Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
As I made my way inside the house, I knew that things were about to get even worse. Hammer had been getting more and more violent lately, lashing out at me for the smallest things. The bruises on my arms and legs were proof of that. But I didn’t dare tell my dad. He was too caught up in something Grim Road was working on and, given the secrecy with which the club operated, it was doubtful I could even reach him. I think it was the main reason my father agreed to Hammer taking me away from the club. So I’d be away from them if shit went sideways.
Unfortunately, he didn’t take into account how sideways things could go for me once I was away from his protection. I was also hesitant to say anything to Apple and Lemon because, if Dad had sent us to Evansville intentionally, then their club, Iron Tzars MC, knew we were here. I knew nothing about them but the possibility they’d take my side over one of Grim Road’s members was slim.
I went to my room, taking a deep breath as I closed the door behind me. The white of the walls was stark against the gloom the shadows cast from the sun through the only window, creating an eerie effect to add to my disquiet.
My hands shook as I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind racing with what Hammer could be doing out there. I didn’t know what “shit” he had to take care of, but I knew it wouldn’t be good.
I tried to stay away from him as much as I could. So far, he’d left me alone except when I didn’t do exactly as he told me. Then I’d get a beating. Several times I thought about telling my dad, but what good would it do? He’d let Hammer bring me here.
We were a good fifteen hours from anyone in Grim Road. If I told Dad and Hammer found out, there was no way I’d survive. Not only that, but Hammer had assured me he had men in the compound he could count on to take care of my sisters if I contacted my dad without permission. I was under no illusion that “take care of” meant anything other than they’d be killed. The reason I didn’t defy Hammer and call someone I trusted, or leave and run back home as fast as I could, was because of my sisters. Hammer might be bluffing when he said they’d be taken care of, but I didn’t think so. Besides, I wasn’t willing to risk my sisters to save my own hide.
I sat there, trying to drown out the fear and anxiety that clawed its way up my throat. The sounds of the house were still eerie and unfamiliar. The tick of the old grandfather clock in the hallway seemed to mock me, making me wonder how much time I had left until Hammer returned.
With a shudder, I stood and went to my desk. I had homework. That’s what I needed to concentrate on. Homework I could do something about. Hammer, I couldn’t.
It was hours later, after I’d showered and gone to bed, before Hammer returned. I could hear him thumping through the house. He swore viciously, smashing something against a wall.
I had to bite back a whimper, trying to keep quiet and off Hammer’s radar. He often came home drunk. When he did, any little noise could set him off.
Then the door to my room burst open and I gasped, clutching the covers tightly to me.
“Fuckin’ bitch.” Hammer stood in the doorway, a bottle of liquor grasped by the neck in one meaty fist. “You’re only good for one thing. Too fuckin’ skinny to make a good fuck. Too fuckin’ stupid to help me.” He brought the bottle to his mouth and took a hefty pull. “Since you ain’t good for shit, I’m just gonna have to take out my frustrations on you.” His laugh was sinister, meant to terrify me. Even knowing he wanted a response from me, I couldn’t hold back my whimper of fear. He just laughed. “That’s right, bitch. It’s time to play.”
Then the beating began, and I no longer had to worry about holding on to my small whimpers of fear. I fucking screamed.
* * *
Scarlet
Three weeks later…
“That’s it, Scarlet. You’re coming with us.” Lemon, God bless her whole entire soul, took one look at me the second I walked into the high school building and lost her ever-loving shit. I knew what I looked like, though I’d tried to hide the damage with makeup. One side of my face was swollen where I’d landed against the nightstand, which was bad enough, but I was also pretty sure my right shoulder was dislocated. “I’m surprised the son of a bitch let you come to school today.” Lemon wasn’t quiet about her accusations either. Several of the kids walking past did a double take, their eyes widening before they averted their gazes and walked on past. Just like everyone else. Even my teachers. To be fair, I used every trick I could think of to fly under the radar. The last thing I wanted was for someone to try to get involved.