Chapter 17
Seventeen
DARCIE
Despite having reviewed the plan to death earlier, I still felt nervous as hell as Maddox and I walked into the very same warehouse we’d been a mere twenty-four hours ago. Images of my father beaten and bruised threatened to overwhelm me again. I stumbled, and Maddox halted with me. He waited, not saying anything, and gave me space.
Lock it down, girl!
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the images aside and focused on Agonizer’s face. The sneer he’d worn when he’d violated me, the same look Chase wore when he’d felt obligated to take what he wanted from me, morphing to shock when I’d stabbed him. Smiling, I imagined that look the longest and seeing it twofold when we walked in.
Maddox’s gaze heated my skin and comforted me as I worked through my emotions. Once I had a handle on them, I nodded to let him know I was good. He squeezed my hand, offering his strength, and I took it.
There was no shame in needing others, only love.
I took one last look around the compound, cataloging everything. The empty yard was deceptive, and so was the quiet night. Thankfully, before I had my freakout last night, the others had successfully planted their cameras and given us eyes into Agonizer’s operation. And while he was meant to meet with us—a potential new buyer—without an entourage, he had men covering every exit and entry into the warehouse.
The message was clear—if he didn’t want us to leave, we wouldn’t.
Good thing we weren’t naive.
With one last breath, I hardened my armor and took the last few steps toward the door. Agonizer wasn’t the only one with hidden sentries; if it came down to it, we’d fight our way out of here. I just prayed it didn’t.
Envisioning their faces again, I strode through the door Maddox opened like the badass Queen I was.
The two men inside did not disappoint.
Sitting like two false kings, Stanley and Chase were perched on crates with burly men clad in leather holding guns behind them. The smart mouth in me wanted to ask if they’d recently binged Sons of Anarchy or if the look just came about naturally.
Curbing my dark humor, I zeroed in on their expressions as we came into view.
Stanley was subtle. The corner of his eyes widened before he schooled his features and returned to his blank and calculating face. His eyes were dead, and there was no doubt he’d end us immediately if he wanted. It was the smidge of curiosity I was banking on to keep us alive long enough to get out of here. That and knowing he wanted what he felt was owed to him.
Me .
I smirked, loving the thrill of power as he eyed me. His instant dismissal fueled me, making me bolder.
I loved it when they dismissed me.
Swiveling my gaze to Chase, I smiled wide at his slack jaw. Chase needed to learn from his father how to mask his feelings. Not that I was complaining. It was validating to know I’d surprised them. His shock turned to lust as his eyes heated, trailing over my body.
Surprisingly, I didn’t feel disgusted by their looks like I’d assumed. Instead, it fed me power.
These men had tried to steal my beauty and innocence, taking it as something they felt owed. But my time as a cam girl had taught me how to wield my beauty, transform a perceived weakness into a strength, and decide for myself who held the power.
They saw a petite, blonde girl with a pretty face and a sexy body. To them, that meant my worth was good for one thing—their pleasure, and theirs only.
Except, men didn’t get to tell me how I felt about myself. I did. And I saw those same features as weapons. They weren’t the measure of my worth or even the best things about me. Nothing but a tool for me to use how I saw fit. No one else.
Planting my hands on my hips, I kept my stance wide. I wouldn’t make myself smaller any longer.
“Hello, boys. It’s been a long time.” I eyed Chase, smiling sweetly. I prowled closer as I ran my finger over the crates. “How’s the stab wound?”
His eyes hardened, but I didn’t miss the tiny flicker of fear as he flicked his eyes to his dad. Ah, so he hadn’t told Daddy Dearest about our scuffle. Interesting.
“I never took you for the dumb blonde, princess.”
Maddox bristled beside me, but I kept my gaze on Chase and brushed Maddox’s arm. He relaxed under my touch, trusting me.
“Oh? Did you not get the memo, Chase? Is Daddy not keeping you in the loop?” I flicked my gaze to Stanley, then back quickly. That brief look had been too much. Agonizer’s curiosity had grown. Now, he seemed…fascinated. The increased danger attached to that emotion was clear as day to me.
Chase stood from his makeshift throne, continuing to broadcast every emotion. Had he always been this easy to read, and I’d ignored it? Or was his anger making him sloppy? I’d have to explore that later. Now was not the time for observation.
“For your information, I’m head of?—”
“Enough,” Stanley barked, cutting off Chase.
Well, well, well.
Pouting, I ignored Stanley and focused on Chase. “Shame, it was just starting to get good. But I guess some of us are still in diapers, while others have graduated to… well, I prefer thongs or nothing. Easier access that way,” I purred.
An insult and sexual innuendo in one. Damn, I’d gotten good.
“Fuck you, Darcie,” Chase snapped. His face turned red, and a vein in his forehead throbbed.
I studied my fingernails. “No, thanks. You already tried that, and I declined. Do you need another lesson in consent? I can give you a matching stab wound on the other side if so.”
Bingo! Chase charged forward, his intent clear. He wanted me to pay. For denying him. For stabbing him. For belittling him in front of his father. He’d been easier to play with than I’d expected.
Before he could touch me, he met Maddox’s closed fist and fell unceremoniously to the ground in a heap. He’d passed the fuck out.
“Ah, pity. You still haven’t learned I’m not your fucking princess, asswipe.” I reared my leg back to kick him.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Stanley boomed. “I’ll forgive your lapdog’s hit because my son brought that on himself and needs to learn a lesson. But I won’t have you kicking him while he’s down.”
My heart rate skittered, and I balled my hands into fists at my side. The stinging of my nails grounded me, and I focused on the pain. My time to ignore Stanley had run out.
Faking a smile, I lifted my head and met him head-on. I wouldn’t hide any longer.
“Very well. I believe we have some business to conduct.”
Shock passed through his eyes but quickly left, and his blankness returned. But it felt different this time. Fascination and craving ran under it, giving it a different vibe. It was no longer flat and calculated but energized, giving me hope it could be used against him. If he became reckless, it would turn the tide in our favor.
“Do we? I was under the impression I was meeting with the Pres of a new club.”
I smiled wide, showing all my teeth. I would show no fear. This was my moment. “You’re looking at her. Well, actually, I prefer Queen to Pres. I’m sure a man like you understands.” I flicked my gaze to the makeshift throne he’d assembled himself.
“Queen. Hmm.” He assessed me, his gaze far more critical this time. Maddox played his part and stayed quiet behind me, acting as my sentry. “I suppose King does have a nice ring to it.”
“That it does. I see you’ve done well for yourself since I’ve been gone. Taking over the Mavericks. Impressive.” Bile churned in my stomach, but I kept up the facade. “You’ve taken them to heights I never thought the Mavericks would achieve.”
“Your father would disagree,” he stated, watching me. It was a test, one I was prepared for. I walked over to the throne Chase had occupied and leaned against it.
“My father was stuck in the past and only thought of himself. Not of what this club could be. You have a true vision. And if what I heard is true, you finally took care of the trash last night.”
The question hung in the air, and a lifetime passed as I waited for Agonizer to answer. Would he give me a clue if my father was still alive? One side of his mouth quirked up in an impressed sneer, only slightly different from his normal one, but I caught it.
“Yes. That was some of my finer work. Too bad he’s not here to see your return.”
My gut sank at the news. He really was dead. Steeling my features, I didn’t show any emotions. Now was not the time to grieve.
“That is too bad, but if I still cared what my father thought of my choices, I wouldn’t be here now. Would I?”
“No. I suppose not.” He tilted his head, his gaze flicking to Maddox and then back. “So, what’s your proposal? The message you sent was cryptic.”
I glanced at the burly men with guns. “Is there somewhere more private we could go?”
“Not scared of a few guns, are you?”
Licking my lips slowly, I hopped up on the crate and crossed my legs over the other in a slow, hypnotic dance. I needed to make him want me more so he’d give in to his recklessness. His gaze tracked my movements, and I smiled, leaning back on my elbows and my boobs lifted in the process.
“Not at all. I didn’t want to presume how you ran your club. If you were the type of man who kept his plans close to his chest or if he trusted those beneath him. I’m sure Chase has never kept anything from you.”
I flicked my gaze down to emphasize my point. I caught his jaw twitching out of the corner of my eye, sending my pulse racing. I was getting closer. I just needed one more push, and I could reel him in.
“Like how he was the one to give me money to escape that night or knew exactly where I was for years. Hell, he even watched me online. Stroking himself as I cleaned my apartment… naked . He was a very generous tipper.”
All lies, but it worked for this scenario. Stanley’s eyes flashed with anger before he blanketed it again. He was good. I needed to be better.
“He boasted he’d be able to stretch me more than you did. That he’d make me cry harder as I fought against him. Of course, he never got the chance since I stabbed him and left him for dead. And to think, if he hadn’t been so greedy, you could have had me months ago. Long before I became a Queen.”
Agonizer seethed, his control slipping as he listened. The words tasted dirty and bitter on my tongue. Still, I’d keep telling them if it got me what I wanted—Stanley Driscoll incapacitated.
“I’m glad to hear there’s no trust issues among your men. So, what we’re wanting is?—”
“Stop,” he barked. “Not here.” He stood and stormed off. The men behind him glanced at one another and took a step. “No. You stay. Queen, with me.”
His command was forceful and brokered no argument. Maddox’s jaw twitched, but he nodded, trusting me to know my limits. My heart beat so hard, I worried it would jump out of my chest. This was it. The moment of my redemption. The opportunity I’d longed for since he’d stolen something precious from me.
He waited at the stairs, his body vibrating as I strutted toward him. His eyes roved over me in a predatory manner, and I knew he believed he’d win this round. Watching his face fall when he realized he’d been beaten by a woman would be the highlight of my day.
He motioned for me to head up first, and I smiled as I trailed my fingers over his arm. I knew he wanted to stare at my ass and make me nervous, but I’d use it to my advantage. Once my front was out of view, I slipped the knife I had strapped to my wrist down and into my hand. If I had the opportunity, I’d take it. As much as I’d prefer for him to rot in prison for the rest of his miserable life, I wouldn’t let him get away. Not this time.
“To the right,” he barked when we crested the landing. I swayed my hips and controlled my breathing as I walked. I had to stay calm. Maddox would take care of the men below and our hidden guys could handle the rest. I had to trust them just like they trusted me.
Stepping into the room, I eyed the layout and cataloged my exit points. There was a small window high up that would have to do if I got trapped. The room was mostly bare, with a filing cabinet in one corner and a desk against the far end. Leaning against it, I kept the knife hidden as I took in the man of my nightmares.
He smiled as he shut the door, locking it behind him. I wasn’t sure if that was to keep me in or others out. It didn’t matter. Soon enough, they would all be prey.
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment.”
“Oh?” he said, rolling up his sleeves. “And here I thought you running away meant you didn’t like me.” He smiled and stepped forward.
“I don’t.” Agonizer froze at my honesty, his face morphing to confusion. “But power has nothing to do with liking someone. You know that. You pretended to like my father all those years after he fucked your wife.” Stanley’s face morphed from shock to rage before settling on triumph.
“So, you know about your father’s indiscretions?”
“I know everything. I wouldn’t be where I am otherwise.”
That smarmy smile flitted over his face again. “Tank has no idea the caliber of daughter he has. I wanted you to punish him, and I’ll be frank because you were a hot piece of virgin ass. But now…” He shook his head in disbelief as he stepped forward and into my space.
My heart rate sped up, and the bile from earlier threatened to return at his proximity. Gritting my teeth, I stayed focused. I was so close. I just had to keep him talking, so he’d ignore any sounds that were happening below. I could already hear the low murmur of grunts as Maddox and our men dismantled the thugs.
“But now?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. His finger trailed up my neck, and a shudder ran through me. Thank Gucci he assumed it was lust and not revulsion.
“You’re more perfect than I ever imagined. Together, you and I can rule the southern states. I already have Mississippi and Alabama. You have Kentucky and, if my eyes are correct, Georgia. All that is left is Tennessee. I would already have it if my bitch of a daughter had been more like you.”
I smiled, this one genuine. He had no idea how alike we were—just not how he believed.
“Hmm. I dunno. I like being in charge. What’s in it for me, Stanley?” The use of his name startled him, and he paused, giving me the inch of space I needed to slip my knife further down. Now, I just needed an opening. This was it. I was so close.
Quick as lightning, he gripped my neck, cutting off my oxygen, and taking me by surprise. My instinct was to panic, but that wouldn’t do me any good. Instead, I concentrated on controlling the little air I had.
“No one fucking calls me that.”
“You’re right, King,” I gasped.
He relaxed his grip, but he didn’t release his hand. This close, I could feel his erection, and his sour breath warmed my face.
“Better. Tell me how you managed to get through my network, and maybe I’ll let the pretty boy downstairs live. That’s what’s in it for you, pet .”
I smirked. He had it so wrong, but I’d play along. “You’re not the only one with connections in the feds.”
His eyes widened, confirming everything I’d expected. “Hmm, we have more in common than I’d believed.”
“It seems we do.” Now for the real test. “Agent Bones is very interested in you.”
He laughed, and it sent chills running down my spine. “It seems Bones hasn’t told you everything.” He leaned forward, his hot breath hitting me. “He’s not the one in charge.” He licked my cheek, and I barely held back my gag. His free hand squeezed my breast, producing a whimper despite my attempt to keep it contained. Stanley grunted, liking it. “That asshole has been trying to get to me ever since his son joined my ranks. You didn’t fall for his bullshit, did you? I know he offered your lapdog a deal for his daddy.”
“He tried, but I saw the opportunity for what it was worth and used it for an in.”
His eyes surveyed me. Up this close, there would be no hiding. I kept my breathing even so my heart wouldn’t thump against my chest and give away my lies.
“So you won’t mind if I kill him?”
“Do what you must. He’s of no use to me. Now, are we going to talk business, or do I need to whip out my dick so we can measure who's the biggest?”
Stanley squeezed my throat harder, and the oxygen left me again. Stars danced in my periphery, and it took everything in me not to panic. Panic wouldn’t help me right now. It would only get everyone killed. Just before I blacked out, he let go, and I sucked in air.
“That mouth of yours has always been a problem, little girl. I think I need to remind you how good I am at convincing people to do things. You’re back for seconds, after all. It would be a shame to let this opportunity go to waste.”
He shoved me to the ground and unbuckled his belt. My knees hit the hard surface with a sharp sting, but it helped to keep me in the present and not get lost in the panic. Flashbacks threatened to surface at the feel of his hands on my body, and fuzziness invaded my mind, so it took me a moment to notice the dick in front of my face.
That was the last straw.
Clarity rushed back, and I remembered my power. This would be the last person he threatened with his dick.
Lifting my knife, I sliced through his penis without a second thought. Blood splattered on my face, coating me as he screamed and howled in pain. But I didn’t care. I’d gladly take a bath in his blood if it meant he no longer got to threaten people with his poor excuse for a cock.
Standing, I wiped the blade on my pants and sheathed it before staring down at the asshole. He’d fallen to the ground, covering himself as he attempted to stop the bleeding.
“It’s Queen, asshole, learn some fucking respect. I will never bow down to you.”
The door burst open, and the chaos below finally penetrated the fog surrounding me. Agent Bones gaped at me, his eyes roaming over the blood covering me.
“I told you to leave him alive!”
“Oh, he is. For now.” I kicked the penis I’d dismembered. “You might want to get him a medic before he isn’t.”
I turned and searched through the filing cabinet and ignored Agent Bones as he barked orders. Pulling out a few files, I slipped them into the back of my pants and grabbed a coffee mug that held pens. Dumping it out, I scooped up the penis and marched out, ignoring the asshole screaming at me to stop. Maddox blanched when he saw me, but when I smiled, he relaxed.
“Do I even want to know?”
“I wanted a souvenir.” I shrugged and climbed down the stairs. Maddox snorted, following me out into the open. Four men lay unconscious on the ground. This time, I lifted my eyebrow. Maddox smirked but didn’t comment.
Agents filed into the space in plain suits, opening crates and zip-tying the still-conscious men. There were about forty of Agonizers men here, and I thanked the heavens we’d been underestimated; otherwise, this would have ended a whole lot differently.
Now, I just had to hope the others were as successful and that Agent Bones knew what was good for him. Because if he tried to keep Becca’s whereabouts a secret, Agonizer wouldn’t be the only eunuch in the state. I always did like things in pairs.