Page 29 of Sanction

I grit my teeth. “Yeah, it’s a fucking problem.”

She tilts her chin up, defiance radiating from those beautiful brown eyes. “I don’t belong to you.”

The words hurt more than I care to admit. She’s right. She doesn’t belong to me.

“Daniella.” I warn.

She smirks before reaching for the knob. “What did you expect Travis? You know where we stand.”

My jaw tightens. “Princess…. if you get on that bike...”

“What does it matter?” She sighs then her brow furrows. The confidence slips that was there moments ago. “You know I love you.” Her eyes meet mine. “But I need to move on, and I need you to let me.”

Then she walks out the door.

Without a second thought I pick up the TV remote and hurl it against the adjacent wall, sending plastic and batteries flying in fifteen different directions. I curse under my breath and tilt my head back, closing my eyes on a heavy sigh.

“Dom?” Maverick leans against my wall with a raised brow.

Reaching for my cigarettes I give him a shake of my head. “Let’s go. I need a drink.”

Chapter 16

Present

Daniella

My tongue darts out to dampen my chapped lips. I have no idea how long Tanner and I have been captive by these assholes. I lost count after about day five. We haven't left this room since we arrived. You know, it wouldn’t be so bad if we had an actual meal and didn’t have to shit in a five-gallon bucket. One of them said the bucket was a “luxury” and we should be grateful. How generous.

I gently touch my left side. The bruises on my ribs are still tender from the big black boot that almost shattered them. Apparently, these men like to rough up women. Too bad they picked me and Tanner. We both vowed to show no fear and haven’t shed a single tear when they come in and get physical. It's not every day, just the days they get pissed when they still aren’t getting what they want from my brother.

Tanner is asleep. I can still see the yellowish mark on her cheek from my spot across the room. I know we both look like hell. That’s exactly what it has felt like. Hell. I’m waiting for the day they walk in here and the violence won’t be enough. They will need something else to get off on. I would rather them shoot me straight in the forehead than let one of those dirty bastards have my body. There is one kid here that seems like a halfway decent human being. He has brought our food a few times and he seems like he wants to throw up every time he leaves. He looks younger than me and Tanner. I’m not sure how he got himself mixed up with someone like Viper. Sometimes the look in his eyes shows so much regret. Like he would give anything to be anywhere else. You’re not alone bud.

The slight jiggle of the door knob has my stomach clenching. I dread it opening every day. Sometimes I close my eyes and picture it’s him coming to save us. I picture his strong jaw and that side smirk he gives when thinks something is comical. God, I miss him. We weren’t on good terms when we were taken, so I’m not sure how this situation will affect us. It’s hard loving someone who loves you back, but refuses to acknowledge it. Someone who feels like they don’t deserve to be loved and it breaks my heart. Travis is the most selfless person I know. There are so many things he has done for my family. He helped us in hard times, especially when my father died. Not only was Maverick a walking disaster, but I was near rock bottom. He helped with the bills and helped with the house when my mom and Maverick couldn't. There were times my mother couldn't get out of bed and Maverick would take off on his bike for days. I was alone. Not physically, but emotionally. Everyone else checked out, but Travis was there. He would cook me dinner and sit with me on the sofa as I cried, or laughed. It depended on the day. I’m sure it sounds like I took his kindness out of context, but I was in love with Travis Bennett way before then. His affection and generosity just solidified my feelings.

The door opens and I feel the hopelessness invade my chest when it’s not him.

“Supper time!”

A paper plate containing a fold over sandwich and one pickle is tossed at my feet. He tosses one at Tanner, and kicks her in the shoulder with his boot to wake her up. She cries out as he twists the toothpick between his lips.

“Eat up sweetness.” He glances over at me. “You two will need your strength tomorrow. Boss has given me and the guys the green light. We’ve been dying to sample what the Knights have been having.”

Shit.

I try to keep my face void of reaction. I keep my chin up and do like I promised. Show no fear. He reaches down, adjusting his limp dick in his pants before leaving us alone with our gourmet supper.

“I can’t take it Dani.” Tanner’s voice cracks as tears fill her eyes. “I can’t let them do that to us. I won’t survive.”

“Look at me T. Don't let them take anything from you. You hear me? We fight like hell. They may get a piece of our bodies, but we will die fighting. They will never be able to steal who we are and we are Knights of Paradise royalty.”

She nods and swipes at a fallen tear with her arm.

“They’re coming, Tanner,” I whisper.

Please, God. They have to come.

Chapter 17

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