“Tori,” he growls, his voice low and full of venom. His face is close enough that I can see the dark circles under his eyes, proof that even villains need sleep. “I need you to stop yelling.”

“Then tell me where she is,” I manage to rasp, my voice scraping like gravel. My nails dig into his wrist, not that it does much. His hold doesn’t loosen. If anything, he squeezes just a little tighter, enough to make my vision blur at the edges. But I force myself to meet his gaze.

Maybe it’s a bad idea— okay, it’s definitely a bad idea —but I’ve never been good at cowering. And judging by the flicker of surprise in his eyes, he’s not used to people looking at him like this either.

“Don’t worry about her,” he murmurs, leaning in closer until his breath brushes against my ear. It’s hot and sickeningly intimate, like he’s trying to crawl under my skin. “She’s safe. For now. Whether or not she stays that way is entirely up to you.”

“Bring her back,” I demand, because clearly I’m incapable of knowing when to shut up. My voice shakes, but the steel in it is real. I’m not giving him an inch.

He chuckles darkly, and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. “Tori, I don’t think you fully understand your position here.” His grip tightens, and I gasp as the air in my lungs shrivels up like a deflated balloon. “You don’t make demands here. You’re lucky I haven’t already let Coby here take you for a ride. He was owed the next girl.”

My gaze snaps to the door where his goon—a human brick wall named Coby—stands. The way his eyes gleam with something predatory makes my stomach churn. He’s not even trying to hide it, the hunger to break me, to reduce me to nothing more than another victim. My skin crawls at the thought, nausea rising fast and sharp. If I weren’t already struggling to breathe, I’d probably be throwing up right now.

Nico’s voice slices through my spiraling thoughts. “I told you, you’re mine, and you’ll do as you’re told.” His words are slow, deliberate, each one dripping with malice. “I know it takes some getting used to, but don’t worry. I will break you in, nice and slow.”

He finally releases me, and I sag against the wall, coughing as I gulp in air. My throat burns, and I’m pretty sure his handprint is permanently etched into my neck. He steps back, smoothing out his shirt with practiced precision, like he’s resetting himself after letting the monster peek through.

“Now,” he says, his voice annoyingly calm, as if he didn’t just choke me out. He taps a finger against his cheek, his smirk widening. “Let’s see how obedient you really are.”

Oh, I’ll show you obedient. Right after I rip that smug grin off your face with my teeth.

The audacity of this man is enough to make my blood boil. He actually expects me to kiss his cheek like some obedient little lapdog?

Not in this lifetime.

Or the next.

Or ever.

Without thinking— or maybe because thinking has never been my strong suit —I do the only thing that feels right. I spit. A glob of defiance lands square on his cheek, and for a split second, the room goes deathly still. Even Coby stiffens by the door.

The fury in Nico’s eyes is immediate, sharp and blinding. The storm I’ve unleashed crackles in the air between us, and I know—oh, I know—that I’ve just made things infinitely worse for myself.

But it’s worth it.