Chapter 5

Kane’s grip tightens on my arm and he stops moving, leaning close to my ear. “Sweetheart, you had best stop fighting and get your head wrapped around the fact that you’re mine now,” he growls.

The way he says it sends a bolt of need through me. It’s ridiculous considering what is happening. Maybe it’s just the adrenaline heightening all my senses.

I stop struggling and force one foot in front of the other. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in a dangerous situation. Ever since I can remember, my mother had been part of this life and wrapped up in these vicious crime circles. I never met my father, apparently, he was junkie, just like my mother. When she met Alex, it seemed like she was getting her life on track, until I realized what he did for a living.

Kane smells of pine and musk, which is oddly comforting, as he marches me straight out the backdoor of the club. Obviously not wanting to draw too much attention to the fact he is kidnapping me. How the hell can my step-father even give me away? I’m eighteen years old for God’s sake.

Two black SUVs with blacked out windows are parked in the back alley. Kane opens the back door of one of them, gazing at me. “Get in, sweetheart.” He lets go of me to allow me to climb in.

I glance between him and the car for a moment. If I go with him, my life is over. Fuck it. A split-second decision has me running in the opposite direction, taking advantage of the fact he let go of my arm.

“Fuck,” Kane growls behind me. Then thudding footsteps follow and I know he’s chasing me. I make the mistake of glancing over my shoulder, which slows me down. Three more steps and his hands tighten around my shoulder, jerking me to a stop.

His strong arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me against his hard, muscled body. “Don’t be foolish, Jasmine. I get a feeling you’re a smart girl and you know doing as I say is the best option for you.” My thighs clench at his touch, finding myself involuntarily aroused by the dangerous man holding me.

I swallow hard, glancing back at the SUV. He’s right. Everything I’ve heard about him and the Romano Mafia tells me I need to submit, otherwise I’ll end up dead. I’m in real danger now. Danger far worse than anything my mother ever landed us in when I was growing up. Once you’re entangled with the mafia you either end up stuck with them all your life or dead.

The driver has gotten out of the car, and he’s approaching the two of us. “Sir, do you need assistance?”

Kane’s arms tighten around my waist, making my panties soak through. “No, I’ve got it handled.” I can feel something hard and thick pressing into my ass, making me wetter.

I squeal as he lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder, walking back toward the car. “Let go of me,” I spit, trying to wriggle free from him. “I can walk you know.” His hand rests on my bare thigh, sending even more heat through my body. I feel like I’m on fire.

He bundles me into the back of the car. Then he slides in next to me, shutting the door. The locks click and I know I’m trapped with him.

His hand settles on my thigh in a tight, possessive grip. I flinch slightly, half from the way he’s turning me on and half from fear. “Don’t worry, Jasmine. I’m not going to hurt you.” He gazes at me almost kindly.

“I can’t believe that, you’re Kane freaking Romano.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I’m Kane Romano, but I don’t hurt women.”

I narrow my eyes at him, parting my lips slightly as I realize how close we’re sitting. “What if a woman screws you over?”

He cocks his head to the side. “I get one of my men to hurt her.”

Dread slices through me, making my stomach churn with sickness. Suddenly, I’m no longer aroused, as if his words have broken me from a stupid lust-filled state. The car engine roars and we start moving.

What is going to happen to me?

“Are you okay? You’re trembling.” Kane takes my hand in his and pulls me even closer to him.

I hadn’t even noticed how much I was shaking, but my hands are trembling. I’m not used to being scared of anything, not after everything I’ve been through with my mother, but this is different. The thought of being sold into sex trafficking scares me more than anything ever has.

The fear spreading through me is impossible to truly get a grip of as my world is being torn apart. Sure, my life wasn’t exactly great before my step- dad gave me to this man, but I was free to a certain extent.

My breathing becomes more rapid, and my head spins, making my body shake with fear. I try desperately to regulate my breathing, focusing on getting a grip. I’m about to have a panic attack, and I can’t stop it. My heart skips a beat as Kane’s large hand rests on my back, and he gently rubs in soothing circles, making it easier to breathe.

As I focus on his hand and the soothing motions, my breathing steadies, and the panic attack looming over me fades. The gesture should have scared me, but for some inexplicable reason this man can calm me down, something no one has ever been able to do before.

“That’s it, breathe deeply,” he purrs.

My body relaxes at the soothing sound of his voice. “What are you going to do with me?” I ask, gazing up into his dark eyes.

He gives me a small smile. “Don’t worry, you’re not in danger with me, I promise.”

I want to believe him, I think part of me does believe him, as I stare into his eyes which seem kind now. It’s the opposite of everything I’ve heard about him.

“How long will you keep me?” I ask.

He squeezes my thigh gently. “Forever, sweetheart.”

It feels like my world starts spinning at those words, and I’m right back on the edge, struggling to breathe. He can’t keep me forever. This can’t be happening.

What has my step-dad done?

My vision fades to black and that’s the last thing I remember.