She sighs, inhaling air that’s filled with dust and sagebrush. “It’s Moseley,” she cries, both bitter and afraid. “He… he…” Her stuttered words break me in two. “He sold me.”
My back straightens. “What do you mean he sold you?”
That bottom lip starts quivering again, and I stop it with my fingers, feeling the fear as it vibrates out of her.
“To that man in my shop. He said when I signed my lease agreement, I also signed my life over to him in some kind of marital clause.”
“What the fuck?”
She flinches.
“Sorry, babe, this time I can’t stop it.”
She nods solemnly. “It’s okay, I know how messed up this sounds. I wouldn’t have believed it either had he not let me reread my contract and the things I skipped over when I first signed it.”
“You didn’t read it all?”
She shakes her head. “I’m a good person, Rich. I like to believe that everyone is like me and not a filthy, vile human being. But this… this is insane. There really is a clause in it that says I’m bound to him like some mail-order bride. Moseley calls it a ‘merger’ like I’m some sort of business bargaining chip. He's basically trafficking me but doing it legally.”
“That can’t be legal!” I shout, my voice echoing into the distance.
“But it is. I called a lawyer. He said as crazy as it sounds, the contract is binding. By me signing it, I legally agreed to be his bride, or become the bride of someone of his choosing.”
My stomach clenches.
The urge to bomb Moseley’s building and kill everyone in it is too strong to ignore.
“He can’t do that!”
“But he did. That’s why I pushed you away earlier. He said if I even dared to touch you again, he’d kill you. I couldn’t have that, Rich. Not after everything you’ve done for me.”
She warily takes my hands, allowing me to guide her up to her feet so we’re standing inches away from each other.
“I can take care of myself, Mindy. It’s you I’m worried about. Did he say when this ‘merger’ is supposed to happen?”
She shakes her head. “No. But he did say if I tried to skip town or leave the country he’d find me. I’m scared, Rich. I don’t want to be sold off to someone with the intent to hurt me.” Now her tears were falling so fast even her hand can’t keep up. “I’m terrified to go back there. Not only is he extorting me for moneyI make from my business, but now he’s trying to use my body as a bargaining chip.”
“Fuck, this isn’t good.”
She lets the swear slide, especially when I pull her close to me, her tears absorbing into my shirt until it’s wet against my skin.
“Don’t worry, Mindy. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
She pulls away, staring up at me with nothing but fear in her eyes. “You can’t stop this, Rich. There’s nothing you can do.”
My lips trail across the tops of her knuckles, kissing her gloved hands and wishing it was her soft skin instead. “You’re underestimating me and my club. We’re more resourceful than you think. Come back with me to my clubhouse. Moseley can’t touch you there. We’ll talk to Drac and the others and figure this out together.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t want you guys to get tangled up in this.”
Before she can stop me, I kiss her. It’s passionate and strong, and filled with all the promises my heart silently devotes to her.
She’s hesitant at first, then melts against me, returning the kiss without pulling away. It’s warm and soft like a brownie fresh out of the oven. The kind of kiss that stays with you and can never be topped.
“Mindy, I know we just met, but I hope you know I’d do anything for you. I don’t care if caring for you puts my life in jeopardy. I’d gladly lay on any sword thrown my way if it means I’m keeping you safe from men like him. Please don’t be afraid. We’re going to fix this for you. There’s no way in hell I’m going to allow Moseley, or any other man take away the innocence I’ve grown so sweet on.”
She giggles. “Why does everyone think I’m some innocent virgin girl?”
“I didn’t mean innocent as in never been touched. I just mean innocent as in how your presence softens others around you. Hell, it’s only been a few days, and somehow, you’ve changed me. I’m not as angry and hostile as I normally am.”
