Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

LUNA

S even miles later, I found myself with white-knuckled hands gripping the steering wheel as all twenty-seven years of my life flashed before my eyes. The storm showed no signs of letting up; if anything, it had worsened. I was probably more buzzed from my half glass of wine than I should have been. Still grieving the loss of Ruby, there I was, barreling through a brutal snowstorm as if it were the apocalypse.

I clutched the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles ached for relief. My beat-up little car had already skidded a dozen times, struggling to stay on the road. What had I been thinking? The highway was a sheer sheet of ice, and my tires seemed to mock me, spinning round and round like a demonic carnival ride, taunting, "Good luck, sucker!"

"Come on, baby," I coaxed the ancient beast of a car, lovingly named Ethel the Excelsior by my late aunt, as if the name alone could bestow upon her the magical powers she so desperately needed. "You've got this!"

Ha! The joke was on me. Ethel was just as elderly as her name suggested, and twice as arthritic. I pressed down on the gas pedal, my heartbeat pounding in rhythm with the wipers swishing away the relentless snowflakes. Focus, Luna, focus. I couldn't afford to lose control now.

The GPS screen flickered, urging me to take the next exit, just as my phone blared another emergency weather alert, followed by a low battery warning. Of course, it would choose now to die, just when I needed it the most. What kind of idiot ventures out of town in the middle of a whiteout storm?

Luna Marlowe.

I was the fool who couldn't see two feet in front of me. Great! Just great. The headlights revealed a blur of white and darkness. Why did I always have to be so impulsive? Ruby had warned me time and time again to use my head, not my heart.

How was I supposed to make a rational decision when Ethel and I were on the brink of disaster? Were they kidding? I had always been terrible at decision-making, even in the best of circumstances, let alone in a blizzard straight out of a Stephen King novel.

"Think, Luna, think!" I muttered, my aunt's voice echoing in my head, reminding me to breathe. "Breathe, sweetie. The universe has a plan." Ugh, I adored her to the moon and back, but the last time I trusted the universe, I ended up stranded in this frozen wasteland.

No, thanks. I needed to take the reins of my own destiny.

Tires screeched, desperately seeking traction on the icy terrain. Ethel veered left, then right, then left again. All I could do was hold on for dear life as we slid as if in a twisted ice-skating routine. An unyielding wall of pines loomed closer, their branches clawing at the windshield as if hungry for fresh prey. The tree line approached too quickly. I slammed on the brakes once more, cursing the lack of response. I braced for impact, my lungs constricted as if by a boa constrictor. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, and all I could think was, “I'm going to perish out here alone in the middle of nowhere. Nobody knows my whereabouts. Nobody knows where to find me. I'm the biggest idiot on the planet.”

But then, a miracle occurred. Ethel spun past the trees and collided with a massive snowbank. The impact rattled me, but at least the airbags didn't deploy, right? Then I considered Ethel's age and doubted whether the old girl even had airbags, let alone basic safety features.

With a final sputter, Ethel fell silent, her engine dead. My heart pounded against my chest. I attempted to restart her—nothing. Branches tapped against the windows, teasing us with icy fingers, but we were safe...for now.

I peered out into the raging storm. I found myself outside of town in an unfamiliar area. Dimly visible through the swirling snow, two grand pillars marked the entrance to an estate of some sort. Surely, the owner must be home. Perhaps I could use a phone, or at least seek refuge from the storm? I hadn't realized how cold it was until the sound of my own chattering teeth reached my ears. Much as it had back at my aunt’s cottage. I was a fool to ever have left it.

I faced a choice: stay in the car and risk freezing to death, or venture into the unknown. Grabbing my dead phone and duffel bag, I slid across the seat to exit through the passenger side door, as my side was currently engaged in an icy embrace with Iceland, aka the snowbank from hell.

Approaching the gates, I reached for the intercom, but before I could press it, a loud buzzer sounded, and the gates swung open on their own. Trying to ignore the sense of foreboding, I gazed ahead at the grand, sprawling estate. It seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, like a sanctuary hidden from the outside world. The flickering light of a warm fire spilled through the window, casting an inviting glow on the fresh snow. Relief washed over me, temporarily overriding the fear and adrenaline that had coursed through my veins just moments before. I let out a shaky exhale, grateful for this unexpected turn of events.

The snow crunched under my boots as I made my way towards the home. The wind howled as if to warn me away, but I was past caring. I had to get out of the storm, and besides, what choice did I have? I couldn't very well spend the night in my car, waiting for help that might not ever arrive.

"Come on," I muttered to myself, "let's see if these people are decent. Ruby, it's your turn to work some magic from the other side."

As I approached the entrance, the massive wooden doors swung open, revealing a grand foyer adorned with antique furnishings and a crackling fireplace. The warmth enveloped me, chasing away the chill of the storm outside.

"Hello?" I called out tentatively, my voice echoing through the vast space. There was no immediate response, but a sense of peace settled over me as I took a step further into the welcoming embrace of the estate. Looking behind me, I could barely make out my tracks in the blizzard, and my car was completely hidden from sight. I closed the door, shutting out the storm and any thoughts of returning to my vehicle. The choice had been made.

As I ventured deeper into the mansion, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding me. It was a stark contrast to the desolate landscape outside. The sound of my footsteps on the polished marble floors seemed to echo through the silence of the grand halls. I was getting snow everywhere, but I was too damn cold to care.

Suddenly, a door creaked open, and a figure appeared in the dimly lit corridor. A woman, elegant and poised, regarded me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Welcome," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "You must be in need of shelter from the storm. Please, come in. You are safe here."

Relief flooded through me as I followed her deeper into the mansion, grateful for the unexpected refuge that fate had provided. She led me to a sitting room, with the warm fire I’d first spied from outside.

“Please,” the older woman said. “Warm yourself by the fire. I will bring you something to eat.”

She had to be an angel sent from above. I immediately took her up on the suggestion going straight to the fire and sticking my hands as closely as I dared without getting burned. Then snorting at my own stupidity, I yanked off the sodden gloves so that the heat could get to my fingertips.

I’d dropped my duffel bag somewhere between the door and the fire. Turning back to see where it had landed, I caught someone staring at me from the shadows of the room.

A stifled scream escaped my lips as I wobbled on my knees in front of the fire. “You startled me,” I gasped. That's when I spotted them—all of them. Their faces partially hidden by the shadows, but I recognized them instantly. The Eliasson brothers. Rafe, Marcel, and Jude. They each stared at me with an intensity that could rival the flames of the fire.

"What—" I began, but the words caught in my throat. “What are you doing here?”

Rafe, the oldest, rose to his feet, his movements predatory. "You’re late, Luna. We’ve been expecting you," he drawled, flashing a smile that sent ice down my spine.

"B-but... " I couldn't finish the sentence. This situation was precisely what I had intended to avoid. I got to my feet, spinning around so that I could see them better. What an idiot! How had I missed them before?

Marcel, the middle brother, chuckled. His gaze roamed over me in a way that made my stomach flip. He missed nothing. How could I feel so exposed when I was completely dressed?

Rafe had come closer, I could smell the dark sinful cologne and something purely male. It had my senses on overdrive. "You don’t think we’d let you get away, little moon,” he drawled. “Not without coming to see us?”

The third brother, Jude, remained silent, toying with a knife in his hands, his eyes never leaving mine.

The realization hit me, like a slap in the face. They had been expecting me. It didn’t make sense. If the brothers had arranged for me to meet them in town, why were they waiting on me here? Was I that predicable? The thought was humbling.

I felt as if we were in a game, and they were ten spaces ahead of me. Only I didn’t have a rule book or any idea what the end goal was. The Eliasson brothers held all of the cards.

"W-what do you want from me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"You, Luna, are here to repay a debt, " Rafe purred, taking another step towards me. I could touch him if I reached my arm out.

“I don’t owe you anything,” I replied with more bravado than I truly felt. What debt? My mind raced, trying to make sense of their cryptic words. Aunt Ruby never mentioned owing anyone anything, let alone these monsters. Reluctantly I had to concede that Ruby had been involved in things I’d had no part in. Who knew what promises she’d made? Would they try and ruin her name? Ruby was gone, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t do anything to protect her, even if it was her reputation alone.

I glanced down and noticed that Rafe’s pants were tented in the front. He was feeling the intense desire that was also blossoming in my belly. I knew it was wrong to feel this way about these three brothers. What kind of masochist was I? Even when being threatened, I was turned on. Only a whore would want to fuck three brothers at the same time. It was a filthy thought that I knew would only bring me heartache.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, slowly backing away but stopping when I realized how close I’d been to stepping in to the fire.

I was trapped with the fire behind me and Rafe in front of me. The storm continued to rage on outside of the window, covering everything in white for as far as the eye could see. Marcel had come to his feet and Jude was sitting on the edge of his seat, ready to pounce.

As the realization of my dire situation sunk in, a chill crept up my spine, colder than the biting snow outside. That desire that had been blooming erupted into a full blaze. If the brothers wanted to play with their prey, who was I to disappoint them?

Reaching up, I began to unbutton my coat. The men watched me with rapt attention, ever moving closer, encircling me like the beasts I knew them to be, their intentions were crystal clear. However, their motives remained hazy. My heart hammered against my chest. I had no choice but to own up to the debts my aunt had incurred, even if I didn't know the cost. At the very least, that’s what I would tell myself after I let these man have their way with me.

"What sort of arrangement did you have in mind?" I whispered, my voice low and sensuous over the crackling of the fire.

Rafe smiled, a chilling sight that sent shivers down my spine and caused my nipples to harden in anticipation. "We're glad you see it our way, Luna," he purred. "You see, we're a... creative lot… In regards to repayment." His hand grazed my hip, sending goosebumps dancing on my exposed arms.

I swallowed the spike of arousal, not quite willing to give my hand away. "Name it," I demanded, wanting to hear the words, to know we were on the same page.

Marcel grinned, and my stomach twisted in fear, or was it anticipation? He moved in close, his breath minty against my ear. "We want... everything, Luna."

Jude finally spoke, his voice like gravel. "And we'll take it… Slow and sweet, hard and fast, one blessed step at a time."

If ever there had been a time to panic, this had to be it. I was trapped in this isolated mansion, with three psychopaths who were likely going to do illicit and raunchy things with my body. This was the turning point. I was at the mercy of the Eliasson brothers, and I knew my life would never be the same. My body betrayed me once more, color staining my cheekbones.

"You..." I said, voice unsteady as I tried to process. “You aren’t going to hurt me, are you?”

Rafe raised an eyebrow in surprise. His voice was cold and calculating when he demanded, “Who has hurt you? I want names.”

I shook my head. “No, I didn’t mean…”

He moved in, taking my chin in his grasp so that all I could see was his dark eyes, demanding my obedience. My body was trembling, it knew its master far sooner than I had been willing to concede. I nearly melted into him.

“Who?” he demanded once again.

“I was a foster kid, before my aunt,” I managed to utter between terror and need. “It was a long time ago and far from here. But yeah, there had been some shitty placements. I just don’t like being somebody’s punching bag.”

Rafe’s arm wrapped around my waist and he hauled me up against his muscled chest. He was hard where I was soft, warm where I was cold. His eyes hadn’t left mine even for a moment.

“You will write these names down for me and I will take care of it. No one will ever hurt you again, Luna. Do you hear me?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Desire flared in his eyes and he drew in a sharp breath causing his nostrils to flare. “You are a good girl, Luna. Your days of working long hours just to make long ends meet are over.”

My brow furrowed. Smashed up against his chest, I was having a hard time thinking about anything other than getting him naked and riding him off into the sunset. “I don’t understand.” My whispered confession hung there between us while I searched this dangerous man’s gaze. There were so many emotions there I wasn’t sure what to think.

"We can discuss that later,” Marcel interjected. “First things first—Strip."

Rafe nodded his agreement and released his hold on me.

Oh, Aunt Ruby, if you could see me now, you would be so angry with me. I thought, as I stared at the three most terrifyingly gorgeous men I'd ever laid eyes on, my heart pounding in my chest.

With shaking hands, I reached for the buttons of my sweater, my coat having been tossed away earlier with my mittens. I likely had that deer caught in the headlights look. I was unsure whether I wanted to fight or flee, but in the end...

I chose to follow my heart and let the fire rage inside of me. If I burned the whole damn forest down, so be it. If I were going to submit to these men, it would be on my terms. I'd tease and torment them just as much as they clearly had planned for me. The fire in my gaze matched the flames in the hearth, daring them to remain impassive as I bared myself to them. Would they accept my challenge?

The brothers watched, transfixed, as my clothes fell to the floor, revealing creamy skin and curves made for sin. Their collective breaths hitched, desire crackling in the air as much as the fire's flames. This game of cat and mouse had just begun, and the Eliasson brothers were about to learn that I was no docile prey.

From the slight look of surprise, I knew they hadn’t expected me to comply. Already, I had the upper hand. Their eyes on me were like fists, but I refused to flinch. If they wanted a show, I'd give them one they'd never forget. I'd manipulate them as if they were my personal puppets, and I’d live out my wildest fantasies while I was at it.

"Well, what are you waiting for? A golden invitation?" I purred, baiting them, slowly revealing an inch of thigh at a time.

Their eyes glinted with lust, and I knew I had them hook, line, and sinker. A wicked smirk curved my lips as I gave them a slow, sensual spin, revealing all that was mine to flaunt.

"Come on, boys," I said. "I'm sure Aunt Ruby didn't stipulate this end of the bargain... did she?"

Their eyes narrowed, and I could practically see the gears turning in their twisted minds.

"Luna," Jude growled, his voice low and menacing, "you're playing with fire."

"Oh, I know," I purred, arching a brow. "The question is, which of you is man enough to light my match?"

The room charged with tension, thick enough to choke on, as I walked over to the chaise. I had them right where I wanted them... drooling, desperate, and at my feet. I'd take my time, savoring every second of their torment.

"Come on, boys," I purred, reclining on the chaise, my legs crossed, displaying what belonged to the highest bidder. "Or should I contact the nearest charity? I hear there's a naked donation drive in town."

Their expressions were priceless, a mix of lust, fury, and something else... respect? I'd struck a chord, and I wasn't above plucking those strings like a damn harpist at Carnegie Hall.

"Fine," Jude growled, stepping forward, his eyes dark with need and a hint of admiration. "Name your terms, Luna Marlowe, and they're yours... for now."

Getting to my feet once again, I added, "Things are about to get very, very interesting."

Their eyes were glued to my every move as I sauntered a round of the room, giving them a peek at what I had to offer. Aunt Ruby's tarot deck was tucked safely in my bag, a reminder of the power I wielded over these beautiful monsters. I may be stuck in their isolated mansion, but I wasn't powerless. Oh no, I had my wits, my cards, and a craving inside of me that was demanding to be fed.