Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Cassie
I'm running out of time in being able to conceal my joint pains and stiff muscles. I've never gone more than two weeks without seeing my chiropractor, and I can feel it.
Thankfully, Baindaid doesn't have x-ray vision and told the guys I was just sore from my first ride. I had already explained that, obviously, but nobody would listen to me. Bless the man for telling them he wouldn't put an IV in my arm, considering I wasn't dehydrated and was in excellent health.
That was a few days ago, and I gotta say I'm not feeling so confident anymore. Which is why I've decided it's a good idea to eavesdrop on club business.
Not my best moment, but I need to know if there's still a threat to me beyond these walls. That man, Victor, hasn't made another appearance, but I still don't know jack shit.
What is really going on here? I'm running out of time to figure it out before I end up risking my heart.
Everything I've witnessed and experienced with the Shadows is nothing like the outside persona Maddox has used to push me away all these years. I'm antsy, I miss my niece, and my neck fucking hurts.
So excuse me for this next part. I'm a woman who doesn't know how to open up a massive can of worms that could change everything.
Because what if...what if they really are bad men and I'm a horrible judge of character? Have I really lost sight of the real world after living with four smoking hot MC presidents for the past month?
I sincerely hope not because I think I've already fallen for four assholes who know exactly what I need. Their possessiveness and attentiveness are like a drug I don't think I'll be able to recover from if it's flushed down the toilet as nothing but a colossal mistake.
Speaking of drugs...
Some papers shuffle in their home office, and I believe it's Koa who sighs. "I gave seven fucking zip bags to Connor this afternoon and twelve last week. I doubt what Victor gave us was only cocaine but Connor knows what to do."
Air gets trapped in my lungs, forcing me to cover my mouth to muffle my horrified choke. They're getting drugs from Victor?! And giving it to other people?! KOA?! My sweet, thoughtful Koa?!
"Shit, we need more than that," Maddox states, shattering the illusion of the man I thought he was.
All four of them are in there just casually talking about working with the man they said will kill me. Heart thundering, I drop a knee to the ground to keep me from falling over in anguish. They betrayed me.
The only one who gives me a smidgen of hope is Parker, when he growls, "This is fucked."
"We can't ask for more. Getting too deep could cost us. Next thing we know, he'll be demanding something else to prove ourselves fucking worthy. I, for one, don't care to show him what he wants," Ripley adds, confusing me.
When I need more information, I'm left with more questions. What if I just stood up, walked in there, and asked my questions? Would they kill me for what I just overheard? Victor would hurt me and yet, they’re his double fucking agents?
No way. They wouldn't. At least I wouldn't have believed they would five minutes ago. It hurts like hell to admit that I'm not so sure now.
"Connor's working on getting more. He and his guys know what to do, so we don't get deeper. Definitely not with Cassie here. She doesn't fucking touch it. Agreed?" Maddox practically barks, making me flinch. Hearing my name in the middle of a drug deal conversation has bile rushing up my throat.
The three other voices of the men I'm not sure I can trust anymore give their affirmatives to leave me in the dark. What do they plan to do with me? It can't be to keep me and continue living as we have been if they're keeping secrets.
What's their motive for keeping me? They’re working with Victor. It’s a game. I was so blinded by my love that I couldn’t see that they were playing me.
"What's our plan with our Pet?" Ripley continues, his nickname for me souring the contents in my stomach further.
Am I really just something to torment?
Maddox groans, and a chair creaks as if he's vacating it. I have to force myself not to howl in fury at his next words. "I, for one, want to lock her in a fucking room and tie her up. Maybe gag her so she can't—"
"No," I whisper-cry, flying back onto my hands and backpedaling like a creepy creature in a horror film.
All I can imagine is Maddox locking me in my room and calling Victor.
"No, no, no." Oh my god, I really am a fucking captive.
Dress it up in smiles and sexy touches, but I'm still exactly that, their prisoner who fell for their shit like the idiot I am.
The sounds of curses and my name being shouted send me into a deeper panic. I can't see through the tears pouring from my eyes, and it isn't until my shoulder blades hit the wall that I realize how truly vulnerable they've made me in their home.
Heat scorches my knee, drawing a scream from my throat at the same time my leg extends and connects with something solid. More swearing and disheveled grunts surround me, but there's only one thing I can focus on—escaping.
Four sets of legs block my exit, but when one faceless man kneels and reaches for me, there's no other option. It's now or never.
I can't believe they were able to convince me I meant something to them when it's clear there are far more sinister thoughts going through their minds. Part of me wonders if I’m overreacting, but if I’m not, then I have no time to waste. I must get out of here.
Diving for the opening between the legs closest to me, a whimper escapes me. I'm never one to cry easily or feel much fear. I also never thought I'd fear them, but I have no idea what they are capable of anymore.
And that might just hurt more than whatever torture they have in store for me.