CHAPTER TWELVE
“ C ome on,” Kade muttered under his breath as he stood by his bike in the parking lot of The Serpent Pit, watching the door and waiting for Sadie. He was dressed in a black dress shirt and slacks, his usual black motorcycle boots carrying the same weight as his thoughts. He wasn’t nervous—he was too used to dealing with this shit all his life—but he was frustrated. Frustrated that this was the only way to keep Madison safe, frustrated that she was caught up in something like this in the first place, and frustrated that, for the first time in a long while, he had to rely on someone else—his brother’s fiancé of all people.
He heard a car pull into the parking lot and turned to watch an Uber pull up beside him. Sadie stepped out, her silhouette backlit by the lights from the street. She wore a sleek black sequined mini dress that hugged her curves and petite frame. Her blonde hair was styled in soft waves, and her lips were painted a deep red that contrasted with the paleness of her skin. But it was the motorcycle boots—worn and well-traveled—that really made the look. She always wore them and Kade assumed she’d wear heels for tonight. But a part of him was glad she didn’t. This was a woman who he respected through and through, and seeing her keep that part of herself even when they were about to go through hell, was comforting to him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
Sadie’s eyes locked onto Kade’s, and she approached without hesitation, her boots clicking softly against the asphalt as she walked toward him.
“You ready for this?” Sadie whispered.
Kade nodded, looking over her outfit before returning to her eyes. “Yeah. You look... perfect for the part.” He offered her a small, strained smile.
“Right back at you,” Sadie replied, arching an eyebrow as she gave him a once-over. “I’m not used to seeing you so... formal.”
He couldn’t help but smirk at that. “This is the best I can do, given the circumstances.”
Sadie’s eyes softened for a moment, but her expression quickly hardened as she looked toward the entrance of The Serpent Pit. “I’m guessing you’ve talked with Jagger about the plan for tonight?”
“Yeah,” Kade said, pulling a satchel from his bike. He unzipped it slowly, his movements deliberate as he pulled out two black masks. He handed one to Sadie before holding the other in front of his face. The masks were simple, plain black with a small cut-out for the eyes—the ones everyone inside would be wearing. “Several times over. And here, they gave me these.” He handed her the note that had been tucked into the satchel alongside the masks.
The initiation will take place as planned. You and your companion are expected to arrive by 10 pm. Please ensure you bring her with you, as this is the only way you can go through the initiation process. Should you be successful, we will discuss the next phase and possible placement in our gang at the end of the evening. Regards, Montana Green Light Gang
Sadie read the note in silence, chewing her bottom lip as she took in the words. When she finished, she folded it neatly and handed it back to Kade who stuffed it back in his satchel.
“After we’re inside I’ll try to get Madison into the back office. They’ll probably try to keep us separated at first, but once they get us settled in, I’ll slip away. Can you keep an eye on things while I get Madison hidden? You’re good to distract them, right?”
Sadie didn’t hesitate. “Of course.” She slipped the mask over her face, securing it tightly before turning back to Kade. “What about us? I know Jagger wants this to be an easy thing with no repercussions but you know that’s not going to happen, don’t you?”
Kade sighed, his hands running through his dark hair as he stared at the ground. Unfortunately, he knew all too well that there would be some rough things happening tonight for all involved. “Yeah. I hate that you’re in this position. I want to apologize now for anything I do that might make you uncomfortable.”
Sadie took a step closer and placed a hand on his forearm. When Kade looked at her, she gave him a kind smile–almost like she was trying to console him. His brother was a lucky son of a bitch, that was the truth. Sadie was a special kind of loyal that you couldn’t find if you tried.
“Look, I know this is weird, but I’m prepared for whatever needs to happen tonight. But you need to know something—” She paused, making sure Kade was listening, his eyes locking onto hers. “I’ll do whatever I have to do to get Madison out of here to take these guys down. If that means playing the part... if that means putting my hands on you—” She leaned in slightly, her voice steady. “Then I’m going to do it.”
Kade’s chest tightened, his heart pounding in his ears.
He knew she was serious. Sadie always was.
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to do anything,” Kade said, his voice rough. “But if it comes down to it... If they make us play it up, we’ll do it. But I won’t let them touch you.”
Sadie tilted her head, her lips curling into a sly grin. “Kade, don’t worry about me. I can handle a few assholes. I’m engaged to your brother, remember?”
Kade chuckled and checked his phone for the time before taking her hand in his and guiding her towards the doors.
“Let’s go.”
The music was deafening as Kade and Sadie stepped into The Serpent Pit. Gremlin ushered them in and gave Sadie’s arm a gentle squeeze as she brushed past him as if to say he’d be there to keep her safe, too. They had backup all around them and the cavalry would be there in just over an hour. The bass thumped through their chests as they walked further inside to the chaotic rhythm of Girls, Girls, Girls blaring through the speakers. It was a loud contrast to the silent, tense atmosphere outside where they had been gathering their nerves.
“This music is absolute garbage,” she muttered, leaning close enough for Kade to hear over the booming sound. “I mean, seriously—my usual playlist is so much better than this nonsense. I know we have a pole here but have some taste, fucking hell.”
Kade couldn’t help but snicker, the tension in his chest easing for a split second. He squeezed her hand, the only contact they had left as they entered the den of snakes. “Careful, Sadie. I’m going to start to think you’re just here to critique the music,” he teased as they moved forward, making their way through the crowd.
Kade spotted Jagger almost immediately. He was behind the bar, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of bodies like a hawk from behind his black mask. By his side was Camille, a familiar figure with her signature pink hair and a black mask covering her face just like the rest of them. She was busy serving drinks, but Kade noticed her falter when she spotted him. That same worry filled his gut again. And the thought of her being in danger now, too, made his stomach feel like it would eat itself alive.
There were too many people. Too many bodies moved in a haze of neon lights and half-drunk lust as they started making groups near the temporary beds they set up in the bar again. It seemed that there were even more than there were last time. Kade looked around desperately for Madison but he couldn’t find her.
Sadie squeezed his hand, giving him a gentle pull forward, and he followed her lead, desperate to keep his focus.
It wasn’t long before a large man with short-cropped gray hair approached them. His dark eyes scanned them up and down and Kade’s muscles tensed as he saw the wicked grin spread across the man’s face.
“Well, well,” the man said, his Brooklyn accent thick as he spoke, his voice gravelly. “Ain’t seen this leggy blonde before. Must be the newbies.” He gave Sadie an appraising look, one that Kade didn’t miss and he tugged her into his side roughly.
“Something like that,” Kade replied, his voice a low growl.
The man didn’t seem phased by Kade’s tone, instead turning to wave them forward. “Follow me. Mont wants to meet ya.” He gave them a nod, guiding them through the throng of bodies as they made their way to where the pool table was. Kade’s eyes scanned the faces in the crowd, but still, he couldn’t find her. No trace of Madison. Her red hair should’ve stood out, but it was as if the entire bar had swallowed her whole. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay calm. He couldn’t afford to panic, not now. Not when they were so close. She had to be here somewhere.
And then they saw him.
Montana.
Sitting on the edge of the pool table with two girls on either side of him, his hands high on their thighs as they sat there. Kade’s breath caught in his chest. This was the man who ran everything.
Mont looked up as they approached, his eyes instantly lighting up behind his plain black mask that he slid on top of his head, not caring if anyone saw his face. He felt completely at ease. Untouchable.
Kade wanted to touch the shit out of him until he stopped breathing.
Unlike the others, he’d added a personal touch to his mask—a small Green Light painted at the corner, a signature that marked him as the leader. He was meticulously groomed, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, his face clean-shaven to highlight the sharp angles of his jaw.
“Ah, our newcomer arrives,” Mont said, his voice smooth as silk yet somehow still carrying over the pounding music. He smiled, but it didn’t warm the cold, calculating eyes that seemed to dissect Kade and Sadie where they stood. “And he’s brought a lovely gift.”
Mont stood, pushing one of the girls off his lap so abruptly she stumbled and fell into a heap on the floor. The other girl helped her up and they moved off to the side as quickly as they could.
Mont’s gaze traveled over Sadie, lingering on the curves accentuated by her sequined dress. He approached them with predatory grace, each step measured and deliberate. When he reached them, he extended a hand to Kade.
“Montana,” he grunted as he introduced himself. “But everyone calls me Mont.”
Kade took his hand, gripping it firmly. “Kade Wilder.”
“Wilder?” Mont’s eyebrow arched, and his smile widened slightly. “Any relation to the owner of this fine establishment?”
“Brothers,” Kade admitted, maintaining eye contact. “But we don’t exactly see eye to eye on everything.”
Mont chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Kade’s spine. “Family feuds. I understand completely. I love a little betrayal.” His attention shifted to Sadie. “How did you manage to get this one to be so agreeable? And where did you find her?” The man tugged on the skirt of her dress and Sadie had to bite her tongue so she didn’t gag when his fingers brushed her thigh.
Kade’s jaw tightened, but his face remained impassive as he slid an arm around Sadie’s waist, pulling her closer to his side. His fingers dug into her hip possessively, a silent apology hidden in the pressure of his touch.
“I saw her dancing at a club in Pennsylvania,” Kade said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone that made Mont lean in slightly. “The Diamond Crown. She was working the pole, and the moment I saw her, I knew she’d be perfect for what you’ve got going on here.”
Mont’s eyes gleamed with interest as he circled Sadie, taking in every inch of her like she was merchandise on display.
Kade continued, forcing the words past his lips while maintaining his casual demeanor. “Getting her wasn’t easy,” he said with a calculated smirk, watching Mont’s reaction carefully.
“Wasn’t it?” Mont asked, his eyes still fixed on Sadie, appraising her from every angle. “She seems quite... comfortable with you.”
Kade chuckled, the sound hollow in his chest as he pulled Sadie closer, his hand sliding possessively down her arm. “That’s because she knows what happens when she’s not.” He leaned in, lowering his voice.
Mont grinned, a predatory gleam in his eyes. “I do love a quick learner.” He reached out, his fingers brushing Sadie’s shoulder. She flinched slightly but kept her expression neutral, her gaze lowered submissively behind her mask.
“And what’s your name, sweetheart?” Mont asked, his eyes lingering on hers as his fingers traced her jawline.
Sadie kept her eyes downcast, the picture of submission, though Kade could feel the tension radiating through her body. “Violet,” she whispered, her voice soft and trembling, exactly as it should be for the role she was playing. “My name is Violet, sir.”
Good girl , Kade thought to himself, relief washing through him at her quick thinking. Using a fake name was smart—it would make it harder for them to track her down if things went south.
Mont seemed pleased with her response, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. “Violet. How fitting for such a delicate flower.” His eyes hardened as he glanced back at Kade. “Though I’m sure there’s nothing delicate about how you take a nice cock, am I right, girl?
Sadie kept her gaze lowered, her voice barely audible over the thumping music. “Yes, sir.”
Kade sneaked a glance toward the bar, catching sight of Jagger. His brother stood rigid behind the counter, his body unnaturally still as he watched their interaction, knuckles white against the edge of the bar. Even from this distance, Kade could see the tension radiating from him, like a predator ready to strike.
“Am I in now?” Kade asked, his tone casual as he tightened his grip on Sadie’s waist.
Mont’s demeanor changed, the easy charm dropping. He stepped closer to Kade, invading his personal space without a care as he made sure to crowd him.
“In?” Mont repeated, his voice dropping to a sardonic whisper. “You think bringing me one pretty blonde means you’re in?” A cold laugh escaped his lips, humorless and sharp. “You haven’t proved shit yet, Wilder.”
Kade maintained his composure, though his heart hammered against his ribs. “I thought this was the initiation—bringing a girl.”
Mont’s eyes narrowed, the Green Light painted on his mask catching the neon glow from above. “Bringing a girl is step one. Step two is proving she’s yours to give.” He circled them slowly, like a shark scenting blood in the water. “If she’s a token of your loyalty—if she’s broken in like you say, then you won’t have any problem showing us how you handle her,” Mont finished, his voice thick with anticipation as his eyes raked over Sadie’s body. “I want to see exactly what she’s learned to do for you.”
The air in the bar seemed to grow thick with the weight of the man’s demand. The music continued to pound around them, but Kade felt as though they were isolated in their own pocket of hell, the rest of the world fading into a blur of lights and sound. His mind struggled to keep up, searching for a way out, a way to stall, anything to avoid having to put Sadie through this.
Mont’s patience was clearly wearing thin. He stepped forward, his hand reaching for Sadie’s arm. “Maybe I should give her a test run myself.”
Mont’s hand shot out like a viper, moving to grab Sadie’s arm. But before his fingers could make contact, Kade yanked her backward against his chest, his movements swift and possessive. The sudden action made Mont pause, his eyes closing into narrow slits as he watched Kade position Sadie with her back pressed firmly against his front, her body on display for the men gathered around them.
“ I know how to handle her ,” Kade growled, his voice indicating he wasn’t one to be messed with. The words tasted like ash in his mouth, but he kept his expression cold and detached as he met Mont’s gaze over Sadie’s shoulder.
Mont’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. “Then. Handle. Her.” He challenged, taking a step back to watch.
Kade knew he couldn’t hesitate any longer. Every moment of delay only increased their suspicion, and suspicion would get them all killed. So, he moved his hands to Sadie’s shoulders, his touch gentle despite the possessive display he was putting on. His fingers traced down her arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake as they slid around to her front. The sequins of her dress felt cool and rough against his palms as he slowly, deliberately moved his hands upward, his touch hesitant despite the confidence he was trying to project.
Kade lowered his head, his lips brushing against Sadie’s ear as his hands moved higher, cupping her breasts through the thin fabric of her dress. The sequins scratched against his palms as he molded his hands to her curves, putting on a show that made his stomach turn.
He massaged her breasts and whispered “sorry” over and over in her ear so only she could hear. Each apology fell like a desperate prayer between them, hidden beneath the roar of the music and the privacy the mask gives. The sequins of her dress glittered in the light, scattering prisms across his hands as they moved with practiced precision—a performance for their audience and nothing more.
Sadie leaned back against him, her body responding with a fluid grace that spoke of years spent dancing, years spent learning how to make men believe exactly what she wanted them to believe. She tilted her head to the side, exposing the pale column of her neck in a gesture of surrender.
Sadie let out an audible sigh as Kade’s hand slid higher, tracing the curve of her hip with deliberate slowness. The fabric of her dress rode up with the movement, revealing more of her pale thigh. The men around them watched with hungry eyes, their attention fixed on the slow unveiling of her skin. Sadie arched her back and moaned loudly enough to make it seem like she’s enjoying it.
Kade’s fingers drifted upward along her inner thigh, every inch feeling like a betrayal of his brother’s trust despite their agreement. He could feel the heat of her pussy through the thin fabric of her underwear, the boundary he knows he cannot cross.
Just as he moved her underwear to the side so he could reveal her sex to the hoots and hollers of the men around them, there was a loud crashing sound from the bar.
The sound of shattering glass cut through the haze of the moment like a lightning strike. They looked to see Camille yelling at Jagger about dropping a bottle, her pink hair swaying in her ponytail as she gesticulated wildly, throwing her hands in the air. The shards glittered on the floor, reflecting the neon lights in a thousand tiny mirrors while amber liquid pooled onto the bartop and the floor.
“What the hell, Jagger?” Camille’s voice carried across the room despite the pounding music. “That was our last bottle of Macallan! The expensive stuff!”
Jagger didn’t respond, his eyes still locked on Kade and Sadie.
His fury was barely contained.
Mont’s laughter erupted suddenly, a booming sound that cut through the tension like a knife. He clasped his hands together, his eyes crinkling at the corners behind his mask as he watched Kade quickly adjust Sadie’s dress, covering her exposed skin.
“Now that’s what I like to see,” Mont roared, slapping Kade on the back with enough force to make him stumble forward. “A man who knows how to show off the merchandise.” He gestured broadly to the bar, his gold rings catching the light as he moved. “Get the lady a drink! She’s earned it after that little performance.”
Kade’s hand found Sadie’s, his grip tighter than necessary as he led her toward the bar. But just as he sat her down at a stool and Jagger rushed over to her, Mont called out, “You’re almost there, kid. You can show me just how you break ‘em in with our new filly. I’ve been calling her firecracker because she’s certainly got some life in her. I’ve been trying to break her all week. If you can do it, I’ll let you in.”
Jagger and Kade’s eyes locked across the bar, Sadie sitting safely between them. But they shared a look of pain and horror as they realized that Madison was to be brought out like a prized horse. One to be beaten and fucked into submission for all to see tonight.
There was no more time.
“Get them here, now,” Kade growled as he turned to walk back to Mont.
Jagger was visibly shaken from the ordeal he just witnessed with Sadie and the fact it was going to get even worse. Camille ran off, phone in hand, as she slid a beer down to Sadie since Jagger couldn’t seem to let her hand go.
Kade took a deep breath as Mont led him to the small stage of the Pit. At least it was him and not one of them. He could protect her like this.
But would she know?
Would it matter?
The one she wanted to save her, was going to have to be the one to hurt her.