Page 21 of Unchained

I can’t speak. The pain is too vast. But there’s really nothing left to say. For the first time, I can’t even pretend or fake indifference. I can’t confront my opponent with strength. I’m falling apart and I need to leave.

I turn, walking toward the door, but his voice stops me.

“It’s for the best, princess. You may hate me, but it’s better than giving your life up for a wanted convict.”

Hate him? I don’t hate him. I could never hate him. He showed me who he is this week. Showed me a side of himself I don’t think many have gotten to see. He revealed his heart to me, and that is why I fell in love with him.

But while I was falling, he was merely just enjoying a short-lived fling.

After six years locked behind bars, he was probably relieved to allow himself to be vulnerable and talk about things that are real and raw. He was probably desperate for a connection and companionship. And he certainly needed to get off.

I move my feet toward the door again before I burst into tears, but right as I reach for the handle, it suddenly opens before me, and I’m stopped by a large chest. At first, I assume it’s the guy they’re waiting for. The friend who’s bringing them their new identities. But then I look up and my blood turns cold. It’s Estavio. The one from the picture on the internet. The man who hurt Shayla and pinned his murder on Trevor. The guy my brother has been after for years. But how did he find them?

“Well, well, aren’t you a pretty little thing?” His voice slithers down my spine like a snake. Between his beady eyes and venomous sneer, he could easily pass for one. “Going somewhere, doll?” His hand comes out and there’s a gun pressing into my sternum. “I think in exchange for you stealing my wife and kid, O’Malley, I’ll take this little thing off your hands.”

I’m suddenly wrapped in the snake’s arms with the gun now pointed at my temple. I’m frozen in fear, looking toward Trevor whose face has turned ghostly white.

“Your wife and kid aren’t here,” Trevor grits through his locked jaw. “So you’ve come barking up the wrong tree. But you’re welcome to stay. Diego will be walking through that door any moment and I’m sure he’s going to be happy to finally get his revenge.”

The man throws his head back and laughs, and it’s the most evil sound I’ve ever heard.

“How do you think I found you, you stupid shit? You never were a smart one.” He shakes his head. “I knew you’d run right to that little rat. I’ve been waiting patiently for you to give him the address, and once you did, I took care of the fucker once and for all. So, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no one is going to save you this time, O’Malley. Now, where are the other two pieces of shit?”

He’s looking for Kai and Shayla. I just pray that they’re hiding in the woods and don’t come in.

“They were taken somewhere safe,” Trevor states, playing the lie off well.

“I’ll tell you what. If you tell me where they are, I’ll let this one live.” Estavio’s hold on me tightens. “But if you don’t give them to me, I’ll be putting a bullet in her head after I fuck her right in front of you. Sound familiar?”

The walls feel like they’re closing in. I can barely breathe.

“You touch her and you die, Rodriguez.”

Again, his vicious laugh rumbles through me, causing my stomach to tighten.

“Not sure how you think you have a say when I’m the one holding the gun.”

Suddenly, Trevor pulls his gun, aiming it at the head of the man holding me. “You let her go, and I’ll let you have your shot at me. You hurt her and you’re dead.”

“That’s interesting. Sounds like you’re in love with this girl. That’s real good. That’s going to make it so much sweeter when I fuck her little cunt then. I’m going to enjoy having my gun deep in her throat while my cock is buried in her pussy. Or maybe I’ll ram it up her ass. Now, where the fuck is that piece-of-shit wife and that stupid mute?”

Everything he just said is spinning in my head. He thinks Trevor loves me. He’s going to rape me. I’m going to die. And then Shayla and Kai will follow.

“I’ll tell you where they are if you release her.”

“No. I’m going to fuck her and kill her. Then you can decide if you want the same fate for your sister and nephew, or if you’re going to take me to them. Because either way, I’m going to get my hands on them.”

He looks down at me, his slithering stare snaking over me again.

“Now, you’re going to take off your clothes, my little pretty.” He presses the gun harder into the side of my head. “Get started or I’ll shoot you in the arm. You won’t need it while I fuck you. All I need is that pussy.”

I shakily reach for the waistband of my pants, slowly sliding them down. Suddenly, a gunshot rings out and my heart leaps in my chest. I’m not sure who’s been shot until a heavy body slumps against me. I let out a scream, falling to the ground, my mind frozen in fear.

“Baby, you’re okay. You’re okay. He’s not going to hurt you.” Trevor pulls me onto his lap, wrapping me in his arms. I cling to him for safety as the sobs rock through me.

“Emberly?”

My brother’s voice cuts through the emotional monsoon. I turn my head and see that I’m not imagining things. Bryson is standing above us.