Isela's Love Read online

  “I missed you,” he said, nuzzling her neck. She returned his embrace, smiling.

  “We missed you too,” she said, nodding her head toward the playpen in the center of the room.

  “Where did that come from?” Darrios asked, releasing Maggie. He slid his hand over the wood finish.

  “The baby? Dude, that was all you,” Brendan said jokingly.

  Darrios rolled his eyes. “The playpen.”

  “Sandra and Evan loaned it to us. Evan was willing to get rid of it for good, but Sandra insisted they’re having more children.”

  “Good, I hope that happens soon. He needs something else to do besides ride my ass.”

  “Trouble in paradise?” Maggie asked.

  “Naw, just a difference of opinion. I got him to come around though.”

  Maggie squeezed his arm as she moved around him. “You do have some wicked powers of persuasion.”

  He slapped her bottom, playfully. “You know it, toots.”

  “Ahem,” Brendan said, exaggerating the tone, “Before this moves to a level I can’t stomach, I move we change the subject. Did Bernie find out anything?”

  Darrios glanced at Maggie. He nodded to Brendan. “Yeah, we’re a go.”

  Brendan smacked his hand on the table, waking Lucan. “Yes!”

  Maggie glared at her brother as she picked up the crying infant. “Excuse me, gentleman. Thanks to that outburst, I need to go feed this young man a bit ahead of schedule,” Maggie said, taking Lucan down the hall.

  Darrios leaned in and spoke quietly. “The Council is sending a guard detail to escort you to the prison. They’ll have a story for you, complete with the necessary paperwork. Are you sure you’re up to this, Brendan?”

  “Trust me, Darrios. Compared to what I’ve seen in the last two years? This will be a cake-walk. The worst part is telling my sister.”

  “We’ll do it together. It’ll be safer that way.”

  Maggie returned a few minutes later. “He went right back to sleep. I laid him down in his cradle. Too noisy in here.”

  Darrios got up and grabbed the bottle of Mulsket. He poured a glass for himself and one for Brendan, hoping Brendan would begin the conversation he didn’t want to have.

  “Mags, sit down for a second, will you?” Brendan said.

  She eyed him warily, glancing over at Darrios, who seemed completely immersed in pouring drinks.

  “What’s going on, Brendan? I know that tone of voice. The last time you used it was when you told me you’d joined Social Saviors. Are you leaving again...so soon?”

  “I’m not leaving yet. In fact, I might even be here longer than I originally thought.” Looking over at Darrios, he took a deep breath. Darrios handed him his drink. He sat down in the chair next to him, leaving an empty one between him and Maggie.

  “I’m going to do some work for the Celio Council...some undercover work, kind of like some of the stuff I did in Africa,” Brendan said, keeping his tone light.

  Maggie narrowed her eyes. “I thought you were cleaning rivers and teaching kids to read, getting them immunized, stuff like that. As far as I know, the Celio Council has other interests at heart.”

  Brendan and Darrios exchanged glances. Darrios took Maggie’s hand, caressing it. “He’s going into the prison...posing as an inmate to investigate Guarros,” he explained.

  Maggie jerked her hand away. She jumped up, pointing her finger at Darrios. “You did this,” she shrieked. She turned to Brendan. “Are you crazy? You can’t go into that prison. It’s too dangerous.”

  She took a couple of deep breaths, focusing her attention back on Darrios, making an effort to lower her voice. “Why would you involve my brother in something like this? It’s bad enough I have to worry about your adrenaline addiction, but now you’re dragging Brendan into it too?”

  “He didn’t drag me, Maggie. I volunteered. It was my idea.”

  Her eyes still on Darrios, she said, “Then Darrios should’ve said no.”

  “I tried, but arguing with your brother is like arguing with you,” Darrios said. “There’s no winning.”

  Brendan stood up. “Maggie, I’m not a kid anymore. I don’t need you to protect me. I did some crazy shit in Africa...way more dangerous than this and I’m still around to tell the tales. I’m really good at this covert stuff. I know what I’m doing. I promise I’ll be careful. You have to trust me.”

  “I do trust you, Brendan,” she said, hugging him. “It’s the bad guys I don’t trust.”

  “I have to do this, Maggie. That animal has to be stopped. I’m the only one who can do it. Guarros has seen the other guys.”

  “And the Council doesn’t have anybody else?”

  “Actually,” Darrios said, cringing, “Bernie went to them and asked if we could do this.”

  “I’ll kill him,” Maggie muttered.

  “Maggie, don’t blame Bernie or Darrios. I want to do this. I need to. Tell her what he’s done, Darrios.”

  “We think he killed Kie, one of our hunters, who happened to be that young woman’s father—the woman I told you about, Isela. Apparently Guarros is obsessed with her, but what’s even worse is he’s been sexually abusing some of the female inmates and servants. We had two inmates admit it to us.”

  Maggie gasped, “Oh my God. And Isela?”

  “No, at least not yet. He abuses her, but not sexually. He’s trying to beat her down into submission. He really is a twisted fuck.”

  Maggie sat down, placing her hands on the table. “Do you really think you can stop him?”

  Both Darrios and Brendan nodded.

  “And Brendan will be safe?”

  “At the first hint of any danger, we’ll pull him out,” Darrios promised. “It’ll be easy to monitor since we’ll be back and forth because of the meat deliveries and the trustees.”

  Staring down at the table, Maggie said quietly, “I don’t like it, but I understand why you have to do it. I admire that you’re doing the right thing...both of you.”

  Brendan patted his sister’s hand. “Look at the bright side, Mags. This will keep me in Celio longer.”

  “But I won’t get to see you.”

  “Maybe I’ll take you on a delivery if you miss him too much,” Darrios offered.

  Maggie looked up, smiling. “I’d love that. Then I can see for myself he’s all right.” She pointed at Brendan. “But you’re on your own telling Aunt Gin.”

  “C’mon, Mags.”

  “Don’t need me to protect you, my ass,” she said with a smirk.

  Chapter Eight

  Isela and Mae stood together washing dishes after lunch.

  “I miss Jerric,” Mae said.

  “Me too,” Isela agreed. “He was really lucky to get that job on the farm.”

  “I don’t know. Don’t you think it’s kind of scary, leaving here every day and going through Midland...with all the monsters?”

  Isela shook her head. “No, I’d give anything to get out of here...except once I do, I’ll never come back.”

  “Why are you so anxious to get out of here?” Mae asked, clearly agitated. “What else would you do? Where would you go? It’s not so bad here, Isela. It could be worse.”

  Isela looked at her friend, feeling sorry for her. Mae really would rather stay in the prison than even attempt a life outside of it. It was safe to her. Although, as far as Isela could tell, Guarros had never laid his grubby paws on her. Isela doubted if he’d even noticed her.

  “I hate it here, Mae. Every minute. I feel like I’m dying inside. The only good part of my days is when I’m with you and Jerric.”

  Mae smiled weakly, hugging Isela. “I’m sorry you’re so sad, Isela. I really hope you get what you want.”

  “I will, Mae. Someday I will.”

  They finished the dishes then moved on to their other chores, agreeing to meet later for dinner.

  ****

  As Isela and Mae finished their dinner, one of the inmates approached them, sitting down across fr
om Isela. Frowning, Mae glanced around nervously.

  “What do you want, Keeri?” Isela asked. “Why the smug smile? Did the warden give you extra beans or something?”

  “Listen to you talk. Everyone knows he wants to screw you.”

  Isela’s stomach rolled at the thought. “I’m sure you’re mistaken, Keeri. Why are you here?”

  “You know, Isela, if you’d quit trying to be all high and mighty and just give in to him already, your life would be a lot easier. All of our lives would be.”

  “I will never give in to him. And I don’t understand how you can. The thought of him on top of me repulses me beyond words.”

  “Oh spare me, Isela. You’re saying you wouldn’t like new clothes or an extra helping now and then? Maybe get out of some chores once in a while?”

  “Not if I have to give myself to him.”

  Keeri rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself. More for me.” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “I know that’s not why you came over. I’ll ask you one more time: What do you want?”

  “I just heard some news I’m sure you two will be interested in.”

  She smiled smugly again. Isela tapped her fingers on the table impatiently. “Are you going to tell us what it is or continue to sit there being obnoxious?”

  “The trustees working on the hunters’ farm? They’re going to be staying there more permanently, I hear. They’ve converted one of the buildings to a dormitory. The escorts will just guard them now, I suppose. So your boy-toy Jerric won’t be coming home to you every night.”

  Mae whimpered. Isela sighed. That could’ve been her. She had the chance to be free of this place but Guarros had snatched it away...again. While she was happy for Jerric, she envied him too.

  “Lucky him,” Isela said, not giving Keeri the satisfaction of seeing how much the news had upset her. Keeri was only happy when she could make others miserable. Isela refused to play her game. Mae, on the other hand, had no concept of a poker face. She nearly burst into tears right there at the table.

  Keeri stood up in a slow, leisurely manner. As she walked away, she hollered over her shoulder, “Oh yeah, and we’re getting a couple of new inmates tomorrow. Hopefully they’re hot. I could use a pretty face in my bed, how about you, Isela?”

  Laughing, she sashayed from the hall.

  “What are we going to do? We didn’t even get to say goodbye,” Mae said ruefully.

  “We’re going to be happy for him and wish him good luck. He’ll be back. Don’t let that bitch get to you.”

  Isela and Mae took their trays to the drop-off area then headed toward their rooms. Guarros stood in the doorway talking to Keeri. Isela swallowed hard when she saw Keeri point at her and Guarros nodding. Turning her gaze to the front, she kept on walking. She supposed she’d find out what kind of trouble Keeri was stirring up soon enough. Isela cursed inwardly when she saw Guarros hurrying after her.

  He ran around her, cutting her off, as soon as she and Mae turned down their hallway. She stopped. Mae stopped too. Guarros glanced down at Mae, scowling.

  “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” he growled.

  She looked at Isela wide-eyed, unsure of what she should do.

  Isela sighed. “It’s okay, Mae. Go on.”

  Mae scurried off, glancing behind her before hurrying through her door.

  Guarros stepped forward, backing Isela up against the wall.

  He licked his lips as he traced a finger down Isela’s neck and over her shoulder. Turning away from him, she fought the urge to gag.

  “What do you want?” She gritted her teeth.

  He chuckled. “You know what I want, Isela, but that’s not why I’m here. It seems Keeri is under the impression that you’re jealous of my attention toward her. She said the two of you had words.”

  Isela made a mental note to strangle Keeri.

  “We barely spoke—”

  “Isela, dear, you have no reason to be jealous. You know I don’t care about the other girls.”

  Isela ducked out of his reach. “I assure you, Warden, jealousy is not a feeling I have where you’re concerned. Keeri is a liar and just wants to make trouble for me.”

  His eyes narrowed, his features darkening. “You seem perfectly capable of that all by yourself with that mouth of yours. Maybe a taste of my belt might help you hold your tongue.”

  Isela chewed her bottom lip, not daring to push him any further for fear he’d make good on his threat. The last time he’d left her with welts that lasted over a week.

  “I’m sorry, sir. I just don’t appreciate people telling lies about me.”

  He chuckled, softening. “I can see that. Don’t worry about Keeri. I’ll take care of her. But remember, Isela, I’m doing it for you.”

  He cupped her cheek and then walked away. Isela found it hard to feel bad for Keeri. She deserved to be punished, but probably not the beating she was about to get. Maybe she’d learn to keep her mouth shut next time. Isela scrubbed her face, trying to wash Guarros’ touch off of her skin. After she returned to her room, she changed and climbed into bed, exhausted.

  ****

  She gazed into his eyes, hurt by the anger and frustration she saw there. “I’m sorry,” she said, placing her hand on his chest.

  “Don’t,” he stopped her, pushing her hand away. “Don’t tell me you’re sorry when you’re not even willing to try.”

  “I want to. I do. But what if we get caught? He’ll kill you.”

  “We won’t get caught.” The man began pacing. “I’m done watching him hurt you. I’ll be the one who kills him, Isela. Make no mistake about that.” He stopped pacing and pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair, whispering against her neck, “I love you, Isela, please come with me. Love me back.”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “I do love you. You know that.”

  He kissed her, deeply, his tongue lavishly lingering over her lips, devouring her, sending blasts of heat spiraling through her core. He pulled away for a second to stare at her lips hungrily. She nodded, breathlessly.

  “I’ll do it. I’ll come with you.”

  He threw his head back and laughed, picking her up and twirling her around. Isela couldn’t remember ever being so happy, even through the red haze.

  She woke up panting yet again, feeling confused. Who was the brown-eyed man? Why did she keep dreaming of him and why did he make her so happy? Why did his touch leave her dizzied and unsteady? She touched her lips. And his kiss...

  “Calm down, Isela,” she told herself, “He’s only a dream.” No real man could ever cause her to lose herself like that. No real man could ever be that perfect.

  Chapter Nine

  The Council’s guards were two large, humorless men. They’d agreed to meet at the farm so Maggie didn’t have to watch her brother being taken into custody, even though it was only pretend. In case Guarros had an informant, they wanted to make it authentic.

  The guards grabbed hold of Brendan and placed him in shackles. Darrios agreed to come as far as the gate, but thought it too risky to go any further. Brendan and the guards agreed. Another prisoner, a real one, was already chained to the wagon. The guards hooked up Brendan then got back in the wagon and left, the prisoners walking behind.

  Laughing, one of the guards yelled over his shoulder, “Make sure you keep up, fellas. We won’t be stoppin,’ so if you fall behind, you’ll be draggin.’”

  Brendan’s crime was to have been stealing food from his employer, a bar in Midland, and distributing it to the poor. They wanted him to be a sympathetic criminal so Isela wouldn’t fear him. A couple of fights at the bar were added to the jacket so he’d have a somewhat tougher image for some of the more aggressive inmates.

  By the time they reached the prison, Brendan had fully assumed his role. The other prisoner hadn’t spoken the entire trip. Brendan followed his lead.

  The prison guards met them at the gate then led them to the incoming door. A balding, bloated man, who Br
endan figured was Guarros, stood scowling behind two other men. He attempted to fold his arms over his chest, but his fat belly made it impossible. His fingers didn’t even touch end to end.

  The Council guards produced the prisoner paperwork, announcing their names and offenses as they handed it to the prison guards.

  “Arvin Reed, residential robbery, Midland, three times. Brendan Malone, robbery, repeated distribution of stolen goods, Midland. Assault and battery, three times, Midland.”

  The warden stepped forward and snatched the paperwork from the guard. He chuckled when he read it.

  “I can see we got a couple of dangerous criminals here, boys.”

  He motioned with his hand for the guards to lead the prisoners to him. “Thanks, we’ll take it from here. You can be on your way.”

  Turning, he went inside, waiting until his prisoners were secured before dropping the door shut. He glared at the two men before him for several minutes, saying nothing, obviously trying to seem intimidating. Brendan already thought him to be a pathetic excuse of a man. He couldn’t wait to take this asshole down.

  “We got rules ’round here, dirt bags,” Guarros began. “I know you boys aren’t accustomed to that, but I assure you, they will be enforced. If you break ’em, the punishment will be swift and severe.” He chuckled and looked to his guards. “Just ask around. Understand?”

  Brendan nodded, stared straight ahead, and said, “Yes, sir.”

  The other prisoner, Arvin blew out a breath. “Whatever,” he muttered.

  Anger flashed in Guarros’ eyes. He pulled from his pocket what appeared to be a cigar and he lit it. He stepped right in front of Arvin and blew smoke in his face, causing him to sputter and cough. He glanced to his guard and then back to Arvin.

  “I don’t think that was very respectful. Roy, do you think that was very respectful?”

  “No, sir, I don’t,” the guard answered.

  Moving inches from Arvin’s face, Guarros said in a deadly monotone, “I think you need to learn some respect, son.” He stepped back away from Arvin. “Show him some respect, Roy.”

  Brendan stood by helplessly while Roy, Guarros’ guard, threw Arvin to the ground, punching and kicking him. The man cried out, unable to fight back or even block the blows due to his restraints. He begged for the guard to stop, but the guard and Guarros laughed. He continued to kick him in the face until Arvin lost consciousness.