Chapter Ten
Lavinia
I cowered on the ground, my knees pulled to my chest, my entire body trembling. My eyes burned from the tears I’d already shed, and I blinked rapidly in an attempt to clear them. The three men standing over me seemed even more menacing with the light and dark playing across their faces. I glanced up at Tyler and his friends.
Tyler’s lips twisted into a sneer and his fists tightened at his sides. His friends flanked him, their gazes locked on me. I’d never been more terrified in my life. I felt a trickle of sweat slide down my temple and shivered as a draft blew through the room.
“You look like a scared little rabbit,” Tyler said. “What’s wrong, Vinny? Did you think your biker boyfriend would come save you?”
I swallowed hard. “Husband. Cotton isn’t my boyfriend. He’s my husband.”
He’d brought me here a few days ago. I’d caught glimpses of the men passing in front of the only window I could see, their shadows crossing the thin curtains. Each time I’d heard the door open, I’d wondered if I’d survive whatever they had planned.
Tyler leaned over me. “You’ve been a naughty girl, Vinny. I think you need to be punished.”
I shook my head again, but I knew it wouldn’t stop him. Tyler never gave up when he wanted something. My chest ached, and I pressed a hand to my breastbone, willing myself to be strong. Even though it felt like the walls were closing in on me, I couldn’t give in to my fear.
If I did, I’d never get away. I’d never see Cotton again. Or the men at the clubhouse who’d taken such good care of me. I’d never even get to see them hold my baby. Or have lunch with Faith and Raven.
I’d thought I’d known what fear was when Tyler had found me at the clubhouse. I’d been wrong. I hadn’t understood true terror until the moment he’d brought me into this place and locked all of us inside. They’d given me a few sips of water, but no food. Even now, I felt weak and dizzy.
Tyler’s booted foot came toward me, and I tried to scoot back, but the wall behind me stopped my retreat. I’d learned the hard way he wasn’t a good man, but I’d never thought he’d go this far. I’d been a means to an end for him. Someone to use and discard. What did it matter that I’d left him? Why did he have to possess me?
I glanced up at his friends again. They were no better than Tyler. If anything, they were worse. I’d seen the way they looked at me. The way they licked their lips. They’d barely been able to keep their hands to themselves when I’d first arrived. The only reason they hadn’t touched me was because Tyler had made it clear I belonged to him -- this time. If I didn’t get out of here, it wouldn’t be long before he’d let them do what they wanted. It’s what he’d done before. Ian and Greg weren’t exactly strangers to me, but the other man… He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place him.
Would he still feel the same after he’d made me pay for running from him? I didn’t know, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out.
Cotton. My sweet Cotton. Would I ever get to see him again? Would it devastate him if I died here?
I pressed my hand tighter to my chest. I’d always thought I was strong, but Tyler had proven me wrong. I wasn’t strong at all. If I were, I’d have found a way out of here. I’d have escaped and gone back to the clubhouse. To Cotton.
I pressed my cheek to my knees and let the tears fall.
Tyler’s shadow fell over me, casting darkness across the floor. I pressed my back tighter to the wall and fought to hide my tears. Tyler hated seeing me cry.
“You’re a traitor, Vinny. I took you in when you had nowhere else to go. You should have been grateful. Instead, you ran off with the enemy.” His voice dripped with malice. His boot landed on my thigh, jarring me. I sucked in a breath, certain he’d leave a mark.
“You said he was your friend,” I said.
He fisted my hair and jerked my head back, making me look up at him. My scalp prickled and burned, but I held back my scream. Tyler hated it when women screamed. I’d learned that lesson a long time ago. He’d spanked me so hard I couldn’t sit for two days.
He released me, only for his hand to come down fast, landing hard on my cheek. The slap echoed through the room, and my head snapped to the side. Stars danced in front of my eyes, and I forgot how to breathe for a moment. The sting radiated from my cheekbone down to my jaw.
“You filthy whore,” he snarled. “I gave you a place to stay when you had nowhere to go. All I asked was for you to pay me back in the only way you could. Instead, you spread your legs for that bastard.”
“You let your friends do what they wanted to me.”
He glared. “I didn’t give him permission to take you away and keep you. If he’d have fucked you there and gone on his merry way, it wouldn’t have been an issue. But you belong to me, you little bitch.”
I trembled so hard my teeth chattered. I cradled my belly and prayed he wouldn’t hurt my baby. I’d do anything to keep my child safe. The thought of losing it was more than I could bear.
He nudged my thigh with his boot again. “Look at me when I’m talking to you, bitch.”
I blinked until my vision cleared and focused on him again. He sneered down at me, his lip curling in disgust. I knew he hated me. It was something I’d seen in his eyes before. Had he dated me and let me live with him because he somehow knew it would be easy to control me? Had he planned it all from the start? I was too scared to ask.
“I should have left you on the side of the road, Vinny. Ungrateful cunt.” He spat on the floor beside me.
I shivered. My mouth was bone dry, and I felt like there was a lump in my throat I couldn’t swallow around. I had to get out of here. I couldn’t stay another minute. My body trembled.
Tyler sneered. “You’re pathetic.”
If I didn’t get out of here, he’d kill me. Or worse. I might have lived in fear of the man, but now I felt desperate to get away. As much as I’d like to think he’d changed, I knew it wasn’t true. He’d simply fooled me. I felt so incredibly stupid.
A draft cut through the air, making me shiver. The dim light didn’t help matters any. If I could have escaped, I would have taken the chance. I just hadn’t seen an opportunity.
Tyler shoved me harder against the wall. The rough texture abraded my skin, and I winced. My teeth jarred with the impact. He’d never let me go. Fear clawed at me. I’d never see Cotton again.
I had to get out of here. I had to! I’d do whatever I had to in order to survive. To get back to Cotton.
Now that I’d tasted freedom, I wanted more. Now that I’d seen what my life could be, I didn’t want to let it go.
It had been so different at the compound. For the first time since losing my grandmother, I’d felt safe. I’d dared to dream of a future with Cotton. One where he held me in his arms and whispered sweet things in my ear. Of him holding our baby and swearing to always protect us both. I felt a desperate need to see him again.
If Tyler hurt my baby, I’d never forgive him. Or myself. There was no way I could endure Tyler’s torment again. I couldn’t imagine being trapped with Tyler after learning what love felt like.
I wiped my tears on my sleeve and lifted my head. I couldn’t cower on the floor all night. I had to think. I needed a way out of here.
With the dim light casting shadows in the far corners, I didn’t see much of anything. Not that I’d expected the cabin to be nice. The rough walls still had splinters sticking out. Tyler moved to about five feet away, and his friends sat on the bed. The only door to this room was the one Tyler had come through. I’d thought I’d heard the lock click into place, but I’d also seen the way the door had shifted. It might not be as secure as he thought.
I watched him and his two friends, waiting for the moment they’d become distracted. They had to at some point. No way would they all stare at me all night.
If I stayed, I’d die. Or worse. Tyler hadn’t threatened to kill me, but I’d heard him mention other things. I had no doubt he’d do whatever popped into his head. And then feel no remorse.
My breath hitched and I forced it to even out. I couldn’t let him see how scared I was. If he thought it would be easy to hurt me, he’d do it even faster. The sting of his slap lingered, fueling my need to get out of here. I doubted he’d hit me only once. I lifted my head and met his gaze.
“You’re not getting away this time, bitch.” Tyler smirked.
I’d see about that.
I scanned the cabin again. When the guys all turned to look at something on their phones, I saw my opportunity. The door! I could make it before they noticed.
Maybe.
Tyler let out a low growl as he checked his phone. His brows furrowed, and his lips pulled back in a sneer. He jabbed at the screen with his finger a few times before showing it to Greg and another man.
“Can you believe this shit?” Tyler asked. “The bitch thinks I won’t see every little thing she does.”
Greg snorted. “What did she do now?”
“Messaged some guy she went to high school with. Probably wants to get in his pants.”
“Why? When she could get in mine?” the other man said with a chuckle. David. That’s what they’d called him. I vaguely remembered seeing him before at one of Tyler’s parties, but I’d never talked to him.
My stomach churned. I didn’t know who they were talking about, but I hoped the woman stayed far away from them. Whatever Tyler did to her, I hoped she had the sense to run. Maybe she’d be smarter than me.
Tyler and his friends scrolled through whatever he’d found on his phone, showing it to each other. They weren’t paying me any attention now. Just what I needed. This was my chance! If I didn’t take it, I might not get another one. Even if I only got into the woods, I’d rather face the elements than Tyler’s anger and cruelty.
Tyler’s voice grew louder, and I focused on the door. I didn’t know what waited for me on the other side, but it had to be better than what would happen if I stayed. I inched toward the door, forcing myself to go slow. If I rushed, they’d spot me.
Greg shoved Tyler, and Tyler lunged at him. I used their distraction to move a little faster. David egged them on, calling Tyler’s girl a whore. It only made things worse. Tyler shouted, and Greg hit him. For a second, I thought the two of them were about to kill each other.
I crouched, moving my foot an inch at a time. My heart pounded, and my palms grew sweaty. I gripped the door handle and held my breath. I couldn’t be caught.
I knew I could do it.
One way or another, I’d get away from these men.
I drew a deep breath and closed my eyes for a second. My baby’s life depended on me.
Just breathe. In and out. I can do this .
I turned the handle and prayed it wouldn’t make a sound.
I stepped into the moonlit forest, my eyes scanning the dark terrain. I shivered as the cold air penetrated my clothing. The scent of pine seemed to permeate everything. Taking my first cautious step, I winced at the loud snap of a twig. I had to go before anyone noticed. My heart pounded harder than it ever had. My legs trembled. I was terrified.
I couldn’t live this way, though.
I took in my surroundings. The leaves crunched under my feet. If I moved carefully, maybe I could get far enough away Tyler wouldn’t find me. I heard the sound of an owl in the distance. The occasional rustle of something small. A chill went down my spine at the thought of Tyler catching me. I had to get to Cotton.
I stumbled over a root and went sprawling. The rough bark of the tree scraped my hands as I pushed myself to my feet and kept going. A branch snagged my shirt and I jerked free, the sound of the fabric ripping. I panted hard as I kept moving. My lungs burned, my breath coming in ragged gasps.
Cotton . I’d keep repeating his name until I got to safety. I clenched my teeth and kept going, determined to get out of here. To get to somewhere safe.
I tripped over another root and fell hard. My knees screamed in protest as I got back up. I had to keep moving. Pain radiated from my shins to my thighs. I winced with every step. If I had to crawl, I’d keep going. The lack of food not only left me weaker, but also dizzy.
Cotton. Cotton. Cotton .
My breath caught and I stumbled again. I righted myself and kept moving. Cotton would want me safe. I could do this. I could get away. I had to. For my baby. For me. For Cotton.
Brush scraped against my arms and legs. I didn’t care about the discomfort. I’d run as far as I could. When I couldn’t go anymore, I’d find a way to hide. If I could get to the road, maybe someone would help me.
I blew out a breath and picked up my pace, determined to get away. Even if it killed me. I couldn’t let Tyler and his friends win. I couldn’t let them take me.
I ran as fast as I could, the trees blurring past me. I had no idea where I was or where I was going. The noise I made had my heart racing and my palms sweating. I’d never survive this, not when I made this much noise.
My feet slipped over a patch of damp leaves, and I tumbled to the ground. I fell forward, my hands hitting the ground hard. My breath came in ragged gasps. I pushed to my feet and took a step. There was a rustling behind me, and I looked over my shoulder.
“Hey, I found her! She’s getting away!” Greg yelled. “Tyler! David! Get over here!”
I ran harder, my lungs burning. I didn’t dare stop. If they caught me, I’d never see Cotton again. I’d never have a home of my own. They’d kill me and my baby. I couldn’t let that happen. Not after I’d found such a good man.
My heart pounded. All I could hear was my labored breathing and the crashing of the underbrush as Greg gave chase. He was the one who’d terrified me the most. If he caught me, he wouldn’t go easy on me. Not for even a second.
I ran faster, and branches whipped against my shirt. My skin felt like it had been abraded by sandpaper. It stung, but I didn’t care. My legs trembled and threatened to give out. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep going.
A sob caught in my throat. My legs shook, and I could feel myself getting tired. I hadn’t eaten in days, and the last of my strength was fading fast.
My ankles gave out and I fell to my knees. I heard Greg coming closer. I pushed to my feet, biting my lip to keep from crying out. I wouldn’t let him catch me.
I took another step, then another. The muscles in my calves burned. My lungs screamed with the need for oxygen. My breath caught, and I tried to gulp down air as I kept going. Tears filled my eyes. I was so close. So close to getting away. To having a life. I couldn’t give up now.
Snap ! I jerked and glanced behind me. Greg’s footsteps grew louder. I had to find somewhere to hide. I couldn’t keep going. If I had to, I’d fight. I didn’t know if I could take on Greg, but I’d try. I wouldn’t give up. Not now.
Branches snagged my hair and I left pieces behind. I had to escape. I had to.
I heard Greg’s footsteps closing in.
No !
Tears rolled down my cheeks. I had to get to Cotton.
I stumbled out of the forest, my clothes torn, and my face ached with exhaustion and fear. When I saw a flickering neon sign up ahead, I nearly sobbed in relief. A small diner. I staggered toward it, my breath coming in ragged pants. My legs didn’t want to support me, and my entire body trembled.
Somewhere behind me, I heard Greg cussing. I didn’t see him and hoped he’d fallen or been slowed in some way. If not, I’d never make it to safety.
I opened the door and stepped inside. The smell of fresh coffee slapped me in the face, and I heard the hum of quiet conversations. The few late-night patrons cast curious glances my way. I knew I was a mess.
A waitress moved my way, her eyebrow lifting when she saw the state I was in. She glanced outside, then came over and locked the door behind me. She took my arm and led me to a booth, then went behind the counter and grabbed a glass. She filled it with water, then brought it to me. I accepted it gratefully and took a few sips. I felt like I’d swallowed sand. The cool water soothed my throat, but I still struggled to speak.
When I opened my mouth, all that came out was a croak. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Cotton. I need to reach Cotton.”
“Cotton? That the name of the man who did this?” she asked.
“No. He’s the man I’m with. I need to call him. Hades Abyss. He’s a member of the club. Can you…”
She took the phone out of her pocket and held it out. My hand shook so hard I nearly dropped it. Staring at it, tears blurred my vision. “I can’t remember the number.”
“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I know the clubhouse number,” a young woman said.
The waitress handed her the phone and she dialed the number. She put the call on speaker.
“Hades Abyss,” a deep voice said when the call connected.
“I have a message for Cotton,” the woman said.
“He’s not interested.”
“Don’t hang up! If he’s looking for someone, she’s here with me.”
I heard him curse. “I’ll give him this number and tell him to call.”
The woman gave the phone back to the waitress.
“I’ll stay right here. If you need help getting away from someone who’s hurt you, I’ll keep you safe until your man gets here,” the waitress said. “My name’s Sonya. What’s yours?”
“Lavinia.”
She nodded and put the phone to her ear when it rang. “Hello? Is this Cotton?” She paused, then looked over at me. “It’s him. Want to speak with him?”
I nodded. I wouldn’t be able to relax until I heard his voice. Then it came through the speaker in the phone. Loud and clear. He was so angry! She didn’t even get a chance to give me the phone before he started in on her.
“Who is this?” Cotton demanded. “Where’s Lavinia?”
“My name’s Sonya. I’m a waitress at the diner on the outskirts of town. Your girl just stumbled in here. She’s looking a bit worse for wear. Said she needed to reach you.”
“Put her on the phone,” Cotton said. “Now.”
“I’d planned to, but you started yelling before I could. Here she is.”
Sonya handed it to me. “Here. You can talk to him.”
I put the phone to my ear. “Cotton?”
“Jesus, baby. What the hell is going on? Are you okay?”
“No. I need you.”
“On my way now. Stay put. No one’s getting near you. Understand me?”
“Yes.”
“Hand the phone back to the waitress, baby. I’ll be there soon. You’re going to be all right.”
I did as he asked. Sonya put the phone to her ear again. “Cotton? You still there?”
He said something I couldn’t hear.
“I’ll keep her safe until you get here. Don’t worry about her. She’s in good hands.”
“Thank you,” I said once she’d ended the call.
Sonya sat across from me. “You’re welcome. You want something to eat or drink? I can get you some coffee, or something else.”
“Not coffee. I’ll have tea, if you have some.”
She smiled. “Tea, huh? Something I don’t hear often around here. But I can do that for you.”
She got up and went behind the counter again. I heard the clink of china as she prepared a mug of tea for me. She set it down in front of me, then smiled.
“He won’t be long. I’ll stay here and keep you company. If anyone tries to get through that door, just point and I’ll go after them with a coffeepot.”
A small smile tugged at my lips. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Like I said, I’ll make sure you’re safe until he gets here. Eat whatever you want. Drink as much tea as you need. I’ve been in your shoes, honey. I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again.”
I wrapped both hands around the mug and took a sip. I fought back the tears. Cotton would be here soon. I’d be safe.
I sat in the booth, my body trembling. Adrenaline still flowed through me, along with a bone-deep exhaustion. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down.
I didn’t know how long it would take Cotton to reach me. My leg bounced up and down as I waited, my fingers tapping on the table. Another waitress came around and offered me some food. I shook my head, my stomach too upset to think about eating.
I’d managed to escape, but I couldn’t let my guard down until Cotton arrived. What if they found me?
My head snapped up when someone tried to open the door. I exhaled when the waitress let in an older couple. Not Tyler or his friends. I kept going still every time the bell above the door rang. Every single time, I expected to see the three of them enter the diner. Each time, my stomach twisted more. By the time Cotton finally arrived, my insides felt like a giant knot and I felt like I was about to vomit.
The door opened again, and I glanced over. Cotton. He’d come for me. I pushed to my feet, just as he turned and spotted me. The hard look on his face softened as he started toward me, his long strides eating up the space between us. I ran toward him, colliding with his chest. His arms came around me, holding me tight.
“You’re safe now, Lavinia,” he said.
I pressed my face against his leather vest and inhaled his scent. The smell of leather and motor oil. Like everything in the world had righted itself, just by the fact he was here. His grip tightened as he held me close. One of his hands slid up my back until his fingers brushed through my hair. I sank against him, letting him take my weight. The tears I’d held back until now began falling.
“It’s all right, baby. I have you,” he murmured against my ear. “I’m going to take you home, and no one will ever hurt you again. Those bastards will never lay a hand on you.”
I clung to him, not wanting to let go. His strength was a balm to my soul. My knees wobbled and I tightened my grip. He was so strong. The only man I’d ever known who could make me feel safe.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“What for, Lavinia? You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”
“He wanted to hurt me, Cotton. I know he did. He said I’d betrayed him. That I was a traitor.”
“He’s going to die,” Cotton said. “I’ll gut him with my knife and leave him for the animals to pick apart. He’s not going to hurt you again, Lavinia. Or anyone else. I swear to you, baby girl. I’ll end Tyler and his friends. They won’t live to see another sunrise.”
I believed him. It wasn’t just the words. He might be an easygoing guy most of the time, but I’d seen a glimpse of the determination in his eyes. I knew he wouldn’t rest until he’d taken care of the men who’d terrorized me. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. If anyone could make sure I didn’t have to, it was Cotton.
He framed my face with his big hands and tilted my head back. “Let’s go home, baby. Everyone is waiting for you.”
I let him lead me out of the diner. After everything I’d been through, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more than to go home with Cotton.
Everything about him got to me. The roughness of his vest under my cheek, and the feel of his callused hands as they stroked my back. Even the softness in his eyes when he looked at me. I’d noticed the way he’d often took in my belly, like he couldn’t believe I was carrying a baby. One he obviously wanted to claim as his own. I couldn’t imagine a better man to be a father to my child.
As much as I’d feared Tyler, and how I’d spent the last few months wishing I could escape him, Cotton made me see there were still good men in the world. Even in the short time we’d known each other, he’d become important to me. And if I were honest, I’d admit I’d fallen in love with him the moment he’d taken me from Tyler. It wasn’t just because he’d saved me. Cotton had given me back my trust and let me see what a real man was like.
I buried my face against him and took a deep breath. Whatever tomorrow brought, I knew I’d face it with him. There was no one else I’d rather hang on to.
When we reached the compound, I saw Faith and Raven outside the clubhouse. Both women smiled, but I saw the worry in their eyes. Knowing they’d missed me and been concerned, warmed my heart. It felt nice having a family and friends.
Cotton helped me off the bike and the women hurried over, each one taking a hand.
“Come on, we went to your house and got you a change of clothes. Let’s get you inside so you can clean up,” Raven said.
“Is there a reason I can’t do that in my own shower?” I asked.
“Safety in numbers,” Cotton said. “While Tyler and the others are free, I want as many eyes on you as possible. Bathrooms here don’t have windows. You can be alone then, but any other time I want at least one or two people with you. Just until we have things resolved.”
I nodded and allowed the women to lead me into the clubhouse. They took me to one of the unused bedrooms and I saw my clothes folded neatly on the bed. I started to reach for them and stopped, seeing how dirty my hands looked. Faith seemed to understand my dilemma and carried them to the bathroom for me. Once she’d left and shut the door, I started the shower and stripped out of my clothes.
My bathroom things weren’t here, but I found travel sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. I used them liberally, scrubbing myself as well as I could, wincing at the sting of the soap against my abrasions. When I finished, I dried off and got dressed. Raven was gone, but Faith waited for me.
“Want some food?” she asked. “We have sandwiches, chips, hot dogs, and a few other options. The guys all pitched in to make food for everyone. The clubhouse will be packed, but it could be fun.”
I really wanted a quiet place right now. Just me and Cotton, but it didn’t seem like that’s what I’d get. I simply nodded and took a seat at one of the tables. Cotton brought me a sandwich and a bowl of soup, as well as a bottle of water.
“Wasn’t sure what you’d feel like eating,” he said.
“This is fine. Thank you.”
He kissed my forehead and took a seat beside me, placing his hand on my thigh. It was like he needed to touch me to make sure I was really here. I could understand. I wanted to do the same to him. Part of me worried this was all a dream and I was really still with Tyler.
“We’re staying here tonight,” Cotton said. “And I don’t want you to freak out, but I’m going to secure the window the best way I can think of.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what that meant but figured I’d find out soon enough. And I was right. Not even thirty minutes later, one of the men walked by with security bars in his hands. I’d always seen them attached to the outside of a house or business, but it looked like these were going on the inside. Of course, when I thought about it, that made sense. If they were outside, someone could unscrew them and get inside.
“You don’t think that’s a bit much?” Raven asked, coming to join us.
“Not even a little,” Cotton said.
“I’m fine with it.” I gave her a slight smile. “Really. I know he only wants to keep me safe, and after everything I’ve been through, I don’t have an issue with bars on a window. At least, not here. If he does it at home, I may go on strike.”
Raven sighed and sat down. “Fine. I won’t argue then.”
I glanced over at Cotton. “Are we the only ones staying here?”
He shook his head. “Dread offered to stay, same for Hornet and…”
“Me,” said a woman with a Russian accent. “My name is Vasha. I’m with Slider.”
“And what about your kids?” Raven asked.
Vasha shrugged. “Slider said he took care of it. I’m sure they’ll be babysat by one of the guys, or maybe go to Rocket’s place. They adore Violeta.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I murmured.
“Since you need someone to watch the kids, I’m assuming Slider will be here too,” Raven said.
Vasha nodded. “ Da .”
“So you’ll have another woman here,” Cotton said. “Anything you want from the house? I’m going to grab a few things to bring over. We’ll be staying in the room they took you to when we got here.”
“I used all of the travel sized shower stuff,” I admitted. “There’s not any left.”
“I’ll grab that stuff, our toothbrushes, and some clothes. Stay put, and don’t move an inch without taking someone with you.”
I literally stepped to the side and arched my eyebrows at him. He glowered.
“That wasn’t cute. You know what I meant.” Cotton leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Back as quick as I can.”
I watched him walk off and wondered when all this would finally end.