“Uhh…” I point my shaking finger behind her shoulder. She looks over her shoulder, studying the man for a second. Then she waves him over with a big smile.
“Hayden, Kelsey.” She lets go of my shoulders to grab the man by the arm, pulling him to move him faster, although it looks like a kitten trying to pull a tiger. “This is Noelle.” She introduces, gleaming as if she’s showcasing a diamond.
“And who the Hell is Noelle?” Hayden’s tone is dark and sends a shiver down my spine. He takes a protective step in front of me. His hand pushes me further behind him, but I pop my head around his side, trying to see this Noelle guy.
“Oh, stop being intimidating, Hayden. He’s a new recruit. He’s how I got over here safely. I wasn’t coming alone, and I damn sure wasn’t staying home.”
Yeah, I definitely don’t blame her for either of those choices. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stay alone somewhere again. I wonder if my parents are worried about meor if they think I’m off with my friends. I would call them, but those fuckers took it when they abducted me. No telling where it’s at. Those sick fucks probably already broke into it and are jacking off to my nudes—or selling them. I cringe thinking about my naked body being on the dark web without my knowledge or consent.
“I don’t give a fuck if he’s the holly jolly Santa Claus, do you really think now is the time to be bringing in new recruits? Especiallyhere?”
“Shouldn’t you be getting Kelsey to the medics?” She retorts. Hayden’s face is drawn tight, every muscle in his neck pops as he gives one last assessing glare at Noelle before turning to guide me to the place I’ve been dreading.
“Hi, Hun. My name’s Alice and I’ll be taking care of you today.”
Her voice is smooth as satin and comforts my nerves in a way I can’t describe. Her slow, calming motions are refreshing to the fast-paced action I’ve borne witness to all day.
“How are you feeling? Teegan already sent me the footage of some of your injuries, but could you tell me a little more?” She coaxes gently. She unwraps an IV catheter kit and prepares to hook me up. She must have read the panic on my face, “Would you like something to calm your nerves?”
First, who is Teegan, and how did he get footage of me getting my injuries? What else did he see? Oh God, hopefully not me naked. How many people will have seen my bare ass and pussy by the time this is over? Secondly, I havebeen drugged enough. I don’t want anything else that could make me less functional.
“I hurt. All over and no thanks.”
“After I get your IV running, I’ll take some X-rays and do a physical exam. I’ll ask you a few personal questions, and it’s up to you if Hayden stays or if you’re more comfortable alone.”
“He stays.” I rush out and reach for his hand.
Ryder
“Why should I let you out and not any of these others? What do you know that the rest don’t?” I question the woman with golden brown skin and haunted amber eyes. Her body is nothing more than skin and bones, every bone visible beneath her thin skin. Looking at all these poor souls in these cells ignites a deep fury. Once I find Lilith, she won’t die easily. It will be long, gruelling, and her own personal Hell on Earth.
Her voice cracks as she attempts to speak, “I kn-know where,” She coughs, wheezing and sputum flying out from cracked, bleeding lips. “She is.” She finishes, and her head falls back against the brick cell wall.
“She?”
“Lilith.” She answers on a breath, almost inaudible.
Knowing where Lilith is is crucial information I need, but how can I be sure she’s being honest? My eyes squint, and I bite my cheek as I study her.
“What’s your name?”
She eyes me warily, “Amelia.” She scoots herself further into the wall, using it as leverage to sit up straighter. I can tell she is extremely weak and will need the medic’s assistance immediately after leaving, too.
“Alright, Amelia, how about you tell me where she is, and I’ll get you out of here and to our medics for treatment.”I offer. I plan on having all these women rescued as soon as I get the hell out of dodge, but I need the information she could offer, and maybe we’ll have a new recruit if she proves loyal.
“New Mexico,” She sniffs. “She’s underground. I would have to show you.”
“And how do you know this?”
Her wide eyes slowly move up to mine, staring through me, eerily like a demon. Her entire demeanor has changed in a split second, causing my hackles to rise, and alarm bells are ringing, aside from the blaring security alarms. I remain crouched, but my spine stiffens, preparing for her to lunge or whatever is going through her mind. The woman seems very unstable, which is expected after being abused down here for God knows how long.
The sound that leaves this woman’s clenched teeth can only be described as an animalistic growl from deep in her chest. “That’s where they take you when you’re agood girl.”She takes a long, deep breath and continues, “You’re shipped out as a sex slave. I made it there once, but after I learned what it was, I did everything to ensure I was brought back. This version of Hell is better than that one.” Her voice cracks as she finishes, tilting her head back to fight the inevitable tears.
As soon as I have Lilith in my hands, she will beg for repentance for her sins, but I’m not God, and I show no mercy. I’ll gladly deliver her to him myself.
After finding Amelia a gown in much better condition,we loaded up in one of the SUVs and came straight to the motel with the medic van.
“What is Jessie’s car doing here?”I shout at the group of my guys standing around chit-chatting instead of doing their fucking jobs. I have a feeling I already know the answer, and that would explain why I haven’t heard from her in hours, but until I hear it or see her myself, I won’t believe it.
