Finding Strength: A Club Dark Novel

  Table of Contents

  Finding Strength

  Copyright

  Dedication

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Twenty-Eight

  Twenty-Nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-One

  Thirty-Two

  Thirty-Three

  Thirty-Four

  Thirty-Five

  Thirty-Six

  Thirty-Seven

  Thirty-Eight

  Thirty-Nine

  Forty

  Forty-One

  Forty-Two

  Forty-Three

  Forty-Four

  Forty-Five

  Forty-Six

  Forty-Seven

  Forty-Eight

  Forty-Nine

  Fifty

  Fifty-One

  Fifty-Two

  Fifty-Three

  Fifty-Four

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright © Finding Strength by Reagan Hollow

  All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without the written permission, except for brief quotations for critical articles or reviews. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are simply the product of the author's imagination and have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons either living or dead, are completely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2017 Reagan Hollow

  Cover Design by Cover Me Darling

  Edited by Robin Bateman at Robin’s Red Pen

  Interior Design by Cover Me Darling

  Formatting by Athena Interior Book Design

  I’d like to dedicate this book to everyone who has taken a chance on me. Thank you! You are the reason I push through.

  To my husband and children, you guys are my rock. You drive me crazy sometimes, but that’s okay. Life would be boring without you in it.

  My whole body is on fire, restless from being in the same position for too long. I itch to stretch but seeing as my legs and wrists are tied behind my back, that won’t be happening anytime soon. Why is this happening? Everything was finally starting to look up for me. I was finally starting the life I wanted. But then Aaron had to show up and ruin it all. I was so scared, seeing him standing in the woods behind Cory’s house; never in a million years did I think that he’d be capable of something like this.

  Now, I can only conclude that I’m in some sort of trunk. My only indication being the fact that I have next to no room to move around and my head hitting metal every time we roll over something. I can faintly hear the humming of the tires as they speed against the pavement. I have no idea how long we’ve been driving or where we are going. Last thing I remember was feeling triumph over freeing my hands while his attention was diverted. But then my entire world went dark. What I do know is that I need to get away from him, and fast. If I’ve learned anything from all of this, it’s that the Aaron I thought I knew is gone. I don’t know who this man is and that scares the shit out of me.

  Wiggling my fingers, I do everything in my power to try and free my hands, but it’s no use. He’s made sure I can’t get them out, this time. Trying my damndest not to hyperventilate, I take a few deep breaths and concentrate more on the things I can’t see. Before I can even draw in the second calming breath, my head is thrown up against the side of the trunk as the tires roll over something in the road. I cry out in pain as tears start to trickle down my cheeks. A constant throbbing sets in behind my eyes and I’m almost thankful for the darkness that surrounds me. I’m certain that any light, at this point, will set off an even more intense headache. I can only hope that we reach our destination soon, I’m not sure I can handle much more.

  I feel the brakes engage as we come to a stop. I’m hoping and praying that my wish was just answered because I now have the sudden need to empty my bladder. Bright light streams into the tiny space, causing a piercing pain to shoot straight to my skull. Before I can take a breath or adjust to the light, I’m lifted out of the trunk and thrown over Aaron’s shoulder. When my eyes finally adjust to the sun, I notice that we’re at a motel of sorts. Which again, has me questioning his sanity. You know? Cause it’s normal to have a grown woman, tied up and hanging over your shoulder. Looking around, I notice the place looks deserted but still I pull in a lungful of air, preparing to scream with everything I’ve got.

  “If you draw so much as a glance of attention to us, all it will take is one phone call and I’ll have my guys shoot your little boyfriend.”

  “Why are you doing this? It’s not too late, Aaron. You can let me go right here and I’ll forget this ever happened.” I try reasoning with him, as he carries me to the end of the seemingly vacant motel.

  My headache has started to throb to the rhythm of my heart, no doubt from the constant blows I’ve taken and now having all the blood rushing into it. He pulls a small, white envelope from his pocket, revealing a key card that he immediately slides into the tiny slot on the top of the door handle.

  As he walks us into the room, I’m immediately disgusted. The smell of stale cigarettes smacks me right in the face the moment the door opens, causing my already weak stomach to churn.

  The door slams with a resounding thud as he drops me onto the disgusting, stained bed. I land in an awkward position with my face planted into the gross comforter beneath me. I do the best I can to make myself more comfortable, but end up with one of my arms wedged tightly beneath my side, making the rope around my wrist dig into my ribs. I take a deep breath of frustration. I don’t like this feeling of being vulnerable. Anger starts to surge through me, but I quickly squash it. I need a level head so I can take in my surroundings.

  Glancing around, you can immediately tell Aaron wasn’t after class when he chose this hotel. The once white walls are now a nasty shade of yellow from the years of cigarette smoke. There are water stains throughout the ceiling, indicating busted pipes and leaks going unfixed. A tiny fridge sits across the room with what looks like an unhealthy amount of mold surrounding the tile at the base. A door to the right side of the fridge is where I assume the bathroom is. This place gives a whole new meaning to the word dingy.

  Glancing over at Aaron, he’s got his back turned to me, standing at the two-seater table set below the windows. He’s messing around with a black duffle bag I hadn’t noticed he brought in.

  I watch as he starts pulling things from the bag. At first, he’s only removing articles of clothing, and I’m not surprised when he removes women’s clothing. What does surprise me is when he removes my favorite cream silk nightie that I’m certain I had with me in Seattle.

  “How did you get that?” I try to keep my voice from wavering, but I’m terrified out of my mind right now.

  What makes it even worse is that he doesn’t answer me.

  My heart rate accelerates, it feels as
if all the air leaves the room as I watch him pull out a pair of sturdy looking handcuffs along with what appears to be a ball gag, from his bag. I don’t even want to begin to question where those came from or what he plans to do with them. What I do know is I’m going to have to figure out a way to outsmart him. Maybe if I can get on his good side, I can gain his trust and make my escape when he lets his guard down.

  Hope blossoms in my chest as plans of deception start to unravel in my mind. This might just work.

  Still bound by the ankles and wrists, I do everything I can to turn over, but it’s a failed attempt. I do manage to get myself onto my stomach and off my arms. I’m not entirely sure if this is a better position though, seeing as now there’s a ton of pressure on my stomach, reminding me that I haven’t peed in a long time. My bladder is becoming heavier by the second from the need to be relieved, it’s bad enough that I’m restrained and at his mercy, the last thing I need is the humiliation of urinating on myself.

  Trying my hand out at being nice, I look up at Aaron, but the words lodge in my throat as I see him staring at me. And for a brief second, my heart gives a little tug at the small glimpse of the old Aaron staring down at me. But as quickly as the softness appeared, his features hardened and the look is gone, reminding me that I’m in the presence of a very unstable man.

  Swallowing hard, I pray he doesn’t just ignore me again.

  “Aaron,” I begin. I watch as he studies me, I’m sure he notices the change in my tone. “Can I please go to the bathroom?”

  Again, he says nothing. He just walks over to me, gathers me in his arms, and walks toward the door beside the fridge. For reasons I can’t explain, his failure to speak to me is grating on my nerves.

  He sets me down once we are inside the bathroom and flips the switch to turn the light on. My back is to him, giving me a good view of the tiny space. Suddenly, the need to pee has left. Never have I seen a more disgusting bathroom. Straight ahead sits a porcelain sink that looks new, but above it is a mirror, shattered into a thousand pieces. I’m surprised it’s still together and that it hasn’t violated some code. Although, I’m sure the entire motel is violating at least a hundred or more and someone should have them shut down.

  What grosses me out, though, right beside the sink sits the toilet and tub. The toilet has black mold stretching out at least two feet from the base. And the buildup inside is enough to make me gag. The water is almost the color of the mold on the floor, and the toilet seat looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned in years. Does he expect me to sit on that? I hate to see what’s on the other side of the shower curtain that’s shielding the tub.

  Taking a deep breath, I try to grab my bearings so I can get this over and done with.

  “It’s going to be hard for me to use the restroom tied up, Aaron.”

  He turns me around so fast the room spins and I’m almost certain my ass would be on the floor if it wasn’t for his hands gripping my shoulders. Still, he doesn’t speak, but an evil glint appears in his eyes as he trails his hands down my body. Where his touch used to excite me, now I shudder as revulsion takes over me. Oh God, I’m going to be sick.

  His hands make their way to my jeans where he pops the button and begins sliding the zipper down. His eyes are on me the whole time and I’m desperately praying that he doesn’t try anything inappropriate.

  Gripping each side of my hips, he rips my jeans, panties and all, down my legs. Shame coats my cheeks as I’m bared right in front of him. Standing back up, he pushes me down onto the toilet.

  “You have two minutes,” he says gruffly, and I’m momentarily shocked as he turns his back to me, but stays in the doorway.

  Certain that this is the best I’m going to get; I try to relax so we can put this uncomfortable moment behind us. But I’m faced with another dilemma, seeing as my hands are bound. Ugh, will this ever end?

  “Aaron, I need my hands.”

  He turns around and gives me a brief glance. I’m so thankful when he takes a pocketknife from his jeans and cuts straight through the ropes binding my wrists. Tingles prick my fingertips as the sensation of blood flow starts making its way down my hands.

  “Can I have a little privacy, please?” I let out on a whisper.

  “Absolutely not,” is all he offers.

  I quickly take care of business, all while feeling his stare on the top of my head. Could he be any more of a creep? How, in the many years I’ve known him, did I never realize what a demented person he is?

  “I’m finished,” I say with a little anger in my voice, all he does is laugh at me. I’m glad I can offer him entertainment. Asshole.

  He helps me to my feet, and I’m thankful to have my hands free so I can at least preserve some dignity and pull my own pants up.

  He then scoops me back up into his arms and carries me to the disgusting bed. This time, instead of throwing me down, he sets me gently by the headboard, and my skull quietly thanks him.

  The gratitude only lasts for about thirty seconds, before he forcefully grabs my wrist and slings one end of the handcuffs around it. He then wraps the chain around a bar that runs along the entire base of the headboard, and slaps the other cuff around my other wrist. With this, my arms are once again bound behind my back. He takes his pocketknife back out and cuts through the rope wrapped around my ankles.

  All my composure leaves me as I watch him reach for the gag. No way is that thing being put on me. I draw in a deep breath, prepared to scream as loud as I can, when his hand slams down over my mouth, smashing my bottom lip into my teeth. The taste of copper fills my mouth from where it split.

  I feel something cold and sharp press into my neck causing my entire body to lock up. I’m sure my eyes are wide and bulging out of their sockets at this point.

  “Try something like that again and I’ll start carving up this beautiful skin of yours.”

  To make his point, he applies more pressure at the base of my throat. My eyes water as warmth starts to trail down the side of my neck.

  “Are we clear?” He asks.

  I give him a slight nod, too afraid to move too much. He removes his hand, but quickly replaces it with the ball gag, tying it tight around the back of my head.

  “I have a few errands to run and can’t have you drawing attention to yourself, especially since we haven’t even had the chance to get to the fun part yet.”

  A sinister smile takes over his lips, terrifying me deep in my bones. God, I need to get out of here. Grabbing his keys from the table, he pauses at the door before opening it. He turns back toward me and stares for what feels like forever before he abruptly walks out the door without saying a word.

  I feel myself breathing a little easier since he walked out. Having no idea where he’s headed or how long he’s going to be gone, I need to hurry and plan my escape. I wasn’t expecting him to leave me alone so soon and I’m completely unprepared, but that’s not going to stop me from trying.

  I must get away from him, even if it’s in a body bag.

  “I need answers, now!” I shout at no one. Setting my sights on Alex, my anger is in full swing. “How did this happen?” I’m right in his face, knowing full well that it’s not his fault, but someone needs to answer for this.

  “Sir, I wish I had answers for you, but trust that we will stop at nothing until she is found.” Alex tries his best to console me, but all I feel inside is rage.

  I should’ve seen this coming. All the signs were there, if we had just looked deeper to begin with, she wouldn’t be stuck with a psychopath. I can only imagine what she is going through right now, that fucker better pray he doesn’t hurt one hair on her precious head.

  My fist comes down hard against the wall beside Alex’s head, the pain is like a lightning bolt shooting straight up my arm. I feel the warmth of blood as it drips down my hand. “What’s the plan, Alex? I need it set in motion now. Do what I hired you guys to do!”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll call a meeting and we’ll gather back here in an hour wi
th...”

  “No!” I cut him off. “I want to be present for this meeting. Call everyone in and meet me in the break room. And I mean everyone, Alex. If they can’t be here, make it clear that they should look for employment elsewhere.” I’m not playing around with this. Any time that we waste means that Lacey gets that much farther away. There’s no telling what Aaron has in store for her.

  “Yes, sir.” Alex turns and starts typing into his phone. I trust him to make it happen. I know I’m being hard on him, but he understands what’s at stake, and that time is against us here. I have no room for hand-holding.

  I make my way out into the main area of the club, needing to find something to wrap my hand up in. I spot Amber behind the bar, getting ready for opening. “Club’s closed for the night,” I say, watching her nearly jump out of her skin.

  “Cory, you scared me. Why are we closing? You’ve haven’t closed a day since opening.”

  “It’s not your job to question me, Amber. Now, please, get me a towel and some ice. Then you may take a few days off, with pay. I’ll call you once we re-open.”

  She looks down at my hand, as if she’s just noticed I’m dripping blood everywhere. At this point, I don’t even care.

  She reaches under the counter for a towel and scoops some ice into it before handing it to me. She gives me a look, as if to say she knows something is up. I sigh, may as well fill her in.

  “Follow me,” I tell her as I head for the break room in the back of the club. I need to be thinking of ways to get my girl back, not playing catch up on current events.

  Taking a deep breath, hoping that I can calm my nerves just a little, I settle down into one of the chairs set around the giant wooden table that takes up the center of the break room. Seated around me are about twenty or so high-backed, wooden chairs. I gesture to the one right across from me and watch as Amber takes a seat.

  She watches me warily, but is smart enough to not say anything. Amber has been with me as my employee for a while, she’s learned my moods. I would be lying if I said I don’t care for the girl. She’s grown on me over the years, and I’ve come to think of her as a little sister. I was a bit harsh on her when Lacey first showed up, but that’s because I know she can handle it. While I do expect her to take some responsibility, it wasn’t all her fault. I’ve been meaning to talk to her about it, especially since I have decided to make her a manager. Now that we have more bartenders, they are going to need someone to keep them in line, and she’s perfect for that. I just haven’t had the time to discuss it with her. And with everything that’s going on, now is certainly not the time.