Chapter Four

Pit

"I got nothing," says Axel when I call him. "We're trying to find out who this fucker is and we're just coming up against brick walls. No one's heard of him, and I can't find one fucker who will admit to trading with him."

"So, what do we do?"

"I tried calling him back, but he's not picking up. Did you get anything from her?"

"Not really. She said they got married a few days ago but she doesn't know him."

"Do you believe her?" he asks.

"Yeah. She doesn't know him. She said she's got something he wants."

"What?"

"She wouldn't tell me."

"And you didn't force it out of her?" he asks, sounding surprised.

"I can if you want me to."

"Yeah. Fuck it, we've got nothing else."

"Okay. Let me try something and I'll get back to you."

It's the early hours of the morning, and as I creep up to the attic, I pray she's asleep. She looked exhausted, and a woman with no sleep becomes a problem. I find her curled up on a pile of boxes, sound asleep. Watching her closely, I take in her beauty. It's a shame I'm about to ruin it.

I unscrew the lid from the jar and empty the large spider into my palm. I take it by the leg and dangle it over her face, gently brushing it over her lips. She swipes her hand across her face, and I wait for her to settle before doing the same thing again. This time, her eyes shoot open, and before she can react, I wrap a hand around her throat. Something about my tattooed hand splayed across her throat turns me the fuck on. I snigger as her eyes focus on the spider as it wriggles its legs, trying to grip onto something. Her eyes widen, but she daren't open her mouth because it's too close to her lips. "I wanna know what you have that your thieving husband wants."

She gives her head a slight shake, her eyes still wide with fear. I place the spider on her cheek, slapping her hand down when she tries swipe it off. She silently sobs, frozen in fear. "Tessa, it's simple, tell me what I want to know or I'll keep them coming." She remains silent as tears leak from each corner of her eyes.

I take the spider from her cheek and throw it to the floor. She releases a long, unsteady breath, and then her anger sets in. She begins to flail around, her legs and free arm coming at me. Her elbow catches my eye, and I hiss. "You fucking arsehole," she screams while I try to get her under control. "Who does that?"

"Jesus," I snap, finally getting hold of her wrists. I push them to her chest and lean my weight on her. Her legs still, but she pants heavily. "Tell me what I want to know," I demand.

"Fuck you," she spits.

"Suit yourself," I hiss, hauling her up and throwing her over my shoulder.

"Pit," she yells, whacking her fists against my back, "put me down."

I head downstairs and straight out into the garden. It isn't until I get closer to the toilet shed that she begins to panic, screaming and fighting against me. I throw her into the shed, pulling the door closed and holding it. "Pit," she screams in terror. "Please. Let me out." She bangs the door hard, shaking it with each thump. "Please," she begs. "I'm sorry. Please. I'm sorry. Let me out, please. Please." And then the banging stops and all I can hear is sobbing. I feel a sharp stab in my chest. It's a feeling I don't often get, and I shut it down. I don't have time for guilt.

I pull the door open, and Tessa falls out in a heap on the ground. She scrambles quickly along the concrete, not bothering that her legs are bare. She stops at my feet and collapses into a sobbing mess. "I'm a virgin," she cries into her hands. "He paid for my virginity."

I inhale sharply. They're not the words I expected to hear from her. I push down the urge to pick her up from the floor, instead leaving her there as I head back inside. Pulling out my mobile, I call Axel. He answers on the second ring. "He's paid for her virginity," I tell him.

"What the fuck?"

"I haven't got all the details yet, but it's nothing important to us."

"We could use it," he says. "I'll call church and update the brothers. Keep her talking."

I disconnect and look out the kitchen window, surprised when I see King sitting beside Tessa, whimpering like a little bitch. I watch in amazement as he tentatively licks her hand. She stops sobbing and lifts her head to stare at the beast. Carefully, she pushes to sit up, and King moves so close, she has no choice but to allow him as he lays his head on her shoulder. She eventually wraps her arm around his neck and cries into his fur.

"Fuck me," I mutter, shaking my head.

I step out. "King," I bark. He doesn't move, and I arch a brow. "King," I repeat. "Heel." He reluctantly pulls away from Tessa and heads my way. "Don't look at me like that, you traitor," I whisper-hiss as he sits at my feet. "Wait until I tell Gigi what you did."

Tessa brushes her hand over her grazed legs. "Come inside," I tell her.

She carefully stands, wiping her hands over her wet cheeks. "I need a shower," she almost whispers.

"You can have one later," I say firmly, going up the stairs. She follows.

"I'm wet," she mutters.

"Wet?" I repeat in irritation. I get to the top of the stairs and turn to watch her. Her cheeks are red with what looks like embarrassment, and she keeps her eyes to the ground. "Why are you wet?"

She comes to a stop before me. "I was scared," she utters.

Realisation hits me that she's pissed herself in terror, and I wince, ignoring the guilt. "Right." I lead the way to the bathroom, pushing the door open. She goes inside and stares at the toilet in disbelief. "I'll get you a towel," I say, leaving her in there.

I get the towels from my bag because they're freshly washed and the ones here aren't. When I head back to the bathroom, I hear the shower running, so I step inside, gasping at the sight of Tessa standing naked in the centre of the bathroom. She immediately tries to cover up, but it's too late. I've committed her to memory and my cock is already straining. I hold out the towel, and she takes it, holding it in front of her. I'm tempted to be a bigger dick and stay, but I've already pushed her over the edge, so I back out and close the door.

Tessa

Sickness fills my stomach as the adrenaline begins to leave my system. I begin to shake uncontrollably as I step from under the water and wrap myself in the soft, fluffy towel. I have no control as more tears slip down my cheeks. Now I've started, I can't seem to stop. I stare at my wet dress and underwear, realising I can't put those back on, and as if Pit's read my mind, he taps on the door before pushing a handful of clothes into the room. I take them gratefully. "I don't know if any of it will fit," he says through the door, "but it's the smallest I have."

I unravel the two shirts, taking the smallest and slipping my arms through, then I tie it at the waist. I hold up a pair of gym shorts and a pair of soft cotton bottoms. Deciding to go with the bottoms, I slide them on. They're too big, so I fold them over a few times to tighten them.

I step out to find Pit waiting. His two dogs are at his side, and the nicer one, King, wags when he sees me. Pit narrows his eyes in annoyance, and I almost smile. "You can sleep in there," he says, nodding to an open door. I head that way, keeping my wet clothes in my hand.

The bedroom is cosy and exactly how I'd imagined it to look with a thick, four-post wooden bed frame and a large mattress with fluffy blankets. The pillows are stacked high, and I imagine they're like sleeping on clouds. "Let me take those," he says, grabbing my wet clothes.

I hold on to them. "No, it's fine."

"Tessa, they'll stink your room out. Let me take them." He manages to remove them from me. "Sleep now. I'll see you in the morning."

Before he leaves, he turns back. "I got you a lamp," he mutters, looking at the soft glow from the bedside cabinet. "You said you didn't like the dark." And then he leaves, closing the door. I smile even though I try to fight it.

Sliding under the fluffy quilt, I groan with appreciation. It's minutes before my eyes get heavy and drift closed. All that excitement has done me in.

I wake to the smell of bacon. Noting my bedroom door is open, I carefully get out of bed and head towards it, looking out into the hall to see if the beasts are guarding me. When I see the hall is empty, I sigh in relief and make my way to the bathroom, where I use the toilet. Fucking prick. I can't believe he had me using that insect-infested shack yesterday. I shudder at the memory.

I make my way downstairs, where Pit is sitting at the table, tucking into a sandwich. He looks up, regarding me for a few seconds before turning his eyes back to the open laptop in front of him.

"Are you any closer to working out what Alec wanted with your crates?" I ask, taking a seat opposite him.

"There's bread in the cupboard and bacon in the fridge," he mutters without looking away from the laptop.

"How long are you keeping me here?" I ask, getting back to my feet and heading over to the fridge. "Where did you get bread and bacon from?" I add as an afterthought.

"Pigs," he mutters. "This is a farm, remember."

I shrug. "And the bread?"

He sighs heavily and turns to me. "I feel like I have a fucking wife all of a sudden. Eat the bacon, slice the bread, and shut the fuck up."

I roll my eyes and grab the bacon. "What about coffee?" I ask.

"Fuck's sake," he mutters in irritation. "It's in the cupboard, but only if you like it black cos we're fresh out of milk."

"I can only drink it with milk," I say.

He scoffs. "Well, sorry, princess, I didn't expect visitors, so I didn't get any in."

"Is there a shop around here?" I ask, hoping to God he tells me there's a town or something close by. At least then, if I get a chance, I can make a run for it in the hope I'll eventually find someone.

He fixes me with a glare, arching a brow, and I swallow the panic in my throat. I'm pushing him to the limit. "You realise you're here as a prisoner, right? This ain't some holiday."

I give a stiff nod. "Good job really. I'd definitely rate you as poor for the toilet situation." My attempt to lighten the mood works, and he almost smiles before turning back to the laptop.

I make a sandwich and take a seat opposite him again. He slams the laptop closed and his troubled stare fixes on the table like that has some answers. After a few minutes of silence, I sigh, getting his attention. He waits for me to speak, so I force a weak smile. "I was just wondering what happens next."

"That depends on your husband."

I shudder at the term. Fuck. Husband. The second we signed the register, the realisation of what I'd actually agreed to weighed me down. The fact we never consummated because of Alec's deal might have been a sign. He was due to whisk me off to Dubai for our honeymoon the second the deal went through.

"What does that mean exactly?"

"How confident are you that he'll come to your rescue?" he asks, smirking.

Not at all , I think to myself, but I nod. "Very."

"Good, because you've bought yourself some extra time."

"I'm the bait?" I ask, and he grins. "You want him to come for me so you can get to him?"

"Yep, unless we find him before then."

"And if that happens?"

He stands, leaning across the table until his face is inches from mine. "Then we won't need you anymore."

"Either way, I don't get out of this?" My heart slams hard in my chest.

"Bingo, sweetheart."

The day drags. Pit spends most of it away from me as his faithful mutts follow my every move, making the chance of escape impossible. I've checked the kitchen from top to bottom for weapons, but the cutlery is all gone, hidden out of sight.

It's late afternoon when the rumble of bikes fills the air. I rush to the window as a group of men dismount their bikes, all shaking hands with Pit. They carry boxes of beer around the side of the house, disappearing from view.

I sigh heavily and drop down onto the couch. There isn't even a damn television in this dump. King rests his head on my lap, and I smile. I've hated dogs since I was a kid, but this one is kind of cute and has taken a shine to me. I pat the space beside me, and he jumps up, curling himself around my legs. Gigi remains glaring at me, and I smirk. "Don't be jealous," I whisper. "He likes me."

"One word and she'll take your face off." I start at the sound of Pit as he saunters in with a beer in his hand. "Go to bed," he tells me.

I frown. "No."

"It wasn't a fucking request."

"It's early."

"Do we need to visit the shed outside?" he threatens.

I narrow my eyes but push to my feet. "Are you having a party?"

"I'm discussing plans on how to get rid of your body," he retorts.

I smirk, heading for the stairs. "May I suggest cremation? I don't want to lie underground with the insects." It's not a joking matter, but for some reason, I don't think he's going to kill me anytime soon, and until that day comes, I'm just going to have to charm him.

Darkness has fallen as music blares from outside. I place down the book I'd found in my bedside drawer and head over to the French doors. It's hard to see what's going on, so I carefully turn the key to unlock and push them open. The loud voices fill my room as I take a step onto the small balcony. In one corner is a metal, rusted table with a chair. I lower onto it and close my eyes, absorbing the sound of fun and laughter. It's been far too long since I last heard it. Smiling, I think back to my mum and how happy she always was. Was . I sigh, opening my eyes and peering over the edge of the balcony.

There's a fire burning in the centre of the men, and I notice a few women have joined them. Pit is the only one seated alone. Movement near the barn a few metres away catches my eye. A man is kissing a woman against the door. His hands wander her curves greedily, and I feel an ache in my chest. I've never had that kind of encounter, hence the V-card fully intact. It's not like I haven't dreamt of meeting a gorgeous man and having him ravish me like I'm his last meal. I've read every spicy romance book out there, but those men don't exist—not in my world, anyway.

I watch the way he holds her neck loosely but commanding. It's hot. His other hand is now in her shorts, moving fast while she grips onto his shoulders with her head thrown back in the throes of ecstasy. Lucky bitch.

He suddenly stops and turns his head to the group. "Hey, Pit, you joining us?"

My eyes widen. Two hot men? Fuck . That had never really crossed my mind. Pit shakes his head, and the other guy shrugs before grabbing the woman's hand and leading her into the barn and out of view.

I chew on my lower lip, leaning back in my chair and putting my feet up on the balcony rail. There's no denying Pit is hot as fuck. Even the scar running down his face adds something to his appeal. Dangerous—maybe that's it—but lord knows he's not the kind of man you'd want to get involved with. I mean, he murdered someone with just the flick of his wrist. And he's holding my life in his hands. If only he knew how worthless that was, he wouldn't bother.

I close my eyes and pictures of Pit enter my head. Is it wrong to fantasise about the man who's taken me and is threatening to end my life? Probably, but he's the closest I've been to hotness in my life, and somehow, I can't seem to push away thoughts of that kiss in the elevator. I smirk to myself and trail my hand down my stomach and into my trousers. I brush my fingers over my clit and shiver. I'm not innocent—I've seen porn and spent lots of time getting to know my own body.

My body relaxes as I work my fingers through my wet folds, sighing in content and forgetting the situation I'm currently in. I feel the warmth of an orgasm building and rub faster. My entire body stiffens as the delicious feeling takes control and I ride the waves of my orgasm. I allow my head to fall back while my body basks in the afterglow. Reality can wait a minute.

I eventually sit up and freeze. Pit's eyes are on me. There's no mistaking it as a smirk pulls up the corner of his mouth, letting me know he saw me. Fuck. My cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I push to my feet and rush back into my bedroom, slamming the door. Mortification chases away the elation I felt minutes ago. I pace a few times, taking deep, calming breaths. He saw me touch myself. So what? It's not like I was naked or anything. I nod to myself like that somehow makes it all better, then I pull open the bedroom door to go to the bathroom. The trusty mutts are at the end of the hall, and they both sit to attention, watching me as I edge slowly towards them.

The bathroom door swings open and a female practically falls out, slamming her hands against the wall to catch herself. She giggles and then realises I'm there and jumps back in fright. "Oh shit, sorry, I didn't know you were waiting."

"It's fine," I mutter, lowering my head.

"Who are you?" she asks.

"Nobody important."

She frowns. "Seriously, who are you? Were you downstairs cos I didn't see you?"

"No, I . . ." I glance back at my room. I don't know if I'm supposed to tell anyone why I'm here. It's not like she'll help me anyway, she's clearly friends with Pit. "I'm staying for a while." I wince, knowing those words will only lead to more questions.

"Pit never mentioned it." I glance up, and her eyes are narrowed suspiciously. "Does he know you're up here?" Before I can reply, she grabs my upper arm. King jumps into action, immediately barking at her. "Shut the fuck up, you stupid mutt," she hisses.

"What the fuck's going on?" It's Pit, and I almost cry in relief when he appears at the top of the stairs. "King, heel," he growls, and the dog stops fussing and goes to him. "Ebony, get the fuck off her," he orders, and the woman lets me go. I rub my arm and lower my head again.

"I thought she'd snuck in here," says Ebony.

"You reckon anyone would get past Gigi and King?" he asks, and I hear amusement in his voice.

"Then who is she?"

"None of your fucking business is who," he snaps. "Get back downstairs." She huffs and shoulder barges me as she leaves.

I continue to the bathroom, but before I can close the door, Pit snatches my wrist in his hand. I automatically flinch and stare at him in horror. His frown softens, and he gently pulls my hand towards his face, inhaling. I'm confused for a second until he smirks and slides my pointy finger into his mouth. His tongue swirls around it, and I stop breathing, staring in wonderment as he adds my middle finger. A low hum escapes from somewhere in the back of his throat, and the vibrations tickle my fingers. He drags the wet digits slowly, releasing them with a popping sound. I gasp, and he hauls me to him so that I fall against his chest. "Taste yourself on my tongue," he whispers, and before my brain can process, he tips my head back a fraction and seals his lips to mine, sweeping his tongue into my mouth. He pulls back and says, "Perfection."