Dirty Little Secrets (Kings of Bolten 1)

“Tate.” Hail held out his hand. “Let me have that cigarette.”

I watched in horror as Tate handed him the lit cigarette. Hail took a hit from it and sneered down at me, a crazed look on his face.

“Remember when I said not to touch her unless I said so? Well, come hold her for me.”

I tried to scramble away as Tate got up and took hold of me.

“Let me go, you piece of shit,” I snarled, twisting and turning in his arms.

He threaded his arms through mine and pinned my back to his chest. I tried to kick Hail as he approached, a wicked glint in his eyes, but he struck my cheek again.

“You were doing so good too. I’m disappointed really.”

“Get used to it.” I spat at him.

He wiped his face and let out a soft chuckle before going to his desk and removing a roll of duct tape. I tensed against Tate, watching as Hail tore a chunk of tape off and approached me.

“What are you doing?” I choked out.

“I figure you might be a screamer.”

He pressed the strip over my mouth as I tried to escape once more. When that failed, I glared at him, vowing I’d hurt him somehow. Just like David.

Hail moved back to his desk and picked up the cigarette he’d left on the edge. I watched in horrified silence as he approached me.

“I want you to remember this moment, Bianca. I want you to remember exactly what happened and why. And the next time you consider stepping out of line or talking back, I want you to think of the pain.”

I trembled at his words as he pushed my hair away from my face.

He took another drag of the cigarette before murmuring, “It’s for your own good.”

I screamed against the tape on my mouth as he pushed the burning tip against my collarbone. The smell of my singed flesh made the nausea roil in my guts. I squirmed and howled behind the tape as Tate held me tight and Hail continued his onslaught. When he’d successfully injured me long enough, he pulled away and ran his fingers down my cleavage, his eyes dark.

“You have amazing tits.” He grasped one and gave it a painful squeeze. “But the next time you fuck up, I’ll burn them off.” He released my breast only to clamp his fingers harshly to my jaw. “Do you understand?”

I nodded miserably, my tears hot on my face, my fight gone.

“If you say one word to anyone about anything that happens between us, no one will ever find your body.” He yanked the tape from my mouth in one fluid motion.

I let out a soft cry and sagged back against Tate.

“Take your shirt and get the fuck out. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hail tossed my shirt at me.

I barely was able to catch it as Tate released me. I slipped it on with shaky hands and hurried to the door before tugging it open.

“Oh, and, rat?”

I looked back at Hail through tear-soaked eyes.

“You really do know how to suck dick.”

Their laughter followed me as I scrambled from the room. Humiliation rose in me as I staggered down the long hall. I was dizzy. Sick. My face and head ached. The burn on my shoulder screamed to be cooled off. I couldn’t see straight. I knew I had to appear a mess with my hair tangled and mascara running. Despite the halls being empty, I kept my head down, focusing on my feet as I tried to hurry.

I’d made it to the end of the hall, my head down, when I ran into something. Or rather, someone.

“What the fuck?” Dominic called out, his warm hands shooting out to steady me as I stumbled back. “Christ. Bianca?”

I shook him off and tried to push past him, but he grabbed my elbow and p