Becca sat up, her eyes staring at me. Her pupils were wide with terror. We were in for it now.
I could see it on Hector's face.
Julio yanked her up by the arm while Juan grabbed a fistful of my hair, dragging me off the bed. I yelped in pain, my scalp throbbing.
"Move!" he barked, shoving me forward.
I already knew this asshole was going to hurt me as much as he could. He was an evil, sadistic pig.
We were marched into the bathroom like two prisoners of war, thrown under the cold spray of the shower as the men turned the water on full blast. Both Beck and I gasped when it hit—freezing. The crisp droplets washed away the dirt from the desert and the stink of the van, but none of our shame.
Julio threw one bar of soap at our feet. “Make it fast."
The asshole left us alone for a few minutes while we quickly scrubbed away all the dirt and grime. We stood there, water pouring down over us, shivering and silent. I reached out and squeezed Becca's hand. She squeezed back, her grip weak but desperate. My voice was barely a whisper.
"Beck, you have to stay strong no matter what happens."
She nodded, her lips chattering from the goddamn icy water. A few minutes later, the door swung open again.
"Time's up," Julio snapped.
We were dragged out, soaking wet. The bastards didn't even offer us a towel. Both our bodies trembled from more than just the cold. Water dripped from our hair and off our skin as they pulled us down the hall by our arms, two sets of bare feet slapping against the cold granite floor. There was no one else around, just the four of us.
My heart pounded louder with every step.
We stopped in front of a crimson-colored door.
Where the hell are we?
Julio opened it.
Inside, the walls are a deep blood-red. The lighting is low and gloomy. I looked around, my stomach twisting. Chains hung from the ceiling. Leather straps and metal restraints sat on a huge table in the furthest corner of the room. I swallowed down the vomit that threatened to spill from my lips.
There were what appeared to be two gynecological tables sitting across from one another. A giant wooden cross sat in the far corner, and something that resembled a wooden stock, used in ancient times with three openings—two for the wrists and one for the neck—rested in the opposite corner. There were whips, paddles, and canes hanging along the wall in a sadistic display. I felt Becca freeze beside me.
Hector was already in the dark, vile room, leaning on a giant, black leather wingback chair positioned in the middle of the floor. He stepped behind me, bringing his lips to my ear.
His whisper was smooth and poisonous.
"This, princess, is where we make you remember who controls you. I own both of you now. You are my property until you're sold, and you'll both be taught obedience and respect.” I felt an icy tremor go through my body.
We were sooo fucked!!!
A loudwhimper came from Becca.
Not wanting to see the sheer terror on her face, I didn't even have the guts to look at her.
Hector's voice rang out, authoritative and cold.
"Restrain them on the tables. I want their arms and legs spread far apart." He barked at his two puppets.
Julio and Juan pushed us forward toward the two exam tables as the door shut behind us with a solid, finalclick.
Chapter 6
The Hunt
Atlas
