Page 27 of Ruby

“That took long enough,” Sapphire sasses. “Starting to think she was never gonna wake up.”

I kick the chair Fury’s strapped to. “Wakey, wakey, sunshine. I bet you didn’t get up today and think you were gonna be in this predicament, did you now?”

“Fuck you!” she snarls.

I don’t know why they always struggle; she’s not going anywhere. Her hands are tied behind her back, and her legs are bound. If she keeps it up, we’ll gag her, too.

“Now, that’s not very nice.” Sapphire folds her arms over her chest. “Is it?”

She glares at the two of us. “What the fuck am I doing here?”

“You know why you’re here. Let’s not beat around the bush.” Diamond, who’s leaning against the wall opposite, surveys her nails. “Let’s also not make this any harder than it needs to be. This is how it’s going to work: You’re going to tell us exactly what’s going on, and if you don’t, my VP and Enforcer are going to pull those pretty teeth from your mouth, one by one. Then we’ll start with the fingers, then your toes.”

She throws Diamond a death glare. “You won’t get away with this! My club will be looking for me, they⁠—”

“Don’t give a shit,” I finish. “We all know the Devilheads imploded years ago. You have no control over your own club. That’s why you’re here. First, ridin’ around with a Crow, now you’re in with Lanzetti? You’ll spill your guts because you have no other choice.”

Fury has nowhere to run, and she knows it. “You can suck balls,” she fires back.

I have to admit, I like her venom. It’s kinda brave. She is at our mercy now, and no one is coming for her.

“Nah, that’s for later.” I smile.

Sapphire looks at me. “You still fuckin’ that prospect?”

“He won’t be one for much longer,” I throw back.

“Hmm. He’s hot, though. I guess age doesn’t matter when you get a good one. What’s the gap again?”

“Nine years.”

“Holy shit.”

“I know.” I can’t help the way my heart skips a beat, even though we’re about to torture a woman. “He’s not just good in bed; he’s kinda sweet, too.”

“Wait, are you falling for him?” Diamond asks, and it seems we’ve all forgotten about Fury for the moment. Her time will come.

I shrug. “Maybe. I don’t know. He’s not like any of the other guys I’ve been with. I thought it was just a fling, but we have something.”

“Yeah, he’s probably screwin’ you because you’re the only used-up old hag he can get,” Fury fires at me.

I slap her so hard with the back of my hand Sapphire and Diamond wince at the same time.

“Now that’s not charmin’ at all, is it? And if I were you, sweetheart, I’d be a little nicer if you ever want to see the light of day again.”

She scowls, a red mark forming on her cheek.

“We’re just gettin’ warmed up,” Sapphire mocks. “So, Fury, are you over there suckin’ dick, or are you actually tryin’ to be useful to Lanzetti and his merry men? The Crows dumped you the second the heat was on, didn’t they?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her smug smile won’t last long, not if we can help it.

“We really didn’t wanna have to do this.” It’s dramatic at best, but I’m not opposed to a little threat here and there… I turn, and Diamond hands me the branding iron. “But you’ve left us no choice.”

“W-what is that?” she stammers.

I twirl it around. “This? Oh, this is just somethin’ we use on the cattle. It says ‘Rustic Grove.’ See right there the initials? Better when it’s heated, though. Oh, will you look at that?” I point to the portable gas stove. “What a stroke of luck. This’ll look real nice with your ink, but I’m thinkin’ the forehead; that way it’ll leave a message. Pity we couldn’t get a Stiletto Riders one made in time. I’m sure your club would appreciate it.”

“You wouldn’t even fucking dare!”