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Sharp - November 2018

R omeo was losing the plot. He had been back in South Dakota six weeks and was about to push Drake and Washington over the edge. He’d been keeping a low profile, but today Romeo had decided to test boundaries and go for a meal in Bernard’s. Sharp was driving, but he’d ensured that Romeo had Seabrooke with him. Three other followed in an SUV behind.

Sharp planned to keep the engine running and stay outside just in case a quick getaway was needed. Plus, it kept him out of the eyes of Rage—and anyone else who might recognise him.

“Boss, ain’t sure this is a great idea,” Sharp warned over his shoulder. Did they plan to kill him? Was Romeo organising a face-to-face with Rage with Sharp as the main course?

Ever since Volcano had murmured his identity and then disappeared, Sharp had been on edge. A sick feeling had lodged in his belly and wouldn’t move.

“It’s a great idea. I’m gonna fuck with both of them and walk away. Problems Solved is about to cause mayhem for Rage. This is just a teaser. Rage’s holier-than-thou reputation is about to take a dive,” Romeo gloated.

“Who the fuck is Problems Solved?” Sharp answered. What was Romeo’s latest scheme?

“Someone that’s going to solve my issues,” Romeo declared, and a smirk crossed his face.

Seabrooke and Sharp shared a concerned glance, which Romeo didn’t catch. As Sharp parked, he grabbed Seabrooke before he exited.

“Watch his back,” Sharp murmured, and Seabrooke nodded.

Romeo strolled into Bernards like he owned the place. The three guards followed him. Twenty-five minutes later, bike pipes roared, and Rage disappeared down the alley to the parking lot. Sharp guessed they’d used the rear entrance, as they didn’t appear again.

Sharp was antsy as he waited with the engine running.

“What happened?” Sharp asked when they were safely away and he was sure they weren’t being followed.

“Bernard is a snitch, as I thought, and called Rage and Washington,” Romeo replied.

“That’s obvious, his husband works for Phoenix Michaelson,” Sharp replied.

“Indeed. Drake was a little antsy when he arrived. Looked a bit peaky. Seemed a shame to mess with him,” Romeo commented.

“But you did,” Sharp said, and Romeo chuckled.

“Naturally. But Drake returned the favour. He insinuated that Bernard may have poisoned my fish.”

Sharp sent him a concerned glare. “Tell me you didn’t eat it.”

“Of course I did, I wasn’t going to let them frighten me.”

Sharp silently prayed that Bernard had poisoned the fish. The owner of the restaurant was known to have a spiteful streak.

“Then Drake commented on the size of my cock. Rather an interesting comment, really. Why would he be worried about that? Perhaps the happy home life is a front,” Romeo mused, and Sharp exchanged a confused look with Seabrooke, who was frowning.

“The rumours proved accurate. Washington got clean.”

“Don’t mess with me, boss. I’m not an idiot. What did you do?” Sharp demanded, losing patience.

“Don’t overstep!” Romeo shot back.

“Don’t play me for a fool!” Sharp retorted, and Romeo laughed.

“Never afraid, Mr Sharp, are you? I offered Drake a bullshit truce. Said I’d stay away from Rage, Hawthorne, and Washington if they let me have the rest of the city. Naturally, Drake refused. Strangely, though, he called Washington family. Isn’t that unusual in an MC?”

“Why you asking me?” Sharp snapped.

“You are very unsettled today. Is something bothering you?”

“Boss, you’re playing mind games. You know I don’t appreciate them. Neither does Seabrooke. Give the shit a rest and pick over your enemy’s bones,” Sharp stated.

“Drake then offered me a last warning. Get out of the city and live. It won’t happen, I’m staying here and taking my city back from them. Right now, they’re trying to figure out what I’ve got planned, which will keep them chasing their tails in circles. They’ll soon be distracted, and we can continue business as usual,” Romeo announced and turned to look out the window.

None of that was fuckin’ helpful, Sharp decided. He couldn’t warn Rage because he had nothing to give them. Romeo was a fuckwit at times.

Sharp – end of January - 2019

Shit, it had become clear what Romeo had done. He’d sent in some ringers for Rage who were extorting from shops, and the entire area now hated Rage.

Sharp was back in Butler’s Beach and talking to Seabrooke, who sounded concerned.

“Rage is ripping the city apart looking for this Problem Solved team. Romeo’s already moved those out who weren’t arrested. His need for games is becoming worrying,” Seabrooke said.

“I didn’t hear that,” Sharp replied, unsure if this was being recorded.

“Sharp, you know what he’s doing, he’s unstable.”

“Shut your mouth. You better not be speaking to me from the mansion, that house is bugged to the gills. Whatever the boss says goes. We work for him. I don’t wanna hear another word,” Sharp snapped.

Something in his gut was telling him this was a setup. Seabrooke was as loyal as a fuckin’ dog. No, Romeo was testing his loyalty. Why? Had Volcano spilled the beans and informed Romeo who he really was? Sharp had too many questions and not enough answers.

Sharp cut the call as Volcano approached.

“You coming in?” he demanded.

“Yeah,” Sharp said.

“Watch your step, Grunt,” Volcano snarled as a guy walked into him.

Grunt looked alarmed at the behemoth in front of him and moved aside. But Sharp saw the hate in Grunt’s eyes. It gave Sharp pause for thought. Then he froze as a worrying scene caught his attention .

Carmelle - 1 st Feb 2019

Days were turning into weeks. My hope was fading as I was exposed to the worst side of life. People read stories about this, but they paled in comparison to living it. What authors wrote in books was imaginary. This shit was too real. There was no escape from this horror story.

Sadie soon learned not to cry; she whimpered when hungry but had been terrified into not crying. Shannon was the same; my happy-go-lucky little girl had faded. We’d been here too long, and hopes of escaping had slowly diminished.

I was a shadow of my former self, and so were the girls. Even our friends and neighbours probably wouldn’t recognise us now. The bags under my eyes and the shadows in them spoke of seeing horrors nobody should witness.

The assholes that lived or visited here were animals. They had no respect for women or themselves. They drank, smoked and did drugs, and were all dirty and overweight. Some might have been attractive once, but not for years. As for the women? This was no life.

Their hair was greasy, bodies thin and wasted, track marks in their arms. The men literally would grab one passing by and force her to suck his dick or just bend her over and ram his cock inside. It was animalistic and horrific. No tenderness existed here.

I rarely left the room, too frightened, too, and Volcano reported his warnings constantly. The few times I had, I’d been groped and slapped and pulled about. Even the clothes I wore made me look like a whore. Not even as a teenager had I worn a skirt this short.

Food didn’t come regularly either, and it had been twenty-four hours since Shannon had eaten. I’d have to brave the masses to fetch her something. It would be one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

Sharp

Sharp straightened as his gaze landed on Carmelle. It had been two weeks since he’d seen her, and the woman did not look good. Right now, she was trying to get across the room, but Fangs kept reaching out and groping her. She wore a short skirt and a tank with no bra, so Fangs were grabbing her breasts and ass. Sharp noticed how she’d lost weight and had bags under her eyes.

“Shit,” he murmured as Pinch grabbed her and bent her over. He had his hands on her tits and was dry-humping her ass. Pinch groaned as he came, and Sharp was outraged and disgusted. He moved forward, but Volcano beat him. He ripped Pinch away and smashed his head against a wall. Pinch slid down it unconscious, leaving a blood smear.

Volcano shoved his face into Carmelle’s, and she cowered before him. “Get your shit and go. Now! I didn’t say you could leave your room!”

“The kids needed food,” Carmelle whispered.

“They can learn to fuckin’ wait,” Fury snarled, and if possible, Carmelle shrank even more.

Volcano stepped back, and Sharp glowered at him.

Sharp was horrified when Fury grabbed her and ripped the tank from her. Carmelle squealed and covered her breasts, but Fury wasn’t finished. As she fought to keep her dignity, Fury tore her skirt and underwear down, and Carmelle was stark naked in front of a pack of baying hounds.

To Sharp’s absolute disgust, men began yanking their cocks out and whacking off. Carmelle used one arm to hide her boobs and a hand to cover her pussy. Tears streamed down her face.

Fury didn’t give a shit.

“All you are is a cunt to put a cock in. You mean nothing to anyone here. I don’t give a fuck if we share blood—”

“What!” Carmelle cried as she began shaking.

“You’re my granddaughter. Your mother was my daughter, and she fucked Arrow, Rage’s President. Makes you my granddaughter and Drake Michaelson’s half-sister. But you’ve no value other than that and your cunt,” Fury snarled.

Sharp glanced at Volcano in shock as Fury’s words hit. To Sharp’s utter disgust, Fury bent Carmelle over like Pinch had and rubbed his cock against her bare cheeks.

“Hear this, bitch,” Fury hissed as he grabbed and squeezed her breasts hard .

Carmelle cried in pain, and Fury squeezed them harder until his knuckles turned white. Carmelle sobbed as he did so.

“You may be my granddaughter, but I do not give a shit. I’d still fuck your ass like the cunt you are. Now get upstairs, and don’t bother me again.”

Fury slung her away, and Carmelle tried scurrying off. Sharp could see the bruises forming on her breasts already. Men reached out, grabbing her breasts again and her ass. Some even slipped fingers between her thighs before she managed to knock them away. Sharp stormed out as Carmelle made to the stairs and fled.

Volcano grabbed him outside. “You react, and he’ll see it, and it’ll be worse for her. Fury will bend her over and fuck her in front of you. We’re gonna come up with a plan to save my niece and great-nieces. You hear me, Ghost? I ain’t what you think. And we’re going to save her or die trying to.”

Sharp nodded his head. He wondered whether it was a trap. But if that woman was Drake’s half-sister, he had to try to help her. Sharp wasn’t going anywhere soon.

Carmelle

I raced for the stairs, aware of my ass jiggling and boobs bouncing. Hands reached out and groped my naked body even as I hurried past them .

Wrath cackled with laughter behind me.

Completely humiliated, I fled up the steps and headed for my room. Entering it, I slammed the door shut and ran into the bathroom. Sadie and Shannon lay on the bed with wide eyes, and I stepped under it and turned the water on. I didn’t care if it was cold or not. For the next twenty minutes, I scrubbed everywhere in the thankfully hot water.

On exiting, I dragged on some panties and a pair of pyjamas. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to block out what had just happened. Wrath claimed I was his granddaughter, and yet he treated me like that? With shaking hands, I shoved the hair out of my face and cuddled Sadie and Shannon.

A horrible thought hit me. Wrath’s potential danger to the girls concerned me, given his actions towards me. It was terrible. I couldn’t stop crying, even though it was frightening Shannon. As my thoughts turned dark, I realised this could not continue. Death would be easier than this. But I couldn’t leave the kids alone here.

My thoughts shied away from what those monsters’ downstairs would do to them.

I could kill myself easily, but I’d have to take Shannon and Sadie with me. I gazed at my hands through my tears. Could I honestly kill my own babies? Not if they were awake, I couldn’t, but smothering them in their sleep? Yeah. Ending this torment for them and protecting them from whatever those animals planned was tempting. Sadie wouldn’t know much of it; she was a baby. Shannon, though, might wake, and the mere thought of that happening caused agony in my chest.

But what other options were there? Those men constantly lingered, irrespective of the hour. I’d looked late at night and early hours of the morning for an escape and never found the clubhouse empty.

Even as I considered my choices, the door flew open and Volcano entered and slammed it shut. He held a finger up to his mouth, and I shrank away from him.

As I watched, Volcano grabbed his mobile from his pocket and began typing. He turned the phone around, and I blinked until I could read it.

‘Be quiet, the room is bugged. Stay inside until I come for you. It might be a couple of days,’ I read silently.

A frown crossed my face as I gazed up at Volcano’s expressionless one.

“Why?” I mouthed.

‘ Because you’re my family. That means something. Don’t do anything stupid, Carmelle. I’ll get food sent up. Stay here and keep fucking quiet, ’ Volcano typed. After I read it, he deleted the words and then strode back through the door.

Volcano’s actions were enough of a surprise that he had jolted me from my dark thoughts. Was there hope, after all? Or was Volcano playing a sick game?

Several times, I’d seen him with another, smarter-dressed man. Well, I say smarter, he wore jeans and a tee, but he was clean and tidy. He did not wear a cut like the men downstairs, either. A couple of times, I’d seen him move as if to help me, but Volcano had stopped him each time. Was the other guy an exit plan for Volcano?

Honestly, I didn’t know, but I did know one thing. I couldn’t continue like this, and neither could the girls.

Carmelle - 3 rd of February - 2019

I had foolishly got my hopes up. Volcano didn’t return that evening or the following day. Food never arrived until the evening. And the next day, upon waking in our prison again, I gave up. Volcano, it appeared, was also playing mind games, and my despair spiralled. My thoughts returned to where there’d they’d been a few days ago.

Suicide.

It was the easy way out. Because whatever waited for me and the two girls was going to be horrific, and I knew we’d suffer before the peacefulness of death. The urge to scream and rail against the unfairness of what was happening to us was nearly overwhelming. Images of our happy life kept flicking through my mind and I searched for any clue that this might happen. There hadn’t been any.

This entire nightmare had been unexpected, and the kids and I were trapped in hell. Because this was worse than purgatory. Every little sound the girls made frightened me in case someone barged in. They’d learned pretty quickly not to cry or make happy noises. We weren’t living; we were existing, and my children deserved to run free.

They were beautiful babies and had been created with so much love. My mind kept wavering between Beau being dead or alive.

If he was alive and learned what I had done, he’d follow us, I’d no doubt. But if Beau was dead, we’d be together as a family again. That would be perfect. The problem was trying to move past killing my babies. Every time I thought about it, I felt sick. What kind of mother was I?

I’d no doubt our bodies would be dumped in an unmarked grave, but again, that was preferable to staying here and watching my children be hurt.

One man had already told me he was just waiting for permission from Fury to play with Shannon. And he didn’t mean play with toys. Shannon was two and a half. Who the fuck looked at a baby girl sexually?

It was beyond wrong. And the idea of that scum touching Shannon almost made me lose my head. And her screaming in pain made me heave. No. She’d be dead before that monster ever got near her. And Sadie. What would that paedophile do to her? Jesus, I was seriously considering killing my kids to save them. What type of creature was I becoming? How long did I leave it before acting?

If I acted too soon and someone come to rescue us, I’d have cut my girls’ lives short for nothing. If I waited and those monsters downstairs got their hands on them, oh God…

I leapt up, dashed into the bathroom, and threw up. There wasn’t much to be sick with, but somehow, I managed it. After five minutes, I leant back against the bath and moved my hair out of the way. Shannon stared at me, her eyes lifeless and her face pale. She’d not left this shithole for weeks. Months had passed, but I remained unaware of the date. I’d no idea what the time was either.

Wrath and his merry band of motherfucking assholes had cut me off completely. I’d no communication with the outside world; shit, we didn’t even have a TV in here. Each day was mind-numbingly boring, and it was slowly killing all of us. We were like the children in that book, the one where the mother locks her four kids in the attic and swans off to have a different life.

That was us now. Tragic flowers.

I stood up and brushed my teeth before crawling back into bed. There was nothing else to do. Closing my eyes, I began singing softly to the girls as I let happier times wash over me. Tonight, I’d be strong enough to do what I needed to.