Chapter Eighteen

Delphi Mae

“I think that speed you gave me is kicking in,” I say, my heart hammering so fast I’m sure it’s going to explode.

Steel glances at me, his face calm despite the tension in the room. “Good. I know the Tylenol isn’t much, but I hope it dulls some of the pain because this is going to hurt like hell.”

“What is?” I ask cautiously, wincing as I attempt to stand. Every inch of movement feels like fire tearing through my side.

“I need you to ride on my back,” he says without hesitation. “But I can’t hold you. You’re going to have to use whatever strength you’ve got left to cling on tight.”

I stare at him, processing his words. The simple act of standing is making my vision blur, and my knees threaten to buckle. Clinging to Steel for dear life while we try to escape? This is going to be pure hell.

Before I can respond, the metallic sound of the lock disengaging freezes us both in place. Steel’s eyes snap to the door, his body tense and ready. But no one comes in. The door remains closed, leaving us suspended in the unnerving silence.

“This is it,” he whispers, his voice firm but low. “I’m going to lean down, and I need you to jump up. I’ll help you get adjusted, but after that, it’s all you. You need to hold on. Got it?”

“Like a baby monkey,” I joke nervously, trying to lighten the tension even as my body trembles with fear and adrenaline. The laughter feels forced, the weight of the moment pressing too heavily on my chest.

“Delphi,” Steel says, his tone gentler now but no less urgent.

“Wait,” I interrupt, my voice shaking. “Steel, can I ask you for a favor?”

His jaw tightens, and I know he wants me to hurry, but he nods. “Of course. What is it?”

I swallow hard, my voice breaking. “If I don’t make it…”

“Del—”

“Just listen,” I plead, my hand gripping his arm to keep myself steady. “If I don’t make it, tell Jacob that I love him. Tell Eli I love him too and that I’m so sorry. And... give my precious little girl a kiss every time you see her. Promise me.”

Steel exhales sharply, a sound filled with frustration and determination. “Damn it, woman. Fine. But I’m not kissing Reynolds.”

I blink, confused before a nervous laugh escapes me. “Not the right plumbing?”

“Oh, his plumbing would work just fine for me,” Steel says with a sly smirk. “But he’s not my special person. Plus, I don’t sleep with my brothers. Wouldn’t want to ruin the bond we have.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You’re gay?”

“Not the time for this conversation, Del,” he says, adjusting his stance. But his smirk widens. “And no, I’m not. My brother and I are bi. Now, enough stalling. Hop on.”

I shake my head at the absurdity of this moment. “That’s kind of sexy, you know,” I mutter under my breath. “Okay. Let’s get this over with. This is going to hurt.”

“Do not scream, Del,” he warns, his tone firm. “Do whatever you have to do, but no screaming. Understand?”

I nod, biting my lip. My legs tremble as I bend my knees and take a deep breath. This is going to hurt. So. Much.

I jump.

The pain sears through my body like a blade, tearing me apart. I can’t stop the cry building in my chest, so I do the only thing I can to muffle it. I clamp my teeth onto Steel’s shoulder. Hard. His grunt tells me I’m not holding back, and part of me feels guilty. But the pain? It’s unbearable, and biting down is the only way to stop myself from screaming.

“Good girl,” he says through gritted teeth. His voice is steady, unshaken. “We’re not moving until you’re ready. Take your time.”

I cling to him, my arms locked around his neck and my legs weakly holding on. My body feels like it’s on fire, but his solid presence grounds me. We’ve made it this far. I have to believe we’ll make it out.

For Eli. For Jessica. For Jacob.

I just have to hold on.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper after I remove my teeth from his shoulder.

“Nothing to be sorry for, Del. I’m a BDSM Master and a Daddy Dom. Being bitten isn’t new to me.”

I blink, my pain momentarily forgotten as his words register. “Wait, what?” My voice comes out sharper than I expected, and I feel his body move as he silently laughs.

“You heard me,” he says, his tone maddeningly calm. “Biting isn’t new to me. Neither is being scratched, kicked, or cursed at. Occupational hazards.”

“I didn’t ask for your résumé,” I say, though I can’t stop the corners of my mouth from twitching.

Steel chuckles, a deep rumble in his chest that somehow distracts me from the pain radiating through my body. “Well, if you’re going to leave marks, you might as well own it. Consider it a job well done. It might even scar. Blaze will be jealous.”

I groan, dropping my head to his shoulder. “I bit you like a rabid squirrel, and you’re talking as if it’s another normal day?”

“Rabid squirrel?” He says, clearly amused. “If that’s what you’re going for, you nailed it. But for the record, you’re more like a feisty kitten.”

I can’t help it. I laugh. It’s the kind of laugh that feels absurd given the situation, but also exactly what I need. My body shakes against his, and for a moment, the pain dulls under the weight of my ridiculous giggles.

Steel shifts slightly, adjusting his hold on me. “There she is. Much better. Now, are you ready to get moving, or should I prepare myself for another squirrel attack?”

“Keep it up,” I warn, “and next time, I’ll aim for your ear. But I’m good. It still hurts, but I think I’ve compartmentalized it and will deal with it later.”

“Good girl,” he says. “Hold on tight.”

Moving to the door, he tests the handle. When it opens, he pats my arm before pulling out the gun and pointing it forward.

“Close your eyes,” he says. “Keep them closed.”

Not having the strength to argue, I nod and close my eyes.

Then we’re moving. He jolts every now and again, and it takes everything I have not to yell out in pain.

“Stay with me, Del,” he murmurs over his shoulder. “Almost there.”

I press my forehead against his shoulder blade, my vision blurring from the pain. “Define ‘almost.’”

“Thirty seconds,” he whispers.

Deciding it was worth the risk, I open my eyes. The hallway is dimly lit, with only the faint buzz of overhead lights and the distant hum of voices somewhere far off. Steel pauses at the corner of a corridor, his head tilting as if listening for something. I hold my breath, the sound of my pounding heart the only thing I can hear.

“What is it?” I whisper.

“Guard,” he says quietly. “Blocking the exit we need.”

“Can we go another way?”

“I don’t know the layout of the building,” he whispers back. “We could easily get cornered. This is our only chance. I have to put you down, sweetheart.”

“What? No?” Panic overtakes all my senses, and I squeeze myself tighter against his back, not fully registering the pain my body is now under.

“Be a good girl and do as I say, Delphi,” he says, his voice as steel as his name. “Let go.”

Not really understanding why, I listen. I drop my feet but hold on to his arms tightly until I regain my balance.

“Good job, sweetheart,” he says, turning and kissing my forehead. “Stay here,” he says firmly, his eyes locking with mine. “Don’t make a sound. Don’t move until I say.”

“Steel…”

“Trust me.”

I nod, too tired to argue, and press my back to the wall, cradling my side. Steel moves like a shadow, silent and deliberate, blending into the dim light. I lose sight of him for a moment, my pulse spiking as panic sets in.

Then, there’s a soft thud.

A moment later, Steel is back at my side, crouching down and urging me back onto his back. “All clear,” he whispers, his voice steady. “Hop on.”

I bite my bottom lip as I do as I’m ordered.

“Ouch,” I whisper, tears flowing down my face. “Hurts.”

I can’t seem to catch my breath as I try and push the pain back.

“Not much longer, sweetheart,” he whispers. “You’re doing so good.”

“And where exactly do you think you two are going?”

Oh no. Paston.

“Just let her go, Paston,” Steel says. “Do whatever you want with me, but let her go.”

“She’s the one I want, Steel,” Paston says. I can’t fully see his face, but I’ll never forget it. He’s handsome. Artificially perfect. Everything on him looks fake. But, his eyes, as dark as his soul, can look right through you.

Steel stiffens beneath me, his muscles coiling like a spring ready to snap. “Not happening, Paston,” he says, his voice steady and calm, but there’s an edge to it, a promise of violence simmering just beneath the surface.

“You think you’re in a position to negotiate?” Paston laughs, the sound hollow and cold. “You can’t protect her. Not from me.”

Steel’s grip tightens on my thighs, securing me as if to shield me with his very body. “She’s not yours to take,” he growls.

“I don’t think you understand, Steel,” Paston says, his voice dripping with smugness. “Delphi Mae has always been mine. She’s coming with me, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.”

I cling to Steel, my heart racing as fear courses through me. But beneath the fear, something else stirs. Anger. I’ve spent too long being helpless, too long letting men like Paston dictate my fate.

“Not happening,” I say, my voice shaking but firm. “You’ll have to kill me first.”

His laugh echoes in the narrow hallway. “Oh, sweetheart, I don’t want to kill you. I just want to own you. And maybe, if you behave, I’ll let your little friends live.”

Steel shifts slightly, his weight shifting as if preparing to spring.

Paston’s face twists in annoyance. “You think you’re a hero, Steel? That you can save her? You’re just a dog trying to protect a bone. Pathetic.”

Steel doesn’t respond. Instead, he lets me down again, his movements slow and deliberate. My legs tremble as they hit the floor, but I manage to stay upright, my back pressed against the wall for support.

“Delphi,” Steel murmurs, his eyes never leaving Paston. “Stay behind me. No matter what happens, you stay behind me.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I nod. “Steel…”

“No arguments,” he says, cutting me off. “I’ll get you out of this.”

Paston takes a step closer, his dark eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “Touching,” he sneers. “But this is where your little rescue attempt ends.”

Steel moves faster than I’ve ever seen, lunging toward Paston with deadly precision. The two collide, and the sound of their struggle fills the hallway. I press myself against the wall, watching helplessly as Steel blocks a punch and counters with a brutal strike to Paston’s ribs.

“Stay down,” Steel growls, but Paston just laughs, wiping blood from his lip.

“You’re good,” Paston admits, his voice tinged with grudging respect. “But I’ve got friends.”

As if on cue, the sound of footsteps echoes down the corridor. My heart sinks. More guards.

“Steel!” I whisper urgently, panic rising in my chest.

“I hear them,” he snaps, his focus unwavering. He glances back at me, his expression hard. “When I say go, you run. Do you hear me? You run.”

“No!” I cry, shaking my head. “I’m not leaving you!”

“Damn it, Del,” he growls. “Don’t argue with me now. Run!”

But before either of us can move, the sound of a gun being cocked freezes us in place.

“Well, isn’t this touching,” a new voice says, smooth and mocking. A man steps out of the shadows, a gun trained on Steel.

Steel shifts slightly, his body tense as he positions himself between me and the barrel of the gun. “You don’t want to do this,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

The man smirks. “Oh, I think I do. Paston pays well for a job well done.”

Steel’s eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. “Then you’d better pray you’re faster than me.”

Time seems to slow as the two men face off, the tension thick enough to choke on. I clutch my side, my mind racing. If I don’t do something, this could be the end for both of us.

That’s when I feel it. The gun that Steel must have shoved in my hand. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I’m just now noticing it. I’ve never used a gun before, but it can’t be that hard. I watch as Steel bends his knees slightly. He’s getting ready to attack the newcomer. What do I do? Why does this man want me so badly?

What is my life worth?

Everything clicks into place. Let’s find out.

“STOP.”

The silence is deafening as three of Paston’s men, and Steel looks in my direction.

“What the fuck are you doing, Del?” Steel asks.

But my attention is on Paston himself.

“Let him go,” I demand. “Let him leave here safely, and you can have me.”

“Lower the gun, Delphi,” Paston says, his eyes filled with more emotion than I’ve seen from him so far.

“I said to let him go,” I say, my voice sounding far braver than I feel. “I swear, I’ll pull the trigger if you don’t let him go.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Del,” Steel says. “Lower the damn gun.”

“This is our only way out, Steel,” I say, tears clouding my vision. “They’re going to gang up on you again, and this time they won’t let you walk away.”

Steel’s jaw clenches, his eyes flicking between me and Paston. “You think trading yourself is going to solve this? Think, Del. They won’t let me walk even if you give yourself up.”

“You don’t know that,” I snap, my voice trembling but resolute. “What I do know is I won’t let you die for me.”

Paston tilts his head, watching me like a predator amused by its prey. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that, Delphi Mae,” he says smoothly. “Lower the gun, sweetheart, and we’ll talk.”

I tighten my grip on the weapon, my hands slick with sweat. “Not until Steel is out of here.”

Paston sighs dramatically. “This isn’t a negotiation, darling. But since you’re so insistent...” He waves a hand, signaling to his men. “Boys, step back. Let Steel go. For now.”

My breath catches, relief mingling with dread. I can’t tell if Paston is playing me or if he’s actually willing to let Steel leave. Steel’s eyes narrow, suspicion radiating off him.

“You expect me to just leave you here?” Steel growls, his body coiled like a spring ready to explode.

“Don’t make me change my mind,” Paston replies coolly. “The lady has a gun, and I’m feeling generous. Walk away, Steel.”

Steel doesn’t move. His hands flex at his sides, his gaze boring into mine.

“Tell your men to back the fuck off,” I say, my body trembling so intensely that I don’t know how I’m still standing.

“You heard the lady,” Paston says, and his men move several feet away.

I watch Steel’s eyes. It’s almost as if he’s trying to tell me something. He moves his eyes to Paston and then to the gun currently at my temple.

I get it. But can I do it?

Sighing, I close my eyes and calm my shaking hands as much as possible.

Working on autopilot, I pivot, my heart pounding in my chest. The gun feels heavier in my hand, but the instinct to protect myself and the people I love overrides the pain shooting through my body. I aim directly at Paston, my finger squeezing the trigger without a single thought.

The sharp crack of the gunshot rings in the corridor, and Paston’s body jerks as the bullet slams into his shoulder. He lets out a sharp grunt, his hand immediately clutching the wound, his eyes wide in shock.

“You stupid…” Paston grits his teeth, clearly in pain, but he doesn’t fall.

I don’t give him a chance to recover. I take a step back, my heart still pounding as the weight of what I’ve done sinks in. “I’m not just going to stand here and wait to be a victim, Paston,” I say, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. “Not anymore.”

“Good girl, Del,” Steel says, taking the gun from my hand with a gentle but firm motion and taking aim at Paston. “You’re a very good girl. Now, hop on so we can get out of here.”

I don’t need to be told twice. As Steel turns and lowers himself to let me climb onto his back, I move quickly, my body screaming in protest, but I ignore it. We don’t have time for weakness. Not now.

The moment I settled on his back, the double doors Paston had been blocking open with a loud bang. My heart stutters as I look toward the entrance, fear bubbling in my chest once again.

“I’ll be damned,” Steel mutters, a mix of exhaustion and relief in his voice. “Never been happier to see your ugly mug, brother.”

The voice that follows is like a lifeline, a sound I never thought I’d be grateful to hear. “Where is she?”

I’m already shifting against Steel, my hands gripping his shoulders tighter as I brace for the next hurdle.

“She’s on my back, but don’t move her,” Steel says quickly, his voice rough with urgency. “She’s in pain, and her next movement needs to be a permanent one.”

I look around desperately to find the face that belongs to that voice. He steps further into the hallway, and our eyes meet. He looks tired. Older.

“Thank Fuck,” he sighs with relief. “Just hold on, baby, we’re getting you guys out of here. Follow me, Steel. We have a van heading our way now.”

“That man is still alive,” I mutter, the adrenaline slowly wearing off.

“I’ll take care of it,” Taylor says. “King already has the rest of them unconscious. Shall we keep this one alive?”

“Yes,” someone else says. “Take him to his son.”

“Got it, Pres.”

Without another word, Jacob moves forward, his arms ready to support me as Steel carefully moves around the room and out the double doors. I try to stay still, my body feeling like it’s made of glass, aching with every shift, but now, with Jacob here, the fear I felt fades slightly.

“Eli? Jessica?” I ask.

“They’re fine, baby,” Jacob says, his hand supporting my back. “Eli was about to break out and come for you himself, but I told him he had to help Blaze keep the family safe.”

“How’s he doing?” Steel asks as we walk into the night.

“Fucking pissed,” Jacob says. “Never seen this side of him before. He would have gone mad had something happened to you, brother.”

“He would have known had I been killed,” Steel says confidently as we approach a large building. We really were right in the city. Steel said he heard traffic. “Just as I would know had something happened to him. Let’s get Del in the van, and I’ll give him a call.”

The lights from the building and street lights are slowly fading as my mind becomes fully aware of how much pain I’m in.

“Hurts,” I say, knowing only Steel can hear me. “Die.”

“Fuck,” Steel says. “We need to get her to the hospital. Where’s the damn van?”

“Hand her to me,” I hear Jacob say. “You drive. Venom, we need Doc.”

“Right here, son,” a voice laced with a thick British accent says. “Hold her tightly, and I’ll work from beside you. Get to driving, Steel. Break the blasted law if you have to.”

I’m jostled around, and I feel myself being passed from one set of arms to another. The fact that these guys can carry me around with all my chunk is kind of sexy.

“The pains gone,” I say to whoever is holding me. “Gonna be okay.”

I look up into familiar eyes and smile. “Why worried? Mmokay.”

“Faster,” he yells, tears in his eyes.

Silly man.

“Ov you,” I say before falling into a dark void.