“That’s a promise. You know I could ruin your life. But I will say this. I wouldn’t mind you becoming my permanent slave. Imagine the things I could do to you. Pleasure and pain.”
I managed to jerk my hand free, slapping him across the face. “You always were a sadist. And whatever you do to me would be worth it to bring you and your twisted friends to your knees.”
Even in the shadows, I could see the look of rage in his eyes and felt the intense brimming of extreme heat. At this point, I just didn’t care.
“I would hate for your sister to be sold to someone in a country where you’ll never see her again. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Oh, my God. I was right. You lured her to Miami. Didn’t you?”
His deep, evil chuckle sent a flurry of anger and butterflies into my stomach. “I didn’t necessarily lure her. In fact, I was surprised she responded to a TikTok video. However, I can’t say I’m displeased. Although she’s a little fighter just like you. What a shame she needed to be broken.”
“So you admit it. You’re the one luring girls into becoming slaves. You fucking monster.”
His laugh was unnerving.
“Be careful, little girl. We promise them a new life. What’s the harm in that?”
Another rush of emotions almost buckled my knees. “If you dare hurt her, I will kill you myself.”
“Mmm… You know, I’d almost like to see you try. Unfortunately, you’re involved in aspects of business you have no possibility of understanding. Be a good little girl like you once were and back away from this. If you do, I will promise you that you’ll see your sister again.”
“Drake won’t allow that to happen.”
“Oh, I think he will, especially since I have all the leverage I need.”
He had no idea what Kendrick was capable of. I resisted spouting off a single word.
Images of my sister’s face rushed into my mind, but before I had a chance to respond, Franklin’s hand was jerked away. The hard thud as he was pitched backward was followed by Kendrick issuing a brutal punch to the center of Franklin’s face.
He didn’t stop there, throwing punch after punch until Franklin was finally down on the floor.
Stunned, I remained where I was. “We need to get out of here.” While my whisper was barely audible, Kendrick heard me.
“We will. When I’m finished.” He yanked Franklin to his feet, prepared to drive his fist into the man’s face once again. “You should know better than to touch what belongs to me.”
“Wait,” I said, going off instinct more than any feelings for the asshole. “He was trying to warn us.”
Kendrick’s hiss was followed by a shake of his head. “Talk.”
“You need to be careful. You can’t fight them.” Franklin managed to jerk himself away and with his face hardening, I knew we were no longer alone.
Kendrick realized it as well, pointing his finger in Franklin’s face. “If you dare ever try and touch one of my slaves, you’ll learn a valuable lesson on how powerful I truly am.”
“What’s going on here?” Lucifer barked. He was backed by two of the goons I’d seen in the club.
“I found him fondling what belongs to me. Friend or not, the man should know better. Maybe you need to improve your rules of conduct or perhaps that’s how you like to play, but I thought I was very clear in my expectations. If not, I will retract my membership,” Kendrick barked. “Star belongs to me.” He turned his head toward Lucifer, daring the man to defy him.
Lucifer sighed, slowly shifting his gaze toward Franklin. “There is no need to do anything rash, Hunter. You should know better, Catcher. This isn’t the way to impress a new member or your friend. I’m very sorry you had to deal with that, Hunter. I hope you’ll accept my apologies.”
“I was merely admiring your slave, Hunter. You and I go way back. It would be a shame to dissolve our friendship. I promise never to touch what belongs to you again.” Even as Franklin issued the words, his gaze fell on me once again.
This time my skin didn’t crawl. Instead, my blood boiled.
Kendrick adjusted his lapels, still glaring at Franklin. “Fine. Apology accepted. However, I’ve lost my taste for scotch and for the company. Enjoy the rest of your night.” He grabbed my arm, leading me down the corridor, pressing his finger across his lips as he did.
Even as we faded into the shadows, I felt the burning eyes of the two men.
And the increasing danger.
