Kings of Decay (The Winston Brothers Duet #1)

8. Willow

Chapter eight

Willow

“ G et in,” Ainsley barked. His dark eyes shone angrily, and his hand shook furiously on the chrome door handle.

If I was uncertain before about accepting a ride from the Winston brothers, now I knew for sure.

I took a step back, hugging my purse tightly to my body. “I said no.”

Pearce leaned forward in the passenger seat so I could see him better. “You should probably do what he says.” He gestured out to the cold, dark street. “You’re gonna freeze walking home.”

“I do have a ride,” I lied. “I’m waiting for my dad.”

My words do nothing to give them pause.

“Don’t lie to me, Willow,” Ainsley sneered. “Yes, I know that’s a lie. People are so obvious when they lie. It makes me sick.” He added before I open my mouth to argue.

“So if you don’t want to freeze, get in,” Pearce coaxed.

I didn’t know which of the brothers scared me more.

“I don’t mind the cold,” I sniffed and started walking away.

Regret flooded me the instant I heard the Jeep doors slam.

In a whirlwind of swift movements, Ainsley and Pearce were upon me. My purse slipped from my grip, falling to the snowy ground as they shoved me against the hood of the Jeep. Instinctively, I tried to twist out of their grasp, but it was no use.

"You little bitch," Ainsley snarled, unzipping my jacket and yanking my shirt up, exposing me to the cold air that bit at my skin. "You're gonna learn your place."

As I struggled against them, my eyes darted around frantically, searching for anyone. The streets were dead. Most people, aside from the drunks, were fast asleep.

The brothers tore off my jacket and shirt.

"Stop!" I screamed. Louder than I ever have before. The sound echoed through the empty street, shivering in the cold air. "Somebody help me! Please!" But there was no answer.

"Shut up," Ainsley spat in my face. "You're asking for this."

I glared at him, though the tears streaming down my cheeks made it hard to see. "I didn't ask for this," I yelled.

In a matter of seconds, I was stripped down to my underwear.

Pearce and Ainsley grabbed handfuls of my flesh, running their hands over my body. The contrast between their warm skin and the cold wind made me shudder.

As I was about to scream again, Ainsley's hand snapped over my lips, muffling my cries. “Don’t bother.” He hissed. “Nobody’s coming to save you.”

I tried to move, to push their hands away, but it was a futile attempt. The two were just too strong.

Pearce shoved me into a snowbank and threw my purse at me. "Now, walk home."

I looked up. "Walk?" I croaked.

"What? You're too good to take a ride from us. So walk." His blue eyes bored into mine, freezing me through to the bone. Colder than the icy wind.

"Please," I begged.

Pearce pulled out a hunting knife. "I won't ask again, little mouse."

I forced down the bile choking me and struggled to my feet. They'd mercifully let me keep my boots. Aside from those, I was only in panties and a bra. A ratty, unmatched set that only added to my shame.

As a shivering mess, I turned around and began my long march home. The frigid air nipped and bit at my exposed flesh. “Think warm thoughts,” I whispered to ward off the chill.

I heard their Jeep ignite. Its tires spun, sending up puffs of snow and ice. They followed me at an agonizing pace. Turns out Ainsley and Pearce were not just dark-hearted creeps; they were monsters who made sure that I followed their words.

Step by step, I walked home with the blinding lights of the Winston Brother's Jeep following me. The brightness cast a long shadow before me, framing my huddled form. I sniffled, trying not to cry. I wasn't sure if it was the fear or the sting of the wind. My bare flesh stung and burned until I felt nothing at all.

I didn’t dare turn around or slow down.

If I kept one foot moving in front of the other, I’d make it. It was only a couple of miles and, perhaps most mercifully, barely above freezing temperatures. Wasn’t that bad, right? I lied to myself to prevent myself from breaking down in tears.

A light flicked on in one of the houses. I saw a silhouette of someone watching me. She stood staring for a second, but once the Jeep came into view, the curtains flew shut.

“Fuck,” I gasped. “Fucking cowards!” I shouted. My breath came out ragged, and the condensation froze against my face. I pulled my arms tighter around myself, failing to keep the warmth in my body.

The Jeep honked and flashed the lights.

I didn’t look back.

These assholes thought they were untouchable. They might have owned everyone else in this town but not me. No one owned Willow Moore.

No one.

Snow kicked up and shot down the side of my boot. My legs were so cold that I barely noticed.

I walked for what felt like an eternity. How did this last mile feel so long? My entire body was numb. My fingers were pale and bluish.

Still, I refused to look back. I kept my eyes trained on the shadow in front of me, ignoring the sound of the Jeep crawling behind me.

“Hurry up, bitch!” Ainsley shouted out the window and laid on the horn.

I winced but kept my composure. I didn’t have the energy to waste getting into another argument. If I wanted to survive, I needed to get home.

I wiped the snot from my face and staggered forward. My vision was starting to fade around the edges. “Fuck,” I gasped as my head started spinning.

Where was I again?

The sound of the crunching snow brought me back to reality for only a moment before the world started swirling around me.

“I think I’ll just rest here,” I murmured, holding my icy hands up to my mouth. I stumbled, landing on my knees in the snow. I was so cold. So cold. I just needed to sleep.

“Just a short nap, I promise.”