Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
IVY
“That wasn’t a real cop.” I know the answer, but I need to hear him say it.
“No, Hen. It wasn’t, but the guys have it under control.” I clasp my necklace and start humming.
We pass by an open doorway, and Milton calls to Whip.
“What’s up?” the man answers as he comes out his door into the hallway.
“I need you to plant your arse here, and don’t let anyone in.” I try to protest, but Whip nods and smiles at me.
“No one will get past me.” I sigh and nod.
Milton opens the door and walks me inside.
“Get comfortable. Take your time in the tub. I’ll be back soon.” He kisses me and then closes the door.
I go for the lock but don’t find one. Panic tries to take me under, but I shake it off. I walk around the small apartment and find the bathroom with a clawfoot tub. It looks inviting, and I’m tired and sore, so I fill it and go looking for clean clothes.
I open a few drawers in the bedroom until I find some T-shirts and sniff one. It smells just like Skull, so I take it with me back in the bathroom.
There’s a balcony open, and I glance out to see a twenty-foot drop. I close the glass doors, take off my clothes, and gingerly lower myself into the hot water.
I close my eyes and sigh.
I’m drifting off when a creaking sound makes me look around the room. I sit up, and I’m about to call out for Milton, thinking he returned, but I find myself looking into the barrel of a gun.
And the man pointing it to my face is Ivan.
“You’ve been a very naughty pet. I should break both your legs so you can never run away from me again.” I pull my knees up to my chin and move as far as I can, which isn’t far.
“Stand up, bitch.” I shiver as I try to get my limbs to obey.
“MOVE. NOW,” he hisses without raising his voice.
I stand and try to cover myself with my hands.
“You’ve gotten fat. You’ll go on half rations and double your shows until you lose the extra weight.
I’ve got you booked with all your favorites.
Wills has missed your private shows so much.
He wants to book you exclusively while we’re in the U.S.
Dry off and put this on. We have a tight schedule.
” I take the towel and start to dry off when I see movement behind Ivan.
Milton and Whip are creeping in, but I can’t let on that I’ve seen them.
“I need to use the toilet.” Ivan curses and uses the gun to wave at the door it’s behind.
“Two minutes is all you have. Don’t try anything funny.” I nod and basically run the three feet to the door.
As soon as I close it, I drop to the floor.
I hear a scuffle, a groan, then a gunshot. I scream, cover my ears, and start to rock. I cry and hum my song, waiting to be dragged back to hell. When the door finally opens, it’s Whip holding a sheet out to wrap me in.
“Watch your step, Ivy. And keep your eyes on the floor.” I let him cradle me in his arms, but I cried out.
“Milton!” I heard that shot and need to know he’s alright.
“Here, Hen. Don’t look.” I hear splashing as Whip takes me into the living room.
“Ivy, come with me.” Sarah takes my hand and rushes me across the hall where Mayhem and Nova are.
“Are you hurt?” I shake my head and then realize it’s not my head but my whole body shaking.
“No. Shock. I need Milly.” I’m not sure how I managed to get the words out.
“He’s interviewing Ivan,” Nova says very diplomatically. I look through the open door and catch a glimpse of Milton holding Ivan’s head underwater in the tub I was in a few minutes ago.
“I hope he drowns the bastard.” Sarah chuckles.
“Amen, sister.” Mayhem closes the door leaving me wondering what the fuck was happening across the hall.
My adrenaline drops, and I surge for the trashcan.
“Ah man, come on,” Mayhem says.
“You are going to be a mess when Rae has morning sickness,” Nova teases his brother.
“Shut up and get her a glass of water. Idiots.” Sarah rubs my back and holds my hair.
“Thank you,” I shiver harder and wish I could see Milton.
He calms me.
Sarah sees me looking at the closed door and smiles.
“You need to see, don’t you?” I look at the floor, not wanting to admit it.
“It’s okay. It’s perfectly normal to want to seek revenge. We’re all for getting justice. Mayhem, open the door. She needs eyes on her man and to witness the end of her nightmare.” When the door swings open again, my eyes search for Milton.
He’s got the gun pointed at Ivan’s head like it was to mine.
“You’re going to regret this. You should have let me take the girl. If I die, your little club will follow me to hell. Is one girl really worth all that trouble?” Ivan grins around a bloody lip.
Milton looks right at me when he pulls the trigger.
“She’s worth two thousand of you, fecker.” I sob in relief.
My tormentor is dead.
“Come here, Hen. Don’t you dare shed another tear for that bloody monster.” Milton lifts me into his arms.
I start to laugh, and everyone stares at me with worry.
“My hero is wearing a skirt.” Milton grins.
“The feckin cheek on you. It’s a kilt!”