Chapter 11

Tillie

I've never had sweaty palms before, but since I woke up this morning, I can't stop running my hands under cold water. It helps with calming the mind to focus on something icy cold, but now I'm in the car and only have my legs to keep running my palms on to wipe off the sweat.

"Just picture everyone naked. That should help, or maybe not. Never mind. Just picture me naked. That should keep you calm and horny." Tey gestures to himself before rubbing my thigh as it bounces up and down.

I'm really glad Tey and Logan are in the car with me. Dalton is riding with Nicky on their bikes, just in case they need to make a quick getaway. Dom is arriving fashionably late, his words, not mine. Franco and Jin aren't expecting their rival to show up uninvited, but they won't be able to do anything about it since too many important stiffs in suits will be their buying women. It makes me so sick to my stomach that I want to set the warehouse on fire, making sure every perverted fucker inside burns alive. I hope this plan works and a shoot-out doesn't happen the moment Dom makes an appearance.

"I shouldn't get horny in front of a bunch of perverts. I'll just picture slitting all their throats and choking to death in their own blood," I mutter, taking a deep breath as we roll up in Logan's car towards the marina, and the fishing warehouse that Jin owns comes into view.

"I don't know why I didn't think of that. See, you're perfect for us. My bloodthirsty killer, sexy woman." Tey turns my head towards him with the tip of his finger under my chin before stealing my fucking breath by kissing me fast and hot, curling his tongue against mine with slow flicks that have my thighs clenching together. He does that tongue curl when he's eating me out too. I can almost feel him between my legs each time he slants his mouth over mine with a slowness that drives me wild, and very fucking horny, like get-your-cock-in-me-right-now horny. I'm seconds away from demanding it, whipping his thick as hell dick out and riding it as if I'm at the rodeo and need to win first place. He pulls away with a groan, and a slow smirk takes over his pouty lips when he sees my dazed expression.

How do they do that? One passionate kiss and I'm a puddle on the seat, my panties soaking so much that I'm afraid it's going to seep through my black, leather bodysuit.

"Focus. We need to be alert at all times from the moment we step out of the car," Logan says grimly from the driver's seat as he spins the wheel, the tires crunching over the gravel parking lot.

The parking lot is covered in darkness and the warehouse looks abandoned with only a single light bulb over the entrance door. Looks are deceiving though. By the door is a man dressed all in black smoking a cigarette, a bodyguard I'm assuming, and I'm willing to bet there will be more patrolling the grounds. The whole lot is filled with fancy, expensive cars from Ferraris to Aston Martins and Lamborghinis… The sick fucks have so much money that they think it's okay to buy another human.

"Can I admit that I'm very close to pissing my pants? And I'm not sure I could squeeze out of this thing." I wiggle in my seat in the back while Tey plays with the loose waves of my hair that are framing my face since the rest is being held up by two hair sticks that keep the bun tight to my head.

I feel exposed in this bodysuit. I thought the black dress would have worked but Nicola had an even better idea for something that wasn't easy access. The black leather is skintight and sleek, and clasps around my neck while leaving my whole back so open that I'm almost afraid to bend over in case my ass crack makes an appearance. I'm owning my scars and letting everyone see the drawings that scatter my body with pride, no more hiding from the world even if it makes me nervous.

"I'll cut you out of it if you're going to piss your pants. I got you." Tey skims his nose along my neck, breathing in deeply as he smells me before pulling away and flinging the car door open to get out.

I don't move at first, drying my sweaty palms on the slick leather of my pants once more and meeting Logan's gaze in the mirror when I notice he has not gotten out.

"I'm tempted to drive and keep going. I don't want you in there. You good, baby girl?" Logan asks in a worried tone, his voice low and so calm that it settles the nerves inside of me.

I need to be strong. Not just for myself anymore. It's for my guys and the helpless women about to be sold. This needs to end.

"I'm good, Lo. Let's just get this over with." I shake my head, roll my shoulders, and grab Tey's extending hand to help me step out of the car.

I slide across the seat like butter, the leather making a squeaking sound against my bodysuit as I climb out. The rumble of Dalton's motorcycle is loud and shakes the ground underneath my feet as he parks right next to Logan's car. Nicky follows in after him, his crotch rocket making such a low rumbling sound that it hardly makes any noise at all. Nice.

We stand there for a second, as if preparing ourselves before turning towards the entrance and walking across the gravel lot. Each of my guys surrounds me, putting me in the middle of them as we get closer to the door. A hand tugs on my hand from the left and I look over my shoulder to see Nicky has stopped walking. He nods at the guys to keep walking without us while pulling me closer to him.

"What is it?" My brows furrow as he stares down at me for a second without saying anything before he reaches into his pocket and pulls it out with something fisted in his hand.

He raises his hand and opens his palm, a rose gold chain necklace dangling from his fingertips. The rose gold bird of a dove draws my eyes and I'm honestly frozen in place… It's beautiful and looks expensive.

"Can I put it on you?" he asks quietly, his green eyes undecided, like I'll throw the necklace in his face.

"You sure?" I ask warily, as if this is some kind of joke.

"Yes. Turn around." He rolls his eyes and spins his fingers in a circle when I don't turn around at first.

Turning, I watch the guys waiting a few feet away, giving us some privacy. They must have known he was going to give me the necklace. A little confused, I lift my hair as he slides his hands around my throat, gliding his fingers along the pounding vein there before moving the necklace into place to clasp it. For some reason, I'm light-headed as I stare down at the dove resting just above my breasts.

"Why?" I ask as I turn back towards Nicky, playing with the necklace between my fingers.

"Because." He clears his throat and looks above my head as a small blush rises in his sharp cheekbones.

Holy crap. Nicky is embarrassed.

"It's pretty." I grin softly, my eyes tracking how his Adam's apple bobs as he swallows thickly.

"No. Beautiful," he says in such a deep voice that it causes my legs to shake, and the way he finally meets my stare, I know he's not talking about the necklace.

"Thank you," I whisper, dropping the dove back against my skin and raising up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek softly.

I press my lips against that spot for a few beats, breathing in his clean scent with my eyes closed. Pulling back, I spin on my heels and quickly walk back between the guys. No one says anything but I catch Tey grinning broadly at me and he winks when I make direct eye contact. The moment we stop outside the doorway, the bodyguard moves in front of us and places his hand on the gun that's resting in the front of his pants. My guys surround me closer than before but they don't react otherwise. It must be standard procedure to give everyone a silent warning by showing your gun. I don't fucking know but it still causes me to sweat.

We're really doing this. It's almost too much to process and yet, I can't freak out right now. I won't be able to ask for help if I start to lose it, everyone inside is going to be looking for an excuse to eat you alive if you show any weakness. I reach out and grip Dalton's bicep for balance as my breathing becomes heavy. I repeat over and over in my head that I won't have a panic attack. Once we pass that door, who knows what's going to happen on the other side. Dalton stays silent but lays his warm, big hand over mine with reassurance. He's here and I'm not alone.

"Tell me a happy moment," Dalton leans down and whispers in my ear in a gravelly voice.

A smile twitches at my lips, knowing he's trying to distract me like before when Gary and his stupid friends attacked me in the locker rooms and I ended up having a panic attack in Dalton's arms.

"Gary's house party," I reply back, stifling a giggle as he groans and pulls me under his arm to plaster my body against him.

"Fuck, little bitch. That's your happy moment? Which part?" he asks as we pass the bodyguard, grunting at him with a head nod as he lets us through the door once he recognizes Logan and Nicky. Not once does the fucker take his hand off his gun, letting us know he won't hesitate to use it on us. The bastard. I glare as we move past him, almost wanting him to even dare take his gun out so I can kick him in the nuts so hard he's singing soprano. He doesn't though and we're suddenly inside without any problems.

It goes dark once the door is slammed behind us, and lights on the floor leads the way that we're supposed to go. No one says anything for a bit as the guys huddle around me, Dalton squeezing me closer to his side which helps keep me warm. It's cold as hell here, and goose bumps break out across my skin, adding to the doom feeling that's pitting in my stomach.

"Hmm. Which part? That's a tough one. Maybe when you fucked me with the gun? Or when you shoved your big cock inside my tight pussy?" I lean into Dalton, trying to be quiet, but the guys groan as if in pain around me a second later though.

Guess I wasn't quiet enough. Oops.

"Not now, Tillie," Logan growls out through his teeth and I swear he whispers, "Fucking hell."

"Okay. Later then. I'll tell you guys about my knife fantasy." I try to joke to make myself feel better yet everything comes out strained and choked instead.

"Shh, baby cakes. Don't tell them, just me. I'll make all your knife fantasies come true." Tey chuckles darkly from the right, though his voice comes out tense.

The hallway comes to an end at another door, this one a solid metal with a small latch that opens the moment Nicky knocks on it.

"Nicholas, Logan, Dalton, Tey, and the slut," Nicky mutters in a bored tone. Despite his words, I notice his broad shoulders bunching up as he gives out our names and at what he just had to call me to the man on the other side of the door.

I probably wouldn't have been able to walk through that door if he gave out my real name. I'm just a woman that's a slut in Jin's eyes. My fists tremble at my sides, I quickly shake them to lose the tension because I know Nicky doesn't mean it. I'm their slut, but only when one of their cocks is inside of me. I know the difference.

I reach out in the dim lighting and graze my fingers against Nicky's lightly so he knows I don't blame him.

He brushes his fingers along my wrist before pulling away as the heavy door creaks open and the sound of muttering voices reach my ears. I ignore the meathead as I walk behind Tey with Dalton at my back, and I try to keep my expression blank while I take in the warehouse before me from the railings.

It's just as dark downstairs in the main part of the warehouse except an illuminated catwalk highlights a large black stage in the middle of the pit. The red couches are shadowed in the dark, and my guess is so that no one can see who else is here. Probably important people, the rich and famous.

"Whatever you see or hear, you can't react. It will end with a bullet in the head," Logan's voice is stiff, strained, like he hates being here as much as I already do.

"Trust us," Nicky says in his usual quiet, deep voice when I don't reply.

I'm really fucking trying, but I'm scared of what I'm about to witness. There isn't any music playing, it's just the low mutter of voices and the sound of shuffling feet behind the curtain at the beginning of the catwalk, leading to the dead center of the stage. It's fucking creepy that each woman walking down towards the stage is basically a piece of meat with a price tag.

"I'll do the best I can but make no promises. Just promise me that this will all end," I grit out. It's taking everything in me not to grab the gun tucked in Logan's pants and start shooting everyone below.

"It will end," Nicky claims passionately, and I believe him.

It's the burning inferno in his gaze when he looks over at me and his fists gripping the railing in front of him until his knuckles are white that tells me he wants this to end just as badly.

I nod at him and glance behind me when I hear Tey clearing his throat. He's looking off to the right with a murderous expression as he spins his knife between each finger. I follow his gaze and see Franco standing by the stairs that lead down into the seating area, and he's shaking hands with those that descend, like a fucking businessman welcoming everyone. He places something in their hands before moving on to the next person. Men and women dressed in their finest clothing smile at Franco, laughing at whatever he says to them.

"No reaction," Logan repeats one more time just as Franco spots us. His smile makes my stomach shift with nerves and sickness as he crooks a finger at us to join him.

It's the type of smile that reeks of something sinister, of evil thoughts. I'd love to wipe that look off his face, or better yet, grab Tey's knife and cut it off.

"Logan, you're late." That's the first thing out of Franco's mouth as we get close enough to him by the stairs without getting too close.

"Really? Could have sworn you said nine at night." Logan smirks, clearly enjoying pissing Franco off.

"It's ten," Franco hisses out, looking at Lo with disgust and displeasure before plastering on another smile as a man steps in line behind our group. "Get down there and don't embarrass me. Tillie, I believe Jin reserved a time for you to show off those impressive dancing skills around eleven." Franco's smile is slimy as he drags his gaze up and down my body with lust evident as clear as day.

At least Logan doesn't have Franco's eyes, he must take after his mother. Small miracles.

"Can hardly wait," I snap out behind my own tight smile, letting him see how much he disgusts me as my gaze locks on his. I grab Logan's hand just as he starts to take a threatening step towards Franco and direct him to the stairs, descending with him squeezing my fingers in a death grip. "So much for keeping your cool, huh?" I stand on my tippy-toes to whisper in his ear, gazing over his shoulder as I plaster myself to his side to make sure the rest of the guys are following.

It's creepy walking downstairs to a lower level, it feels like a box you won't ever be able to escape. It's a small enclosed, square space that only has one entrance, meaning it only has one exit too. It's a fucking pit to keep things in, and those things would be human beings that are set to be sold.

"Don't leave our sight tonight. Stick close to one of us at all times. When Dom shows up, it's going to be a fucking massacre." Logan talks to me but he has this half smile on his lips that looks cocky and ignorant as he glances at the "guests" once we reach the last step and people openly stare our way.

If you look past the fake smile and stare into Logan's eyes long enough, you can see how hard and deadly his gaze is as he looks at everyone, almost like he's memorizing faces to kill later.

"Believe me, I'm not going anywhere," I reply, suppressing a shudder as he leads us around the fancy, red velvet couches and selects one giving us a viewpoint of the stage and the stairs, so we can see who's coming and going.

That eases me a tad because I know no one can sneak up behind us since there are concrete walls behind our couch. I glance around and my lip starts to curl in disgust at the walkway and stage, as if it's a fucking model catwalk, when in reality, it's just a perfect circle so you have a view from all angles of the human body that's going to be on display. The guys take a seat with Logan in the middle, and he pulls me down to sit on his lap as Nicky and Dalton sit on either side of him with Tey on Nicky's other side. All the guys' moods are pulsing in waves, brooding and silent. They hate this just as much as I do.

"Two o'clock, Tillie. No surprises," Dalton mutters in a gravelly voice, suppressing a throaty growl at whatever he's looking at.

I'm almost afraid to look. I could just keep staring at the stage but the goose bumps on the back of my neck won't go away and demands I scan my surroundings until it finds the source of the creepy feeling. I know who he's looking at before I even glance over.

Has the hair on your arms ever stood on end? Have you ever been scared of the dark because you feel like your worst fear is going to be right behind you, breathing down your neck?

That's how I'm feeling right now. Sweat slides down my back and my stomach sinks, as if I can't decide if I want to throw up or if my whole body is going to become cold and numb before shutting down. I gaze to where Dalton pointed out and my gaze immediately connects with Cruz. He's already staring at me and, I swear, my heart stops beating for a split second. That look scares me. Cruz's gaze holds so many emotions that aren't normal. Possession, like I'm an object, lust, as if he's thinking of all the sick things he wants to do to me against my will because he gets off on it, and rage. That rage is what scares me. It's not directed at me but at my guys as Cruz's gaze shifts towards them before settling back on me. It's a promise in his eyes that speaks of death.

"He'll never hurt you again, my sweetness. We'll paint a whole room with his blood then burn it down to ashes," Tey says maniacally, his tone so dark and seriously dangerous that it makes me shiver with a bit of fear and lust.

Dalton places his finger under my chin and makes me break eye contact with my worst nightmare. Violet eyes hold mine now, piercing into my soul until a faint smile spreads across Dalton's face as he traces my bottom lip with his thumb.

"Happy place, little bitch. Don't look at him again," he says, taking an inhale that I mimic. I can breathe a little easier after I do it a few times.

I didn't even realize that my breathing had picked up and that I was on the verge of a panic attack.

"Fuck," I whisper, shifting closer against Logan to try and warm my exposed back whilst I try to keep my expression neutral, as if I'm bored, like the guys.

I don't want to be looked at like I'm weak, and I need to make sure no one can get a read on my emotions ever again. They're currently all over the place with dread, fear, panic, and a small area in my heart of pure love, but all these people here will only see the collected Tillie from now on.

"Here we go. Don't react," Nicky warns just as the lights dim and everything goes silent. The guests quiets down as the curtain at the end of the walkway parts, a spotlight shining brightly over the entry.

I hold my breath as the silhouette of a body edges inside and pauses in the light with a big, muscular male at the female's side. I'm confused at first by what I'm seeing, but hot rage quickly gathers right down to my soul as it clicks what's happening. I become rigid in Logan's lap and a hand snakes into mine, squeezing tightly as we watch the drugged-out girl get practically dragged down the walkway by one of Jin's men. She trips over her own feet, head rolling on her shoulder as the guy grips her elbows and stares straight ahead with a bored expression. She's skin and bones. The white, see-through dress shows just how starved she's been.

"They start with the least valuable, and towards the end, the best is saved for last, the ones who will bring a very high price," Nicky says from beside me with a tone that almost makes him sound like a robot, but when I look over at him, his fists are clenched on his thighs and his neck is straining with tension. I rub my thumb over the hand Dalton is holding and slowly reach over with my other hand to Nicky, sliding my pinky over his wrist.

Nicky's breath stutters out, like he's been holding it in. I make eye contact with Tey on his other side, seeing him press his thigh firmly against Nicky's. He's not alone in this, and I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for him having a father like Jin. Maybe we're more alike than I thought.

"Bidding starts at ten thousand," a voice says over the speakers, making me jump in Logan's lap. It sounded so loud when everyone was being so quiet, except for the once-in-a-while murmurs.

Logan's hand smooths across my lower back out of sight, sliding back and forth over my scarred skin. Maybe he needs the contact to keep him grounded because right now, I'm seconds away from grabbing his gun and shooting wildly, hoping I hit every fucker in here. I can't even imagine what he's feeling right now.

I glance around, seeing men in freaking butler suits with trays standing on the edge of each section of couches, far enough away to create privacy, but the moment someone raises their hand, the butler comes over instantly with that damn silver tray. I watch in bewilderment as a piece of paper is placed on the tray and the butler walks away, heading right for Franco. I didn't notice at first but he has a section all to himself, and Jin is on the right corner of the stage with his triad guards surrounding him. The butler hands Franco the folded paper, who reads it and signals to the man holding the girl up in the middle of the stage. The guard nods and starts dragging the girl back towards where they came from, the spotlight shutting off so we can't see them leave on the walkway.

"What..." I trail off, confused as fuck about what's happening.

"She was just sold. The guards at each section of guests get handed a bidding offer and delivers it to Franco and Jin. If accepted, the next person comes out to get sold," Logan explains in a choked, tight voice, his hand now gripping my hips so tightly that I know I'm going to have a bruise later, but I don't care.

My mind is racing and I've never felt so helpless. Not even when I was getting raped, beaten… This isn't about me though. These people getting sold are going to go through so much worse than I ever did, and I'm just sitting here doing nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"Stop. Don't do that to yourself. All this will end soon," Nicky whispers so quietly that I almost can't hear him, and I know he's not talking about the auction ending for the night. He's talking about Jin's death.

I can hardly wait. It's slightly easier to breathe, knowing the fucker is going to die.

Most people don't know or believe that human trafficking is a real thing that happens every day. Women, men… children. They get kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder, and never seen again. There are some very rare cases where that person is found, but after so long being in the hands of a monster, they become an empty shell; having to fight every day just to do normal things like brush your teeth without looking in the mirror because you're scared of what your reflection is going to show you. I have to sit here, feeling helpless, and contain my anger after each new person is brought out and sold. I'm trembling. I'm so bloodthirsty that my body is literally shaking to cause chaos and murder. My mouth fills with the taste of copper as I bite the inside of my gums to keep from crying. My fingers grasp both of my guys so tight that I'm sure by the time they pry my fingers off them, there will be bruises left behind.

Sometimes, someone will cry because they're upset, like angry or sad. To me, those two emotions go hand in hand. You can't be sad without anger. You can't have anger without sadness following. Like tears of love and happiness, it's all the same. Right now, I'm so fucking angry and sad that this is their life. I'm not even sure how long I've been sitting in Logan's lap, ridged like a statue. The guys don't make a sound or look away from the stage. If you look away, it's almost like you're ignoring what's happening right in front of you… In this case, ignorance is not bliss.

"Pure and innocent. A feisty piece of work that needs just the right owner, bidding starts at one hundred thousand." Jin's voice is suddenly speaking, loud and clear from the microphone.

He sounds fucking delighted and smug, like he has everyone eating out of the palm of his hand.

The spotlight turns on and the oxygen is sucked out of my lungs, along with Dalton as he curses under his breath. Logan's thighs tense under me and his heart races against my back. Nicky looks frozen solid next to us, his burning gaze directed right towards Jin with pure hatred in those green eyes. I'm suddenly gripping his hand that he probably doesn't have any blood flow left, but he doesn't push me away. He holds on just as tight. I shift my gaze over to Tey and worry he's about at his breaking point. He adores kids, and so this has to be killing him inside. He hasn't stopped spinning his knife between his fingers, and I don't think he's blinked at all. My gaze drifts back to the stage as the same goon from before drags a little girl down the walkway. She looks like she's maybe twelve. She fights the whole way, kicking and throwing her tiny fists anywhere to cause damage, but it's no use. She's shoved onto the center stage, falling to her knees with a cry. Looking up with terrified, wide eyes, they lock onto mine. I could be wrong, it's very dark in here, but in that moment, with her brown eyes looking so scared and lost… I know I can't do this.

That's a kid up there, someone's child. She shouldn't know the evils of the world yet, but here she is. She reminds me of, well, me. A girl who's facing the reality that this is really happening, that evil does exist, and that hope is dwindling away as the excited murmurs echoes around the pit.

I glance around to see card after card being thrown onto silver trays, and my gaze is drawn to Cruz, as if I can't help myself. I know what I'm going to see, and it's going to end up with me in a lot of trouble. It's like he was waiting for me to look, because the moment I make eye contact, he smiles slowly and sickly as he places a white card on a silver tray. A bid. I feel the blood drain from my face, my body going cold. If Cruz gets his hand on that child… No! That's not going to happen. He knows I'll do anything to stop him from getting her. It doesn't matter if Cruz is surrounded by Demon Jokers, along with Carlos and some of his men. Cruz alone has control and power to get whatever he wants. We're all just a sick game to him.

"Would anyone care for a demonstration? Who wants to see some obedience lessons?" Jin's smooth voice drips like poison as he announces over the speakers with a chuckle, and the crowd cheers in agreement.

My gaze swings over to Jin and Franco as they give the goon on stage a nod of approval. Big and muscular, Jin's bodyguard stands over the girl with a menacing grin as he bends down and roughly grasps her elbow until she's standing again. The first strike is across her face, and I'm shoving Dalton and Nicky's hands away from me. The second strike and I'm slipping out of Logan's lap before he can stop me. My mind is numb and racing with the thoughts of my past, of the obedience lessons Payne put me through for years. I'm pushing past bodyguards near the stage to get through, ignoring the guys calling my name. I'm laser-focused on the goon as he draws back his hand again, this time with a fist. I don't know how I managed to gain the strength to grasp the ledge of the stage and pull myself up within seconds. How did I get across the room so fast that I'm now standing in front of the girl and blocking the next hit for her?

My hands all too easily slid into my bun, releasing wavy lengths of hair and taking out the sharp, pointed hair sticks that were holding it securely. I see my hand raise, as if it's someone else's, as it slashes at the guard in front of me. I hear a vicious growl and realize it's me making those sounds, like a wild beast that was caught in a cage and is now suddenly free. One second the guard is leaning over me to throw a punch and the next, he's frozen, his mouth opening and closing as he stares down at me in astonishment. His neck starts to bleed from one side to the other, spurts of it coating my face as he falls to his knees and tries to stop the river of blood flowing down his neck. I glance down at my fisted hands and see the hair sticks coated in blood. I slit his throat and don't feel anything at all. I'm not even a little bit upset it happened.

He deserved it.

All at once, the noise of the crowd rushes into my ears and the hand of the child squeezes my arm in a death grip. I hear low murmurs, shocked gasps, and guns being cocked. I look down at the hand cutting off the blood flow to my arm and gaze at the little girl staring up at me with hope in her brown eyes.

I don't regret anything, even if I'm about to die. I'll go down fighting though, taking out as many of these sick fucks as I can. I hope they're ready for hell, as I'm about to send them there.

"My, my. It would seem someone is a little jealous of not getting all the attention. Nicholas, why don't you show our guests how to properly punish a disobedient whore." Jin's voice still sounds cheerful, but there's a hard edge to it that makes me flinch.

I'm gasping for air, sweat coating my neck, but I don't move from in front of the child as my gaze wildly swings around until it lands on Nicky. He hops onto the stage with ease, his muscles bunching under his suit jacket as he straightens the sleeves with a roll of his broad shoulders and strides towards me with purpose. His facial expression gives nothing away, but the moment I lock eyes with him… I know I'm in trouble. His green eyes narrow in anger, their color darkening as his pupils expand. The sharp edge of his jaw shifts, muscles ticking as he stops a few feet away from me and widens his stance, dominance pulsing in waves from him.

The little girl is suddenly pried away from me, my distraction costing me as another one of Jin's guys drags her away, back towards the entrance of the curtains. I'll get her out of here, I swear on my life I will. It's better this way for right now, at least everyone isn't looking at her anymore. All their attention is currently on me and Nicky as we stare at each other in the middle of the round part of the stage.

"On your knees, pet," Nicky orders softly but with so much command that my legs shake with the need to obey. I hold my stance even though my legs want to buckle under me as I stare at him with wide eyes, blood still dripping down my face and the dead goon at my feet behind me. Nicky can't be serious. I already know where this is leading, but I don't think I can do this in front of so many strangers while they're looking on with sick lust and hunger in their eyes. It cramps my stomach, reminding me of my time in the basement when every member watched as they all took turns raping me."Eyes on me," Nicky growls out as my gaze shifts around to see guests watching, but his voice snaps my attention back towards him in an instant.

Tall, lean, but with defined muscles, Nicky commands attention with his eyes alone. They challenge me with the slight narrowing, willing me to do as he says… and God help me, I want to be on my knees for him. It's the aura that surrounds him, his dominance, and the tight control he has, it makes me want to break that leash he holds so close to his heart. I want wild and passionate Nicky to let go. I want the man that feels under all that armor he shows everyone else but me.

After a few seconds of staring down with him, I slowly sink to my knees and everything else fades away until it's just me and him on the stage. I drop the hair sticks with a gasp, feeling the fight drain out of me as they clatter onto the stage. My body bends to Nicky's will without much of a fight, and the sick, twisted side of me likes this. Needs it.

I rest my butt on the back of my heels, arms loose at my sides, but I tip my chin back so I don't break eye contact with that gaze of emerald green that's currently grounding me.

"Crawl to me," he whispers in a dark tone, but it sounds loud, even past the rushing of blood pounding in my ears. My hands graze the floor with slight hesitation, but laying my palms flat on the floor, and with a deep breath, I crawl across the stage towards him. Slow and seductive, my hips sway as I easily crawl towards him with warm blood coating my hands. My leather bodysuit becomes slippery in the blood on the floor, the warm blood soaking the material of my outfit as I stop at his feet. My chest rises and falls, faster and faster, while my body shivers with adrenaline and desire. "Show everyone how you present yourself to me. Who owns you, pet?" Nicky demands with a tight jaw, his lips curled into a snarl as raw desire has him clenching his fists at his sides.

I suppress a whimper, holding his gaze as I lean back on my heels again, arching my back with my knees spread wide for him. This position, if naked, would leave me exposed, nothing to the imagination. My head tilts back but I don't break his hold. I can't. If I look away then it's going to remind me it's not just me and him up here. Raising my bloody hands above my head, I slowly drag them seductively down my neck, between my breasts, until I'm gliding my palms over my knees back towards the floor. Leaving me back on my hands and knees at his feet, I bend down without him having to say anything until my forehead is grazing the tip of his shoe. My breath fogs the shine of his polished, expensive shoes, and I swear, I don't hear anything else but the small hiss he releases between his teeth. This position leaves my back arched, ass up, like a good submissive. Anyone with two eyes can tell right away that Nicky likes control. He's a Dom and always will be.

"Good, pet. Now, answer me. Who owns you?" he says louder, his voice deeper than ever with layers of unholy desire.

"You do," I whimper out with a pant, feeling my thighs squeeze together with need.

"Say my name," he growls out and bends down to pull me up by fisting my hair, making me meet his hot, dangerous gaze again.

"Nicholas," I rasp out, tears burning the corner of my eyes at the sharp sting as he tilts my head back farther.

Why do I love this? Why do I need to be dominated and praised? I used to be angry all the time, scared of what I would and wouldn't like, but all I feel now is a possessive need to be completely and truly owned by my guys.

If that's disturbing and wrong… I don't care. It's how I love them.