Shit. Harlow jerked back. “Fuck off, Hugo.”

Without warning, he slammed his fist into her face.

She cried out. The pain was horrible, nausea slamming into her. Her eyes watered.

He punched her again and everything went foggy.

Moments later, she groggily opened her eyes. She found herself in the back of an SUV.

Her pulse rocketed. Oh, fuck. Her shit plan had failed. Fear tasted like pond scum in her throat.

Her wrists were tied together and her face throbbed. “This isn’t going to work, Hugo.”

He took a corner fast, the tires screeching.

“Easton and his brothers will tear the city apart to find me.” Please, Easton. Find me.

Hugo laughed. “Non. They won’t. They’ll run around in circles, but you won’t be in the city.”

The SUV braked, rocking hard. She looked out the window.

A row of yachts. They were at the San Francisco Marina.

Hugo got out, then opened her door. He dragged her out of the car. Her mouth was dry, her face hurt, and she stumbled.

He dragged her toward the walkway leading to the boats.

Harlow dragged her feet, trying to slow him down.

Suddenly, he jerked her up, his face inches from hers. She smelled onions on his breath.

“You want me to hit you again?”

“No.”

“I’d like it.” He smirked.

She saw in his eyes that he would enjoy it. He was sick.

He stroked his fingers down her neck. “We are going to have so much fun together, Harlow.”

Her lungs locked.

Then he spun, and kept dragging her. They reached a sleek, white motorboat, named Knot-a-Care.

He threw her in, and she hit the floor.

Hugo untied the ropes mooring the boat, tossed them free, then strode past her to the controls. Then he gunned the engine, and the boat moved.

Oh, no. Screw this. She was diving off. She’d take her chances in the water.

She scurried to the side.

He grabbed her, a wiry arm pulling her against him.

“Oh no, little bird. My life is a fucked up mess, and it’s all your fault. You have to pay.”

Yeah, right. Harlow rolled her eyes. Just like a loser to blame someone else for their problems.

“I want a little revenge.” Hugo’s hand cupped her breast. He squeezed it cruelly.

Him touching her like that made her skin crawl.

“We’re going across the Bay. We’ll be far, far away from Norcross, and we can have a good time.” He pinched her nipple.

Harlow bit her tongue. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry out.

“You’ll scream for me Harlow. I promise.”

* * *

Easton sipped his beer, not really listening to the story Ace was sharing.

Harlow wanted to move out. His fingers squeezed on his beer bottle. She wanted to give them time. He didn’t need time. He loved her. She loved him. She was his.

End of story.