Ryder

Chapter 2

Mia

I smiled as I rolled over and took in the empty bed next to me. He was gone which meant I could have a peaceful morning. My husband always used my body for his own pleasure in the morning. I took it only because he saved me from that bastard Mark five years ago.

Five years before...

"I want my money Mark...." I heard a deep voiced man growl. Mark had put me in the basement again last night to "teach me a lesson." But I stayed up by the door to hear who Mark was happening to. My stomach rumbled and I grabbed it. I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning before Mark had had another beating session on me.

"I'll get it as soon as I can Max," came Mark's gruff reply, "I will need a few hours to get it all together though."

A loud banging sound came from the other side of the door and the shattering of glass could be heard everywhere. I cringed thinking about the beating I was probably going to get because of whoever was out there.

Just then I heard the wood splinter above my head, and a scream escaped my lips. My hands shot up to my mouth trying to push that scream back in, but it was too late. I could tell by the way the guy was screaming.

"What the fuck was that?" I heard the handle being turned above me and I flew down the stairs. My foot hit the railing off to the left, and I tumbled down the rest of them. Tears escaped my eyes as pain shot up my leg, but I bit my tongue from yelling out.

A light shown down from the open doorway, and I could see a man standing there. He looked no older than maybe his early twenties. I couldn't make out his face, but his outlined looked like it was shaking.

"Mark!" He barked, "Who the fuck is that?!" I saw him turn away from me, so I crawled out of the light and over to a corner.

"It's no one. Just this girl Brook that I'm paying to c-clean the basement, Capo. It's no one to worry about."

"Someone's been clawing on the basement door from the inside," I heard the Capo say, "Try again, Mark, and tell the truth. I'm not a patient man."

"I-I don't..."I heard Mark stutter before grunting in pain. For five minutes all I heard was fighting, and then one shot was fired quickly following another one. I was scared out of my mind, as I heard the stairs creaking. Someone was coming down, but I didn't know who.

Present day...

Max saved me from Mark that day. Although Max wasn't as bad as Mark, he had his moments. He saw me as a trophy, and on occasion a punching bag. I did honestly love him though. No matter how crazy that sounds I do.

Throwing on a robe, I decided to not get dressed this morning before I went downstairs. If Max caught me I might get a slap, but I don't think he would mind too much considering I am wearing his shirt and I have one baggy sweats. He liked me to always look presentable, but sometimes a girl just needs to lounge in her sweats all day.