Page 98 of Tease
I don’t even understand what’s going on right now. Who is this Russo guy, and why does he think Kailey belongs to him?
Marco walks back over to stand in front of Mathew and says, "Everyone knows that I want no part in the skin trade, and I've been letting your little side business slide. Knowing it didn't affect my business. Until now. Once you helped Russo take my goddaughter, you sealed your fate. It's just a pity that you let yourself get mixed up in his mess, just because you didn't want to lose a buyer. I hope it was worth it.”
Mathew hangs his head. “Just kill me; I’m already a dead man anyway.”
Marco continues, “Your father will be waiting at the graveyard for you. Take him away.” Marco nods his head, and one of his men walks over and hits Mathew in the face, knocking him out.
Marco grips Carter’s shoulder. “Wewillfind them.”
“We have to, Mars. I can’t losehertoo.” He gives his brother a nod and then turns to his men. “You know what to do.”
“Yes, sir.” The room empties out one by one until it’s just Beau, Carter, and me.
“What can I do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
“I know that was a lot, but I’ll need you two to stay with me. Once we find the girls, they’ll need you both. Stay strong. Go to their places and grab what you think they’ll need.”
“I don’t have a key to Kailey’s place.” I run a hand through my hair.
“Not a problem. I got you.” Beau tells me.
CHAPTER 68
KC
Ajani and I continue to run until our legs can’t carry us anymore. We don’t stop. We continue walking in the wooded area along the dirt road. The place where they kept us was a single warehouse down a long dirt road. Ajani tried to text her father from the cell phone she took off of one of the men, but the service has been shitty out here.
“Did it go through?” I ask, pointing at the phone Ajani is holding on to for dear life.
She opens it to check. “It says delivered, but there’s been no response, so who the fuck knows? We’ll keep walking until we can get cell service or a ride to safety.” She looks around at our surroundings. “I mean, I don’t think they would’ve taken us out of Chicago.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Probably the outskirts, right?”
Ajani nods and continues to stare straight ahead.
“Hey.” I grab her arm. “I really am sorry that I dragged you into this. If I never would’ve gotten involved with that TEASE app?—”
“Stop it.” She grabs both of my shoulders, shaking me. “It’s okay. We’re gonna be okay. I’m sorry you had to see me like that,” she pulls me in for a hug, “but let’s keep walking.”
“Have you killed people before?”
Ajani doesn’t answer right away. “One time, I was taken and didn’t have these.” She points to her bracelet and then her combat boot. “Never again. I promised myself that I’d never be caught vulnerable.”
I can tell she doesn’t want to talk about it.
“Hey, duck down.”
The crunching of gravel can be heard. Sounds like a vehicle is coming. “Oh, fuck. What if it’s the guy who wanted me?” I cover my mouth to hold back my sob.
Ajani whispers, “They don’t know we aren’t at the warehouse anymore.”
The vehicle slows down as it gets closer to where we’re hiding.
“I’m scared.” I burrow myself against Ajani’s body.
I hear the vehicle stop, and multiple doors open and close.
“Don’t make a sound, KC.” Ajani shields me with her body.
