Lucas stood waiting for him outside. He looked like a well-respected criminal.
James shook his hand then bowed his head. The other man squeezed his fist.
“What’s the matter?” James asked.
“I’m not going to lie to you, James. We’ve got a chance of getting Prudence back, but there is also a risk that we all could end up dead. I need you to understand the risks posed to us with this mission.”
“I love her, Lucas. She means everything to me. I can’t sit back knowing I could have done something. If I die tonight then I died fighting for the woman I love.” James shook the man’s hand, and they went to pay for the suits.
After organising a car they sat and waited for the right moment. They couldn’t go rushing all guns blazing. James drove to the area he’d found on the map. The hotel in question looked very fancy but also well-guarded.
“I guess going in undercover is better than not going in at all,” Lucas said.
James tapped his hands on the steering wheel. “Do you think she’s in there?”
Lucas let out a sigh. “I don’t know. They may have transported them early or be waiting until the last minute. Human trafficking is high risk. I doubt they’d risk getting caught this late in the game.”
“What made you go after Dominic and Henry?” James asked. He’d never been interested in learning more about the men who’d entered their clubs unexpectedly bringing all chaos and destruction with it.
“I served my country when I was younger. I put meals on the table, and I kept my family warm. When I came back I discovered something had occurred between Sean and Isabella, and she was gone. No matter what I tried to do I couldn’t find her, but I’d heard of Dominic taking her.”
“What was between Sean and Isabella?” James asked.
“That is not my story to tell. Something went down, and I’m not angry about it. I was, and I guess if he hurts her a second time then I’m killing him, but you want those answers, you go to them.”
James nodded.
“Anyway, I was looking for Dominic, and I was recruited with some bounty hunters to go and find them. Some of the men I work for are ex-servicemen, and they know a lot about the world. That’s where I met you guys when Cadeon’s girl was taken.”
James remembered meeting Lucas and being impressed by him. Lucas was a possessive man, but he didn’t possess the wealth that his and Stephen’s club needed in order to make them members. Lucas worked for him and Stephen, and he didn’t have to pay for an application.
“The one thing I hate is women being taken advantage of. Maybe it’s because I saw my father hurting my mother or just who I am. Women should be loved and cherished. They’re amazing to be with. They give us so much, and in return we should be the ones to beg them for everything.” Lucas stopped and shook his head. “Sorry, man. I’m starting to sound like a pu**y.”
“No, you’re sounding like a man who knows how to respect your woman. Whoever gets you, Lucas, will be one lucky woman. You’re a good man and great Dom. I’ve seen the way you are in Ravage.”
“Thanks, boss.”
Chapter Ten
The auction
The drugs Daren had given her were starting to wear off. Her body felt heavy, and her stomach kept turning as if she was about to be sick.
I wish I was feeling sick from eating too much chocolate.
She moaned as she rolled onto her side. There were several other women in the room. They all looked like her. Her stomach turned as she sat up. Each woman was sniffling, but none of them out right crying. She stood to her feet and then slumped to the ground. Her feet no longer felt like her own.
“What’s … going … on?” Her mouth felt dry. Licking her lips, Prue felt confused.
“So, you’re awake?” Daren asked, coming into her line of sight. She tried to cover herself away from his vision.
Please, let it be all a dream. A horrid but forgettable dream.
“What … have … you … done…” She was too tired to keep talking. Her lips hurt, and her head ached as if she’d been punched in the head recently.
For the past few days you’ve been nothing but hit in the face.
“It is just a drug to make you relax, babe. When you’re put on the platform the drug stops you from going hysterical. No man wants to buy a girl that cries or screams.”
There was so much she wanted to say. Instead, she glanced past his shoulder to see Cindy standing with her hands bound in front of her. Prue didn’t have the energy to ask a question.
“She’s been naughty, and Henry thinks it’s time for a newer model. She’s going up for sale right after you.” Daren moved away as Prue crumbled on the floor. She watched as he left the room. Cindy sat beside her. Tears streamed out of her eyes, but there was no lasting show of fear on the other woman.
“I displeased Henry because I tried to make him hold on to you. I know your man is coming for you. I’m so sorry, Prue.”
“Will … these … drugs …”
“They’ll wear off enough for you to stand, but you’ll be confused. You won’t argue or fight. Soon they’ll be out of your system.”
“James … is … coming … for … me.” She touched a hand to her bare neck. Daren had worn James’s chain around his neck. She wanted her cross back. The token James had once given her meant the world to her.
Cindy placed Prue’s head in her lap. The little comfort offered her Prue now grasped with relish.
“Thank you,” she said, amazed that she didn’t need to pause between each word.
“You’re welcome. I never asked for this, and I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.”
Prue closed her eyes as Cindy began to stroke the length of hair. When she got out of this mess she was going to cut her hair then wait for the length to grow out, before dyeing it back to her black and red.
The minutes passed, and the effects of the drugs were starting to wear off.
“How are you feeling?” Cindy asked.
“Fine.”
The woman above her looked over at the window. “It’s time. They’ll be coming for us soon.”
Before Prudence got chance to say anything, the sound of footsteps could be heard outside. Three men walked into the room and grabbed a girl. None of them fought as they were transported out of the room. The lock and chain sounded in place.
“This is it.”