Chapter 2

 

Charlotte tucked another cape around Vince’s body before checking that her sweater was still supporting his head. She squeezed his shoulder. “How are you doing, Vince?”

“Fine.” His face was pale but his voice was strong enough and she took a deep breath before smiling at him.

“We’ll get you to the hospital soon. Mel will be there waiting for you.”

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat and winced. “I love her so much, Charlotte.”

“I know you do, honey. She loves you too.”

He squinted up at her. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” She said firmly. She glanced behind her at Steve who was sniffing a line of fine white powder from the top of the smooth reception desk. “If he keeps snorting that shit up his nose, I’ll be able to just walk up and take the guns from him.”

Vince frowned. “Don’t do anything stupid, Charlotte. These guys are dangerous.”

She glanced at Jasper who was sitting on the floor beside Rita’s station and then at Ren who was leaning against the far wall. His arms were folded over his chest and he was staring silently at them.

“Do you know the tall one?” She asked Vince quietly.

He shook his head immediately. “No.”

Her brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.” He said firmly. He turned his head and gave Ren his own quick look. “He seems the most stable of the three of them though.”

“Yeah.” She whispered. “Of course, that’s not saying much is it? Are they part of the motorcycle gang that you were talking about earlier?”

Vince nodded and then coughed weakly, wincing again. Charlotte frowned. For being shot in the side Vince was doing remarkably well but he needed to be taken to a hospital. She started to stand and Vince took a ragged breath.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll be right back.” She squeezed his hand again before standing and walking towards Ren. He didn’t move and although he appeared to be relaxed, she sensed the tense energy in his lean body, hovering just below the surface.

“He needs to go to the hospital.” She said quietly.

When he didn’t reply, she frowned at him. “He is going to die. Do you understand that? Or have you snorted too much coke like your idiot friend?”

“Be quiet, girl.”

“Your friend is going to get us all killed.” She said quietly. “It’s been nearly five hours and he has no idea what he’s doing. You heard him talking to the hostage negotiator. He’s useless.”

When he continued to stay silent, she stepped a little closer. “You seem like a smart guy and maybe your brain hasn’t been completely addled by the drugs yet. Why are you letting him run things? Are you that weak? That afraid of him?”

He surprised her by suddenly grinning, revealing even white teeth. “Maybe you should be a hostage negotiator. It’s a fine technique you know – trying to use our egos to turn us against each other.”

She flushed. “I’m just asking you a simple question. Maybe you should – “

His eyes widened a fraction of a section before Steve had grabbed her hair again and shoved her to her knees. He put the barrel of his gun in the middle of her forehead.

“Did I give you permission to speak to my boy?” He asked softly. He cocked his gun as Darlene made a small moan of dismay and Rita and Helen began to sob quietly.

Charlotte, feeling the cold muzzle of the gun digging into her forehead, stared up at the dirty, blond man. His eyes were wild and he sniffed continually as he pushed the gun against her forehead.

“Beg me for your life, you stupid little bitch.” He whispered.

She realized with sudden clarity that he was about to kill her and she was helpless to stop the small smile of relief from crossing her face. She closed her eyes and waited for the darkness.

“Stop it, Steve.” Ren’s deep voice washed over her and she felt the muzzle of the gun waver from her skin as Steve looked at him.

“Christ, this bitch wants to die. You can see it in her eyes.” Steve gave a high yodelling laugh.

“Get away from her.” Ren’s voice was deceptively soft as he pushed his body away from the wall.

“Why are you so fond of this skinny little whore?” Steve grabbed Charlotte’s arm and yanked her to her feet. He dragged her to the other women and pushed her down beside them.

Rita buried her face in her shoulder and Charlotte wrapped her arms around the woman as Steve stared down at them.

He looked at Jasper and then at Ren, a slow grin creeping on to his face. “Let’s play a game.”

Jasper, who was leaning over the desk and taking his own snort of white powder, straightened and scrubbed his hand across his nose. “What kind of game?”

Charlotte could see Ren tensing behind Steve as the smaller man grinned lecherously at her. “The kind that will have this cold little bitch all fired up.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Steve.” Ren growled. “This is neither the time nor the place.”

“It never is, is it, Ren?” Steve snapped. “How many women have I paraded in front of you and you ain’t fucked one of them.”

“I don’t need you choosing a woman for me.”

Steve shook his head and stepped closer to Charlotte, sliding the muzzle of his gun through her thick, blonde hair. “Maybe you like boys.”

When Ren refused to be goaded by him, Steve squatted down and smiled at Charlotte. “What’s your name, bitch?”

“Charlotte.” She muttered.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl.” He ran his dirty finger across her mouth. “Do you know that I took this asshole in? Gave him shelter, food, allowed him into my gang, and shared freely with him everything that I worked so hard to acquire.”

He smiled gently at her. “I’ve offered him woman after woman – all of them prettier than you – and he’s turned each of them down. He insults my generosity by acting like he’s too good to fuck one of my women. What do you think of a man who refuses to accept such a generous gift from the man who has given him so much?”

When she remained quiet, he yanked on her hair. “Answer me!”

“I think he’s a fool.”

He laughed. “Oh I do like you.” He glanced behind him at Ren. “And I think he likes you too.”

He stood and turned to Ren. “Tell you what, old friend. I’m going to give you one last chance to prove your loyalty to me.”

He waved his gun at Charlotte. “Stand up, bitch.”

She untangled herself from Rita’s grip and stood, walking forward when Steve motioned the gun at her.

“You’re going to fuck her.”

Ren stiffened. “No I’m not.”

Steve shrugged. “Fine, then I’ll kill her.”

He raised the gun and pointed it at Charlotte.

“Don’t be a goddamn idiot, Steve. You’re so fucking high right now you don’t know what the hell you’re doing.” Ren snarled. “What do you think all those cops out there will do if they hear a gunshot? You start killing hostages and we’re finished.”

Steve laughed. “I’ve still got four more hostages, Ren. They hear a gunshot and all they’ll do is phone again and try and talk me into giving myself up.”

“What do you think, Charlotte?” Steve smiled at her. “He ain’t a bad lookin’ man. One quick fuck - or death. Make your choice.”

She stared silently at him and Steve laughed again. “This bitch is crazy! Jasper, you ever seen a bitch want to die so bad in your life?”

Jasper shook his head no as Steve turned back to Ren. “What’ll it be? You going to have this woman’s death on your conscience?”

Ren shrugged and tried to sound nonchalant. “You said it yourself. The woman wants to die.”

“Now you’re both just bein’ difficult.” Steve said sullenly.

“I’m not playing your game, Steve.” Ren said quietly.

“Oh you’ll play. And so will she.” Steve suddenly pointed the gun at Vince. “The rules are changing. You fuck her, or hell any of these bitches, to prove your loyalty to me or I’ll kill the cop.”

Charlotte inhaled sharply and Steve grinned at her. “That got you, didn’t it?”

He winked at Ren. “Ready to play now, Ren?”

Ren shrugged again. “What the hell do I care about the life of some cop? Go ahead and kill him.”

“Suit yourself.” Steve started to stride towards Vince.

“Wait! I’ll play the game.” Charlotte’s voice rang out loudly and Steve stopped.

“Christ, she’s practically begging you for it now, Ren.” Steve yodelled laughter again. He waved the gun at Charlotte and she walked over and stood next to Ren.

Vince struggled to sit up, before falling back to the floor and panting harshly. “Charlotte, don’t do this. I’d rather die.”

“Be quiet, Vince.” Charlotte snapped.

“Play the game, Ren.” Steve said softly. “Prove your loyalty and I’ll let the cop and your new little fuck buddy live. Go on now.”

Ren stared down at Charlotte, his eyes dark and unreadable, before suddenly taking her hand. He started to lead her to the back.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Steve shouted.

“To the back.” Ren turned and stared at Steve steadily. “I’m not fucking her in front of you.”

Steve eyed him shrewdly. “Fine. But if you even think of letting the cops in through the back or letting that bitch go, know that I’ll kill the cop and at least one of these other bitches before they take me down. You get what I’m sayin’?”

“I get it.” Ren said tightly. He pulled Charlotte past the curtain that separated the back room from the salon.

As soon as they were alone in the dim back room, he dropped her hand. Charlotte backed away from him until she was standing against the dryer that was against the wall. She ran her hands over her knee-length skirt and stared quietly at him as he paced back and forth.

“Fuck!” He slammed his hand against the metal shelving that held their extra products and she winced as bottles of shampoo and conditioner clattered to the floor.

He stared at the small, blonde woman in the pink blouse and grey skirt. Her dark brown eyes regarded him steadily and he could see no trembling in her limbs. He slammed his fist into his thigh and stared at the tile floor. He had no idea what to do. He had never taken a woman against her will in his life and would never be able to. Just the thought of forcing her to do something she didn’t want to made his skin crawl.

He slammed his fist into his thigh again. He knew without a doubt that Steve would kill the cop and the woman standing in front of him. Killing the cop was bad enough, but the thought of watching Steve shoot Charlotte in the head sent a surprisingly large flood of dismay through him.

He glanced at Charlotte again. She was still staring at him and, despite his inner turmoil, he was ridiculously attracted to her. Had been since the moment they had entered the salon, and he cursed himself for allowing that attraction to be so readily noticeable to Steve. If he had kept his emotions in check, they wouldn’t be in this goddamn mess right now.

“What are you waiting for?” Her soft voice interrupted his thoughts and he looked up at her.

“I can’t do this.” He said miserably. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way in hell I can have sex with you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You have to.”

“I can’t.” He repeated.

“If you don’t, Vince will die. You heard your idiot friend – he’ll kill him.” She suddenly hissed.

“I have never forced myself on a woman and I’m not going to start now.” He gritted out.

“It’s not force. I’m willing.”

“Lying is not going to help the situation.” He glared at her.

She boosted herself up onto the top of the dryer until she was sitting on the edge of it, her slender legs dangling over the side.

“I’m not lying. I want you to do this.”

He stalked over to her. “That’s bullshit and you know it.”

“I won’t let him die! Do you get that?” She suddenly punched him hard in the chest and he winced.

“Yeah, I get that. But you need to understand that I can’t take a woman by force. Even if I could get my brain to forget how goddamn horrible the idea is, there’s a certain part of my anatomy that will not forget it. Do you get that?”

“Then make it nice.”

He blinked at her in confusion as she glared at him. “You’re not entirely unattractive. I won’t come but we can at least make it so that it won’t hurt. At this point, that’s the best we can hope for.”

He glanced at the ring on her left hand. “You’re married.”

She swallowed. “I’m a widow.”

“When did he die?”

“That’s none of your business.” She replied sharply.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks for the sympathy.” She said sarcastically. “C’mon, we need to get this over with.”

She ignored his wince. “You and I both know your coked-out friend is going to come back here at any minute and if we’re not having sex, he’ll kill Vince.”

When he continued to hesitate she rolled her eyes and, with surprising strength, reached out and yanked him up against the dryer. She wrapped her legs around his waist and then pushed his chin up roughly before burying her face in his neck.

He shuddered with pleasure at the first touch of her soft lips against his throat. She placed gentle kisses against his throat before licking him like a cat with her small, pink tongue. He released his breath in an explosive little rush as she shifted until her small body was pressed more firmly against him.

His cock hardened almost immediately. It had been well over a year since he had been with a woman and he was intoxicated by the feel of Charlotte’s soft body and warm mouth. Her sweet scent surrounded him and he breathed deeply as she kissed up his neck. She let her lips brush against his thick beard before she nibbled on his earlobe.

“Jesus.” He muttered. He was only vaguely aware of her hands unbuttoning his vest until she had shoved it off of him and was yanking at the hem of his t-shirt. He lifted his arms so she could pull it free.

Her eyes widened at the multiple tattoos that covered his chest, torso and arms, but her hands were perfectly steady when she reached out and ran her fingers through the hair on his chest. He jerked his pelvis against her. His erection was obvious and she stared at him with her dark eyes before sliding her hand inside his jeans and underwear. She gripped him firmly and he moaned quietly.

“Good.” She breathed. She pulled her hand free and quickly unbuttoned her blouse. He stared hungrily at her small breasts in the lacy white bra.

“Touch them.” She commanded. He hesitated at the look in her eyes. Instead of being warm and hazy with desire, there was a terrible blankness in them that had his cock softening instantly.

“C’mon.” She whispered. “They’re very sensitive. Touching them will make me wet enough for you to enter me.”

She grabbed his hands and placed them on her breasts. He pulled his hands away and she frowned. “What?”

“Just give me a minute.” He muttered.

“We don’t have a minute.” She scowled and tried to draw his hands back to her breasts. He refused and instead, put his hands around her slender waist and tangled them in her long hair. He tugged gently until she was looking up at the ceiling.

It didn’t matter how many times she assured him, there was no way he could have sex with her unless she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Just making her wet wasn’t enough. The only way he’d even maintain an erection was if she was as hot for him as he was for her.

He dipped his head towards her throat, saying a silent prayer that this would work.

She twitched against him when he nuzzled her neck, her fingers tightening a little in the hair on his chest. He kissed his way up her throat before trailing a path along her jaw. When he tried to kiss her full mouth she darted her head back, hissing a little when it made her hair pull in his hands.

“No kissing on the mouth.” She whispered.

He hesitated and then nodded his agreement before dipping his head and kissing his way down the other side of her throat.

Charlotte stared up at the ceiling as Ren trailed his firm lips across the top of her chest to her collarbone. He licked it lightly and she was shocked to feel a thin thread of desire course through her. His beard tickled and she had to stifle the moan in her throat when he moved one big hand to her flat stomach and traced it gently.

Although Rick had died only three months ago, it had been nearly two years since she had been intimate with a man. The cancer, and subsequent chemotherapy treatments and radiation, had consumed their lives. Their previously frequent and active sex life had gradually dwindled to nothing. At the time she hadn’t cared. She had just wanted Rick alive and well.

Now, as the numbness from the last three months was slowly replaced with an aching need to both touch and be touched, she placed her hands tentatively on Ren’s shoulders. Her stomach was churning with a combination of shame and desire, and she cursed Ren violently in her head for making her want him. She wished bitterly for the numbness to be back. At least then she wouldn’t feel like she was cheating on her dead husband with a drug-addicted criminal.

You’re only doing this to save Vince’s life. Rick would understand. She reminded herself. But as Ren’s hand drew maddeningly slow circles on her stomach, and she dug her hands into his broad shoulders to stop herself from forcing his hands to her suddenly-aching breasts, she knew it was a lie. What she was doing might have started out as a desperate attempt to save a man’s life, but she would be a fool to try and convince herself it was the only reason now.

Ren’s large hand suddenly covered her breast, his thumb rubbing almost lazily across her nipple, and she was helpless to stop the small moan from escaping her throat. He undid the front clasp of her bra, peeling it back to reveal her small, firm breasts. With a trembling hand he reached out and cupped her bare breast. Her nipple hardened immediately and he made a soft groan of appreciation before plucking lightly at it with his fingers. Her back arched and she pressed her pelvis eagerly against his, her legs tightening around his waist as he cupped both of her breasts and rubbed her sensitive nipples.

Ren stared down at Charlotte. Her eyes were closed and her face was flushed. She was biting at her bottom lip as her hands tightened and loosened compulsively around his broad shoulders.

“Charlotte, look at me.” He whispered.

Her eyes fluttered open and he felt the anxiety in his chest loosen at the soft look of desire in them. His erection was back, hard and throbbing against the tight denim of his jeans, and he groaned when she rubbed herself against him.

He was aching to kiss her, to taste the sweetness of her lips, and he was bending his mouth to hers before he remembered her rule. He kissed her cheek instead before licking the curve of her ear, liking the sound of her soft moan of pleasure.

He sucked hard on her earlobe, running his hands up and down her back under her blouse as she pressed herself against him. Her naked breasts, their nipples hard little points, brushed against his chest and his hands tightened almost painfully into her soft skin.

“Ren...” She moaned.

He bent and took one hard nipple into his mouth. She gave another loud moan and clutched at his head as he first nipped and then sucked hard on her nipple. He moved to her other one as she rocked her hips frantically against him.

Her motions had pushed her skirt up to the middle of her thighs and, as he continued to suck on her nipple, he reached between their bodies and stroked her soft thigh, watching her face for any signs of distress. She had closed her eyes again and she was panting lightly and shifting against the hard dryer.

He straightened and moved his hand to hold her firmly around the waist. He slipped his other hand under her crumpled skirt, skated his fingers past the soft material of her panties and cupped her warm pussy.

She gasped, her eyes popping open as her legs tightened helplessly around his hips. She stared up at him and he moved his fingers slowly, his cock swelling at how wet she already was.

She reached between them and grabbed his wrist.

“Should I stop?” He asked hoarsely.

She hesitated and then shook her head no, her hand first loosening and then falling away. He moved his fingers to her clit. It was hard and swollen, and she moaned loudly when he rubbed it firmly.

He reached for the waistband of her panties before lifting her off the dryer. She helped him slide her underwear down her legs, her face flushed. She impatiently kicked them off one foot, letting them dangle from her other ankle as he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans and pulled his cock free.

Charlotte looked down, feeling the hot blush rising in her face at the sight of his large cock jutting out of his jeans. The numbness that had swallowed her for so long was completely gone now. It had been replaced by a fiery lust for the man standing between her legs.

She had forgotten about being a hostage, about Vince bleeding on the floor, about Steve and his games. As she wrapped her legs around Ren’s waist again and urged him toward her, she could think of nothing but finding relief for the aching throb in her pelvis. It had been too long since she had felt anything but sorrow and pain and numbness, and the desire now flowing through her body was as addictive to her as Steve’s cocaine was to him.

“Please.” She panted.

He pulled her forward and lifted her legs a bit higher around his waist before reaching between them and guiding his cock into her wet and slick entrance. She was incredibly tight and he was only halfway into her when her legs squeezed his waist and she gave a loud hiss of pain. He stopped immediately, his hand coming up to brush her hair back from her face.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“It’s fine. Just give me a minute to adjust to the size.” She murmured.

He reached between them and ran his fingers over her clit. She shivered in his arms as she tipped her head back so that he could place warm, wet kisses on the column of her throat. Her legs, which had been squeezed tightly around his hips, relaxed and he pushed experimentally. He groaned against her throat when his cock slid further into her. He continued to rub her clit, bringing her closer and closer to climaxing as he gently pressed forward until his entire cock was seated inside her.

He drew in a deep ragged breath as he put both hands on her hips and held her firmly. She draped her arms over his shoulders, locking her hands behind his neck, and stared at him as he started to move in her.

Her tight, wet heat clung to his cock and he groaned loudly as he withdrew and then slowly plunged into her. He wanted desperately to go hard and fast but she felt so tiny and frail against him and he was afraid of hurting her. She was still staring at him with her dark eyes and as he withdrew and surged into her again, he dipped his head to kiss her.

He stopped at the last moment, his mouth hovering over hers and her breath warm on his lips as he fought to stop from tasting her mouth. With a sigh of frustration he started to move his head back. She clamped her hands around his neck and he inhaled sharply when she tilted her mouth towards his and licked his lips with her soft tongue.

“Charlotte, please.” He moaned.

She hesitated and then her mouth was on his, her tongue darting past his open lips.

He groaned again and cupped the back of her head, holding her firmly as he kissed her deeply. He shoved his tongue into her mouth, stroking hers roughly as he kissed and licked and nipped at her full lips.

He continued to thrust into her, his movements turning harder and faster despite his worry about hurting her. The dryer she was sitting on was rocking back and forth, making a loud hollow thump every time it banged against the wall. Her loud moans of pleasure were driving him crazy and he could feel himself drawing close.

Charlotte kissed Ren hard. He tasted good, she thought dazedly. His tongue swept through her mouth again and she opened it wide so that he could taste every inch of it.

He was moving faster now, his hips thrusting furiously against hers. She was so close and she whimpered her need as he slipped his hand between their bodies. His rough fingers rubbed her clit and she arched her back, crying out into his mouth as her orgasm raced through her. Her pussy clamped down on his hard cock and with his own short cry he pulled her flush against him, pumped rapidly in and out twice more and climaxed.

She collapsed against him, feeling his harsh breath against her hair as he stroked her back. After a moment, he leaned back a little and stared down at her. He surprised her by cupping her face and kissing her sweetly. She kissed him back, her body still shuddering with the force of her climax.

“Aww, ain’t that the sweetest thing I ever saw.”

Ren froze against her and turned his head. He kept her close against his body, hiding her nakedness behind his broad back.

“I only caught the last few minutes, but it looked like the little bitch enjoyed herself.” Steve snickered. “You got a way with the bitches don’t ya, Ren?”

“Get out.” Ren snarled softly.

“Hold on now. Maybe I should take a turn. See if I can make her feel as good as you did.” Steve replied.

“I didn’t take you for a man who enjoyed sloppy seconds.” Ren said crudely.

“Fuck you, Ren.” Steve wiped at his nose again. “You’d be wise to remember that I’m the one with the guns.”

Faintly they could hear the ring of the phone and Ren stared coldly at Steve. “That’ll be for you.”

“Yeah. You got three minutes to get your asses back out there.” Steve left the back room.

Ren stepped away from Charlotte as she quickly did her bra up and then buttoned her blouse. He zipped his jeans and pulled his shirt and vest back on before hooking her panties around her other foot and pulling them up to her thighs. Before she could hop down from the dryer he lifted her and set her gently on her feet. She pulled her panties up under her skirt and started toward the door.

He took her arm. “Wait.”

She watched as he bent and lifted up the leg of his jeans. He had a leather holster around his calf, a gun tucked firmly in it, and she blinked in surprise as he quickly undid it and knelt at her feet. He slipped it under her skirt and gently pushed her thighs apart.

“What are you doing?” She whispered.

He wrapped the holster around one smooth thigh and buckled it. It barely fit and she winced as the stiff leather bit into her soft skin. He stood up and stepped back, staring critically at her. The soft, full folds of her skirt hid the bulk of the gun nicely.

“Ren? What are you doing?” She repeated herself.

He surprised her by pulling her into his arms and cupping her face. He bent his head and she opened her mouth in anticipation of his kiss. Instead of kissing her, he breathed into her ear. “If he takes you back here, if he tries anything, do not hesitate to shoot him. Do you understand me?”

“I’ve never fired a gun in my life.” She protested quietly.

“The safety is off. Just put your finger on the trigger, aim for his chest and squeeze.”

“You want me to shoot your friend?”

“He’s not my friend.” He growled immediately. “When we go back out there, stay quiet and don’t antagonize him. Ignore everything he says, okay?”

She nodded. The weight of the gun around her thigh felt strange and she reached down and touched it lightly through the material of her skirt.

He shook his head. “No, don’t do that. Steve’s a coke addict, but he’s also a goddamn psychopath and too sharp for his own good. Just keep your hands away from it.”

“Who are you?” She suddenly whispered.

“I’m no one. Just an asshole who got himself involved with the wrong crowd.” He kissed her roughly, his tongue slipping between her lips and tangling with hers before he stepped back.

“C’mon.”

He took her hand and led her out of the back room.