Still gripping the back of Becca's collar, he violently yanked her from my hold while she struggled against him.
My legs shook uncontrollably while Becca coughed and choked as she was dragged away.
I just stood there, unable to move. I was terrified.
Julio grabbed my sweaty hand, squeezing it tightly before speaking, with an evil smirk plastered across his lips.
"Running was a big mistake, Chica. You and your stupid little friend are lucky you have something to offer Hector; otherwise, you both would have been fucked by every man at the mansion, tortured, and then slaughtered like pigs."
My legs buckled, but the monster caught me before I hit the floor.
He held me up, bringing his nasty lips to my ear. His breath smelled sour, and it made me want to hurl what little food I had left in my stomach.
"If you want to survive, Chica…I suggest you behave and do as you're told, because Hector will not think twice about beating you and your little friend until your bones snap. Now, we are going to walk out of this van. You are going to be a good little prisoner because if you give me one ounce of trouble, I am going to fuck you up real bad."
His tongue slid into my ear, making me flinch.
"Do you fucking understand?"
I just nodded, allowing him to lead the way.
The last thing I remembered was being thrown into the back of a black Escalade beside Becca. One of the bastards shot us up with something, and after that, nothing.
My memory has no recollection of how we ended up here. I woke up in a spacious, oddly warm, decorated room. The walls were white, the bedding all frilly and pink like a little girl would have. Beck and I were tuckedin beside one another like two toddlers on a massive king-size bed.
The four-poster frame was carved from dark wood, its odd design giving off a strange medieval vibe.
White cotton sheets covered the mattress.
None of it made sense. Why were we being treated more like guests than prisoners? I turned toward my friend. She was still out cold, snoring lightly.
I wasn't surprised. She never handled drugs well. The last time they doped us up, she was out much longer than I was. I guess my body tolerates that shit better.
Stretching and yawning, I peeled the comforter off and sat up. Someone had removed my robe, leaving me naked and exposed. A wave of disgust rolled over me. I still felt gross from sleeping in that filthy van and running through the desert all night like a frightened wild animal.
I scoped out the room, taking in my surroundings.
A single bureau stood in the corner, and a dark leather chair sat directly across from it. The floor was made of white ceramic tile—no throw rugs, nothing cozy or warm.
I stepped onto the cold floor with my bare feet, needing to find a bathroom. Three steps away, just past the only window, was a closed door. My hands trembled as I reached for the knob. My palms were sweaty, and my heart raced.
I wasn't sure what I would find waiting behind it. Holding my breath, I quickly pulled it open.
A large shower with a seated bench, a medium-sized sink, and a toilet stood before me. Breathing a sigh ofrelief, I quickly relieved myself and rushed back to the bed. Sitting on the edge, I scanned the ceiling looking for cameras, and, sure enough, I found two.
One was aimed at the bed, and the other pointed toward the door. I didn't check the bathroom for surveillance, but knowing these sick perverts, there is probably one in there, too.
My face flushed. The idea of these creeps watching us use the toilet turned my stomach. I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. Thoughts of Atlas flashed through my mind.
How I missed him. His scent, his confidence — just him overall. I bowed my head slightly, not wanting the person watching the cameras to know I was praying.
Dear God, please let Atlas find me and Becca. I promise I will never step foot in another club as long as I live. Give us the strength to withstand whatever Hector and his evil puppets have planned for us. Amen.
As I lifted my head, the door opened. The Devil himself walked in, followed by Juan and Julio. I instantly broke out in a cold sweat, especially beneath the thick metal collar digging into my neck. It was itchy as hell, driving me insane.
I wanted to rip it off and scratch the living shit out of my skin. All three of them stood there staring at my naked body like vultures circling a fresh kill. Becca was still sleeping.
At that moment, I was envious. I wish I were snoring right along with her. Hector's eyes locked onto mine, coldand predatory. There were no emotions behind them, only malice.
