Page 71 of Dealing Dirty
Steeling my resolve, I lean into a vision of Derrick that I keep close to my heart, even though I shouldn’t. Just like I shouldn’t have struck that deal with him or made that worthless no-kissing rule.
I shouldn’t have fallen for the big goof either, but here we are.
Unruly blond hair slides through my fingers as the weight of his body rests over mine, pressing against my chest just enough that I’m forced to take a deep breath. Every touch burns my veins, giving me strength anew—and then he leans down, a hairsbreadth from my ear, and whispers how precious I am to him. He asks me to be his reckoning, and now I finally understand.
I’ve thought myself as icy as the moon—all scars, scorn, and detachment—but the moon isn’t a cold, jaded lover. Truth is, she’s bold, beautiful, and powerful enough to sway the ocean, but also humble enough to know her glow wouldn’t be so vivid without the sun’s shine upon her.
And if the sun and moon can find their way around a giant floating rock to simply gaze at each other, then Derrick and I will do the same.
* * *
The chill in this empty room has me rubbing trembling arms. Some warm clothes would have been nice. I eye the unsuspecting pile of laundry by the door and shudder. I’d rather die.
Ethan hasn’t returned, and I silently hope that someone is punishing him for disobeying orders. Maybe those missing fingers Alfonzo mentioned will do him well to remember the monster he’s working for.
Drying tear streaks itch my face. The feel of those scratchy hands exposing my chest will haunt me long after this is over.
I’ve sorted through every possible option of escape. Screaming for help is useless and predictable—hence the basement lockup. Drawing more attention from Ethan or Alfonzo is the last thing I want to do, and I doubt anyone would be able to hear me anyway.
Shifting weight into my legs, I slide up the wall to standing. I’m woozy and breathing heavy, but I’m satisfied with my progress. I may not get very far, but if I can at least break out and reach the main road, I can flag someone down who can get me closer to The Pound.
Light footfalls sound outside the room. My head and heart pound in unison with each creak of the wooden stairs. Waiting for the doorknob to twist is like waiting for a guillotine.
Every step is a second ticking by before my fate is sealed.
The looming shadow of a pair of feet materializes through the gap under the door.
It’s now or never.
I trudge across the room as quick as I’m able to in order to position myself beside the door. When it swings open, I’ll give thiscabronaevery ounce of fight I’ve got, and then I’ll run like hell.
Minutes pass before I hear the soft snick of the doorknob rotating. I move with the door as it opens, stealthily hiding behind it. The person hesitates, stepping farther into the room. I don’t waste another breath. The moment his hand slides off the knob, I wrench the door open and bolt between the gap behind him.
Shock blasts adrenaline from tailbone to skull.Freedom!Oh, sweet freedom—
“Arg!” A strangled shout bursts from my chest at the same time I feel a hand clamp over my mouth. Wild as a trapped fox, I buck and kick against my captor, but my efforts are useless as he drags me across the cold concrete over the short distance I’ve managed to escape.
Wired with terror and refusing to go back to that prison cell, I grab at his meaty paw and bite down hard. He recoils enough for me to shout.
“I’ll kill you if it’s the last thing I do!” And from the aching pit of my soul, I mean every single word. Ethan may think I’m his property, but there’s only one man I’ll ever willingly give my body to again.
“Juliana.” The man’s voice hisses through the blood pounding in my ears. His hand clamps back over my mouth until he’s able to kick the door closed.
Nostrils flaring, I struggle for air. Tangy bergamot and citrus filters through my lungs with each inhale. A heady sense of déjà vu washes over me. The notes are expensive… and familiar.
Jackie.
“I’m going to drop my hand, which is sure to be bleeding no thanks to you.” His lips tickle my cheek as he mutters something that sounds a lot like ‘vicious woman.’
Fresh air kisses my mouth when I’m released, and a sob threatens to push past my lips.
Jackie believes I’m subdued, but this is far from over. If he thinks I’m going to forgive his treachery, then he’s an ignorant fool. I throw my head back, hoping to make contact with his face.
While he’s stunned, I raise my knee as high as I can and jam my heel into his right foot. His cry of pain makes me sickeningly delighted.
There’s wind beneath my feet, flowing over my cheeks as I lurch for the door.
“Oh no, you don’t.” A fist with the strength of an alligator’s jaw wraps in my tangled hair and yanks me back.
