Fast Cars (Working Title)

Chapter 1

"Melissa!" Donovan's fingers whitened as they wrapped around the steering wheel. "No!"

The scene unfolded in front of him like a horrific scene from a movie. Men ran through the streets brandishing all manner of weapons. His sister fought like a demon. Her feet slipped on the wet dock. Both she and her assailant fell into the roiling ocean. The other girl was forced into a car before it squealed away, hitting several people in the crowd before screaming around the corner.

Don fought to see through the downpour, trying to catch a glimpse of his sister's blond hair through the sea foam.

He absently swiped his finger across the screen as his phone rang. "Yeah?"

"They got it. Get your ass back here, fast. The boss isn't happy."

"But..."

"No buts. Floor it, Don. We need you now."

The phone beeped as the call ended. Hundreds of people swarmed the dock and the beaches, pulling people from the water. Don threw the device onto the seat as he put the car in gear. "Please be ok, Melissa. Please be ok."

The tires squealed as they fought for purchase.

Don stalked into the warehouse, expecting to see a celebration. Instead, a brawl met his eyes. The new kids were getting their asses handed to them. Don glanced at Dmitry and grimaced. "Guess they didn't get it."

Dmitry scoffed. "Failed miserably."

Don smirked. "I wondered. Where's the girl they grabbed?"

Dmitry nodded to a form huddled in the corner. Her wet hair plastered to her head. Water pooled around her as she hugged her knees. His eyes narrowed as he watched her. There was something familiar about her.

"Why'd they grab her? They didn't need a hostage."

Dmitry shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. We'll just let the guys have her."

"Why not drive her to the middle of no where and turn her loose?"

Dmitry hit him in the shoulder. "Always a softie, aren't ya Don."

Don grinned. "Maybe."

"The boss wants ya." Dmitry pushed himself away from the wall and led the way into the room.

Don kept his gaze on the girl as he made his way through the room. He grinned as he threw a few punches when the brawlers got in his path. "Outta the way," he growled.

Christian turned to face him. "What happened out there?"

Don shrugged. "The boys dropped the ball."

"Obviously. Why?"

Don stretched out on the couch. "My guess is they were paying too much attention to the girls than the job. That's the problem around here. Everyone's interested in getting into another girl's pants and not worrying about what job needs to be done. The place is becoming more and more like a brothel."

Christian turned back to the window. "I think you may have a point. Or, the men may not appreciate who's in command because he doesn't party with the rest of them."

Don raised his eyebrows. "I drink with 'em. I'd just prefer to not catch something I can't throw back."

Christian snorted. "That's not what they see."

Don gritted his teeth. "What would you have me do?"

"Screw someone. I don't care who."

Don shook his head. "Sorry, boss. That's something I prefer to do in private."

"You haven't had anyone since I've known you. You've hardly even kissed anyone."

"I kissed your mom when your dad died."

"A peck on the cheek, Don. It doesn't count."

Don sighed. "I was raised different. I'll lie, cheat and steal. But sex is different."

Christian turned to face him. "You're gonna pull the 'good Christian' card?"

Don shook his head. "No." He winked. "That's your job."

"Don, you've gotta be a leader. Step up to the plate."

"Not on this one, boss. There are other ways to show leadership."

The pistol almost leaped into Christian's hands and leveled at Don's head. "Then I'll hafta convince you."

Don leaned back on the couch, aware that silence filled the room as everyone stopped fighting to watch. He smiled. "Shoot me and I'll quit. Then where will you be?"

Christian waved someone forward.

Don watched as Dmitry wrestled the girl forward and forced her to her knees in front of Christian. He raised his eyebrows.

"You're the kind of man that can't have someone else's death on your hands. Since your own death doesn't seem to phase you, someone else's will." He cocked the gun and pointed it at the girl's head.

Her eyes went wide. Her lips formed unheard words as she either prayed or pleaded for her life. Fear emanated from her, hitting him like the waves that had swallowed Melissa. Her vivid blue eyes shifted to him, begging for help. His heart nearly stopped. It can't be. Not Maisy. It makes sense especially if Melissa actually was on the docks.

"Choose, Don. What'll it be?"

Don shifted in his seat. "I get to pick who and where."

Christian shook his head. "No. The time is now. There are enough players here. Make your choice."

Don leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He glanced around the room at the hookers that were available. He wrinkled his nose before returning his attention to the girl. She barely breathed as she stared down the barrel of the gun. A single tear slipped down her face. His stony glare met Christian's. His nostrils flared. "I choose her." He almost missed the look of relief that crossed the girl's face as Christian lowered the gun.

Christian stepped back and bowed, gesturing at the girl. His eyebrows raised in expectation.

Don stood and spit, making sure the stream landed at Christian's feet. He stalked forward and knelt by the girl, untying her hands. He leaned forward and whispered in the girl's ear. "Did Melissa get away?"

She barely nodded.

He could feel her studying him beneath her lowered lashes. "Stand up."

She struggled to her feet as she rubbed at the red marks on her wrists. Her clothes hung in tatters. Her dark hair dripped rainwater over her shoulders.

He stepped forward and ran his hands up her arms. He pressed a kiss against her forehead and trailed kisses to her ear. "Honey, I won't hurt you. I've gotta do this to save both our lives, but mainly yours."

"Who are you?" Her whisper barely reached his ears.

"I'm Melissa's brother's friend." His hands moved to undo the buttons on her shirt. He kissed her jawline and down her neck as his fingers moved to the button on her jeans. She tried to push his hands away as she stepped back, shaking her head. Her lips formed the word "No" but her voice couldn't even squeak. He advanced as she backed away until she pressed against a wall.

"Please don't."

He raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to any more than you do." He kissed her for a long moment and was surprised when she melted against him. His hands slipped into the waistband, pushing her shorts and bikini bottoms from her hips. He knelt, pressing kisses against her stomach as he removed the soaking clothes. His jacket and tshirt joined the pile of clothing on the floor. He scooped her into his arms and stepped to the couch. At least the back would provide a small bit of privacy.

He kissed her again, savoring the taste of her raspberry lip gloss. "Have you done this before?" Her stunned look made him smile slightly. "I'll try not to hurt you."