Angels In Leather

CHAPTER 5 AXEL Let your true feelings show, I’m a part of you, more than you know.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I snarl, clenching my fists. “How can she just disappear?”

“She’s not been seen in the past day. She’s hiding well,” Cobra says.

“She’s fuckin’ smarter than I thought.”

“Maybe there’s a way to get her out, draw her to you. Didn’t you say you used to know her when she was a kid?”

I think back to the girl I remember, with her blonde hair, her blue eyes, and her beautiful laugh. She was the only sunshine in my world back then, but when I finally escaped the clutches of Hell’s Reign, she became the enemy. Her father put me there. Her father ruined my life. I can no longer see her beauty; all I can see is revenge.

Now the need is intense.

I need to make someone pay for what happened. And the urge to make that person her is stronger than I am.

“She doesn’t trust me, and I don’t trust her,” I say, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a cigarette. “The only way to get her now is force.”

“And you’re willing to use that kind of force, even for a girl who used to mean something to you?” Cobra says wearily, with his brow arched.

“Fuckin’ oath I am.”

MEADOW

Later that afternoon once I’ve woken from my nap, I set off down the street. I need to find a job, and bars are the best place to look, so that’s where I’ll go first. They’re often looking for girls to serve, and they’re always good for cash jobs.

The first bar I come across is only two blocks from my hotel, and is quite flashy. I grip the door handle and step inside, staring around at the impressive space.

It’s got large wooden booths running along two of the walls. A bar runs along the front, and in the middle of the room there are a few pool tables, a jukebox, and some space for a dance floor. I walk over to the bar, and take a stool, waiting for the younger man who is serving to notice me. When he does, he turns and flashes me a dazzling smile.

“Can I help you?” he says, as he stops in front of me.

He’s a handsome man, with light brown hair, big brown eyes, and a chiseled face. His body is tall but extremely muscled, and he boasts some impressive tattoos. He has a ring through his lip, and one in his eyebrow. He has that bad-boy look, only his eyes are gentle.

“I was wondering if you happened to have any fill-in work going? I’m in town for a little bit, and I need a job to get me by.”

He nods, smiling again. “You’re in luck. I just fired my last girl yesterday.”

“Y-y-you’re the boss?” I say, shocked. He’s so young.

He chuckles. “Call me an overachiever.”

I smile. I can’t help it.

“My name is Colt, and you are?”

“I’m...Meadow.”

He raises a brow. “Interesting name.”

“Thanks, you can blame my parents for that.” I flush.

He grins at me. “So, Meadow, have you worked in a bar before?”

“Yes, many times.”

“You want to tell me the reason you’re jumping from bar to bar?” he asks, lifting a glass and wiping it.

“I’m actually travelling,” I say, and am surprised by how easily the lie slipped from my mouth. “So I’m usually only in one place for a few days to a week at a time.”

He grins. “Good plan. I did that when I was twenty.”

I feel my body relax. I like Colt. He’s got a gentle, warm feeling about him.

“Oh, how’d that turn out for you?”

“I got a chick knocked up, nearly married her out of guilt, got into at least four fights, and lost about ten kilos from eating bad food. I’d say a successful trip, yeah?” He winks.

I chuckle. “Well, I’ll make sure to check everything I eat.”

His smile widens, and he leans down and presses a button, starting a dishwasher.

“So, you said you have something?” I add, hesitantly. I don’t want to sound pushy, but I only have a few hours.

He nods. “I have shifts I need filled for the next three to five days. They’re from about lunchtime until midnight, can you cope with that?”

I shrug. “I like late nights.”

“Then we’ll get along just fine. It’s a quiet enough bar, but we do get our busy times. You’ll be okay.”

“When can I start?” I say, almost too eagerly.

“Now, if you’d like? I’ll just get some information from you, and then I’ll show you the ropes. It’s just you and I on tonight.”

“That’s fine with me.” I smile.

“Okay, well, come out back and we’ll get you some paperwork and a uniform.”

An hour later, and I’m dressed in a black top, and black pants, and my hair is tied up above my head. Colt is updates me on pouring drinks, and so far I’ve not spilled anything. The customers have started coming in, and I feel like I’m flowing quite well, serving them quickly.

“You’re a natural,” Colt says from beside me as I pop the top on a beer.

“I’ve done it a bit,” I admit with a sheepish smile.

“Nothing to be ashamed of. Bar bitches are hot.”

I laugh, and continue serving.

“Well hello there, lassie.” A husky voice comes from in front of me. I look up and see an older man, smiling over at me. He has beautiful sky-blue eyes, and a charming smile. “You’re new.”

“I am.” I beam.

“The name is Old Jon, and I’m Colt’s father.”

I smile, and turn to see Colt rolling his eyes. “Well, he’s a lucky man, then. What can I get you, Old Jon?”

“I like this one, Colt,” Jon yells. “She’s got them real good manners.”

“Noted, Pops,” Colt yells with a laugh.

“Now, about that drink. Colt says I have too many, so I’m limitin’ myself to beer.”

Giggling for the first time in a long while, I hand Jon a beer.

“So where’d he pick up a pretty one like you? All the others are dragons.”

I laugh loudly, and shake my head, waving my hand. “I’m only here for a few days.”

“Aw, well, that just ruined my night.”

“You’re flattering.”

He chuckles. “It’s where my son gets it.”

I smile, and get back to work. By midnight, I’ve made more than $100 in tips, mostly from Jon. I wait around with Colt as he closes up the bar, and then I get changed and tuck my tips, plus my first night’s pay into my pocket. All up, I have over $200. Colt didn’t question why I needed cash-only jobs, but I’m grateful for that.

“You need someone to walk you home?” Colt asks, walking out with a set of keys in his hands.

I stare around the empty bar, and I yawn. It’s probably not a bad idea. I’m exhausted, and I’m in a strange city.

“That’d be great. I’m only two blocks down.”

“You hungry?”

My stomach grumbles at the thought, and I nod, sheepishly. Colt laughs and we leave the bar, stepping out into the warm night.

“I know an awesome place that’s open twenty-four hours. It’s only a few blocks away, too.”

“Sounds good to me,” I say, letting my eyes scan the roads. No Axel. Just breathe.

Colt and I begin walking down the street, the opposite direction to my hotel. We pass bars and clubs that are still pumping. Girls stop and grin at Colt as he passes them, and I roll my eyes. Not that I can entirely blame then; he’s a good-looking man.

“So, you got yourself a boyfriend, Meadow?”

I snort, and shake my head. “No, they’re too much hassle right now.”

He laughs. “I agree. When I was travelling, I didn’t like having something holding me back, either.”

“I don’t imagine you’d ever have a time when women weren’t throwing themselves at you?”

He looks at me with shock. “Are you saying I’m beautiful?”

I laugh loudly, and it feels good. “Stunning.”

He chuckles, and grips my hand suddenly. I turn to him, confused, but he nods his head to the left. “This is the place.”

I lift my eyes, and see a big flashing sign hanging above a small shop. The smell coming from it has my stomach twisting with need.

“It smells amazing,” I groan.

“It is. You like burgers?”

“I love them.”

“Sit, I’ll get us something.”

I shake my head. “You don’t have to do that, Colt. I have money.”

He waves a hand and turns, not letting me argue. I find a table and take a seat, letting my eyes scan the streets again. It’s habit; I can’t just shake it off. I’m always watching, even when I’m relaxing.

I’m deep in a daze by the time Colt comes back out. I hear the seat skid, and I squeal, leaping out of mine.

“Whoa there,” Colt says, putting the plates down. “Just me.”

“Sorry,” I mumble, shaking my head. “I was off in a world of my own.”

“Can see that. Here.”

He slides a plate toward me, and I stare down at the large cheeseburger and fries. Oh, yum. I lift the burger and I take a bite, groaning loudly as the flavor dances on my taste buds.

“Oh my God, it’s so good,” I moan between mouthfuls, looking at Colt.

He laughs, shaking his head. “Damn, girl’s got an appetite. Not often you find a chick who can eat and is good looking, all in one.”

I flush. “Sorry. I must look like a starved animal.”

He shakes his head, biting his burger. “Naw, you look kind of cute.”

I roll my eyes, and take another bite. We eat in silence, and I am enjoying every single bite of this delicious burger. When we’re done, I take my can of soda and Colt and I begin the walk back to my hotel.

“So, where to next, after this?” he asks.

I shrug. “Wherever the road takes me.”

It’s not entirely a lie. I really don’t know where I’ll go. I’m supposed to be heading to L.A, but I don’t even know if what I’m looking for is there.

“You got any friends to meet up with on the way?”

I shake my head. “I meet new people all the time. That’s the beauty of doing it alone. It’s my own hours.”

God, I’m such a bad person. I’m lying as if it’s second nature to me now.

Colt nods in understanding. “I met some crazies on my journeys.”

“Oh? Tell me the best.”

He chuckles. “I met this man who’d had his penis cut off in an attempt to become a woman.”

I giggle. “Nice.”

“He...or she...was the funniest person I’d met in my life. To this day, we still talk.”

“So he’s a she now?”

He laughs, and runs his hand through his hair. “Yeah, he’s a she. Bert is now Berta.”

I laugh loudly, and notice we’re already at my hotel. “This is me.”

Colt looks up. “Good choice.”

“It’s not bad,” I say, turning to face him. “Thanks for giving me a chance.”

He shrugs. “No problems, any time.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He winks at me. “Later.”

Then he’s gone. I smile, and walk into the hotel, feeling good for the first time in a long while.

I made a friend.

AXEL

“We’ll take a few days here, and then we’ll hit the road again,” I say, unlocking the door to the compound.

We’ve been based in San Diego for the past six months. It’s a central location for us, and there are no other clubs dominating the area at this point. The compound is just out of town, and we own four warehouses, as well as the main house where I reside. This is my home now. Even that doesn’t bring me any comfort.

“I’ll keep the checks running,” Jax, one of my guys, says.

“Yeah,” I grunt, walking inside the compound to the beer, women, and chaos.

“Yo, Pres,” one of my boys yells. “Any luck?”

“None,” I say, shoving my way into the kitchen.

I find the fridge, swing it open, and see it’s empty.

“Stupid fuckers,” I grumble, spinning and slamming into a small, big-breasted form.

I step back and see Miranda, my weekly fuck, staring up at me with doe eyes, and a sweet-ass expression. She holds up a beer. “I heard you come in.”

I grunt at her, and take the beer, swallowing the cool, crisp liquid.

“You look like you’ve had a hard week,” she croons. “Do you want me to come back to your office?”

I stare down at her. Why the fuck not?

“Yeah,” I say, turning and walking into my office.

The minute we get in, I spin toward her, and she screams, scurrying toward the bed. “Don’t hurt me!”

“Get back here, bitch,” I growl, slamming my beer down and charging toward her. She knows how I like to play my games. She’s always been the only girl who lets me play it my way. She gets that I need her fight to be able to fuck her.

I stalk toward her, knowing my eyes are cold and empty. I clench my fists and grind my jaw, hissing through my teeth. “You fuckin’ run, I’ll make it hurt.”

She edges backward, her eyes wide. “Please, don’t hurt me.”

I see a glimmer of true fear in her eyes, just for a split second as my hand lashes out and curls around her shoulder. She plays this like a game, but sometimes I see genuine concern in her eyes. I feel my insides swell with want. Something about having her afraid of me, even if it’s just a touch, has everything in me growing hungry and depraved.

I throw her down onto the bed, and cover her body with mine.

“Fight me, bitch.”

And fight she does.

~*~*~*

MEADOW

I sleep in until ten a.m. the next morning, and then spend the next two hours finding somewhere decent to eat. By the time lunch rolls around, I’ve only just gotten my breakfast. I start work in an hour. It’s a super-long shift tonight, but I need it. I gobble down my breakfast before practically running towards the bar.

The minute I step in, I run into Colt. “Whoa there, steady on.”

I pull back, knowing that I’m flushed. “Sorry Colt, I kind of couldn’t find anywhere to have breakfast.”

He gives me a confused look. “You should have called me. I would have made you some.”

I smile. “Anyway, I’m here. Where do you want me tonight?”

“Tables. I have Selena, another one of my girls on the bar.”

I nod, and duck past him, heading out back. There’s a girl with dark black hair and pale, beautiful skin, standing and applying make-up in the small mirror. She’s got a pair of tight jeans on, and a red top. “You must be the new girl,” she says, applying a layer of lipstick.

“I am, and you must be Selena?”

“The one and only,” she says, turning and giving me a once-over. “I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but they never stay long.”

I raise my brows. “Oh, well, I’m only here three or four days, anyway.”

“You’re better off,” she says casually, gripping her hair and tying it up.

“How so?”

She walks past me, and I get a strong scent of perfume. “Well, it’s basic, really. Colt woos them, he fucks them, they get clingy, he doesn’t do clingy, and he fires them.”

Oh.

I never saw Colt as that kind of man. Though he did kind of woo me last night. If I hadn’t been thinking of another tall, dark stranger, I would have probably fallen for it hook, line, and sinker.

“Well, I don’t even have time to bother getting interested.”

She smiles at me. “Well, good. Come on, I’ll show you how to wait the tables.”

I spend the next hour with Selena, and she shows me how to wait on the tables. When she leaves me to it, I take over without a problem. The afternoon is a busy one, and the tables fill quickly, but that’s okay; the tips are huge so far. I’m already up to $150.

My feet ache as I rush backward and forward, collecting glasses, delivering drinks and snacks. In the late afternoon, when Selena is finished her break, she waves me over. With an achy body, I go. Colt is at the bar when I arrive, and he flashes me a warm smile.

“Sore feet?”

I shrug. “I get used to it.”

“You want a break?”

I nod, walking around the bar and pouring myself a glass of water. I grab a packet of chips off the counter, and hand Selena some money for them. I sit on a stool, and sigh loudly.

“You’re earning some good tips out there,” she says, pouring a colorful drink for a young, annoyingly loud girl who is standing at the bar staring at Colt with a silly expression on her face.

I eye the girl, before looking back at Selena. “Yeah, they’re good this afternoon.”

“It’s those pretty-as-hell eyes,” Colt says.

I shake my head with a grin. “Or, maybe they just like me.”

“Maybe.” He grins.

I lean back, and close my eyes, taking a few moments to myself when I hear the distinct rumble of Harley-Davidsons pulling up outside. I feel my heart begin to hammer, but I know it’s just me being dramatic. Hundreds and thousands of people own Harleys. Stop being so paranoid.

“That’ll be your main man. He’s pissed, I hear,” Selena says to Colt, sliding an empty beer bottle across the bar.

Colt grunts. “Yeah, he’s always pissed.”

“Is that a friend of yours?” I ask, hoping for a little information.

“Yeah, actually. He’s the president of the club I’m with.”

“You’re a biker?” I say, shocked.

He grins at me. “Don’t look so shocked.”

“I thought bikers just hung around each other, and didn’t hold jobs.”

He shakes his head. “Well, this one wasn’t going to do that. I do what he needs, but this is my main job. Besides, the guys love it.”

“What’s your club’s name?” I ask, standing and picking up and towel and a glass to dry, making it look like I’m doing something productive instead of just prying.

“Angels In Leather.”

The glass slips from my hand, and smashes on the ground. My head spins, and I take a step back, putting a hand against my chest. This can’t be happening.

“You’re...you’re...one of Axel’s boys?”

Colt’s eyes widen. “You know Axel?”

Selena stares at me. “Oh, are you one of his fuck buddies?”

“No...not exactly. I...we don’t get along very well. It’s a long story.”

She nods, as if in understanding. “He is such an ass. I wanted to fuck him once, but he’s so broody and angry. He told me to fuck off, and didn’t even give me a second glance.”

Colt ignores her, and narrows his eyes. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“I just...thank you, Colt. For all this. But I can’t stay if you’re involved with him. Believe me, we don’t like each other. It’s not worth bringing into your life,” I lie.

“Meadow,” he says, firmly. “You don’t need to run. I don’t have to tell him you’re here if there are issues between you two.”

“You d-d-don’t?” I whisper.

He shakes his head. “Nah, just go on home, and I’ll make sure he’s not here for your next shift.”

I quickly untie my apron. “Thank you, Colt.”

Before I can turn and rush out back, the door swings open. I quickly drop to the floor behind the bar; it’s the only thing I can do. My heart leaps into my throat as I hear boots crunching across the wooden floor. I scoot backwards, pressing myself as close to the bar as I can.

“Colt,” Axel’s voice booms out. “Get me a beer.”

Colt peers down at me, and I give him a pleading look. He must take pity on me, because he shifts the bin under the counter, and points to the space. I crawl in, and tuck my knees up to my chest. Selena smiles at me, a knowing smile, and gets on with her work. Why the hell is Axel in San Diego? Does he live here? If Colt is based here, maybe he does. Only I could pick the one city and the one bar that he’s associated with.

“How’s it, boss?” Colt says, his voice gruff.

I hear the sound of Colt popping the top on a beer and sliding it across the bar. I hear a stool being pulled out, and I realize Axel is right there...just above me.

“It’s fuckin’ crap, that’s what it is.”

“Didn’t find what you were lookin’ for?”

Axel makes a growling sound. “Nah.”

“What is it you’re lookin’ for exactly, boss? You’ve been on it for months. I’m thinkin’ I could use a break. Might come with you.”

“I’m takin’ you on the next run. I need someone that can run fast.”

Run fast. To catch me. Oh, God.

“Run fast?” Colt questions, shifting closer to me and reaching for a glass.

“I’m after a girl. She’s got something I want, but she keeps fuckin’ out-smartin’ me. God help her if I get hold of her now. I’m fuckin’ mad.”

Colt’s hands slide into his pockets. “What’s a girl got to do with anything?”

“Open your fuckin’ ears, boy, I said she’s got somethin’ I want.”

“What’s she got?”

Axel shifts. “Nothin’ that’s of concern to you. I suspect she’s around this area, so keep a fuckin’ eye out.”

I don’t feel so good. My hands begin to tremble, and sweat trickles down my forehead.

“What’s her name?” Colt asks, cracking another beer. “I might have heard of her.”

“Meadow.”

I see the exact moment Colt stiffens, because his legs go rigid. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Here’s what she looks like. You see her in here, you call me.”

Oh God.

Colt’s silent, and I suddenly don’t feel like being here is a smart idea. If he decides to tell Axel I’m here, I won’t be able to get out. I have to run, and I have to run now. I crawl quietly from my space, and as soon as I’m near the back door, I stand.

“What the fuck? Colt, were you gettin’ your fuckin’ dick sucked while I was talkin’ to ya?” Axel bellows, slamming his glass down onto the bar.

He doesn’t recognize me. Oh God, he doesn’t recognize me because I changed my hair. My heart pounds, and a moment of hope rushes through me. I reach for the door, ready to run, when Colt murmurs, “Meadow, pretty sure there’s somethin’ you haven’t told me.”

“Meadow?” Axel rasps.

I turn, and I meet his shocked expression. His eyes widen, and he skids his stool back. His powerful body launches up and over the bar, sending everything within reach flying. The shrill sound of glasses smashing fills my ears.

That’s when I run.

“Don’t you fuckin’ dare,” he bellows, but I’m already out the door.

I push through the offices out the back, slamming and locking as many doors as I can. My adrenaline spikes, and I duck through the back kitchen and out the back door. I hear Axel’s roar of frustration, and the sounds of smashing coming from inside. Shit. I run across the staff parking lot, and duck into the nearest alley.

“You fuckin’ stop, now,” Axel yells, rounding the corner and charging down the alley after me.

I pick up my speed, running as fast as I can. I reach the street and I skid to the left, shoving through the ocean of people as I try to escape the angry, determined man behind me.

“South of the city, she’s on foot, dark hair. Get moving!”

Axel is ordering his men in. I close my eyes, drop my head, and just run as hard as I can manage. I charge around another corner, and across the road. Cars beep and screech to a halt as I dodge my way past them. I stumble as I hit the gutter on the other side, and I go down with a pained cry. My knees scrape across the gravel and my hands go instinctively out in front of me to stop me from landing on my face.

It’s the moment Axel needs. It’s the moment he’s been waiting for.

He’s behind me before I can even get to my knees. People on the street don’t even stop to see if I’m okay, they just keep about their business. Axel’s hands go around my body, and he hurls me up, pressing me into his chest. He spins us both around, and begins pulling me toward the closest alley. I dig my heels in, not willing to accept defeat. Not willing to give in.

“Let me go,” I cry, squirming.

“Stop doing that,” he growls.

I decide to try pleading. He’s not listening to anything else. “Please, just let me go, Axel, you don’t have to do this. Just stop. Please. For whatever friendship we had all those years ago...”

He flinches, and his entire body stiffens. “I said fuckin’ stop squirming. If you keep it up, so help me God, I’ll put you on your knees and fuck you until you can’t breathe.”

I stiffen, and my entire body slackens. What did he just say? I blink rapidly, trying to process his words. Why would he say something like that? Why would he even think it? He drags my body into an alley, because I can no longer make my legs work. They’re weak, and I’m exhausted.

“You wouldn’t hurt me like that,” I rasp, quietly. “Would you?”

He stops, and spins me around, staring down at me. His eyes are hard, and I can see deep in their depths that he would hurt me like that. My entire body breaks out in fear. “I’m a fucked-up man,” he growls. “I’m not the person you remember. You don’t know me anymore. You don’t know the kind of shit that’s in my head now.”

I twist one more time, feeling panic rise in my chest. He’s right. He’s not the man I once knew, and I can’t risk staying with him. If he finds out I don’t have the USB, there could be a big problem. I put it in a bank yesterday, in a safe locker where no one could touch it. Axel is taking me, but he has no idea that it’s for nothing.

“I said stop fuckin’ squirming,” he roars. “Goddammit, stop!”

I stop, but not before I feel his cock brush against my ass. It’s hard against his jeans, and my body shivers. I’m not sure if it’s in response, or out of pure fear. My struggling arouses him, and that both scares and excites me. It sparks something inside my body that I don’t quite understand, and right now, I don’t want to understand it.

“No,” he whispers, his breath near my ear. “Not possible.”

What’s he talking about?

He shifts his hips, and tightens his hold on my body. “Don’t fuckin’ move.”

I whimper, and he growls deep in his throat. “Fuck,” he murmurs. “You like it.”

What?

No.

His fingers slide down my over my shirt, and his finger grazes over the swell of my breast. Fear courses through my veins. He wouldn’t rape me...would he? I swallow, unsure of the feelings running through my body right now. Beneath the pain, and the hesitation, there’s something else. A slight want that I can’t make sense of. I turn my head, and Axel’s eyes meet mine, and the cold, deadly depths devour me. I look away; I can’t face this. I can’t face this uncertainty that I’m feeling.

I can’t be as twisted as him.

I can’t be enjoying his body against mine...oh god...can I?

“Boss!”

I lift my eyes to see four men in black leather jackets walking down the alley. Reality hits me like a brick, snapping me out of my haze, and I kick back, giving Axel a shock attack. My foot connects with his shin, and he bellows, releasing his arms. I spin, and my fist flies up, upper-cutting his nose. He roars in pain, and his hand goes over his face to halt the spurting of blood. His eyes meet mine, and they’re filled with uncontrollable rage. Blood drips through his fingers, and I shiver with fear. I’m not sure that was a good move.

I turn without giving it anymore thought, and I run toward the other end of the alley. I’m nearly there when three other bikers step in front of me. I turn quickly, ready to go back, but I see Axel and the other guys standing, panting. Axel has a needle in his hand. There’s blood running down his face now, and dripping off one of his hands. I begin shaking my head, putting my hands up as panic fills my chest, and my legs grow wobbly.

“Please, Axel,” I implore. “Please don’t do this.”

He walks toward me, nodding at the men behind him. One reaches for me, and I dive forward. Axel catches me, and his large arms wrap about my body. I can feel his breath on my ear as he leans down, and plunges the needle into my arm. Warmth shoots through my body, and I reach up, taking Axel’s arms as my legs give way. I can smell the coppery scent of blood, mixed with his own manly scent.

“Easy,” he murmurs as everything fades to black.

AXEL

“She’s still out, boss,” Cobra says, walking into my office.

“She chained?”

He nods. “She’s chained, and the door is locked. She ain’t gettin’ anywhere.”

“You find out where she was stayin?”

He nods again. “I’m on it. I found her room and sent Jax and Pick over to get her stuff.”

“Fuck, she’d better have that USB there.”

“It ain’t on her,” he adds, lighting a cigarette. “I checked her body thoroughly.”

My eyes widen, and a cruel smirk appears on my lips. “Yeah? You stripped her, eh?”

“Yeah, boss. Nice pair of tits that girl has on her. Don’t worry I left the bra on. I’m not that much of a pig.”

I grunt, and nod, dismissing him. Lucky fucker got to be the one to strip-search her. I reach over, picking up a smoke. I light it, and inhale deeply. A moment of calm washes over me as the nicotine fills my veins—but the moment doesn’t last long. What the fuck happened out there earlier? I got a fuckin’ stiff, and she liked it. She liked the fight. I’ve never met a woman that liked it. Most of them pretend to like it because they want my cock. I close my eyes, and rub my temple. Fuck. This is all too fuckin’ hard.

My frustration fades for a second, replaced with complete exhaustion. This has been going on far too long. I get to my feet, shoving the chair back, and I walk out into the hall. I’m midway down when Miranda saunters up, stopping in front of me. “Hey you, I heard you got what you needed?”

I glare down at her. “Club business your business, Miranda?”

“Well, no, but...”

“Then mind your own fuckin’ business, or I’ll mind it for you,” I hiss.

I step past her, and head toward my room - the room where I have her chained. My body stiffens at the idea of her being restrained in there, unable to move, unable to get away, desperate...my cock flinches, and I curse under my breath. I’m a sick fucking bastard, because the idea of her not being able to escape me...no matter what she does...no matter what I want to do to her...it feels fucking good.

I reach the end of the hall, and turn left, walking into the only room in this section of the three-story house. I turn the knob and step inside the dimly-lit space. Meadow is sprawled out on the floor, her now brunette hair fanned out around her. She looks peaceful like that, almost as if nothing in the world could hurt her.

Except me.

I can hurt her.

I walk over and sit on the bed, staring down at her. She’s got chains around her ankles, and around her wrists. They’re chained to shackles on the wall. I have had to explain to many women why I have shackles on my wall, but most don’t understand. Miranda is the only one who plays my game, so she’s the only one I keep around.

Meadow stirs, and groans deeply. God damn her for looking as beautiful as a fallen angel.

“Axel?” she murmurs in her haze. “I’m sorry.”

Sorry? What the fuck is she sorry for?

She shifts, and goes to roll, only to feel that she can’t roll. She’s chained. Suddenly her body jerks and she bolts upright, screaming. I drop down to my knees, and I grip her shoulders, causing her to scream even louder.

“Enough,” I order, giving her a little shake.

“Axel?” she cries. “What have you done?”

“What I had to do,” I growl into her ear, and she tenses. “Now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Where’s the USB, Meadow?”

“Why would I tell you?” she cries, her voice frustrated. “I can’t stand you.”

She notices then that she’s wearing different clothes to what she came in, and her face pales.

“Y-y-y-you stripped me?” she screams.

I meet her gaze, giving her a deadly smirk. “Needed to make sure you didn’t have the USB on you.”

“You fucking piece of shit,” she screams. “You’re useless!”

My body jerks at her words, and I shake her harder. “Don’t fuck with me. I don’t have time for this shit. You tell me where that USB is or so help me God, I’ll do whatever it takes to get it out of you.”

“I hope God helps you then,” she whispers.

“What?”

“I’m not giving it to you, Axel.”

I snarl, and slam my fist into the wall beside her. She cries out, and shifts her body away from mine.

“Fine,” I hiss, standing. “We’ll do this my way.”