Page 176 of After the Burn

What the hell?

He charged right at me, quick as lightning. I dodged the first swing, but the second one nailed my ribs.

Damn, he was strong.

Pain exploded through my side. I ignored it and drove my knee into his stomach, but he barely even moved.

Curtis grabbed me from behind, and I slammed my head backward into his nose.

He screamed.

It was worth whatever I would get for doing this. Ben’s words of wisdom sounded easier in theory than they proved to be in practice.

Two more men rushed into the garage.

Shit.

I couldn’t fight four, and none of this was helping me find Lila.

I forced myself to stop fighting, but the men surrounding me kept going.

A fist caught my cheek, and my head snapped sideways. Another hit drove me to one knee.

Jonah grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. “Are you done?” He was breathing hard, and I could clearly see a massive erection bulging in his pants.

Blood filled my mouth, and I felt like I was going to be sick, but I was known for my stubbornness. “No.”

He hit me again.

Fuck. I hoped my men skinned him alive before they killed him.

“How about now?” He was panting so hard I was scared he was going to jizz his pants.

I knew it was time to play the scared woman, so I nodded and tried my best to look defeated.

Curtis wiped the blood from his rapidly healing nose. “That really wasn’t smart.” He kicked out, and a huge bruise bloomed instantly on my thigh. “Crazy bitch.” He tossed me into the cage.

The heavy door slammed shut, and the lock turned. Footsteps receded until I was completely alone.

I slid down the far wall. My cheek throbbed, and my ribs hurt. I wiped the blood that was running from the corner of my mouth on my shirt… and smiled.

I was inside, and they hadn’t killed me. Things were going according to plan. Well, mostly.

I listened intently and heard men chuckling, truck engines, and a few generators running side by side. I hoped that if Lila heard rumors I was here, she’d find me and we could get the hell out of here.

The afternoon dragged on, and men came and went, staring at me through the little window. I felt like an animal in the zoo. Some taunted me, some asked questions, and others whispered things so vulgar I felt sick.

I gave them nothing.

Eventually, one woman brought me water. She was maybe thirty, and thin, almost emaciated. Fading yellow bruises covered one arm.

She pushed a dented cup through a slot built into the door. “Drink.”

“What’s your name?” I took a sip of the water and almost moaned as it slid down my dry throat.

Her eyes darted toward the garage door. “Don’t.”

I was confused. “Don’t what?”