Page 39 of Bonita Brynne
“Too late fucker. I already knocked her up,” Joseph blurted. Could the floor open up and swallow me?
Storm instantly paused the video and turned around. “Seriously?”
“Hell yes, I’m serious.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me sooner.” Storm appeared offended.
“I was just waiting for the right time.” Joseph reeled me in closer.
“Like now?” Storm started the video again and mumbled, “Motherfucker.”
“See, I’ve waited a long time to bear an offspring, someone to carry on the good Adrienne name. But I’d never want someone tainted. My family would never approve, so if I couldn’t have my Christina, then her daughter would be a decent substitution.”
“Fucking sick bastard!” Joseph held onto me like the demon himself would swoop in and rip me out of his arms. I wouldn’t put anything past Dorian.
Dorian stepped out of the way and zoomed in on a figure. “My bargaining chip is right here.”
“It’s Raymond,” my mom cried.
My brother was gagged and tied to a chair. His face was bruised, and there was blood on his face and shirt.
“If you want your son back, give me Brynne. This doesn’t need to get ugly. Just an even swap.” Dorian reappeared on the screen. “I need her in a timely fashion. Our wedding is in a few weeks, and she needs to be fitted for her gown.”
“I’m gonna be sick.” I bent at the waist, breathing through nausea so I could finish watching the video.
“It’ll be a double wedding with my younger brother, Coby. My parents are old, as you may recall, Christina. This needs to happen soon so they will be around to meet their grandchildren. Now take another look at your son. You don’t want his head sent in a box next instead of knitted booties, do you?”
My mom screamed and buried her face against Raul’s chest.
“I’ll send instructions in a couple of days. Stew on this. The boy for Brynne. There will be no negotiating.” The screen went black.
I ran to the sink and gagged into it.
“Take care of your women,” Storm said on his way out. “Church will resume in thirty minutes.”
“My baby,” Mom cried. “I need him home, Raul.”
“Yes, my love. We will get him back.”
“It’s going to be okay, Bonita. I promise we will get Raymond back.” Joseph handed me a wad of paper towels.
“How? He wants me in exchange for Raymond.”
“He’s not getting you. The club will find another way to get Raymond.”
I wasn’t sure I believed him. His club didn’t know what Dorian was capable of doing. I didn’t even know, and I’d known him my whole life.
“Poor Raymond.” I hugged Joseph. “He looked hurt. He’s probably terrified,” I whimpered through my tears.I did this to him… To everyone.
12
Raymond
“Agh!” The two assholes wearing ski masks shoved me onto the floor. I landed on my knees and gave myself whiplash.
If it were only one of them, I’d fight back and try to get away. But these men were big and muscular, like my uncles back at the club. Going against two of them would be stupid.
Maybe it was stupider to cower away.