Page 31 of Fall of Hellfire (Hellfire Society #3)

twenty-three

ALI

I 'm getting a little worried when two hours pass and we haven't heard from Cash or Riot.

Arsen keeps telling me they are fine and not to worry, but what kind of wife, girlfriend, fuckbuddy, would I be if I didn't. The last of the takeout that I ordered arrived twenty minutes ago.

I didn't know what everyone was in the mood for so I went with a little of everything.

Chinese, Mexican, American and even something Greek that was nearby.

Honestly, the kitchen smells amazing with all the scents flooding it, but my stomach is too tied up in knots to even think about food until I know my men are safe.

So here I am, sitting at the kitchen counter staring aimlessly at takeout boxes, my mouth watering, my stomach growling while simultaneously twisting all while I wait.

But I can't help my wayward thoughts and how they zero in on the worst possible things that could happen.

What if they get ambushed? Or something stupid, like pulled over?

What if James saw them coming and killed them first?

What if one of them gets hurt? It's never ending as my mind spirals out of control.

"Ali. Allllliiii....Hello, earth to Ali.

" Hands on my shoulder startle me before I’m looking up into Arsen's handsome face.

"Where did you just go?" I frown at his question but then immediately wince when I remember what I was so hyper focused on.

He must read my expression because he just chuckles.

"Oh, little flame, I promise they are fine.

They would have contacted us if something went wrong.

I will say that they will be delighted to know how much you worried for them.

" He bops me on my nose making me scowl at him.

"Oh, don't make that face, it's just as cute.

" My scowl turns to a glare before I just roll my eyes.

I know what he's doing and I hate to admit it, but it's working. Ugh.

"What if.." My words are cut off when the sound of the garage door opening echoes through the kitchen. As if my ass was zapped by lightning, I’m up and out of my chair rushing to the garage, needing to lay my eyes on my other two men.

The small car they took pulls to a park, its headlights blinding before they shut off.

I'm bouncing on my toes waiting to lay eyes on my men, when the front driver side and passenger doors open. I quickly inspect both men, looking for injuries or any new marks that were there before they left. When both look perfectly okay, I race into Riot’s arms, since he is the closest. He lets out an umph when my body slams into his, but his arms wrap around me in a tight embrace before laying a soft kiss on my temple.

After another tight squeeze, he releases me, placing me back on my feet, which I'm then promptly spun around and wrapped into another firm chest.

"I can get used to these types of hellos," Cash murmurs into my hair, before he too is pulling back.

Looking up at him, I see he is looking towards the back of the car.

Curious, I spin in his hold in time to see Riot and Arsen drag out a large man's body from the trunk before unceremoniously dropping him on the concert floor.

The man, James, lets out a low, pain filled moan, but the sound is muffled by duct taped wrapped around his mouth.

Then I see it's also wrapped around his wrists and ankles.

Then the fact he is only in a pair of boxers catches my attention making me want to gag. Gross, hairy old man chest.

"I see your hunt went well," I say, turning away from the man and focusing back on Cash as he nods, smiling down at me.

"Like taking candy from a baby." He winks, making me roll my eyes.

"Okay, big guy. I'm starving and ordered enough food to feed a small army.

Go put your toy away and wash up." Going up on my tiptoes, I peck him on the cheek before skipping back into the house, feeling the heavy weight from earlier disappearing as I move back to the kitchen.

It's crazy to think how much my life has changed since just a few weeks ago.

Now I just need to figure out what the guys have planned for our three guests down in the basement.

I do know that now that the guy's fathers are out of the picture, life for them is about to get hectic with gaining back the power of being heads of Hellfire.

My men, sons of the Hellfire Society are now the kings of the empire and anyone not loyal better watch out.

I let the guys all eat in peace until I can't take it any longer.

“So, what is the plan now?” I stuff another bite of beef and broccoli into my mouth and chew, letting my eyes jump from man to man.

None of them give anything away as they all continue to eat their own food.

I let out a frustrated sigh before leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms over my chest with a pout.

“Don’t make that face,” Riot whines, turning his own face up and looking at the ceiling to avoid my puppy dog eyes.

Fine. I turn to Arsen who chuckles and shakes his head, letting me know it’s not going to work on him either.

I turn my whole body this time to face Cash, who is now sitting back in his own chair smirking at me.

“We have something planned for tomorrow, but none of us are going to tell you what. So, you can stop with that face.” He points to the face in question that I’m making.

The face must work a little because he continues on.

“I will tell you that it will be fun, but in order for us to get ready for it, Arsen and Riot will need to leave tonight.” I frown, turning to both of them, a brow cocked in question, but of course they shrug and grin like it’s all fun and games.

Which apparently it will be, according to Cash.

“When do you guys leave?” My worry from earlier returns but not nearing as bad. Probably since I know the root of all our problems are currently tied up in the basement with no way to escape.

Arsen sets down his fork before checking his watch.

“Right after dinner. If we leave early enough we should be done by midday. You both will arrive just before nightfall.” I tilt my head to the side, studying him, but his words only add to the puzzle I don’t have enough pieces for.

So, they have to travel. Whatever is happening will be at night?

What kind of fun will we have at night? More questions pile up and I swear a headache starts to form as I try to piece together all the information I’ve collected.

Cash reaches over and rubs at my back. My body automatically relaxes into his touch.

“Don’t think too hard. Trust us to take care of everything.

” I give him a half ass committed hum before the overwhelming exhaustion from the day hits.

“Why don’t you go climb into bed, Bunny?

I’ll be right behind you.” I hum again moving on autopilot as I kiss my other two men on the lips, mumbling that I will see them soon, and make my way out of the kitchen.

The guys all begin to whisper, but I don’t have the strength to eavesdrop.

Plus, I do trust my men, I trust them with my life even with only knowing them for such a short time.

Fate is crazy like that. I don’t even bother changing my clothes as I climb into bed.

The moment my head hits the pillow, the sense of relief and something akin to happiness consumes me, luring me into the comfort of a restful sleep.

“ W here are we going?” I ask for what is like the millionth time.

We’ve been driving for what feels like hours and Cash continues to remain tight lipped on our destination.

I watch as the trees fly by us, and I get the idea we might be headed back to Shane’s cabin, but that doesn’t make any sense.

We were only there to hide out for a bit, which is no longer needed since all the people that have been giving us trouble are no longer running free.

Cash lets out a low chuckle, the sound sending a zap to my pussy making me wiggle in my seat. “We’re almost there, bunny. Promise.”

A couple more minutes pass and, sure enough, we are turning down a dirt road surrounded by trees.

We head deeper into the thick of it but I keep my mouth shut, reminding myself good things come to those who wait.

But I will admit, being driven into the middle of nowhere where no one will be able to hear me scream—and if I run I’ll most likely be lost for days—isn’t all that reassuring of the good fun time I was promised.

Another twenty odd minutes pass before I spot a small clearing up head.

A familiar SUV parked in the center, headlight on high beams with Riot and Arsen standing outside.

My mood instantly lifts as we pull up, my men meeting me halfway with hugs and kisses.

You would think it’s been weeks since seeing each other, not less than twenty-four hours.

“You made it.” I nod to Arsen as Cash finally comes to our little secret meeting.

I can’t help my eyes wandering around the area trying to figure out why we are even here when a low groan sounds from somewhere in the dark.

I blink slowly into the darkness, then glance at the guys in question before then turning back to focus on the darkness again.

My eyes have yet to focus fully, so I can’t see anything but shadowy trees with outstretched branches casted by the overhead moonlight.

“Is there a reason the trees are groaning?” I ask not to put off but more just curious if we are alone. Or if my earlier thought has any merit.

“Ah. That’s your present wife.” Riot beams before pulling out a flashlight and shining it toward the back of the SUV.

I take a second to consider what I’m seeing.

I think I was prepared for many things, but the sight in front of me is on a whole other level of what I want to call romance.

And I do mean romance because this has to be some type of declaration of love shit, right?

Because tied to a tree only a few feet away is a slumped-over, worse-than-death warmed up looking Ethan Black.

The only thing that I can get past my throat is an awkward, “Ummm..” Because why is Ethan here? Not just him, but I spot Henry and James, who don’t look much better, tied to trees next to him as well.

“This is your present. Do you like it?” Riot asks, almost bouncing in anticipation of my answer. It’s kind of cute the way he wants me to be happy about this. That’s my psychopath husband.

I wave a hand in their direction. “Why are they here?” I finally ask, turning back to focus on my men, who are now watching me and my reaction.

Are they nervous that I might freak out or something?

I mean, my next best guess is that we are going to dig graves for fun to get rid of evidence.

I’ve never dug a grave, but I suppose it could be fun.

I could start singing Johnny Cash’s Burning Ring of Fire or maybe Bodies Hit the Floor by Drowning Pool to get in the mood.

“Well, we decided that because we met in the trials, we should celebrate in the same way.” I blink because I think I’m understanding now, but I can’t be too sure.

When I don’t jump for joy or say anything else, Cash continues his explanation.

He opens his arms to encompass the pitch black area surrounding us.

“The guys spent most of the day setting up traps or more all around this area. We're going to let them go to attempt to survive out here.” I open my mouth to tell him that’s not a great idea because what if they survive and get free…

someone made a fool of me once saying this exact reason, but he holds up a hand to stop me.

“With a twist of course…” he pauses for a major dramatic effect that has me on pins and needles before practically confirming their everlasting love to me with six simple words. “We are going to hunt them.”