Chapter 7 IS THIS THE PART WHERE I’M SUPPOSED TO BEG FOR MERCY?
“IS THIS THE PART WHERE I’M SUPPOSED TO BEG FOR MERCY?”
Citizen Soldier Playlist
“Afterlife”
“Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”
Jesus H. Christ, does this girl ever run out of energy?
Her fighting covers the sound of our steps in the tunnels. And her chanting. She knocked off Jude’s mask almost as soon as he’d tossed her over his shoulder. He could easily paralyze her in his grip. But this girl is different. Seems like she’s gotten under all of our skins. Maybe even…Raphael.
I smirk because Vincent has balled his hand into a fist, and I’d swear the tendons are prodding through that hoodie he always wears. His “lucky” hoodie.
The air inside the mine is damp, cold, and smells metallic, like iron. But there always seems to be a hint of bone dust and blood curling all around us.
I prefer sawdust, but bone dust is cool, too.
Raphael leads the way with the flashlight, the beam cutting through the pitch blackness like a blade. We know all the routes and rooms in this mine. But flashlights scare any critters away.
I stay a step behind him, careful not to trip over any loose debris. Rory’s right behind me, practically huffing and puffing.
In between beating her fists on Jude’s back, Briella turns her head every which way, her eyes taking in the remnants of the mine’s past—rusting carts, broken pickaxes, and shattered timbers. Not that it’s going to collapse with how much we’ve reinforced it over the years.
“Aww, you boys didn’t have to decorate for me!” She makes an exaggerated swooning motion.
Fucking hell. I’m falling in love.
Jude grunts, and I widen my eyes as she jams her elbow into the back of his head. Good thing the sexy black devil has no hair; otherwise, she would have pulled it out by now. Well, almost no hair.
“Keep talking, Firecracker.” Rory grins.
She lifts her head, tossing that pastel purple hair back. “Okay, then. Do I get to light a fuse and blow you all to hell, or do you just like getting burned?”
Rory throws me a keen look, lips tugging to one side. Ahh, fuck, I know that look. And he’s gonna do it. Level 3. Level fucking 3.
We pass room after room, each one an empty cavern left to rot, until we reach the dungeon. Raphael flips on the lanterns one by one. Sets the ambiance. Shadow and flame and…all the twisted sex and torture instruments the Devil himself would drool over.
Jude sets her down. Well, not set since she’s flailing too much and ends up on her bottom, pretty tits bouncing and wobbling deliciously. Can’t wait to get my mouth on those apples.
Curves that won’t quit. Nice ripe thighs—perfect for teeth marks and finger bruises.
Once she swipes her curls out of her eyes, her gaze takes in the room.
For the first time, she freezes. Her eyes widen, flickering over the cage, the pillory, the swing, the gleaming BDSM bench with the two dildos, and the massive bed draped in black sheets.
She swallows hard at the sight of the toys—blades, paddles, whips, cuffs, things I don’t even know the names for.
Chains hang down from the ceilings. Some have cuffs and collars. Some have…hooks.
Her lips twitch, that boldness coming back. “This is…cute. So, you guys are really committed to the whole creepy dungeon aesthetic. Let me guess, do you have themed nights too?” she sneers, clearly covering up her fear with comebacks.
She looks like she belongs here. All muddied. Bloody. Semen-crusted. Hair matted. God, she’s gorgeous. I really want her to last.
Raphael doesn’t respond, just stands there like a statue, watching her. Rory paces like a caged lion behind me. Eyes sharp, Vincent leans against the wall near the entryway just in case she tries to bolt again. Not that she’d get far.
I step forward and offer my hand, trying to keep my tone light. “You know, I’ve never seen Rory so riled up before. That’s impressive, Briella Darling.”
She snorts, but it’s weaker than usual. “What can I say? I aim to please. Chomp chomp, Red.” She winks at him but accepts my hand.
The first thing I do is lock one cuff around her wrist. Quick as a flash, I get another on her left wrist, then fasten the collar around her neck. I’m the quickest at this. She throws me a daggered glare.
Chaining her arms above her head, I add, “I hope you make it to Level 4.”
She pauses, her bravado slipping for a second. “What’s Level 4?”
I give her my best shit-eating grin, shrugging as if it’s nothing. “No spoilers, Darling.”
Her mouth opens like she’s going to fire off another quip, but Rory suddenly stops pacing and excuses himself, disappearing into a smaller room adjacent to the dungeon. Jude follows on his heels. I can’t help the soft laugh that escapes me.
“Aww, is Red a little scared?” She clenches her fists, testing the cuffs.
“Nah.” I lean in close—not too close—and hurry to kiss her cheek. “My partner’s pretty theatrical. You never really know what he’s up to.”
It’s a small truth, but I enjoy her confused expression. Stepping back, I tighten the last chain and hoist it until she’s standing on her tiptoes. A minute later, I hear Rory’s savage scream. It lasts all of two seconds. Briella stiffens, trying to crane her neck.
Jude walks out first, wiping his hands on a rag and shrugging. “Stopped the bleeding.”
I chuckle, then glance over at Raphael. He nods slightly, satisfied with my work, while Jude removes his shirt, revealing a few military tats, then chiseled muscle.
He folds his shirt and now his pants like he’s performing a sacred ritual.
Looks like he’s gone commando today. I shrug.
His ass ain’t bad, but he’s not my partner.
And I’m enjoying the sight of her ass way more.
Probably got Rory drooling since he’s such an ass guy.
Briella twists her lips into a defiant smirk. “So what now? Are you all going to stand there, brooding and flexing? Or is this the part where I’m supposed to beg for mercy?”
Her voice wavers just a little. I almost feel sorry for her. Almost. I’ll give her a straight-up A-rating for the ear thing. But she won’t just be begging for mercy by the halfway point. She’ll be screaming, praying, and begging for death.
But when the dust clears, I really hope she makes it to Level 4.