He took a step towards Dante and Havoc threw his arm up, crossing Kill’s chest, giving him back his same words. “Not worth it, man,” Havoc said.
“We understand the consequences,” Havoc spat. “We fuck you over and you fuck up our lives and destroy everything and everyone we love. That sound about right?”
“Sure,” Dante said. “Plus, I’ll make you wish you were dead and then I’ll kill you—all of you.”
“Duly noted,” Havoc said.
“Great, head upstairs to pay and we’ll get your merchandise ready,” Dante offered. The crowd started to disperse and Dante’s shrill whistle rang through the basement. “We have two more girls to auction off, guys. Don’t disappear,” he shouted. They brought the two other girls up to the cage and pushed them through the door. Kill wanted to tell them that he’d make sure that they were saved but he wouldn’t make a promise he might not be able to keep. They were both blindfolded and gagged, like Chloe and it made him sick to think of any man in that place touching either of them. They weren’t much older then Chloe—maybe teenagers and he could smell their fear.
“Bidding will start as soon as we get business settled, sit tight,” Dante shouted. He followed Kill and the others up to the bar and Kill felt panicked when he realized he couldn’t see Chloe.
“Deep breaths, Kill,” Havoc said. “Let this play out.” Kill knew his friend was right but he just wished this shit would be over.
“No sweat,” Kill lied. They were escorted back to Dante’s office and Kill pulled his debit card from his wallet, saying a little prayer that the hundred thousand that Hart said was put into his account was there. Otherwise, he had a feeling that they’d all be facing the same threats Dante had already spelled out for them, just moments earlier.
A few minutes passed and one of Dante’s guys came back into the small office and handed Cillian back his card. “We’re good here,” the guy said to Dante.
“Bring in the girl,” Dante said. The guy nodded into the hallway and within seconds, another one of the bikers shoved her into the already crowded office, blindfold and gag still in place. When the guy made a move to take off her blindfold Kill panicked. Chloe would know him. She’d be able to find security in recognizing him. But, if he had them leave her blindfolded, he’d have his safety. He couldn’t risk Chloe telling Dante how Kill and her father were close enough to be considered brothers. He couldn’t risk their lives that way.
“Leave it,” Kill ordered. “The less she sees and whines, the better.” The guy looked at Dante as if he needed his permission to take a piss or breathe, for that matter. Dante nodded and Kill took Chloe’s arm into his hand. He wanted to be gentle, but he also knew that doing so would give up his façade. He needed to play it cool until he could get her out of Dragon’s territory.
“Sunset,” Dante said. “Don’t forget.”
“No problem. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my meter’s running,” Kill said.
Dante’s smile was mean. “Remember the rest of the fucking rules,” Dante spat, “and we’ll be just fine.”
VIVIAN
Viv peeked out the window to find Repo sitting in his pick-up truck across the street, watching her house. He was a fucking dog with a bone and Viv worried that Cillian wasn’t going to be home any time soon. That wasn’t her only worry—hell, she was consumed by every thought that ran through her head of what could go wrong. She hoped that the call she put into Savage would give her some new news but his husband, Bowie, answered his cell and told her that they had no word. He promised to call her just as soon as he had any information for her but that had been hours ago.
“Where are you Cillian?” she sobbed, cupping her little bump. “Your Daddy is starting to worry me, Baby Bean.” There was a soft knock at the front door, startling Viv. “Fuck,” she swore.
She pulled the front door open to find Repo standing on her porch. “Can I come in?” he asked.
“Is he all right?” she asked. God, she needed for Cillian to be all right. Viv hated the way her voice wavered. She didn’t sound as strong as she wanted to, but she wouldn’t hide her worry.
“Kills fine,” Repo said. Viv walked into the family room and sunk onto the sofa.
“Thank fuck,” she said. “I’ve been so worried. Is Chloe okay?”
“Chloe’s fine. Let me finish Viv,” Repo said. “He’s alive and he got Chloe out of the Dragon’s bar but you need to come with me.”
“What? Why?” she asked.
“You’re in danger. I’ll tell you about it on our way to Savage Hell, but I need for you to grab your things so we can get out of here.” Repo stood over her as if waiting for her to make a move to follow his orders. A part of her wanted to protest but the thought of putting herself or her baby in danger wasn’t a chance she was willing to take.
“How long will I be gone?” she asked.
“As long as it takes to keep you safe, Viv,” Repo whispered. “Kill said to pack some of his things too and close the diner for a few days.”
Viv nodded at Repo, “I’ll be ready in ten minutes,” she promised.
“I’ll wait here,” he agreed.
_______
Repo pulled up to a house that sat about a half-mile down the road from Savage Hell and Viv unbuckled her seatbelt, anxious to get in to see Cillian. “Viv,” Repo said. “Before you go storming in there, Kill was involved in a little fight while he was in with the Dragons.”
“Oh God,” Viv sobbed, raising a trembling hand to her lips. “You said he was alright.”
“He is, but he’s a little beat up. Savage’s kids are here and little Chloe has been through hell and back. I just didn’t want you to freak out,” Repo whispered.
Viv nodded, “Promise,” she said. All she cared about was getting to Cillian. The rest would work itself out. A big bald man with a salt and pepper beard came out to stand on the front porch and smiled at her. “That Savage?” she asked.
“Yep,” Repo said. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to everyone and you can check on your guy.” Viv got out of Repo’s truck and followed him to the porch.
“You must be Vivian,” Savage said, holding out his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Savage,” she said, letting him take her hand into his. Savage pulled her into his big body and gave her a bear hug that nearly choked the life out of her.
“You mind putting my woman down?” Cillian grumbled. Savage chuckled and released her into Cillian’s arms. “Feck I missed you, Baby,” he said.
Viv stood back from him and looked him over. “You look like shit, Cillian,” she whispered. Viv reached her hand up to gently cup his bruised chin. “Does it hurt?”
“Not much,” he lied.
“You’re a horrible liar,” she teased.
Savage laughed, “She’s got you there, Cillian. How about you two say your hellos and then come to find us inside. We have a lot to work out in the next few hours. Sun will be up soon and we’ll have to move.” Viv watched as Savage disappeared into his house and wrapped her arms around Cillian’s waist.