Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
RORY
I stare out of my window, wondering where we are.
My stepbrother finally pulled the blindfold off a mile ago.
Wooded areas line the road, sending dread through me.
I wish I could run, but my sister is at risk, and with our parents dead, we only had Rudy as our guardian.
I turned eighteen yesterday and now, I’ve reached the ripe age where I’m only useful for one thing—according to Rudy.
A hot tear runs down my face, and I wipe it silently away, so he doesn’t see, but he notices anyway.
“Don’t start fucking crying, you little bitch,” he snarls, glaring at me through the rearview mirror.
This day has to be the worst of my life, and I know it’s only set to get worse.
I have a choice to make. Neither are beneficial, and both are downright terrifying.
“It’s not that terrible. Both of these fucks will take care of you after you give them your virginity. ”
“Yeah, I’d rather just live in the street,” I muttered, crossing my arms and sitting back against the leather seats.
We hardly have any food to eat, but Rudy spent the inheritance on presenting a wealthy front.
A large house, luxury cars, and expensive clothes for him.
This dress he put me in is the nicest thing I own, but it’s still a Gucci knock off.
“Do you think I’ll let you live anywhere if you don’t do what you’re told.
Big John has seen you and wants you, but I need Maddox’s hounds off of me.
Nothing is going to stop him from coming at me unless it’s you.
” Maddox Devlin…the man who makes my pulse race and my skin tingle and we’ve never met.
I’ve heard about him so many times that I looked him up and that was a big mistake.
He’s thirty-four—almost old enough to be my dad.
Maddox’s a supposed businessman, but everyone knows he’s got illegal ties kind of like a mobster.
A sexy as hell mobster from the few images I managed to find online.
His short dark hair matches his dark brown eyes.
Everything about him screams dangerous, including his broad shoulders that are equally as powerful as his muscled chest, all visible through his professionally tailored suits.
He attends events with politicians, celebrities, and top executives around the country, but there’s never a woman on his arm in any of the pictures. I’m totally going to make an ass of myself.
Along with the other famous people, he’s listed as one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. Who knew a mobster could be that out in the open? It’s probably because there are so many people in his pocket that he can’t be touched by the law.
And that’s why I’m here. Maddox wants me or at least willing to bed me to settle Rudy’s debts.
“Why should I care?” I tell the cokehead who can’t get enough money to feed his habit.
“Because I’ll put a bullet in your little sister’s head. She’s next to get traded off for a good deal. Another two years and I can push her onto Big John.”
It’s New Year’s Eve, and I’m ending my terrible year with a bang—trading my innocence like a commodity. I can’t even explain how much I hate Rudy. If it wasn’t for my sister, I wouldn’t be here. She doesn’t deserve this—neither of us do.
Our lives changed the day my mother met Julio two years ago.
They fell madly in love, and I truly liked Julio.
His son, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.
Rudy wanted his dad’s fortune, and he’d do anything to get it.
I believe he’s the one who had my parents killed on vacation in Mexico, but I can’t prove it.
I close my eyes and lean back and absorb my new reality. Shit. I don’t know what is even going to happen. Will Maddox use me as his plaything for one night? Or will I be on a temporary status until he searches for his next flavor?
Rudy pulls up just outside a large gated estate.
“Are you ready? You know what you’re supposed to do, right?”
“Yes, I’m going to go in there like I want to be with him, and as long as he’s happy, she’s safe.”
“Smart girl.” He opens his door, stepping closer to let me out.
The asshole clicked the childproof locks on the door and windows before tossing me in.
I didn’t have the option of jumping out once he stuffed me in there.
As he moves toward the back passenger door, my heart picks up pace.
I’m not a seductress, and yet I’m forced to take on that role to a man who has probably a brothel of women in and out of his place.
Fuck, it’s cold. We live in southern Texas, but we’ve been hit with a cold spell.
It’s only fifty degrees outside, and I’m not wearing a coat.
I walk up with the most confidence I can muster, and the guard meets me with a scowl, roaming his eyes up and down my body that is exposed in this way too skimpy red dress.
“This is private property. Can I help you?” He slides his tongue over his top lip, licking his chops.
Arching my brow and with one hand on my hip, I answer, “I’m here to see Mr. Devlin.
” Fuck, it’s freezing, and yet, I’m starting to feel sweat under my boobs, or maybe I’m too nervous and way out of my league.
That’s not going to help my mission in the least. Immediately I think of my sister. This is for her.
He scoffs. “I don’t believe he’s expecting you.”
“I’m sure he is. He made a deal with my stepbrother.”
“I wasn’t made aware of any guests coming.”
“I need to see him,” I purr, grabbing the bars and leaning forward, attempting to use my large breasts to entice him while simultaneously giving my under-boob a breeze.
“Little thing, as hot as you are, you’re not going to see the boss. I’m not about to lose my life for a bimbo looking to sneak into his bed. Now, if you want to earn some money, maybe you could ride me.”
“Ugh, no.” Revulsion hits me straight in the gut. It’s bad enough being bartered to a man I find sexy as hell.
He crosses his arms, giving me a nasty scowl. I don’t care about this guy. It’s the boss man I need to speak with. “Gold digger.”
“I just want to talk to him about my stepbrother and see if I can make a deal.”
“Who is your stepbrother?”
“Rudy Jones.”
He laughs his ass off. “Oh, that piece of shit is your stepbrother? The boss isn’t going to want to meet you no matter how fine your pretty ass is.” I blow out a hard breath which is visible in this cold weather.
His phone goes off. “Yep. Jones’s sister. Should I send her packing?” He hangs up and tucks the phone in his pocket. “Looks like you got lucky. The boss is feeling generous. You can see him.”
“Lucky,” I mutter under my breath. The gates open up, and I think he’s going to frisk me, but he jumps back like I’m contagious. Maybe the boss man didn’t tell his minions that he’s into fresh meat for a price.