Pointing the gun, he pumps bullets into her body, showing no remorse or emotion of any kind. Her body violently jerks before she falls to the floor. Rhett empties the chamber in her skull, destroying her face, as we all stare at him in shock.
“You can’t kill an heir,” I blurt, knowing it’s one of their most sacred rules because it was drummed into me at HQ.
“You can when she tries to kill a first daughter. Though I can’t admit that yet, unfortunately. We need to time your reveal for the perfect moment.” He grins and waggles his brows while continuing to cup my face and stare at me like a creep. “She has always been unhinged and extremely jealous of you. When her shooting attempt failed, she orchestrated that ambush on the road. She was behind the killing of your precious father and a few unfortunate innocents. She came here today to kill all of you. Luckily, I was here, praying in our ancestors’ room, and I was able to stop her. Her killing was purely self-defense. I know you’ll all relay the same facts.”
My God, he’s as crazy as she was.
“Why would we verify your version of events?” Mom says, looking hugely troubled.
“You will do that and more,” he calmly replies, finally releasing my face. “You were all brought here today because you are important to my plan. Cooperate and you’ll get to live the life you want to lead. Ashley, you can marry Jase. Pamela, I’ll let your lying, scheming ass live a long and happy life with Richard and your cute baby daughter, and you, Breanna, you get to kill that prick Salinger. I have a much better husband in mind for you.”
“You murdered my father in cold blood right in front of me.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Why would I do anything for you?”
He grips my chin as a muscle clenches in his jaw. “I’myour father, Ashley. That man had to die. It was the consequence of the part he played in deceiving me. As for why you will cooperate, I will give you back the birthright you were denied. Together, you and Jase will control the Sloth Luminary after I have James Manford removed for his duplicity. You will rule under my supervision, of course.”
So, it’s a hostile takeover of the Sloth Luminary, and Jase and I are to be his puppets. Julia’s Lord of The Luminaries statement is making more sense now. This is a power play. Rhett Carter wants to hold the ultimate control.
He tips my chin up higher, and his dead eyes pin mine in place. “In return for your cooperation, I promise I will not kill your mother or your little sister, and I will guarantee my wife doesn’t kill her new pet.”
“New pet?” I whisper, wondering what fresh hell is about to be unleashed.
“He will be kept alive so long as you all cooperate.” He lets his gaze roam the room before grabbing the laptop again. “Refuse and I’ll give the order to kill him. Not before my wife has had her fun with him though.” His devilish grin sends ice shooting through my veins as he turns the screen around so we can all see.
All the blood drains from my face when the screen loads, showing a dark-haired woman dressed in bondage leather with a long whip in her hand. She blows kisses at the screen toward her husband before the camera pans out, displaying the large windowless room.
On either side of the drab green walls are a number of large cages. Inside each one is a naked man wearing a collar. The camera moves slowly throughout the room, and I grow sicker with each passing second.
Some of the men are emaciated and so thin you can see their ribs protruding through flesh. Others have cuts, bruises, and various marks all over their bodies. A few are asleep, curled up on the floor, their limbs cramped in the small space. One man is lapping spilled water from the soiled floor of his cage, and another has his hands tied behind his back while his face is buried in a bowl of sludge that looks like it might be dog food.
A strangled gasp escapes my throat when the camera swings to the end cage and the newest prisoner. Chad is naked and unconscious, his body crammed behind the bars at an awkward angle. Rhett’s wife slides her hand into the cage to caress Chad’s thigh before her fingers wrap around his flaccid cock and she starts stroking him.
Bile swims up my throat at the violation and the realization of the hell he’s about to endure. I squeeze my eyes shut, unable to bear witness to his assault.
“Seen enough?” Rhett asks, and I nod.
When I open my eyes, the last thing I see is Chad’s terrified gaze staring back at me before the feed shuts down.
I clasp a trembling hand over my mouth as angry tears form in Bree’s eyes. Mom just looks numb. Jase’s expression is murderous, but I spot fear for his friend too.
“Now, do I have your attention?” Rhett asks.
“Yes.” The word emerges in an anguished whisper.
“Are you going to cooperate?”
It doesn’t matter how things are between us. Chad got caught up in this mess because of his association with me. This psycho has some twisted plan he needs us for. I don’t have all the facts, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll do what I can to protect Chad, and Ares too because I know Rhett took him as well. My stepbrother’s fate also lies in our hands.
There is no hesitation because there is only one answer. “Yes,” I say. “I will do whatever you want.”
“That’s my girl,” he says, petting my hair. “Now, let me tell you my plan.”
* * *
TO BE CONTINUED
Dirty Crazy BadBook Two, the conclusion to the duet, is slated to release on November 30, 2022. Available to preorder now. Click here or check your local Amazon store.
Want to read the scene from the high school library the time Jase fucked Ash while Chad secretly watched? Click here to download the bonus chapter.
