18. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Quinlan

“Hello,” I say at first to the blurry faces.

I’m nervous. My whole body is wound up tight. In the state I’m in, I only see shadows where the three men sit on the other side of the oval table. I can also tell it’s made of glass.

Nothing else.

Five seconds of silence. I blink, focusing on their faces instead their silhouettes, and then—

My smile falters. My throat is clogged.

No.

Them. The three of them.

Liam. Damien. Rome.

No. No, no, no. This isn’t happening.

I’d yell at them if I could force my mouth to work. Would turn on my heels and get the hell out of here, except my feet won’t cooperate.

“Hello, darling.” Damien sits between the two of them, steepling his fingers on the top of the table.

He’s donning a charcoal gray suit. His stubble is cut close to his jaw. His hair perfectly styled, arranged sort of messily, even here. Even in the office. He’s breathtaking, and I hate him for it.

“Close the door behind you, sweetheart.” Rome’s voice startles me, and I jump, my hand flying to my chest.

He, too, is gorgeous. The color of his gray suit accentuates his stormy eyes. His stubble is a tad thicker than Damien’s; I see that better now in the light of day. The color is lighter, much like Rome’s hair.

And his command doesn’t change a damn thing. I still can’t move.

“Terrified little flame.” Liam pushes his chair back, rising to his full intimidating height.

His light gray suit moves with his lean body as he rounds the table. Approaches me.

Deep breath. Deep breath. Deep breath.

Nothing. I have nothing going for me but my roaring pulse. Nothing but panic clutches on to my lungs.

“Let me help you with that.” Instead of sidestepping me, Liam stands right there, before me. Crowds my space.

He smells fresh. Clean. The smoke from the first time we met isn’t there.

He’s just as intimidating. By the look in his amber eyes, he knows he is.

He raises his arm over my head, and—

Click.

The door closes.

Liam remains there, his hand sliding toward my cheek. So close that I feel the fire beneath his fingertips. It burns hotter when he brushes my cheek.

My tattoo.

My memory. The one they treat as if it were theirs. Just like they toy with me and my parents’ financial security as if it was nothing but a kinky joke.

Fuck them.

“What the hell’s going on here?” I scowl at him. “What are you doing here?”

A second or an eternity passes. Time has no meaning when he’s studying me like this. He tilts his head, as though he’s excavating my soul out of me. Out of the ruins.

I’m not giving him anything willingly. A wall goes up behind my eyes. I’ve done this before, hundreds of times. I can and will do it again.

Moreover, I won’t let him catch me looking at his scar. He won’t hear me saying it’s beautiful ever again.

“This is just another way to manipulate me.” Fuck, my voice breaks. My nerves are shot. I’m upset. I’m furious. I’m confused. “And…”

I’m scared.

“And what, Quinlan?” Liam’s voice runs deep. As deep as his gaze, despite my best attempts to block him out. “What are you going to do?”

It’s my turn to be silent. There are vowels and consonants swimming in my mouth. Tapping on my tongue. They’re there. All I have to do is reach out for them and turn them into words.

But my tongue is too heavy. I’m too fucking pissed.

“Liam, do we really need her answer?” Rome. Harsh, unforgiving Rome. The man who spanked me so hard that I still feel his palm on me.

“No.” Liam walks backward, giving me one final look, then spins on his heel. Prowls back to his seat next to Damien and lowers himself into it.

“We don’t need her answer.” He cocks an eyebrow. “She needs to listen.”

“ She is here.”

Finally, with them at a safe distance, I can finally breathe. My tongue works. My lungs function. Anger fuels my sense of righteousness. They can’t do this to me.

The gravity of my situation has sunken in, all right.

Had I had any other alternative, another source of income that would provide my parents the medical care they so desperately need, I would’ve walked away.

I would’ve packed my desire and humiliation. Lock them where the rest of my worst memories are buried. It’d suck, losing these three men. Then again, they were never mine.

Except I don’t have anything else going for me. Nothing as lucrative as this position.

My heart aches.

With the income I stand to make here, my parents’ situation could improve. They’d call me once in a while, maybe. Pick up the phone more often. They’d smile when I came to visit them. Mom wouldn’t stare at an old family photo for hours. Someone would be looking after them.

“She,” I emphasize the word obnoxiously. I might have to be here. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. “Demands to meet the people who hired her. The real VPs or owners or whatever of this company.”

“You’re looking at them. We’re the heads of the company. And the owners.” Damien motions for the chair directly in front of him. “Have a seat.”

“I won’t.” My body breaks out in furious shivers. I clench my teeth. “The other night was an initiation, wasn’t it? You’re a bunch of sick fucks. The three of you.”

“Quite an idea, isn’t it?” Damien’s smirk comes off as genuine. For a flitting moment, and that’s it. His evil side shows in a second.

He’s enjoying this.

Liam and Rome nod. Once. Like they’re too good to offer me any explanation.

I’m going to kill them. All of them.

“Sit, darling.” The charm pours from Damien in waves. A sweet poison.

I almost drown in it. Damn near suffocate on how tempting he is.

Back in the restroom, I lost myself to them.

We aren’t in the restroom, though. There’s no orgasm on the table.

What is there on the table?

“Answer my question first.” I take a step toward them. Throw the notebook and pen on the table, my hands balling into fists.

On the outside, I’m standing tall, towering over them. On the inside, I’m on my knees. I’m nowhere near as powerful as they are. I’m at a physical disadvantage, and everyone in the room knows it.

At least the personal reasons for me being here are all mine.

Although…

I force another shiver away.

They’re stalkers. They might know everything about me.

“The other night wasn’t an initiation.” Damien’s sapphire eyes dance from my face to the chair in front of him.

This, I realize, is my only remaining option. The only way they’ll get this meeting over with. Let me go home, where I could work in peace. I’ll have space to forget how dumb I feel right now.

Huffing, I sit down. Tatum has my bag, so I’m pretty fucked if I have to make a run for it. My keys are there.

Rex has a spare. I’ll walk over to Maeve’s.

Okay. No panicking. I’ve got this.

Damien leans forward, both hands on the table. “That’s better.”

“Fuck your approval.” All those years of letting Rex walk over me come back with a vengeance. “What do you want?”

“What we want.” The alluring curve of his lips does things to me. Against my wishes, much like that day in the cocktail bar, wetness pools between my legs. I’m instantly drawn to him. “Is to discuss the terms of your employment.”

“The ones you won’t find in your contract,” Rome says.

I shake away the lust, whipping my head at him. “I won’t do anything I didn’t sign up for. You can’t make me.”

“Remember what I told you at the bar?” Damien’s teasing is a trap. A honeytrap.

“No.” Yes. I do remember, goddamn it.

“You’re ours,” Liam says, as if I needed the reminder.

As if I haven’t been replaying every second of last night in my head throughout the day.

My arousal.

My fear.

How I didn’t want them touching me after I’d discovered they’d tricked me.

How I didn’t care they lied and wanted them all over me.

For one night, I was desperate for them. For one night, I ached to have my freedom.

I wasn’t supposed to meet them ever again. Wanted to, sure. But they were way too intense for me. They were a lot for my heart and mind to handle separately. I couldn’t sustain a relationship with the three of them together.

Yet here they are. My new bosses.

“I’m your employee.” A Hail Mary. Something to stop them from turning me into their sex slave.

Because that’s what this is, right? The clause that couldn’t be on the signed contract.

After last night, I’m positive that this is it.

“It’s illegal, what you’re doing.”

“That’s only half-true.” Damien bares his teeth in a grin. A terrifying grin.

“The other side of the coin is…” The anger in Rome has melted. In its place, there’s wicked satisfaction. “As of today, you’re our property.”

At that, I laugh. I sound cynical. So unlike myself. That’s how ridiculous Rome’s statement was. Somehow, being a sex slave makes more sense to me than being a property.

What does that even mean?

“You have got to be joking.”

Flick.

As if summoned, I’m drawn to Liam’s hand. To the red, orange and blue flame. His gold Zippo.

“Afraid not.” Snap and the flame is gone. “You’re our property. You’ll be moving into our home.”

Another fuck you sits on the tip of my tongue. Who do you think you are? too.

Except I could be pushing it. I could lose this job if I said those things.

Damn it.

“You won’t have contact with the outside world,” Rome deadpans. His expression is serious. His tone is flat. “Unless it’s your clients, parents or anyone else we approve of. No new clients, by the way. That’s off the table. Your old phone? It’s no longer yours. You’ll have a new one with our numbers. A laptop with encrypted emails. That’s all you’ll have.”

“You hired me to be a web designer.” I flatten my hands on the table. I’m aware I have to tamp down the rage. Find a middle ground so I won’t get thrown out of here. So I lower my voice. “My body isn’t for you to use.”

After what I let them do to me—after how I enjoyed it—my refusal sounds pathetic.

That’s what I am. Pathetic.

A burning sensation starts at the base of my throat and spreads up, up, up. My cheeks light aflame.

I need them to touch me. I need them to go to hell.

“Yes, it is.” Rome cracks his neck.

“You don’t get to decide on that.” One hand rises, and I slam it on the table, much like Rex had on a number of tantrums. “I do.”

“We’re way past that, darling.” Damien doesn’t flinch. In fact, my tantrum only fuels him. I’m entertaining the bastard. “We were past that the second you agreed to take this job.”

“Before that,” Liam says in a low voice, his expression unreadable.

“Before that?” My throat tightens. My mouth goes dry. Oh no . I was right. Three men. Three hot, cruel, and awful men have been stalking me. For how long? Doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t matter. Just like I shouldn’t be turned-on. Except it does matter. Except I am turned on. Fuck. “Since when?”

I rub at my forehead, pissed at myself. This isn’t what I really want to ask, though, is it?

What I have to know is why.

Why have they been stalking me? Seducing me? Why am I here?

The questions remain firmly lodged in my throat. I know why.

I’m scared. There’s no doubt in my mind that the answers would destroy me. And I need my shit together to survive this.

“Quinlan, you have it all fucking wrong if you think we owe you anything. Answers included.” Rome rolls his shoulders. Draws them forward as he leans on his forearms, obviously enjoying my fear. My anger. “But I’ll indulge you this once. We own you. No, we didn’t have that clause in your contract. Yes, you still very much belong to us. The compensation we offer you should make up for your…inconvenience. It’s more than enough to pay for your parents’ medical bills. And isn’t that why you’re here?”

Hearing how much they’ve actually learned about me is suffocating. It’s a hand on my mouth, a force silencing my moans. A palm turning my ass red and sore. Teeth clamping on my inner thigh.

These three men have always shown me their true colors. In the street. In the bathroom. Here, in their pristine conference room.

But unlike them, I never had the full picture. I couldn’t connect the dots.

Now, when it’s too late, I can. Now it hurts.

Now they have me with my back against the wall.

Shut up , I mouth. I can’t yell it. Can’t scream it.

Wish I could. Can’t.

“Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.”

“That’s where most of your income goes to.” Damien finishes Rome’s threat. “Providing for your parents. But it’s not enough. You need us. You’ll do as we say.”

My nails dig into the inside of my palms. My pepper spray is in my bag. Rex made me carry it with me everywhere. And I don’t have it on me. Tatum does.

Not like it matters. Not like I would use it on these men.

This is the job I’ve been waiting for.

My parents. It’s my fault they are the way they are. I did this. I’m in charge of fixing it. Even Rex said so one time, when he was drunk.

“Why me?” I repeat the question I asked them in the restroom.

“Is that a yes ?” Damien’s tongue swipes seductively at the top row of his teeth.

He inches closer. A table separates us, yet I feel him on me anyway. I feel that tongue between my thighs. His lips on my sensitive skin. I shudder. Lean toward him against my better judgment.

Who am I kidding? What better judgment?

I’m attracted to these monsters. I need their comfort to help with the emotional pain they’re inflicting. How fucked-up is that. How wrong.

“Tell me.” Stupid curiosity. Stupid desire. Stupid tremors. “Why me?”

“You won’t be going back to your apartment tonight,” Liam interjects. A done deal, that’s what his decisive voice says. “You’ll be riding with Damien back to our penthouse. Effective immediately.”

“I’m not going.” But I am.

What other choice do I have?

“Liam, you’re forgetting something.” Damien’s smirk changes. His whole expression shifts, the amusement melting from his face while he stares blankly at me. “Before you go, Quinlan, you have a phone call to make.”

A burner phone slides across the table to me. An old black device that Liam pushes my way.

Hope flutters in my heart. Hope that these people aren’t as bad as they pretend to be.

“A call to my parents?”

“Adorable.” The harsh laugh from Damien has me jumping in my seat. He won’t harm me, no. His temper, however, is hanging by a thread. The sharp line of his jaw becomes sharper. Sharp enough to cut diamonds. “No. Not your parents. We told you you’re free to email them once you’re settled. You will email Ray too, so she wouldn’t get any ideas like filing a missing person’s report. This evening, though, you’re calling Rex. You’re telling him you’re being taken against your will. That if he alerts the authorities, we’ll kill you.”

“Rome?” Only darkness and barely contained aggression stare back at me. “Are you trying to get back at him for what happened at the café?”

“Over here, darling.” Damien doesn’t wait for me to look at him. His long body makes it easy for him to reach for my chin. Close his fingers around it and yank it so I’m caught in his fiery gaze, half of my body hovering over the table. “You call him and tell him Damien Black says hello. Understood?”

I haven’t realized what I’ve gotten myself into up until now. I wasn’t chosen at random.

This is personal.

“What did he do to you?”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” A subtle shake of my chin. “But I will if you don’t make the call.”

“Damien,” Liam warns.

“I will,” Damien whispers. He vows. “Call him, little captive.”

Whatever happened between Damien and Rex, it’s bad. Really bad.

I’ll find out. I’ll have time. Plenty of it when I’ll be locked up in their home. Because that’s where I’m headed. Where I’m forced to go.

Until then, I’ll fight back. I won’t let them treat me like shit. Moreover, since they’ve made it clear that they won’t fire me. They need me as much as I need them.

I plant my hands on the table, pushing myself into Damien. To the pain of his fingers on my chin. “Call him yourself.”

His eyebrow cocks at my challenging tone. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Neither of the other two men speaks. No one gives or will give me the answers I deserve.

“What about my parents?”

“As promised, money will be transferred to your account.” Flick. Snap. “We forgot. Tell Rex he’s in charge of them going forth.”

“He can’t,” I’m pleading. I’ll give up my body. My freedom. I won’t lose my parents. “He doesn’t know how to.”

“He’ll learn.” Damien releases me with a gentle shove. Nothing aggressive. Nothing that’ll knock me off my feet.

It isn’t me he hates. It’s Rex.

Why?

“The phone, Quinlan.” He gestures with his chin toward it. “Make the fucking call. Put it on speaker for us to hear.”

This isn’t his choice. It’s mine. I could refuse. If I make the call, I’m doing it because it’s my choice. I have to believe that. Which I do. I choose calling Rex.

“Fine.” I snatch it from the table. Flip it open and type Rex’s number.

And laugh at myself. A harsh, bitter laugh.

Of course my half-brother’s number is programmed there.

What have you done, Rex?

“Make it quick.” There’s chatter in the background when Rex picks up. The clinking of mugs being placed on ceramic saucers. “Table three needs cleaning,” he barks.

Damien, with his sapphire eyes and wicked smirk, met my half-brother somewhere. Rex hurt him. Although…it’s impossible to imagine how he’d have done that. Damien’s more than strong. He’s powerful. Wealthy. Looks like he doesn’t give a fuck about anyone, either.

“I’m not in the mood for games. I’m hanging up.”

The look on the men’s faces could only mean one thing.

I have to answer him, or else. “Rex.”

“Kid?” he warns.

Ice freezes my veins. An old fear of being scolded.

My eyes snap shut, hating that they’ll hear him talk to me like a child.

Mom and Dad. I’m doing this for them.

“Yeah, Rex, I…”

“Quinlan? Speak up.”

A firm hand curls around my ponytail and tugs. Rome has walked around the table and he’s here, demanding I talk to Rex while he’s being cruel to me.

I loathe how wet I am from this. I’ll deny it until the day I die.

“It’s me. I have some, uh, not so great news.” My voice is strained. Rome’s pulling on the roots of my hair, and God, I’m embarrassed.

I’ve gotten myself kidnapped. I’ve played right into their hands.

“What news?” The background noise fades. Rex’s walking outside or to the back of the café. “Quinlan, answer me, damn it.”

A second tug on my hair when I hesitate. Such an infuriatingly humiliating and delicious tug.

“I’m being taken. Uh, kidnapped.”

“I warned you. I fucking warned you. I—” He’s mad. So mad at me. “I’m coming, kid. You’re still home? You turned off your GPS. I can’t tell where you are.”

Liam nearly crushes the Zippo in his hand. Damien’s eyes darken.

“I’m not home. I don’t have my phone on me.” My cheeks flush. Arousal or shame or both. “You’re in charge of Mom and Dad until I’m back. They said if you alerted anyone, they’d kill me.”

“Motherfucker.” He could be talking to the kidnappers. Could be talking to me. It’s been known to happen.

Damien motions for me with his hand to keep talking while Rome yanks on my ponytail. This is the most painful tug of them all.

I yelp.

“Quinlan!” Rex roars.

His anger doesn’t make me feel any safer. In a strange way, I feel safe here. Away from him, where he can’t unleash his rage on me.

I’m losing it. I’ve finally lost it, to even entertain that thought.

“Damien Black says hello.” The words push themselves past my lips. I don’t have another choice. I have to say them.

I’m a captive.

They own me.

“You little fu—”

Damien reaches for the phone before Rex finishes, terminating the call. As Rome releases me, he smooths the hair on the top of my head like I’m precious cargo all of a sudden.

“Good girl, Quinlan.” Damien’s at my side with Liam. His fingers wrap around my bicep in a vise grip. The fingers of one of my captors. “You’ve just saved yourself a punishment. But we’ll have more opportunities. I’m counting on it.”

Liam strokes my cheek, then he and Rome step away.

Damien has a hand curled around my elbow, and we walk outside. He shows me through a door he opens with a lock and we head into another hallway. A darker one that leads us to what seems like a private elevator.

“Ready to go to your new home?” he asks in the elevator.

I don’t answer. I don’t say another word even after we make it to my prison.