11. Stella
STELLA
The lack of sleep, along with the drugs being pumped into my body, is taking a toll on me.
I’m scratching my arms constantly, even while they are bleeding because of that aweful feeling of bugs on my skin.
My stomach can’t and won’t hold any food in it, so when I eat it’s coming out one way or the other.
The shaking and sweats are overtaking me more and more each day.
I’ve lost a significant amount of weight.
Taking a second to look at my body, I’m losing muscle mass also.
I try to maintain my muscle strength by doing squats whenever in the bathroom, and have even started to do some sit-ups and push-ups in the bedroom off to one side.
Problem is I’m so weak and seem to be getting dizzier as the days go by.
Van saw me one day and the very next day there was a set of various weighted dumbbells in that area with a yoga mat.
Van and I haven’t really had any type of a conversation except for the very first time because we both like to breathe, but he’s let me know that as soon as he can reach out to Incubus, he will.
He does watch and things appear I’m guessing from him but I ask no questions.
Gino doesn’t generally let his guard dogs leave the compound but I’ve heard word that we are moving again soon.
Van indicated he will take that opportunity to inform Gino he has family problems he needs to take care of and, hopefully, the Mob boss will let him leave for a short period.
Looking down on the Kindle Gino gifted me, I can’t believe I’m reading a motorcycle series.
Well, damn, I’m trying to and not getting too far.
I close the book and go to my library, looking for something that will catch my attention and take me away from this prison I’m in.
The sound of an automatic going off has me jumping back then running to the bed, hiding under the covers.
What would make Gino want to kill his guards unless he’s getting paranoid.
The few times he’s come up to see me his eyes are twitchy, and I even noticed his hands seem to be shaking.
What the fuck is going on in this house?
Hearing a soft knock on the door, I throw the covers off of me and slowly move toward the sound.
I don’t even have anything to use as a weapon is my thought when I slowly open the door to see Van standing there looking this and that way down the hallway.
I look up and notice the camera light isn’t on, so does that mean the power to the cameras is off? Could we be that lucky?
“Van, what are you doing here? If Gino or any of his guards sees you then we are both dead, or worse, their toys for abuse and torture.”
“Stella, I’ll be gone before you know it.
Since I don’t think Gino will allow me to take time off and get away from here, I’ve reached out to my wife, who is going to take our kids and head toward Indiana.
Once she’s there, she’ll go to the Kings of Anarchy’s clubhouse and try to talk to Incubus.
To prove I’m speaking the truth, give me something she can say to let him know that we are on both of your sides. ”
Tilting my head I try to think, but my memories are all blurred.
Then it hits me, the moment I told Cullen/Incubus we were expecting.
The sheer joy on his face before the fear took over.
My man was so worried that what he did for his club would flow into his daily life, which so far thank Christ it hasn’t.
I try to reassure him all the time and with Isabella here he’s calmed down a bit.
Well, until this bullshit started with the Mob.
I explain this to Van, who nods then shocks the shit out of me.
“Stella, be ready. Shit is hitting the fan and Gino is totally losing it. Don’t know when or how, but I’m gonna try to get you out of here.
No, don’t ask questions. I can’t right now, no time.
Just prepare and be ready. Stop eating anything that has liquid like broths, teas, waters, or anything that is already open because that’s how they are drugging you.
Gotta run. Remember, eyes open and don’t let your guard down with anyone. ”
Before I can even blink, he’s gone. Holy shit, how the hell is one man going to be able to subdue all the guards and Gino, then grab me—who will probably be going through withdrawal—and then run?
Fuck, just the thought is giving me a major headache so I go back to the bed, get in, and pull the covers to my neck.
Out of nowhere the tears come and all I can think of is Cullen’s arms around me with Isabella sleeping between us.
I want that back and will do anything I have to, to get it.
That is my last thought before I fall into a deep sleep.
Waking up roughly because of hard hands pulling me up by the arms, I go to scream when I realize something is covering my mouth.
Fear starts to rise up in me as I know for damn sure Van wouldn’t put a gag on me.
Trying to focus my sleepy as fuck eyes, that’s when I see two of the ugliest men in my room.
One is by the door watching the hallway, while this one with his hands on me is trying to drag me out of bed.
Fuck, the Minions are getting brave is my thought as the big brute gives up and drags me out by my hair.
The pain is unbelievable, and my screaming sounds are so muffled due to the bandana or rag stuffed into my mouth then covered in duct tape.
Once I’m on my feet, he leans down and tosses me over his massive shoulder then follows the door guy out into the hallway.
I can hear voices somewhere, though not sure as I’m still confused from the way I woke up.
I’m so screwed if these bastards are able to kidnap me from the mob boss who took me from a one-percent biker enforcer.
I mean, this sounds like one of the books I love to read because it’s so unbelievable.
Trying to shake off my fogginess, I start taking in my surroundings.
This home is massive but very tastefully decorated, which is so totally not Gino.
He’s a mess when it comes to anything on the home front, so either he has a woman stashed somewhere or maybe one of his “boys” that he’s so into is in touch with his female side and decorated this mausoleum of a house.
Why my mind is going in all directions when I should be fighting to get away from these two beasts, I don’t know.
My gut is telling me to wait for the right moment and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Once out the side door, the big asshole in front of us walks around the garage and immediately we hear a “umph” loud enough to wake an entire houseful of people, but it doesn’t stop the dumb idiot carrying me.
The perfect target for whoever when we make our way to the garage.
He tentatively looks around the corner. One minute I’m across his shoulder, the next I’m flying backward at the same time I hear flesh hitting flesh.
The next couple of minutes move lightning fast. By the time I’ve gotten to my feet I see a very large man making his way to me.
His size alone is making me frightened but when he comes into the light, it’s his eyes that give him away before he says a word.
“Stella, hi, I’m a friend of Van’s. We need to move now before the rest of Gino’s group of Sasquatch and Yeti morons come out and find not only us, but you escaping with the three of us.”
My eyes look around and I see only two men.
When I raise an eyebrow he gives me the index finger for one minute, so I stand here my arms under my breasts trying to take all of this in.
Then I hear a faint sound I can’t make out.
Glancing at the two guys, their faces give nothing away.
I figure it out when the helicopter comes into view in the open field.
I can’t believe how quiet it is for being that type of aircraft.
Then out of nowhere a dude comes up behind me, trying to push me to move toward the craft.
His mistake was putting his hands on me when I’m fully awake because everyone who knows me knows that’s a huge-ass mistake.
My elbow comes in contact, right under his rib cage, as I shift, raising my leg and kicking the side of his knee, bringing him down to his knees before he face-plants.
Taking advantage of the situation, I turn fully and raise my foot, aiming for the family jewels, when a huge as fuck body collides with me, taking me down fully.
All the air escapes my lungs, leaving me struggling for a breath as two paws wrap around my throat squeezing tightly.
It feels like my eyes are going to pop out of my head as my thoughts seem to slow to nothing with the lack of oxygen.
I can’t make out the face above me, but looking down I’m shocked to see the guy wearing a kutte.
His eyes must see my shock when he leans down, his horrific breath in my face.
First he licks my cheek and I feel vomit start to make its way up, but his words leave me paralyzed.
“So, the famous Incubus has left his ol’ bitch lady alone to deal with the bad men by herself.
What do you think he’d offer for her? Or for pieces of this fine as fuck body?
Gino was a stupid piece of shit, had no idea what he had at his fingertips.
I know, believe me. Let’s move out and, Stevie, burn this piece of shit to the ground, throw those other two in there before you light it up. ”
My thoughts blur as his words penetrate.
Shit, he wants to throw Van’s friend back into the big fancy house before burning it.
Those men were trying to help me, damn it, they shouldn’t die because of it.
Struggling, I swallow and try to get the words out.
Asshole must notice because he raises a scarred eyebrow, giving me a nod.
“Please, there are other people in there held against their will. Don’t let them die because of a beef you have with Gino. I beg you, I’ll do anything if you help them.”
The smile that comes across his disgusting face has me instantly regretting my statement, but I’ll stand behind it if it means saving innocent victims. Then he reaches out, squeezing my breast until it feels like it is going to burst and I let out a small whimper. He throws his head back and laughs.
“Well, I see this is gonna be fun. Incubus must have taught you how to withstand pain because most women after just a tenth of that squeeze would have been screaming and begging for me to stop. I’m gonna like hearing those screams, Stella.
So, if you want us to let those folks go, come here and drop to your knees.
There’s a piece of me I’d like you to meet, kiss, and suck on until I tell you to quit.
Come on, bitch, if you want to save those folks, get the fuck on your goddamn knees.
I’m sure Incubus will forgive ya after you explain you were trying to save other folks’ lives.
Though you better make it look believable because, darlin’, you’re gonna be on video. Now get busy.”
Unsure what to do, I stand here eyes wide, hands in fists.
From behind someone harshly pushes me forward and other hands push me down as the total prick right in front of me is opening his jeans and taking out his dick.
Knowing there is only one thing I can do, I shift to my knees, stomach quivering.
This might take me out but one goddamn thing I know is I’m not going alone.
These assholes misjudged me and that is going to be their downfall, for sure.
Even if it kills me, which I’m sure it will, but I’ll never betray Cullen, no matter what.