Page 26

Chapter 26

Fleur

L ast night is a nightmare I can’t shake.

Claimed. Like some sort of ritualistic bride being led to slaughter. I can’t argue that it’s better than dying, but the idea Liam stayed my execution like some sort of hero is disconcerting.

He was mad on the way back to his cabin last night. Fists gripped at his sides, and each time I’d fall or trip, he’d huff in anger.

Barbaric jerk.

He pitched this as a way to make Adam pay—taking what’s his. Blitz barely bought it, and I’m unsure Darrin is truly on board. Part of me worries when he returns, he’ll decide that all of it isn’t worth it and put a bullet in my head for causing too many issues. Because at this point, that’s what I am. Adam didn’t morph out of the shadowed trees last night, willing to pay up so they’d let me go. No, he’s nowhere to be found.

Pounding on the cabin’s door wakes me, although I can’t say I was sleeping too soundly. The couch is a thousand times more comfortable than the cell’s cot and I couldn’t be more grateful for the reprieve my back got, but every little sound made me flinch. Each rustle of leaves outside, the sound of footsteps striding through the gravel pathways to other cabins, or the slightly heavy breathing coming from the only bedroom in the cabin and the man behind it. They all caused my heart to jump into my throat.

This morning is no exception. I bolt upright at the pounding but quickly turn into the back of the couch, my back exposed to the living room, when I hear Liam stir. Pulling the quilt, which smells an awful lot like cinnamon rolls, up to cover half my face, I steady my breath as Liam lumbers out from his room. I listen as the door whips open and a man stutters before Liam pushes him back out.

While the cabin is warm and homey, it’s not soundproof and does not block out the noise of their camp.

“… what the hell are you doing pounding on my door this early?” Liam’s voice quietly yells.

“Blitz wanted to make sure you still had the girl and were ready for this morning?” The second man’s voice is muffled through the door, as if he’s farther away. Liam most likely chased him off the porch.

“She’s tired. You’d be too if you slept on a concrete floor worried for your life, then made to dig your own grave. Get the hell outta here before I bury you in the clearing myself.”

“But—”

“Get.”

I can almost see the sneer on Liam’s face as he barks out the last command as he would to a feral dog.

My mouth suddenly dry, I fling the covers off myself and move to grab the same glass I used for water in the middle of the night from the kitchen counter. Every time I woke, I went to get a glass. My body did it unconsciously as if it was preparing for another several days with so little. The groan of pipes sputters out some water, and I gulp it down, then rinse out the glass and set it back where it lived all night.

The door plows back open and Liam steps back in. I freeze, staring at him across the counter through the living room and straight to where he stands at the front door. Shirtless.

Black jeans hug his lower half, while the work of art on his bare chest is displayed on his muscular top half. Ink drips down his chest on the right side, rolling into a full right arm sleeve. The left side of his chest and arm are blank, with the exception of what looks like a scar, and I can’t help but wonder if he has plans to cover those too. His hair is tousled and snarled from his night’s sleep, which makes it look like he didn’t sleep much better than I did. Dull gray and blue underline each of his eyes, and when I finally meet his stare, he’s looking at me, confused.

“Sorry if that woke you.”

“It’s fine. I’m not sure what time it is anyway,” I say, shrugging my shoulders and removing my gaze from him in favor of the door he came through.

“Clock is right …” He points behind me and I turn to see the round manual thing ticking furiously. It’s 7:00 a.m. “Blitz most likely has already blackmailed a priest to come to the clubhouse, so we should get ready.”

I snort, looking down at my clothes. Well, his clothes. I have these sweatpants and an oversized shirt. Can’t get ready—not that I want to.

“Trust me. It’s going to be five minutes and not pleasant. Shower if you want or freshen up. I’m going to get dressed and we’ll walk over.”

Trust him. I shake my head at those same words spoken to me last night. His calm demeanor is eerily and utterly terrifying. “How can you be so cavalier about this? I’m sure getting married to a random stranger isn’t something you planned for either.”

“I always do what needs to be done.” He marches back to this room and shuts the door while I stand there wondering how far I’d make it if I ran through the trees to find a road out of here.

Blitz’s threatening words for my parents quickly dispose of that idea. Plus, the thought that maybe this would keep them from going after Adam crosses my mind. I’m sure it’s all Liam is worried about at this point. No matter how angry he is at his brother, they’re still family.

Padding to the bathroom, I decide against a shower. There’s no one I’d rather impress less than this bunch. Instead, I finger-brush my teeth with some toothpaste I find in the medicine cabinet and swish out my mouth with some water cupped in my hand. I have zero makeup, and I’m grateful my hair seems to be fairly tangle-free.

When I exit the bathroom, Liam is already waiting by the door. Seems he isn’t too concerned about what he looks like either. He opted to keep his black pants on and threw on a T-shirt, layering it under his leather jacket, his hair pulled back into a loose bun.

Fiddling with sunglasses in his hands, his mouth drops when he sees me but closes it quickly. Without saying anything, he opens the door and we both make our way down the pathways to the clubhouse.

I squint in the bright rays. It’s been several days since I’ve seen the sun, or any daylight, for that matter. Everything is vibrant and humming with color. A grouping of cabins sits behind us as we leave the area and walk to another building. The pit in my stomach grows with each step I take toward the clubhouse, as they call it. With the large firepit out back, I know I’ve been held somewhere in that building.

Thank goodness it’s too early in the morning for all the men to be up and around, considering I heard them partying until three or four this morning.

I wipe my palms on my baggy sweatpants as we near the building, my anxiety at its peak. Both rubber bands still on my wrist are stretched out, rendering them ineffective for chasing away the restlessness. I’ll need to replace them—soon.

The front has a wide overhang made from round wooden beams. This whole place mimics a high-end campground and my brain is having trouble separating the lawlessness of the men and their actions to the beauty and serenity of the place right now.

With one hand on the door, Liam grabs my hand, bringing my eyes instantly to his. His pupils are blown wide—is that fear fighting its way through?

“It’s going to be quick, cold, and callous. Don’t react,” he says.

Confused but unwilling to admit otherwise, I nod, and he squeezes my hand before opening the door. It’s not tender or loving, but there’s a comfort in it and at that, my brow furrows even more.

We pass through a large dining area and approach a door with the words brEAK ROOM over it. Inside, Blitz stands with several other men in leathers and another man sweating bullets. His Roman collar does very little to hide the damp beads above his lip and the drops seeping from his temples.

As soon as we enter, I’m ushered in front of the priest, with a gun pointed at my head.

I never imagined my wedding would be held at gunpoint. Considering how long I waited to marry my high school sweetheart, this wedding puts a whole new meaning to the term shotgun wedding.

There’s no mistaking this as anything but forced. They aren’t even trying to fool the priest which means they must have something on him.

“I-I’m Father Michael,” he says. “I’ll be performing the vows and witnessing the marriage. I have the marriage certificate for you to fill out afterward.”

As Father Michael speaks, he looks toward the gun, terror gripping his expression the entire time he’s speaking with us. I’m sure the vows he took are not being upheld at this moment.

“P-please repeat after me,” the priest says, and he gives me my first line.

The ceiling starts to collapse. At least that’s how it feels. Crushing and suffocating. I’m going to lose it.

“I, Fleur J-J-Jacobs—” The words get caught in my throat, and I fist my shaking hands at my sides. The priest gulps when the gun is raised toward me, and in my peripheral, Liam flinches.

“Say it!” Blitz demands.

I squeeze my eyes shut and grit my teeth to try again. “I F-F-Fleur?—”

A hand grazes mine and I glance down to my right to see Liam’s closed fist brush mine. He’s no longer touching me, but that brief contact—I look up to catch the pleading in his expression. It’s fleeting but revealing.

The realization that Liam’s actions, however twisted and strange, are all to save my life, gives me the resolve to clear my throat and steel my spine. And finally, I repeat the priest’s words without fail.

We aren’t turned to look at each other. We only stare at Father Michael in front of us, and I do my best to zone out this painful moment. The irony I waited for so long to be married to the love of my life, and now in a matter of days I’m marrying a stranger whom I don’t even like isn’t lost on me.

When I say “I do” I almost laugh, but tears find their way instead.

Liam and I move to sign the documents needed and when I hear the click of the gun being returned to one of the men’s hostler, I breathe a little easier. That is until Blitz opens his mouth.

“Well, Liam, never thought I’d see the day when you’d claim a woman. Never had the balls to bring any around here. Too afraid we’d steal her away.” He chuckles and Liam purses his lips and crosses his arms in front of himself, creating a barrier.

“We done here?” Liam asks. His voice is different from when he spoke with me. It’s cold and unfeeling.

“For now. Don’t forget tonight,” Blitz says, a hunger in his eyes brings a shiver up my spine.

What’s tonight?

Liam nods once and roughly grabs my elbow, yanking me toward the door with him. The men behind us laugh and snicker. When I turn back to glare at them, the priest wipes a single tear from his cheek, an expression of remorse and worry mirroring my own.

Liam drops my elbow as soon as we exit the clubhouse like my arm is blazing hot and he’s burned himself.

I blink away my fuzzy vision, the intense sunshine glaring off the rows of motorcycles lined up in the gravel parking nearly blinding me. Having to run to catch up to Liam, I fall into step behind him, unsure of his direction but my lifeline anyway. There are zero people here I trust, but maybe I distrust Liam a little less.

“Let’s go,” he barks at me. Slowing down by a vehicle covered with a canvas cover, he whips it back, exposing an older Ford F-250. It’s a mix of candy apple red and burgundy and it’s in perfect condition. I trace the silver mirror jutting from the side, appreciating the truck.

Liam must notice because he grunts out, “It’s from 1980. My grandfather gave it to me, but I prefer the bike.”

I can’t help myself and snort. He narrows his eyes at me, his expression unreadable. “I mean … why the bike? This is gorgeous.”

“Just get in.”

“Why?” I ask. Liam’s jaw ticks at my second question in seconds, and he hardens his face while ignoring me. I roll my eyes and move to the passenger side. My dad would love this. As soon as the thought enters my head, it wipes the smile off my face and replaces the minor excitement I have with the feelings from minutes ago in front of the priest.

My parents. They’re most likely worried sick. Gosh, they’ve probably been calling and calling the phone I don’t have anymore. Have they reached out to local police? I’m sure if they do, they’ll learn of the farmhouse fire and panic. Will they try to come down here?

I pull at the rubber bands hugging my wrist, twisting and pulling them while I sit in the seat, waiting for Liam to get in. Yanking them back as far as they will stretch, I let the sting ground me and center my thoughts. I still feel. One thing at a time, Fleur. One thing at a time.

With another pull upward, I’m ready to let the two bands snap again when the door opens. The creak is loud as if a sheep groaned in a question. I jump and release the rubber bands, covering my wrist, my fingertips scratching the newly formed welts.

Liam stares at my attempt to cover my hands and his gaze drops to where I grip my wrist in my lap. He climbs into the truck, starts it, and pulls down what I assume is the main entrance. We drive through an electronic gate that hums as we drive past. The gravel gives way to the khaki dirt, and the truck shakes over the tiny pebbles beneath the tires.

We must drive a good mile or so before I realize how far out here we are. No other houses or buildings have caught my attention and the sinking feeling deepens. No one is going to be looking for me out here.

Liam is silent, and I’m not sure if that makes me happy or uncomfortable. I slide my gaze over at him and tell myself this is survival. He’s now my husband. Words I’d never equate with a man like him. But again, it’s for survival.

Another mile or so and I can make out the red octagon of a stop sign ahead. A paved road comes into view along with the Natchez Trace signage. I twirl the white string hanging off my sweatpants around my finger.

“Where are we going?” I finally ask.

“To town. You need clothes and supplies, and I have another stop to make.”

“How long will I be here? Can’t you drop me off somewhere? Actually, what about the bed-and-breakfast? I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Northgate would let me stay with them a bit. You can tell Blitz and Darrin I bolted on you.”

Liam tenses and slams his fist on the steering wheel. “You think this is a game? You want me to drop you off, pretend you got away? No one gets away from me. They’d never buy it. It’s not just your ass on the line.”

Part of me wonders if they know why Liam married me. I’m sure they know it was for Adam.

“And need I remind you that those close to you are at risk too? So you’ll get some clothes and supplies. Get what you need because most of the women don’t get to leave all that often. Unless you’re with me, you don’t go anywhere.”

“Comforting,” I deadpan.

He scowls at me, and for a second, I think about what he gave up for this. Was he seeing someone? Did he have a lady friend around the compound? I squash the thought. Why should I care? He got himself into this mess with this group. But as I say that, a sliver of compassion whittles away my bitterness.

We roll into town within fifteen minutes, and I try to gauge the direction of the compound, but I’ve always been terrible with direction and have no clue. Passing the home improvement store I’ve become so familiar with, Liam turns to me.

“Where do you want to stop?”

“Double Lucky’s.” I spit it out so fast. I’ve been thinking about it since he told me the plan was to get me more clothes. Perhaps River is working, and I’ll be able to speak with her. Or even get some help from outside the town and the local law enforcement that is too lazy to do anything about this group.

He narrows his eyes at me. “You and River friends?”

“Yes.” I don’t hide it. I’m not going to pretend like I won’t say anything to her, and I get the feeling he understands that.

He grunts, but then he moves into the right-turning lane for Main Street and the thrift store. Pulling into the parking lot, my adrenaline spikes. I practically have to walk with my hands on the waistband of my pants because they keep falling down. At least at the thrift store, I can get a wide variety of items.

The town of Ruin does not have a big box retailer. Everything is niche, and if you want to go clothes shopping, your options are Double Lucky’s or the hunting store riddled with camo. It takes a good hour to get to a department store from Ruin.

Liam opens the store’s one functioning door—the other blocked by a pile of boxes River hasn’t sorted through yet. The bell goes off and River’s voice pipes up from the back.

“Be with you in a minute.”

I want to cry at her voice. It hasn’t been that long, but it feels like I’ve been away for a lifetime.

Liam stands at the entrance, arms hanging down by his sides, but his fists are tight, and I don’t miss the rapid pulsing in his neck.

“So what can I help you—Oh my! Fleur?” River bolts through two racks of shoes to embrace me. She grips me tight in a hug, running her hands over my back as if she’s trying to make sure I’m real.

“Hi, River,” I say.

“I’m so glad to see you’re okay. Adam told me about the fire and that Darrin had—” She shakes her head. “Never mind. Here you are. Are you okay?”

I’ve never heard River talk so fast, but as she does, her gaze shifts to the door and her eyes widen when she notices Liam.

She points at him. “You didn’t … did you?”

Liam nods, and they stare at each other. I’m certain there’s a silent conversation between them, and I can’t shake the uncomfortable bubbles gurgling in my stomach.

“So did Adam finally get to you? When I spoke with him in the hospital, he said he was making a phone call and had a plan.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek and glance at Liam. River looks between the two of us, then down at the sweatpants I’m wearing.

“I need some clothes. The fire …”

“Where are you staying? Do you need?—”

A heavy sigh from Liam interrupts River. “She’s staying with me. She’ll be fine River. Let this play out,” he says.

River’s mouth drops open, and she grabs for my hand. “Did he claim you? I thought Adam was coming …”

I’m not sure what I can say without crying. This whole situation is screwed up, and the only thing keeping me from darting out the back door and hopping on a plane home is the fact that Blitz personally threatened my family. It’s not a chance I’m willing to take. I’m not brave. I run away from problems, not confront them. I’ll deal with it myself.

The warm gush of tears wells in my eyes and I smack them away, earning a glare from Liam. “It’ll be fine, River. Adam didn’t come. I’m not even sure where he is. But Liam … he technically saved my life.” I shrug my shoulders but allow the words to sink in. “For now, I need some clothes and a few things.”

River yanks the collar of her red T-shirt to dab the corner of her eye, then shakes out both her hands at the same time.

“Whatever you need.”

It takes me a good hour to gather several pairs of jean shorts, tanks, T-shirts, and a couple of dresses. River digs through newly donated boxes to find some unopened underwear that will hold me over for now, and she places an order online for me I’ll be able to pick up when it comes in.

While I’m grabbing a couple of books and storage for some of my clothes, River approaches Liam at the front and they talk in hushed whispers. I tilt my head, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear, trying to hear their conversation, but it’s no use. I frown. They seem closer than I thought. Or maybe that’s small-town life for you.

“Cash or card, Liam?” River asks, and he pulls out his wallet, then hands over a card without knowing the total. Must be nice. Drug money at work.

She rings up my clothes and hands back Liam’s card. The urge to say thank you is on the tip of my tongue, but I quickly swallow it. River floats back around from behind the check-out counter and pulls me in for another hug.

“I’m sorry about everything. I’m just glad you’re safe and alive. Adam may still come yet,” River says, squeezing me a little past uncomfortable. When she releases me, Liam grunts toward the door, and River wrinkles her nose in disgust at him.

“Hold your horses. She’s coming.”

“Yeah. And I’ll tell Darrin you say hi,” Liam says.

River’s face goes as white as the freshly painted porch on the farmhouse I no longer have. She freezes, narrowing her eyes at Liam before shooing him with her hand.

Back in the truck, Liam starts it but doesn’t move. He props his elbow up on the window and rests his head in his hand there, rubbing at his forehead.

I study him out of the corner of my eye. He looks stressed. The fine lines around his mouth curve downward, and his eyes appear flooded with worry. He does a double take when he catches me staring.

“I figure we can stop at the drugstore. Get a few shower and bathroom items. I know you’re basically starting over.”

“Yep. That’s what happens when your house is set on fire.” It flies out of my mouth so fast I can’t take it back. I’m being rude to the man who’s trying to save his brother and help the random girl caught up in all of this. “Sorry …” I add.

“Don’t be.” Liam grips the wheel, backing out of the parking lot.

I grab what I need from the drugstore, feeling more comfortable about the days going forward with some basic amenities. I didn’t realize how low maintenance I was until I had to replace all my items at once and stripped my needs down to the minimum. I could tell Liam was slightly shocked by how little I walked away with. But I view this as oh so very temporary. The moment I can, I’ll be leaving this town and my failed farmhouse dreams with it.

We turn down another road, an all too familiar one, and my eyes widen when we pull into the bed-and-breakfast parking lot—the employee one. Where I had one of my first encounters with Liam.

“What are we doing here?” I ask. I make zero attempt to hide my concern.

“Figure you’d want to check in with them? Let them know you’ll be out of work for a bit.”

“A bit?”

“It won’t be forever, Fleur. I can promise you that.” He doesn’t look at me when he says this. Only stares out the window toward the massive oak trees in the front lawn.

His words should bring me comfort, and they do in a way. There is an end in sight. I’m not sure what the rules are regarding how long one needs to be married before filing for a divorce, but surely a forced marriage won’t be contested. It will end , I say to myself.

I dismiss the odd sensation probing at my chest and reach for the door handle at the same time Liam opens his.

He directs me to the back kitchen door, which knowing he’s been here helping Mr. Northgate doesn’t ring as odd. What does seem odd is the way he walks right in. No knock. No doorbell. He didn’t even wait for me to walk inside.

I swallow, cautiously stepping in after him. He stops short, avoiding a box by the stairs. I accidentally slam into his back and wobble to the side, arm reaching out to grab the coat rack for balance.

A flicker of recognition passes through me before the realization hits.