Page 6 of Fractured Future

“Well, isn’t this a turn of events. Wrists up then, whore.”

Hold it in. Hold it in.

If I play the game, I’ll get my opening.

The inflamed circles that mark my wrists become clear when I hold them up. He unlocks my cage, skulking inside to bind me in a pair of black handcuffs. The cold metal bites deep into my wounds.

“Keep that mouth of yours shut too,” he growls in warning. “The boss ain’t as forgiving as I am.”

“Is this forgiving?” I can’t help but snark. “You broke my fucking cheekbone.”

Grinning, he trails a fingertip over my face. “Could’ve been worse.”

Hauling me by the chain that connects my cuffs, I’m pulled from the cage. Each tug adds to the furious bonfire turning my innards into a furnace, but I wrestle with the red haze to keep a level head.

I’ll bide my time. Allow them to think I’ve given in to their taunts. When I’m above ground, I can make a plan.

Before I’m escorted from the dank expanse, a shout freezes my blood.

“And her. She’s been requested for this auction.”

“No,” I gasp in horror.

Diego’s staring right at Gracie. Her puffy blue eyes fill with burgeoning horror when she realises he’s talking about her.

“Our customers enjoy unspoiled products.” His disgusting breath tickles my earlobe. “She’ll be snapped right up.”

“No! Don’t you dare touch her!”

“Oh, I won’t. That’s what the auction is for,cariño.”

Despite kicking and thrashing with every ounce of strength I possess, I’m still pinned tight by the handcuffs. The other men prowl towards Gracie’s cage, unlocking the bars to enter.

“Stop! Leave her alone!”

“Now, now.” Diego laughs, still lording himself over me. “I’ll make sure she goes to a good home. They’ll break her in nicely.”

“No! Gracie!”

Attempting to wrench myself free, the twinge in my shoulder transforms into an intense burn when the muscles strain. Still I buck and thrash, searching for any escape.

They can’t take her. Not a chance. I’ll rip myself in half and carry my severed limbs with me if that’s what it takes to reach her cage and protect the poor girl.

Frantic shouts and cries form a sick harmony all around me as the other women watch the unfolding scene. The two men have picked up Gracie’s arms and legs, but she’s jerking between them to shake herself free.

“We’ve got a wriggler, boss.”

“Then teach her to behave!”

The second man momentarily drops her feet so he can snap out his curled fist. She’s unprepared, the impact landing with a hollow crackthat causes blood to explode from her nose.

Just the sound of Gracie screaming is enough to tear at those widening fissures in my mind until I’m barely hanging onto my sanity.

“Gracie,” I screech, now overflowing with panic. “Stop. Don’t fight.”

I can see how weak she is from being starved. Another punch like that and she may crumble into dust.

“No!” she howls through pouring blood. “I want to go home!”