Chapter 9 #2
“We can either be diplomatic about this Mr. Viper, or I can send an army to take everything you hold dear from you. The decision is yours.” Searching his eyes, it’s clear the man has no soul and will do exactly as promised if I refuse to play ball.
I quickly realize I’m fucked. I’ve been painted into a corner and have no other option but to comply.
“Yeah. I’ll meet you at Heaven’s Door in two hours.
I have something to take care of first.” I turn on my heel, ready to get the fuck out of here.
I quickly make my way out of their club and through the compound gates to the truck, desperately needing to see that Kierra is ok with my own eyes.
The closer we get to the compound the more pissed off I get that I’m being forced to make a deal I already know I won’t like the terms of.
Pulling up in front of my house, I see Sparrow sitting on my porch.
As I get out of the truck he opens his mouth, but I hold my hand up, not wanting to hear anything as I bypass him completely and go inside.
As soon as I slam the door closed behind me, Kierra is flying at me with her fists raised and her claws out.
“Your bastard! This is all your fault! I hate you!” she screams over and over as her fists make contact with my chest.
Having no other choice, I cage her against the wall and pin her wrists above her head, holding her body still with the force of my own.
I need her to calm down and tell me what happened.
She continues to struggle, and I tighten my hold.
I don’t want to hurt her, but I don’t want her hurting herself either.
She suddenly stills, losing all her fight and allowing me to pull back to look at her.
When I do, I know something is very, very wrong.
“What the fuck?” I whisper when I take in the bruises around her throat, the blackening of her eye, and her split lip.
“Please don’t touch me,” she sobs, turning her face away from me.
“Kierra,” I breathe. No. No, no, no. He had her for over twenty-four hours.
He… Quickly releasing her wrists, I pull her into my chest and hold her close.
A heartbeat later, she completely breaks down as the sobs are ripped from her throat, and no matter how much I try, she’s inconsolable.
I gently lift her into my arms like she’s made of the most delicate spun glass and carry her up the stairs.
Moving into the bathroom, I reach over and turn on the shower before carefully setting her on the counter.
She’s holding onto me so tightly, seeking my protection, but I need to know what he did to her.
“Kierra, baby, can I take this off?” I whisper into her hair as I unwrap her limbs and slowly lift the dress up and off her body.
“Fuck,” I hiss when I see her body is covered in bruises and bite marks, and her panties are missing.
Lifting her face, I brush my fingers softly across the marks on her throat and turn her, so her eyes are looking into mine.
“I will end him. I promise. Nothing and no one will EVER touch you again, Kierra. You have my word.” I feel the wetness of my own tears sliding down my face.
I slide my hands around her back and carefully help her off the counter.
I see the black and blue marks developing on her thighs, but I make no comment.
Stripping down to my boxers, I step in behind her and as gently as I can, I help her to get clean.
There is nothing sexual in my actions, this is all about taking care of her.
When she’s drained herself from scrubbing her body until it’s raw; I quickly get out, remove my wet boxers, and dry off.
Wrapping a towel around my waist, I grab another towel to wrap around her just as she’s stepping out.
My actions are methodical and mechanical as I gently dry her off trying to be careful of her injuries.
I carefully apply antibacterial cream to the open wounds before lifting her back into my arms, so I can get her into our bed.
“Don’t leave me!” she cries out when I pull the covers to her chin and begin to step away.
“Ok, baby. I’m right here. You’re safe now,” I murmur, climbing into bed next to her and pulling her into my chest as I wrap my body around her protectively when she begins to cry again.
Leaning over I grab my phone, sending off a message to Sparrow letting him know he will have to take the meeting with Hector and to relay the message that Pinball is a dead man.
He replies that he’ll take care of it, and I know he will.
He knows exactly where I stand when it comes to the business we conduct and will make sure the decisions that have to be made will be in the best interest of our club.
Setting my phone back on my nightstand, I return my focus where it’s needed most.
Pulling Kierra deeper into my body, I wish I knew how to take her pain away.
When I think about what might have been done to her and it all could have been avoided if I had just been able to remain calm, I’m unable to stop my own tears.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Kierra. I love you so much. Please forgive me,” I rasp.
I don’t know how much time passes before she begins to tell me what happened, and with every word, Pinball’s fate becomes more and more grim.