32. Kelley
32
KELLEY
I watch the door close behind Jackson’s retreating back and the fear that takes hold chokes me. Benny, or who I think is Benny, moves toward me immediately.
I beg, I scream, I try to convince him that he’s got the wrong person. I didn’t do this. I didn’t betray the club. I didn't expose anyone.
“Please! You’ve got to believe me. I didn’t do this.”
My voice comes out in a pained whisper as I step away from the advancing three men. They laugh at me.
I scream for Jackson. He’s got to be close by still. He won’t leave me to this fate. These men will kill me.
“Jackson! Jackson, please! I didn’t do this. Please!”
My voice cracks as the men close in.
I can feel their hands on me, rough and callous. They're tearing at my clothes, and I can feel their breath on my neck. I struggle to get away, but they're too strong.
"Shut her up!" Benny growls, and one of the men clamps a hand over my mouth. I can taste the dirt and sweat on his skin, and I gag.
I watch in horror as one of the men tears my shirt off, leaving me exposed and vulnerable. They laugh and jeer at me, their faces twisted into cruel sneers. I can feel their hands all over me, rough and callous. They're tearing at my clothes, and I can feel their breath on my neck. I struggle to get away, but they're too strong.
"Come on, boys. Let's have some fun with her," Benny says, his voice low and menacing.
I can feel the bile rising in my throat as they begin to tease and torment me. They make crude jokes and laugh at my expense. I can see the lust in their eyes, and I know that they're going to do something terrible to me. I try to fight back, but it's no use. They're too strong, and I'm too weak.
"Please, stop! I'm begging you! I didn't do anything wrong!" I cry out, but my pleas fall on deaf ears. They continue to taunt and torment me, relishing in my fear.
One of them grabs my hair and yanks my head back, forcing me to look at him.
"You know what they say about girls who betray the club, right? They get what's coming to them." He sneers, his breath hot on my face.
I can feel the tears streaming down my face as I realize that no one is coming to save me. I'm on my own. I try to think of a way to escape, but my mind is blank with fear. I'm trapped, and there's nothing I can do to save myself.
Just as I'm about to give up hope, the door bursts open and Jackson comes charging in. His eyes are wild with anger and fear, and his fists are clenched. He takes in the scene before him in an instant and charges at the men holding me.
"Get your hands off of her!" he roars, his voice filled with rage.
The men are taken by surprise, and they hesitate for a moment before reaching for their own weapons. But Jackson is faster. He throws a punch, and one of the men goes down.
Another man tries to attack Jackson, but he quickly blocks the punch and delivers a powerful blow to his jaw, knocking him unconscious. The third man tries to run, but Jackson catches him and delivers a series of punches, knocking him out as well.
I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as Jackson rushes to my side. He pulls me into his arms and holds me tight, his heart pounding against my chest.
"Kelley, are you okay? Did they hurt you?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.
"I'm okay, I'm okay," I say, my voice shaking. "Thank you, Jackson. Thank you for coming back for me."
I can't believe what's happening. One minute, I'm being dragged away by Benny and his men, accused of betraying the club, and the next, Jackson is charging in like a knight in shining armor. He takes out three of Benny's men with ease, and then he's by my side, holding me tight and telling me that everything's going to be okay.
I can feel the tears streaming down my face as I look up at him, grateful beyond words that he's here. But then he turns to face the rest of the club, and I can see the determination in his eyes.
"I'm taking full responsibility for Kelley," he says, his voice firm and resolute. "She had nothing to do with the leak of information."
There are murmurs among the club members, and I can see the skepticism on their faces. But Jackson doesn't waver. He continues to speak, his voice strong and steady.
"I know this may sound crazy, but I'm willing to offer 10% of my shares in the club for Kelley," he says. "I believe in her innocence and I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is."
The room falls silent, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Jackson is offering up a significant portion of his shares in the club, just to prove my innocence? It's more than I could have ever asked for.
Benny's eyes widen in disbelief, and I can see the shock on his face. He stares at Jackson for a moment before finally nodding.
"Fine. We'll accept your offer, but if it turns out that she is involved, you'll lose more than just your shares."
Jackson nods, understanding the risk he's taking. "I understand. I'm willing to take that chance."
I can't take my eyes off of Jackson as he stands before the club members, his expression set and determined. I can see the resolve in his eyes, the unyielding determination to protect me at all costs. It's a testament to the depth of his feelings for me, and my heart pounds with a tumult of emotions.
I'm bewildered by his sacrifice, the fact that he's willing to risk everything for me. It's more than I could have ever asked for, and I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and love for him. I realize now that he doesn't hate me, despite what I may have thought. He's risking everything for me, and it's a revelation that brings tears to my eyes.
As the club members disperse, Jackson turns to me and takes my hand. I can see the remorse in his eyes, the guilt for ever doubting me.
"I'm sorry I doubted you," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "I should have known that you would never betray me or the club."
I reach up and cup his face in my hands, my own eyes filled with tears. "It's okay, Jackson. I understand why you were upset. But I'm just glad that you're here now and that you believe me."
He leans in and kisses me, and in that moment, everything else fades away. I know that there will still be challenges ahead, but with Jackson by my side, I know that I can face anything. I'm grateful for his love and support, and I'm determined to make things right.
As we walk out of the clubhouse, I can't help but feel a sense of hope and relief. I know that Jackson's sacrifice is a heavy one, but it's also a testament to the strength of our relationship.
He's risking everything for me, and I know that I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to him. I'll prove my innocence and make things right, not just for myself, but for Jackson and the club as well.