Page 16 of Theirs to Corrupt
Keys raised to strike, I whirl to find myself face-to-face with two men who’ve detached themselves from the shadows.
My blood ices as I recognize one of them. He works for Axel.
A wave of nausea hits me. This is my worst nightmare come to life.
“Well, well.” He sneers. “What have we here? The boss’s runaway sister.”
My heart thunders as I bring up my keys, my hand shaking so badly I can barely hold them. “Stay back!” Despite my best efforts, my voice is squeaky and weak. Inside, I’m screaming at myself to run, to fight, to do something, but terror rivets me to the spot.
The men laugh, a cruel, mocking sound that sends chills down my spine. Suddenly I’m small, helpless.
“Time to come home, little girl. Your brother’s been worried sick about you. And Emiliano is getting impatient.”
The name almost makes me heave.Emiliano.The man my brother sold my virginity to.
Run!
How close am I to my car? Can I make it? My mind races, calculating distances, but panic muddles my thoughts. A knife blade flashes, and my world narrows to that glinting point of metal.
He takes another step.
“I said no!” The words burst from me, fueled by desperation, determination, and a surge of adrenaline.“Help!”I scream.
Nearby, a motorcycle roars.
As they advance, I stumble, my back hitting the cold metal of my car. The contact jolts me, and I grab for the door handle. Only seconds from safety…
“Drop the fucking blade.”
My gaze swings toward the newcomer, and the assailants look behind them.
Two men emerge from the shadows, their presence commanding and intimidating.
Link and Pax.
Pax steps forward, his eyes cold and focused. “Do I need to repeat myself?” His voice is low, dangerous.
Axel’s men hesitate, their confidence wavering.
“The lady’s under my protection,” Link says, his voice equally menacing.
The knife glints in the dim light, and the man flashes a grin, a silver tooth shining. “Don’t mind cutting you up either.”
Paxton and Link exchange glances.
“Get her out of here,” Pax nods at Link.
Then everything happens at once.
Pax lunges, a blur of motion as he disarms the knife-wielding attacker with a swift, precise strike. The weapon clatters to the ground.
Before the second man can react, Paxton has him pinned against the car, his arm twisted painfully behind his back.
“Let’s go.” Link grabs my elbow, jolting electricity through me, and I drop my keys.
Not slowing down, he pulls me toward a sleek black SUV parked nearby.
“Wait!” I gasp, my voice hoarse. “My keys?—”