The closer we got to our destination, the more pungent the smell. It was unmistakable: blood in various stages of decomposition. It was clear this was a spot they frequented and used for ransom, torture and, subsequently, murder.
Kai pushed open the door and placed himself in front of me and between the two men on the far side of the room. They were very similar in appearance, almost as if they were related—all about the same height and build, with dark facial hair. I swept the room, and panic set in when I didn’t see my brother.
“Where is he?”
The man on the right chuckled, making me want to put holes in his face.
“Easy. Let’s see the cash first. And maybe I’ll bring that little bitch up here.”
“Maybe? Fuck that, we had a deal.”
The other man joined in on the laughter. “You got quite the mouth on you, don’t you?” he added with a leering smirk. “I’d like to teach you how—”
“Careful. You disrespect my wife, I take your tongue.”
More laughter filled the dimly lit space, echoing off the walls. “You know what, since I’m in a good mood because we’re getting paid today, I’m gonna let that slide. But one more threat out of you, and we’ll see who starts losing body parts.”
“Where is he?” I questioned again.
One man signaled to the other, ushering him forward. He stepped off the stage and beckoned Holly toward him.
“No,” I protested, gripping her arm.
“We need to make sure you’re not armed. So you either come here or strip. Your choice—or I can make it mine.”
Holly widened her eyes, pleading with me to comply. My glare shifted back to the men, and I took a deep breath and clenched my teeth as I lifted my shirt and tossed it to the floorbefore shedding my shoes and pants. I’d never wanted to kill anyone more. My hands buzzed for it.
Kai’s breaths were hard and fast, fists clenched at his sides. He hated that I had to strip bare in front of these sons of bitches, but I knew he’d prefer that over the groping they would have done.
“What are you waiting for, pretty boy? Take it off.”
I looked up at my husband as he slowly shed his clothing. His eyes were trained on the boldest of the two men, and he stared back with a cunning smile and a wink.
Holly lowered her head and walked forward, allowing the vile man to pat her down and whisper something into her ear. She shuddered, and her eyes found mine as his hands lingered a little too long, moving roughly over parts of her body. She closed her eyes, and I caught the tremble in her lip.
“That’s enough.” My voice was sharp, causing him to snap his head up and smirk as he forcefully shoved Holly back toward us.
The room grew quiet, making me hyperaware of a glaring detail: We were alone. I felt a hollowing in the pit of my stomach.
No one was coming.
Before I could dwell on that nightmarish reality, soft whines suddenly filled the room, and a third man stepped onto the stage, dragging my brother with him. Out of instinct, I lunged forward, but Kai caught my wrist.
“Easy, baby.”
I tried to control my breathing.
Gio was limp. He had swollen eyes and duct tape across his mouth. The bearded man slapped him twice, forcing him to come to and, again, Kai had to hold me back.
“They’re dead,” I gritted out.
“Agreed.”
Gio startled awake, thrashing his body but unable to move as he was bound at the wrists and ankles.
“Gio!”
He froze at my voice and shook his head frantically the moment he saw us. Muffled cries filled the room as he thrashed harder, attempting to reach us in vain.
