31. Rory
RORY
“Rory?” I gasp and hug the gun tight to my chest. “It’s me. Eric.”
“Eric?”
“Yeah, you can come out.”
“But I still hear gunfire.”
“I’m going to take you to a safe location.”
“Maybe I should wait here.” I’d rather wait for Daddy.
“Rory, he’s going to literally tear Travis to shreds. He doesn’t want you to see that.”
“But I want him.” Why wouldn’t he come save me first?
“Come with me, and I promise you’ll get to see him.”
I really do want to see him, so I inch toward the small opening in the crate. Eric smiles at me and offers his hand to help pull me out.
“Nice work finding this spot.” He pats me on the back and then ducks down low.
“Here. Let me take that. I think you’re mistaking it for a stuffed animal.
” I blush at the way I was holding the gun.
I really need to learn how to use one of those.
Eric tucks it in his back pocket. “Alright, follow me and stay down.”
“Okay.” I stick as close to Eric as I can. We weave through the crates until I’m practically dizzy.
“Alright.” Eric peeks into an open room. “I want you to go first. Keep your head down and move straight forward. I’ll cover your back.”
I nod and turn the corner, but I’m barely three steps before someone grabs me around the waist and lifts me up. I kick and fight, but he just overwhelms me.
“Well, look what we have here,” Travis purrs when the thug who’s holding me turns to face him, and I fight harder.
“Eric!” I shout. “Help!”
“Eric won’t help you.” Travis laughs.
“What did you do to him?” I snap. Eric seems like a nice guy, unlike his friend Bellen… and that’s why Eric won’t help me. He’s working with Bellen.
Damn it!
I’m such an idiot.
“Eric, you dick!” I shout, and he laughs as he walks up. And I really wish I hadn’t handed him Chad’s gun.
“I knew Mal’s training wouldn’t help you. You’re too weak.”
“But I’m not a traitor.”
“Loyalty is impossible in this business. You need respect, and when you lose that, you have nothing.”
“Why wouldn’t you respect Lex anymore?”
“Ever since you showed up, he’s been too distracted by your tight ass to even notice he was losing men. We’re all so disgusted by you fags.”
“That isn’t true. Everyone has been nice to me.”
“Because you’re the boss’s fuck toy. No one is going to risk his wrath outright.”
“Because you’re too scared to tell him what you really think. You’re all cowards.”
“We’re smarter than him,” Travis answers. “Why use brute strength when you can cheat?” He leers at me and leans forward. “And take what we want.” I kick him in the nuts, and he doubles over. Some of the men laugh until Travis yells, and I get punched in the face.
My jaw.
I really hope it isn’t broken again. Moving it back and forth, it hurts but seems to be moving okay.
“Bellen. Soften him up a bit. I’m sick of this game.” Bellen smirks and steps forward. The arms holding me unwrap, but large hands keep me in place.
“With pleasure.”
Thankfully, the door opens before Bellen can hurt me, but I’m grabbed and used as a human shield.
“You’re surrounded. Let Rory go and I might just kill you instead of torturing you.” Daddy’s eyes burn with blue fire.
“No way out, then? Maybe I should take Rory with me.”
“Fuck that.” I bite into Travis’s arm so hard I taste blood. He screams and lets me go. I barrel into Daddy’s arms, and he takes us to cover in the corner.
“Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Your jaw is bruised.” His hands run all over me as he checks me. “I’ll kill them.”
“No, Daddy. Don’t leave me.” I grab for his arms and pull him back.
He hugs me tight. “Never, rabbit.”
“Rory!” Brendan cries, and he’s hugging my back. “Are you okay? Are you hurt? Are you going into shock?”
“I’m fine.” Although I am shaking.
“If you’re sure, but if you keep shaking like that, go to a hospital. I’m going to stay behind and help the injured men. Would that be okay with you?” I nod, and he kisses my cheek. “You go home and rest.”
Home sounds so nice.