The lack of waves crashing on the shore tells me I am more than likely on the Mississippi coast. The barrier islands prevent waves from reaching the shore, so the waters are calm along the coastline.
I’ve never seen it in person, but I remember that much from my Mississippi Studies class. The only places I was ever allowed to go were work and school. My father never allowed vacations.
A chill runs down my spine as I wonder how I could’ve gotten here. Did one of my father’s men find me and hand me over to one of their drug lords? He was more of a user than a seller. I’m sure nobody will be upset about his death, but that might not stop them from coming after me to pay his debts.
The only thing I can imagine they would want me for is my blood to repay one of his debts. Fuck. I can’t even attempt to kill myself without screwing something up.
Turning around, I see an open door. Voices can be heard in the distance. I tiptoe towards the hall. It sounds liketwo men laughing and carrying on; however, I can’t make out what they’re saying.
There has to be way out of here without anyone noticing. Quietly, I make my way down the hallway, spotting a door to the right that looks like it might be a main doorway.
Without thinking, I make a run for it.
A solid wall of muscle grabs me from behind as I desperately try to yank the door open. Gripping me tightly from behind, he spins us around and I find myself staring into the face of the man I saw before I jumped.
I can’t read his expression, but his body language as he approaches me makes my whole body tense with fear. I struggle to break free but the man that’s holding me doesn’t budge, he’s too strong.
“Well, well. Look who is awake.” The other man crosses his arms as he slowly approaches me. His black hair and dark eyes are as deep as the seventh circle of hell while his face is one that could only be described as being similar to the King of Tyre. A seal of perfection—perfect beauty but also warranting a heed of caution. Everything about him screams dark and dangerous.
A fallen angel that became the devil. He’s ruthless—deadly. I want no part of him. Panic rises in my throat.
“What do you want from me?” I shout while clawing my nails into the arms of the man behind me again, struggling unsuccessfully to break free.
He lets out a low chuckle, his plushy full lips parting to reveal unnaturally white teeth with his smooth, devilish grin. With his perfectly sculpted high cheekbones, chiseled jawline, and short facial hair expertly dusting his olive-colored skin,there’s a natural aura of pride and arrogance radiating from him.
Men who look like this are used to getting everything they want. The tall, muscular physique? No doubt a man of power. His suit alone probably costs more money than I make in a year.
“Let me go, please! I have nothing to offer you!” I’m exhausting myself by trying to get away, but Gorilla Arms behind me isn’t budging.
“Relax, we aren’t going to hurt you.” Mr. Dangerously Perfect’s deep voice flows as smooth as honey like a silver-tongued devil.
I can’t relax. I don’t care if I have nowhere to go, I have to get out of here.
“Please just let me go. I’m nothing special. I don’t have any money. I can’t repay any of his debts.” Nobody takes in someone from Whiskey Rivers out the goodness of their heart. There’s always a debt or ulterior motive.
“Repay whose debts? Who do you think we are?” The one holding me relaxes slightly as he speaks.
I don’t answer so he continues, “Seriously, just relax. We don’t want anything from you, nor will we hurt you.” His voice is deep but calming. Much less menacing than the other guy.
He releases his hold and guides me towards the kitchen area to a seat at a table. I brave a glance at him. His long blond bangs partially cover his striking blue eyes. His demeanor is passive and his grin tells me he’s amused—total opposite of Ares, the God of War, over there.
“Sit,” Ares orders. I do as I’m told.
“Why am Ihere?” My voice trembles as I attempt to speak.
The blond laughs again. This time so hard he can barely speak. “Well, when you decided to jump off the bridge, that window-licking fucktard over there jumped in after you. It’s a wonder you weren’t both killed.”
Oh. No wonder he looks so sinister.
“But why?” I dare a glance at the dark-haired guy. It’s not like I asked for his help. He didn’t have to go in after me. That was his choice.
“I’ve been asking myself the same thing.” Ares jaw is tight, he doesn’t try to hide his annoyance. Great. It’s one thing to be a burden at home, but it hits on another level to burden strangers.
He doesn’t elaborate on why he jumped in after me and I don’t push. He slides a plate of food in front of me and walks over to the coffee pot, refilling his mug.
I didn’t want to be saved. I don’t want to be here now either. A flood of emotion rushes up my throat, but I swallow them down.Deep breaths, don’t show weakness, they can use it against you.
Silently, I stare at my plate, wishing the river had swallowed me up when it had the chance. I mindlessly scrape my fork over it, pushing the eggs around instead of scooping them up. I’m famished but the thought of food physically sickens me..
