Pink Shades of Words: Walk 2016 Read online

  A shiver of disgust ran down my spine.

  Naked men surrounded the table, stroking their erections, and their greedy stares made my stomach twist.

  I heard Marcus growl, a noise that started in his chest as it rolled up and ended in his throat. “Make sure you capture every one of those motherfucker’s faces. We’ll blur out the girls before we broadcast it.”

  Just hearing him on the other end calmed my nerves. He may not have been with me physically, but just like so many other times, he was here to back me up emotionally.

  A man stepped between one of the girl’s spread legs, and my heart stopped. I was frozen in my spot when she turned away and peered directly at me. I shook my head, placing a trembling hand to my mouth.

  No, no, no, please don’t let this happen.

  Tears rolled down the sides of her face as she attempted to control her cry while she stared at me with pleading eyes. I knew from experience, the more tears you shed the harder they were on you.

  Sweat broke out all over my body. I had to do something, but what? Panicked, I could practically feel my heartbeat in my throat when a bulky, fully clothed man narrowed his eyes at me. Pushing away from the wall, he lumbered in my direction.

  “Get away from there, Alexa,” Marcus said in the authoritative tone he usually reserved for emergencies. “Now.”

  The clothed man suddenly towered above me, blocking my view from what was going on. But it didn’t matter. I knew what was happening. I could hear the primal male grunting and stifled female cries.

  The Hulk-sized man gave me a menacing look. “Unless you want to join in, you best be moving the fuck on.”

  I gulped. Of course I wanted to leave. I wanted to be anywhere but here, but how could I just walk away after seeing that? Those weren’t their fucking fantasies. They were being raped.

  Dammit!

  “We’ll get those bastards, baby. I promise. We’ll save the girls, just get the fuck away from there. Please.” Marcus sounded desperate, worried, and it reminded me that I could blow this whole thing and those girls wouldn’t be any closer to freedom.

  I ducked my head, letting my hair cover my face as I turned to walk away. I swallowed hard, fighting the sobs burning in my chest.

  Oh my god. I was just as guilty as every single person who’d done nothing while I was led off to private a room. My heart clenched tight as I peeked over my shoulder and saw that the door to that room was now shut.

  Suddenly, a man’s strong fingers wrapped around my hips as he pulled me toward his body. He said something in a language I didn’t understand, but I sure as fuck caught the universal crude gestures he made with his mouth and tongue. I pulled away from his grip while shaking my head no and raced toward the kitchen, clinging onto my platter.

  I left the empty tray on the kitchen island, propping my hands against the counter as I struggled to keep my gag reflex in check. Holding up a finger, I told one of a kitchen staff member, “I’ll be back for that. I just need some fresh air.”

  His eyebrows furrowed perceptively. He knew what went on here. Of course he did. Everyone did. I couldn’t let that sink in, though. I had to get out. Turning on my heel, I darted out of the room and headed for the servants’ entry where I’d come in.

  “Can you talk to me?” Marcus asked with a strained voice.

  As soon as the cold night air hit my overheated skin, I leaned against the handrail, trying to catch my breath. “Give me...a minute,” I rasped before I bent over and puked out the little bit in my stomach.

  My grip tightened on the edge of the jagged concrete banister, and I welcomed the sharp bite to my palms. The sting gave me something else to concentrate on while I slowed my breaths now visible in the chilly air. Tears ran down my cheeks as a sob finally escaped my throat.

  The background noise on Marcus’ side suddenly became louder, reminding me that he wasn’t alone. He had a whole gang of vigilantes just waiting for me to give the go ahead.

  “If I didn’t know how badly you wanted this guy, I’d pull you out of there right now,” he said.

  I kept my voice down so I wouldn’t be noticed. “No. You promised. I need to save them. I can’t unsee that and it’ll haunt me for the rest of my life.”

  Even after everything I’d gone through, this was a first for me. Whether I was the senator’s plaything for the weekend, or a fun time for a group of diplomats at a function, my abuse had always taken place in private rooms, away from the other girls. And I’d never witnessed firsthand what had happened to them, either.

  Marcus’ serious tone forced me to pay attention. “I know, but you are my priority. We can still go in, get those assholes, and save the girls, but you will not get your justice and we won’t have anything on the senator. He will continue to do this.”

  “But those men probably have political immunity,” I pointed out sadly. “The law can’t touch them.” As much as I’d love to see guys like that rot in prison, vengeance toward anyone involved in human trafficking had festered in my gut for too long to just walk away. I wanted all of them to suffer, but I especially needed him to pay.

  “Sweetheart, you and I both know that’s not an issue. Most of what we do doesn’t involve the law.” I heard the pride in his voice.

  My shoulders relaxed at his reaffirming words.

  He puffed out a frustrated breath. “Tell me what your gut is saying right now.”

  I knew his irritation wasn’t directed at me, and I didn’t hesitate with my answer. “I want him to know what it feels like to be completely humiliated. To have absolutely no control and be in utter fear of what’s going to happen to him.” Just verbalizing my feelings gave me the drive to keep going.

  “Then take a few more minutes to refocus, get back inside, and nail that asshole.” His tone suddenly changed. I could practically hear the smile in his voice. “And remind me to never piss you off, spitfire.”

  Hearing his nickname for me made my insides melt, but I plucked anxiously on my bottom lip. “Is this your ‘put my big girl panties on’ speech?”

  His genuine chuckle was just what I needed to hear. “Hell, no. Put those little frilly panties on that I love so much,” he teased, helping me shake off my uneasiness.

  Standing straighter, I regained my confidence and walked back inside. I wasn’t shocked to find Genevieve waiting for me with her arms across her chest. I just hoped she hadn’t heard me talking outside.

  Her glare burned a hole clear through to my soul as she barked through gritted teeth, “Did I say you could have a fucking break?”

  After Marcus’s pep talk, I didn’t let her get to me this time. But I had to act the part. “I’m sorry. I must’ve eaten the same thing Claudine did.” I wiped my forehead with my arm and blew my vomit-laced breath into her face. She grimaced, and I had to stifle a vindicated smile. “But none of the guests saw me. I’m okay to keep working. If I feel sick again, I’ll make sure to duck into the bathroom.”

  Her nostrils flared as she angrily exhaled. “Eat a fucking mint or something before you go back out there.” Then she turned, still scowling, and stepped out of the room.

  My eyes popped up to find the same guy who’d given me my first tray of hors d’oeuvres. He passed me a couple fresh mint leaves. “Here, chew on these. They’ll help with your stomach and your, um...breath.”

  “Thanks.” I popped the leaves in my mouth. At least someone here was willing to help.

  With my appetizers balanced on one hand, I rejoined the party. I was determined to let tonight’s host know exactly what I thought about his party.

  Senator Kendall had no idea what I was capable of now, but he sure as hell was about to find out.

  MARCUS

  Keeping my eyes on the screen, I moved the headset off one ear and muted my microphone. “Did you clean up that video yet?”

  “Still working on it, boss.” Chad stared at his monitor, maneuvering his computer mouse.

  Chad was a quick, precise motherfucker, and I sure as hell
was glad he was on my team. I knew he could handle this job better than anyone else.

  “Okay, make sure none of the girls can be recognized, but clear up anything that looks grainy on the guys.” I put the headphone back in place, closely scanning everything on the monitor. Taking in the hungry faces on the assholes around Alexa as they devoured her with their eyes.

  She was a tough girl and could handle a lot of shit, but damn, I hoped this didn’t set her back. From what she’d told me, it had taken years of therapy for her to stomach being in the same room with a group of men.

  The majority of my team was already in place, acting as valets while they kept a close eye on things from inside the mansion gates. The rest of us were packed in the back of a large, mock utility company van, where we’d set up our surveillance just outside those same gates.

  Most days, I loved my fucking job. Today, however, having Alexa in the middle of this shit-storm had me on edge. I’d been doing mercenary work like this since I left the military a few years ago, but had only been working with my buddy, Dante, and his family’s organization these last six months, after we’d nailed a mutual enemy together.

  He and his family had their own reasons for taking scumbags like these down. And their organization specialized in doing so, completely off the grid, all while keeping their records clean. While their reasons were personal, mine had always been professional, until today.

  Alexa and I had already met up with Dante this morning, and he’d given his usual ‘whatever it takes’ stamp of approval.

  My palms were sweating now. I couldn’t stand her being away from me like this. All I wanted to do was get her out of there. Instead, I let the battle continue to rage inside of me while I watched men reach out to touch her.

  God, I still remembered the first time I saw that woman. She was kicking one of the gym trainer’s asses, who was supposed to be giving instructions on how to bring an attacker down. The poor bastard had no idea how advanced she was until her tiny taped up fist landed on his jaw. Damn, was that hot. I couldn’t rip my eyes away.

  I never saw the frail, broken girl she’d been after her rescue. Since there was no family to return to, Dante’s family’s organization took her in. They rehabilitated and developed her into the strong woman I quickly fell in love with. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

  Just knowing that this group was responsible for turning my girl’s life around convinced me to quit my security consulting jobs and join the team fulltime.

  Even though I’d seen Alexa kick some serious ass, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle putting her safety in jeopardy again. As far as I was concerned, this was her first and last mission. I’d only agreed to let her in on this one because it was personal.

  I had a feeling, however, I wasn’t going to get my way on this one. She didn’t mind me going all alpha on her every so often, but once she got a taste of bringing these sons of bitches down, she was going to want in on every operation I was involved in. She didn’t take no for an answer, even from me, so I’d have to figure out a compromise to keep the peace.

  I’d worry about that another day.

  I kept the microphone muted so she could concentrate on the job at hand—plus the guys had already given me enough shit about flirting with her. Fuck them. I knew what she needed and didn’t care who was around to hear, as long as it helped her.

  “When should we surround the house, boss?” Tim, one of my guys leading the combat team, asked over the walkie-talkie.

  I pressed talk on my handheld. “Get ready. The second she sees him, I want you guys waiting to close in. Every exit needs to be covered.”

  My oldest friend, Abel, raised his eyebrow. “Not our first rodeo,” he said sarcastically.

  In the forces, he and I undertook many covert operations together. For three solid years, we’d taken two tours to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. During that time, we’d seen lots of wild shit, met some incredible people, as well as plenty of crazy motherfuckers. We’d become as close as brothers. He’d stayed with me when I opened my private security business, then stuck around when I joined forces with Dante.

  Grunting, I zoomed in on a guy’s hand as he reached out to touch Alexa. “I know.” I pointed to the monitor, making quick eye contact with Abel. “But that’s my girl in there. The stakes are a lot higher this time.”

  He clapped me on the back. “We’ve got this. Don’t worry.”

  I relaxed my shoulders for a moment. Most of the guys on the team had grown close to Alexa during her training, before Abel and I had ever come on board. I knew they’d never let anything happen to her. At least, anything they could control.

  My eyes widened and my fists tightened as another asshole pressed himself against her, saying vile things in another language. I’m sure she didn’t understand what he’d said, but I sure as fuck did. I swear to all things holy, I was going to rip these fuckers to shreds the first chance I had.

  “He’s here.” Alexa’s jittery, muttered words shot a new surge of adrenaline through my veins.

  That was all I needed to hear to get my men ready to leap into action. I didn’t care what it took, but we were going to get my girl the retribution she fucking deserved.

  ALEXA

  When I heard his boisterous laugh from across the room, I bit my trembling lips so hard I nearly drew blood. Memories came flooding back to me, challenging my mind to stay in the here and now. I could practically feel his hot breath on my neck, hear him hissing in my ear while relentlessly pounding into me. That laugh was the sound I always heard when he was done, once he had seen my tears.

  My back was to him, and I just couldn’t get myself to turn around. I blinked hard but didn’t move another muscle. Unfortunately, my position, plus the fact that I hadn’t walked away yet, gave the jackass in front of me the wrong message. He reached out to touch me and with a knee jerk reaction, I jumped back, smacking into someone.

  I spun around to offer my apology, but when I looked up, all the blood drained from my face. It was him. And he was staring right at me with his paralyzing glare.

  I brought my shaky hand up to my chest. “Excuse me,” I managed to mumble.

  “I knew that was you.” His voice was rough and throaty, like he was so fucking excited he could hardly contain himself. He reached around and smoothed the palm of his hand back and forth under my exposed asscheek before gripping a handful. “I’d recognize that beautiful ass anywhere.”

  Ready to bolt, I had to remind myself that I was safe. As out of control as my emotions were, somewhere in the back of my mind I knew he couldn’t do any more damage than he already had. And my backup was just outside the door.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get another tray of food.” My timid voice sounded so strange to me. I hadn’t felt this vulnerable in a very long time. More than anything, it pissed me off. I tightened my fists, willing myself to stay strong.

  “Who are you here with?” he asked suspiciously.

  Raising my chin, I answered, “I work for Genevieve.”

  Excitement practically reverberated off his body. “So you couldn’t cut it on your own out in the big bad world? Good, because I haven’t found anyone like you in a long time. And I’m not letting you go anywhere.”

  My stomach clenched up as I searched the room, freaked, but all I saw were other trapped girls and the sick fucks that were groping them.

  I jumped when I heard Marcus’ voice abruptly coming through my earpiece. “That cocksucker isn’t laying another fucking finger on you. We’re on our way in.”

  I wanted to reply, but knew I couldn’t. As it was, I hoped Senator Kendall hadn’t heard anything. He was standing only inches from me.

  My leg muscles tightened, rooting me in my spot when the senator grabbed my arm and tried to pull me away. We didn’t have anything on him yet. The footage hadn’t tied him to anything that was going on here. I began to panic, picturing Marcus and the guys busting in the door too soon.

  Backing away, I be
gged Marcus while looking at the Senator, hoping he thought I was talking to him. “No. No. Not yet. Please,” I only hoped neither of them heard the terror in my voice.

  Marcus’s tone turned solemn. “Baby, I can’t leave you in there like this.”

  “Please.” I searched the senator's eyes as I continued to back away and he prowled toward me. I prayed I was getting through to Marcus.

  The senator shook his head. “I don’t think so, Alexa. And don’t even try to get away from me. You know the consequences.”

  Stopping my retreat, I had to remind myself to breath. Yes, I did know the consequences.

  Senator Kendall snapped his fingers in the air, calling Genevieve’s attention from several feet away, then he pointed to me. The gleam in her face as she nodded lit another fuse inside of me.

  After everything I’d been through, I shouldn’t have been surprised how sick these people were.

  Leaning down, he whispered in my ear, “You’re all mine again, sweetheart.” He spun me around, passing my tray to a guy next to him, then he snaked his long arm around, gripping my shoulder as he led us away.

  I forced myself to appear submissive on the outside, but the deafening screams in my head from the abused girl I once was made me feel like I was going to throw up again.

  “We have a lot of time to make up.” The sinister chuckle in his chest scared the shit out of me, but even on shaky legs, I managed to keep myself together as he led us toward the staircase.

  There was nothing he loved more than frightened prey. I tossed my shoulders back, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cower ever again.

  Marcus hadn’t said anything in a bit, but I didn’t have the heart to listen to his protests while I did whatever I needed to in order to get a confession. Even if that meant going into a locked room with this sick fuck.

  Discreetly, I stuck my pinky in my ear, pretending to have an itch. I caught the earpiece under my nail and plucked it out. The skin it had been adhered to burned once it was ripped off, but I didn’t have time to concentrate on a minor discomfort like that. I dropped my hand near a large house plant and flicked the mini device into the soil.