Torch (Tarnished Souls MC Book 1) Read online

  Torch

  (Tarnished Souls MC)

  By: Dusty Lassetter

  Torch

  a Tarnished Soul MC novel

  Copyright©2016 by Dusty Lassetter

  All rights reserve. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means. Without prior permission from the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, organizations, and incidents are wither products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity.

  About the Author

  Dusty Lassetter was born and raised in Texas, and is currently residing in Van, Texas. She is twenty-seven years old and married with four children, that people mistake for twins often. This is her first series to write, and self-publish. She enjoyed reading so much, she decided to take a chance at creating her own story

  Chapter 1

  Mia

  My body slams into Scarlett, who is sitting to my right, in the back of this van leading us to the next unknown. Her whimper of pain causes my blood to boil, “slow down, Asshole.” I yell at the driver. His friend I’ve nicknamed, Vienna, hits me in the stomach with what I can only assume is his boot. “Fuck you and your tiny prick,” I wheeze out, not wanting him to get the best of me. The laughter that follows is proof enough my words have no effect on him.

  Me and my three girls are all blind folded with our hands tied behind our backs, being hauled around like farm animals. About a month ago, if my memory is correct, I was taken from the bar I worked at in California. Who would have thought taking out the trash would have turned into any woman’s worse nightmare? I woke up in a basement with three unfamiliar girls staring at me. As soon as I could get up, I immediately knew I was royally screwed. Growing up I was a burden to my mom who eventually dropped me off at a home when I was five. I was too mouthy and violent for any foster parent so it was group homes for me until I turned eighteen. After a lot of hard work, and the fear of being homeless, I got my shit together. Started working as a bartender, making it on my own. I’ve always been a loner, not really getting along with many people, especially women.

  I know we’ve arrived when my body gets thrown forward, then slammed back, making me feel a quick wave of nausea. I can hear a few soft cries from my girls, not having the strength to take another hit, I bite my tongue. Trying to keep calm while forming a plan in my head. The first night I was in that basement, lying on the cold concrete floor, Vienna decided to pay me a visit. I remember opening my eyes, just to see him standing over me rubbing his little dick, trying to get it hard. I did what any other would’ve done, I rose to my feet and slowly made my way toward him, batting my eye lashes. He proved to be just as stupid as I thought when he stood there waiting. As soon as I was close enough, I lifted my knee up as quick as I could, hitting him right in his baby maker. There was a lot of screaming and cussing in Spanish, but I paid little attention. I quickly ran up the stairs toward the door, thinking my escape was too easy, before running into his back up waiting for me on the other side of the door. That night I learned what it felt like to be beaten by two grown men, twice my size, but that nasty bastard never came at me with his dick out again.

  “I don’t want to hear anything out of any of you, or else I’ll put a bullet between your eyes.” I hear Vienna say. His English is poor at best, making it hard not to laugh at the illiterate fool.

  I’m the last girl they get out of the van. I know this because I hear Vienna say he saved the best for last before I feel his grip on my arm. He starts walking with me firmly in his grasp, having trouble keeping up with him, I fall a few times. Scrapping my knees on what feels like little rocks. If there are rocks on the ground this must mean we’re outside. Soon after we stop walking there is a cool breeze that blows through my lingerie confirming my suspicion. Each one of us were brought a scandalous outfit to wear, they wouldn’t say much to us, but lucky for us Rebecca knows some Spanish, and overheard them saying we would be traded for guns.

  “This one here is eighteen, I think you’ll like her best. If that is too old we have this one, she is sixteen.” The driver of the car is speaking to whomever, talking about Scarlett and Rebecca. I hear Scarlett start sobbing and the rest of my restraint goes out the window. I throw my body weight down, landing on my hands, catching Vienna off guard. He releases his grip on my shoulder, long enough for me to attack. I am kicking my feet out, as quickly and as hard as I can, hoping to hell I land a few good blows. I realize this may probably be the worst time to let my anger get the best of me, but I would rather die than live with myself knowing I didn’t fight back. I hear Vienna’s scream of pain, and I laugh out loud knowing I hit him.

  “You think that is funny you, Puta?” He says, right before something hard comes down on my stomach. The air is knocked out of my lungs, so I roll to my side trying to catch a breath. Realizing it hurts worse when I try to take a deep breath. I know this asshole has, most likely, broken one of my ribs, yet I still regret nothing.

  “Get the fuck away from her right now, or I’ll blow your Mexican head right off.” An unfamiliar male voice says. His tone is smooth, yet gravely at the same time. There is nothing but truth in it, and I catch myself taunting Vienna wanting the stranger to follow through. “Poor Vienna, I was just about to smash that little dick of yours.”

  The sound of the gun going off has me closing my eyes, mentally checking myself for any wounds. I let out a slow breath, realizing nothing new hurts. The second gunshot I hear causes me to jump a little, I don’t know if the driver is shooting back, or maybe turning his gun on one of us. I’m still on my back, taking shallow breaths, but I need to get this blind fold off and my hands untied. Thank goodness for all those yoga classes I took trying to get my anger under control, I am limber enough to get my hands in front of me. It hurts like hell, but I hold back my cries, not wanting to bring any more attention to myself. I use my mouth and untie the knot from the rope around my hands, then remove my blindfold. It’s dark out, but the minute the scene around me comes into focus I begin to wish Vienna would have just shot me, these guys are way more terrifying.

  Swallowing the lump in my throat, and trying to sound as tough as I can, I turn to the group of leather clad men, “get the hell away from my girls, or you’ll regret it.” I know I have no way of living up to that.

  “Take it easy Spitfire, we aren’t going to hurt them.” I recognize this one’s voice as the guy that threatened Vienna. I’m not a short petite woman, in fact growing up I was taller than most boys my age, reaching right at five-eleven. However, I feel really small compared to the large man staring at me. He must be over six-four, wearing black wrangler pants, that are tight around his massive thighs. The white shirt he is wearing under his cut, is just tight enough to show off his huge arms. He obviously works out.

  “But if you keep looking at me like that, I can’t promise not to do something you might regret later.”

  My eyes shoot up to his, not liking his threat. That’s when I notice the small smile playing across his face, showing off a slight dimple on his left cheek. Strong jaw line and some stubble on his face that matches his short chocolate brown hair. Teeth that are perfectly straight and white, but his smile is nothing compared to the blue eyes, staring right through me. They are the deepest shade of navy I’ve ever seen. Like his eyes were supposed to be dark, but decided last minute to stay blue. Shaking my head, I walk over to my girls, never letting the bikers out of my sight.

  I untie each one of thei
r arms, while reassuring all of them everything is going to be alright. After they have been set free they take off their masks, and stare out into the starry night, trying to get their bearings back. Scarlett is the first one to look around, screaming when she sees the dead bodies of Vienna and the driver. I wrap her up in my arms, trying to console her. Rebecca and Sammy huddle in behind me, cowering from the very large men, watching our every movement.

  “We need to take them back to Brady with us, figure out everything when we get back to the compound.” This guy has an Australian accent, sandy brown hair, with sage green eyes that make you want to get lost in them. He is also taller than me, but his body is leaner, like a runner, or surfer.

  “I agree with Taz, I can’t have their death on my conscious, and they won’t survive out here by themselves. What do you think, Torch?” This guy seems to be the less deadly of them all. He’s got kind brown eyes, and reddish brown hair. Both his ears are pierced, with gauges making the holes large enough for me to stick my pinkie through. He catches me staring, smiling at me, he introduces himself, “I’m Hammer.”

  “I think if you get Spitfire to agree, the rest will follow.” Torch answers.

  Knowing his name is Torch makes me even more nervous. I may be a loner, but I still have my street smarts. They have nicknames in these biker gangs. I also know these nicknames fit your personality. He must like playing with fire, the kind of shit I’m not down with. Suddenly the one they call Taz, tries to take a step closer to me, but Torch stops him with a hand to his shoulder.

  “I’ve got this.” He says, as he walks up to me, getting in my personal space. I unwrap Scarlett from my arms, placing her in Sammy’s. I need to have both hands free, just in case his eyes need scratching out.

  “I need you to get your feisty ass on the back of my bike, and ride back to our compound. We aren’t leaving you out here.” He says in his smooth arrogant voice, convinced he is going to win this battle. My hand comes up, ready to land a hard slap across his smug face, but I’m stopped mid swing. His calloused and warm hand, holds my wrist lightly.

  “I had a feeling you would do that. Trust me when I say you are coming willingly or by force, your choice.”

  “Mia?” Sammy says with concern in her voice. Her long blonde hair is matted around her face, with dirt and grime. Those big grey eyes of hers are larger now, staring at me with absolute fear.

  “I’m getting cold Mia, and Scarlett can’t stop shaking. We should take them up on their offer, they can’t be any worse than the ones that had us.” Rebecca chimes in, always trying to be the mediator of the group. In the month that we have been held captive together, I have grown to love these girls. I am the protector, the one that is always up for a fight. Sammy is smart and calculating, she just lacks courage. Scarlett is the youngest, and she was the first they abducted. No one knows how long she was down there before they threw Rebecca and Sammy in with her, and she won’t talk about that time.

  “You should listen to them Mia,” the way my name rolls of his tongue, makes my blood run warm. His voice sending shivers down my spine. I hope he chalks it up to the chill in the air, but that dimpled smile tells me that’s just wishful thinking on my part. I realize I’m going to have to get on the back of one of these bikes, and I am willing to do this for my girls. I just refuse for it to be his bike.

  “Alright you win, but I ride with him.” I say to everyone, pointing at the only biker to not say a word. He has stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, looking menacing and bored at the same time. He is not a bad looking guy, just scary. He’s got coal black hair and a scar running across his throat, like someone once tried to slice it open. Those sky-blue eyes look haunted, like they no longer have life behind them. There is no way I can let anyone else ride with him.

  “You hear that Teller. She wants to ride with you.” Taz says, giving Teller a toothy smile.

  Teller shakes his head no, which prompts me to flip him the bird. “what do you mean no, you have no choice, I ride with you or we don’t go.”

  “Is she trying to order us around boys? I like this one; she’s riding with me.” Taz declares, volunteering himself.

  “No. She rides with me.” Torch says, “Teller you get the redhead, she won’t try to talk your head off. The other two can figure it out on their own. Let’s go.” He turns around, taking my arm, pulling me behind him. With his back to me I finally get a look at the club name and emblem. The word Tarnished is on a patch above the skeletal face of what has to be the grim reaper. His eyes are glowing red, and his hood is torn, looking jagged and tarnished. The word Souls is under the reaper along with MC.

  “Tarnished Souls, really? Couldn’t come up with something more original?” I question. He spins around and is in my face before I can take my next breath. “I can put up with your sharp tongue, and vulgar mouth, but don’t disrespect my club. Understood?” I nod my head up and down, swallowing down my fear. Him being this close to me allows me to feel just how hard is body his, and it’s causing my mind to grow foggy with desire. I shouldn’t be thinking about the size of his dick right now, but something tells me it’s going to be just as big as the rest of him. For the first time, tonight, I grasp that I may be in real trouble.

  Chapter 2

  Mia

  The drive to their compound is chilly and miserable. I’m no mind reader but I’m almost certain Torch sped up after I molded myself to his back to get warm. He had every intention in keeping me as cold as his heart must be, but the joke was on him. After I could no longer feel my fingers I reached up under his shirt, placing them on his chiseled abs. Apparently, those arms aren’t the only thing he works out. He never so much as flinched, but I’m sure I heard him say a few choice words, through the stupid helmet he made me wear. What a bunch of night and shinning armors, giving us damsels their helmets.

  I’m still trying to get the knots out of my hair from a mixture of not bathing and that helmet, when the door to the room opens, and in walks an older man, with black hair that is turning grey on the sides. Torch and Taz are not far behind. As soon as we pulled up to their compound, they herded in through what I assume to be a backdoor, into a hallway that lead to this room. It’s not so bad, a little messy, but the huge king-size bed looks really comfortable. There is a joining bathroom, and a flat screen television mounted on the wall in front of the bed.

  “The name’s Buck,” the older man sticks his hand out toward me, “I’m the president of this club, me and my boys here, need to ask you some questions.” His golden-brown eyes, look like they hold years of wisdom and gives me a false sense of trust. My intuition is telling me he is legit, but my gut also told me to take out that trash by myself.

  “You can ask all the questions you want, that doesn’t mean you’ll get any answers.” I reply, not taking his offered hand.

  “Damn. Torch you weren’t kidding with this one. Spitfire suits her perfectly.” Buck jokes, with laughter in his voice.

  “Oh really, Romeo, told you all about me.?” I question with fake sweetness in my voice. “Well did he also tell you that I beat the shit out of my last captor. We have no intention on answering any of your damn questions until you do something for us.”

  Buck starts rubbing his chin with his left index finger, clearly thinking about his next move. “Alright I’ll bite, what do you want?”

  “Food for my girls, clothes, and a shower without anyone peeping in on us. I think we can all agree we’ve had enough of that shit.”

  “Done. After you have showered, changed, and eaten you will answer my questions, is that clear?” Buck says, in a commanding voice. Now I know why he runs this club, hell, he has me wanting to salute him as he exits the room.

  “We will bring you ladies some sandwiches and drinks.” Taz says.

  “There are other showers down the hall that Taz can bring you three to. Mia is going to stay here, and let me take a look at her ribs.” Torch orders while walking toward me.

  “I don’t think s
o buddy! We will all stay in this room together, no one is taking them anywhere. Now if you don’t mind, you can get the hell out of here, while we wash the stench off ourselves.” My reply has him stopping suddenly, putting his hands through his short brown hair.

  “Must you fight me on every turn, Woman. I’m just trying to help you.” He starts rambling, “This is my room for crying out loud.” He pauses for a split second, that damn dimple reappearing. “Alright let’s go, we can lock the door to this room, I’m the only one with a key. I’ll just have to take you to Taz’s room.”

  “In your dreams lover boy, I’m not going anywhere alone with someone nicknamed Torch.” He charges forward, causing me to flinch the slightest bit, and he notices. His voice gets lower. Almost like he is trying to talk a suicidal man down from a bridge. “No one will hurt you or your girls, you have my word. Be smart, Mia. We both know you’re not going to be much use to them if you don’t allow me to look at your ribs.”

  His words have their desired effect on me, I look to Rebecca nodding my head, letting her know she is to be the strong one in my absence. Sammy and Scarlett need that. “We’ll be fine Mia, please don’t worry.” Sammy offers, seeing the look I give Rebecca.

  Walking down the same hall, we entered the building through, we go into the last room on the right. This room looks bigger without a massive bed taking up most the space. It’s not dirty at all, almost too clean. I’m not a messy person, but I’m also not a total clean freak. Taz must have OCD, everything literally has a spot, nothing just lying out in the open. Torch opens the bathroom door, looking at me expectantly, keeping the door held open for me. I walk through, my senses on full alert, having been in this situation a time or two. I trust very few people, and not a single one of them on that short list has ever been a male. You can’t trust a species that thinks only with their dicks, it will only cause pain and heartache.