Sugar, Mine (Mine Series Book 3) Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

  SUGAR, MINE

  First edition. January 2018

  Copyright © 2018 Kay Maree.

  Written by Kay Maree.

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  About the Author

  I live in Newcastle, on the New South Wales coast of Australia with my husband and three beautiful children.

  Between being a taxi for my children, and working full-time, I somehow find the time to write. It's something I love with a passion and with the encouragement of my very supportive husband, I have accomplished one of my dreams – releasing my first novel.

  I hope you fall in love with my characters as much as I have.

  I love reading and getting lost in a good book when I manage to snatch five minutes to myself.

  Kay Maree

  Dedication

  I dedicate this to all my Sugars out there.

  May all your dreams come true. xx

  I also dedicate this to my beautiful friend Kirstymarie. You are an amazing person and you deserve nothing but happiness. You wanted Sergio's story and I just hope I did him justice. xx

  Prologue

  Laying back on the hard ground, patchy with grass, I wriggle to get comfortable. I gaze up at the darkened sky, the moon full, the stars bursting to life. I squeeze my eyes shut, wishing for the millionth time for things to be different and wondering why I can't have a normal life. I search my memory, trying to remember the life I once had with my parents. A sharp pain squeezes my heart and I rub my chest. I'm reminded of the fact, they threw me away and pushed me into hell to repay my father's debt. Words run on an endless loop from that night when I was ripped from my bed…..

  "Judy, we have to let her go to pay him back." My father's voice boomed and echoed around me as a strange woman dragged me from my parents' house. "It's her or us"

  They were the last words I heard from my father before he turned his back on me and walked away. I remember pleading with my mother to do something as tears streamed down my face and she became a hazy blur in front of me. I begged her to let me stay and despite her own tears, she turned her back on me and followed my father toward the kitchen.

  Shaking from the memory of my dredged-up thoughts, tears pooling in my eyes, I turn away from the night sky. A lonely dandelion sways in the gentle breeze. Picking it, I sit up and cross my legs. Closing my eyes again, I picture myself as a happy child laying in a field of beautiful dandelion puffs and making silly little wishes. Lifting the white puff to my mouth, I let out a soft breath and on a whisper, send out a wish. A wish so simple, but for me, out of reach. I watch as dandelion puffs float around me, hoping that one day, my impossible wish could come true

  I cringe when I hear the screen door slam open, it hits the wooden banister on the back porch with a bang and flinch at the sudden sound of Karen's raspy voice breaking through the quiet of the night. "You silly, stupid bitch."

  I turn and in the glow of the moon, I see the rage I know so well distorting her face. I have no doubt about what comes next. I used to be terrified, would shake out of control at the sight of her rage, but in time I learned not to show fear. She thrives on fear and it made everything so much worse. Now I remain detached, show nothing, feel nothing except for the little bit I allow myself when I sneak out and lay amongst the dandelions and stare at the stars.

  Scurrying to my feet, I straighten my nightgown as it falls to my knees. Wrapping my arms around my waist, I bow my head allowing my dark hair to drape around me like a veil. I cross the patchy lawn and slowly pad up the stairs. Before one foot lands on the hard wooden porch, Karen reaches out and grabs my arm, dragging me the rest of the way. Her nails bite into my skin, but still I show her no sign of pain.

  "You stupid bitch, how dare you be outside without my permission. You know what's coming now, don't you?" She shakes my arm, piercing the skin as she drags me through the house toward my room.

  Room, hah, fucking prison is more like it. There are no happy memories in this house, this room only heartbreak and torture.

  As she swings the door to my prison cell open, I glance at the dirty mattress lying on the floor. Still I feel nothing. She throws me to the ground and I know what's expected. Without her having to say a word, I kneel and rest back on my heels, remove my nightie, place my hands on my bare legs and dig my nails into my thighs. I hear a cupboard door squeak open, close my eyes and suck in a breath when I hear the unmistakable sound of a belt snapping together. Once I would cower in a corner on hearing that sound, but over the years, I have learned to accept what follows.

  Slowing my breathing, I feel the air around me shift as the first sting crosses my back. Then, another and another, I have no idea how many follow. I've become used to the pain and clear my mind of thought, my body of feeling until I hear the belt being placed back in the cupboard.

  "After all these years I would have thought you'd have learned by now, stupid bitch!" Karen rages.

  I nod my head in response, not trusting my voice to speak.

  She crosses the room; the door slams and locks click into place. I release the breath I was holding and bend forward, placing my hands on the dirty carpet in front of me. Cool air stings the wounds on my back and the metallic smell of blood surrounds me. Taking a few deep breaths, I slowly crawl to the mattress. Lying face down, I let the tears flow and my small wish of a new life seems even further away.

  As days pass, my arms reach for the impossible, but I continue to hope there is someone out there who can free me. I stare through the small dirty, cracked window until sleep finally takes me.

  Chapter One

  Seven years later...

  Kirsty

  The click of high heels sounded on the tiled floor outside my door, startling me from a restless sleep. I push myself up to sit on the thin, worn mattress on the hard metal cot where I'm forced to sleep these days. I lean my back against the cold concrete wall, sending a chill through my body. I hear the clink of locks being unbolted and pull the thin, torn sheet around me. The door swings open and hits the wall with a bang causing me to jump.

  "Time to get up," Karen snarls. She stands in the doorway, blocking my view of the hallway.

  I nod, wrap the sheet around me tighter and slowly get to my feet.

  "Drop the fucking sheet."

  I grip the sheet, my protection, tighter in my hands. But, one glance at the opposite wall where metal chains and cuffs are attached, reminds me – fighting Karen will result in me being strung up again. I release my grip and the sheet floats soundlessly to the cement floor, settling at my bare feet. Looking down, I note the ratty brown singlet and black undies I'm wearing. Placing my hands behind my back, I run my fingertips over the welts lining my wrist. They are from when I first arrived at my prison and I was attached to the wall, chained and handcuffed. I'm not sure how long I was kept there as I faded in and out. Memories of Karen's men entering the room, forcing water down my throat and touching me in places which made my blood run cold, flood my mind. I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting to think about what they might have done had Karen not walked in. When she saw them fingering me, she blamed me for teasing them. The beating I received caused me to believe it was the end. Now, I wish it had been.

  I'm snapped back to the present when Karen speaks again. "Time to see the boss."

  My stomach twists as images of his previous visits flash through my mind. I bite my lip to stop the sob which wants to escape and try to relax my face into a blank expression. I guess I don't pull it off quick enough because Karen's
maniacal cackle of laughter adds to the fear pulsing through my body. I'm terrified of what's likely to happen.

  Bowing my head forward so my hair covers my face, I make my way to the door

  "Head up you little, bitch. You should feel grateful he's kept you around for this long." Karen yanks at my arm; her nails piercing my skin and shoves me into the long hallway. I squint my eyes, trying to adjust to the bright light as she pushes me forward to the stairs leading up to the main house. I can't remember the last time I was permitted outside to see the sunshine, the moon and the stars.

  I guess ending up here in this new prison is my own fault. Although Karen beat me, warned me, I couldn't fight the urge to sneak out and lay under the stars. The previous places had fortress like fences surrounding the properties so it's not as if I could have escaped. Shuffling my feet, I painfully climb the stairs while she continues spitting words at me.

  "I'm not sure why the boss insists on keeping you around, why the fuck he's kept you for so long, you're nothing special. You're nothing but a mousy little girl who insists on disobeying. You never learn. Your life means nothing, you are nothing"

  ***

  Stopping in front of two large wooden doors, I suck in a breath and allow the feeling of nothingness wash through me. A feeling I'm used to. I flinch when I hear a male voice roaring from the other side of the door. Pushing me roughly to the side, Karen steps forward and pushes the doors wide open. Lifting my head, I stare into the eyes of a monster. A monster who has kept me captive for almost ten years.

  "Ah, my little piece of pie." I try not to cringe at the sound of his booming voice.

  He waves his arm toward me, ordering me to enter. My feet drag, reluctant to take me towards the pudgy, balding man who controls my life in the palm of his hand.

  "Head up girl," he demands.

  Not one to be argued with, I snap my head up at the sharp edge to his voice.

  The doors close behind me with a thud, but I don't dare take my eyes from the man standing in front of me. I step closer as he insists, he runs his hand down the side of my face and further, until he reaches my breast. He squeezes hard and I try desperately not to wince at the pain and the stinging feeling in my chest from the bite marks he left last time. But, he sees through me and a sadistic smirk curls his lips. His eyes dance with laughter knowing the pain he is causing me.

  "I see you're still sensitive from the last time we saw each other." He chuckles and releases me, pushing me forcefully to my knees. "Today my dear, you're going on a little trip." He pats my head before strutting around me.

  I nod, mistake, he was looking for a verbal answer. He grips a fistful of hair and yanks my head back hard; my scalp burns from the force. I answer, "yes, sir." It's then I notice the other two men in the room.

  "That's better." He releases me and pats my head again.

  I try to sneak a look at the other men, but my focus is drawn back to Bruno J. I'm not allowed to call him by name, I'm not even supposed to know it. But, being someone's prisoner for so long, it's not hard to overhear who he is.

  "Bruno." The man to my left speaks with a raspy voice, as if he smokes a packet of cigarettes a day.

  I zone out as they speak, not really giving a shit what they have to say. My mind is filled with the fact, I'm going on a trip. I wonder if there might be a way for me to escape and finally be free. I'm drawn back to the conversation when Bruno yanks me to my feet and slams his mouth down on mine. I struggle to stop myself from gagging at the foul stench of his breath.

  "Little pie, I'll see you soon," Bruno promises.

  His hand darts between my legs and he grips me hard. Before I can react, I'm pushed toward one of the men, he catches me in his arms before I hit the floor.

  Bruno laughs. "Enjoy my whore, gentlemen."

  My heartbeat pounds in my ears as he leaves the room, I'm now at the mercy of these two strangers. I should have listened to the conversation between the men instead of daydreaming about escaping and being able to live a normal life. I have no idea what is in store for me.

  "Okay, little pie." One man says as he grips my hair and wrenches my head back. "Time to find out what all the fuss is about."

  I swallow past the lump in my throat, wondering what he means. The other man twists my arms behind my back and secures them with something which digs into the welts at my wrist. I wince and tears prick my eyes.

  "Joey take this little slice of pie back to the compound, I need to speak to Bruno about something else before I join you."

  "Yes, sir," the man called Joey says. He pulls me back into his chest and I feel the hard ridge of his cock digging into my ass. As the other man leaves the room, I feel Joey's hot breath on my neck "Time to go, whore," he breathes into my ear making my skin crawl.

  Chapter Two

  Sergio

  Pulling the car into an empty car space in front of Silverwater jail, I blow out a deep breath. I'm gearing myself up to face Antonio. I know he's pissed with me and I wouldn't blame him if he comes out and punches me in the face for losing his girl. I squeeze my hands around the steering wheel, my knuckles turn white and I feel the twinge of pain in my wrist from the car accident, another time I let down the boss. I'm amazed I'm still breathing. I feel the tension in my shoulders and know I could go a few rounds with someone right now. I roll my shoulders and shake off the feeling.

  There aren't a lot of people in this world who can intimidate me, but Dominic and Antonio – they're the kind of men you don't fuck with and when you are part of their family, you follow fucking orders. Failure usually means death in our family, but I have been given a reprieve so, I have a lot to prove right fucking now.

  The leather creaks under the strength of my grip and I release the wheel. I drag my fingers through my hair before stepping from the car and flipping my shades down to block out the blinding sun. I hold my hands up before me and study the tattoos before running my fingers over the cross with the Italian flag draped around it. Marcella's name is inked below the cross and there's a nine-digit number I will never forget. I rub my chest, feeling winded all of a sudden and read the words cicatrici è uguale a forza (scars equal strength) on the top of my other hand. I'm torn from my thoughts when my cell phone rings. I retrieve it from my pocket and don't bother checking the caller's number, I already know who it is. "Boss"

  "Si Sergio, Antonio released yet?"

  "No, still waiting."

  "Si, we may have a lead at an old warehouse on the outskirts of Sydney. The minute Antonio is released, you both head straight there." He pauses for a moment. "Sergio, I want fucking answers, no fucking excuses."

  "Si, Boss." There's an edge to his voice and I know what he fucking intends if I don't get the information for him. He rattles off an address, I'm lucky I have a good memory. "On it, Boss."

  "Bene, call with any news."

  "Si." I click 'end call' and return the phone to my jacket pocket. I hope to fuck this lead gives us something positive I can take back to Dominic. I look up at the sound of someone approaching and catch sight of Antonio heading towards me. As he moves closer, I lift my chin and reach out my hand.

  "Capo Bastone."

  "Si, brother, it's good to see you."

  I'm surprised by his greeting and wonder if he actually means it as I shake his hand. I can tell he's pissed by the slight edge in his voice. We climb into the car but before I can say anything he beats me to it.

  "So, do we know anything new?"

  "Boss rang while I was waiting for you to come out, he said we may have a lead at an old warehouse not far from here."

  "In Sydney?"

  I nod my head, equally confused as to why Katherine would be in Sydney. "I don't fucking know Capo Bastone, but we are going to find out. There's a present for you in the glovebox."

  Leaning forward, Antonio opens the glovebox and removes his Colt super 38's, I watch as he weighs them in his hands before slipping them into the back waistband of his pants. I lean back in my seat and feel the co
mforting outline of my own guns pushing into my back, I relax a little more in my seat.

  "Well let's get this shit over and done with. I want my woman back, and God help the figlia di madre (motherfucker) who has her. They're going to wish they'd never been born once I'm finished with them."

  Starting the car, we fall silent as I weave my way through traffic and head towards the address Dominic gave me.

  "Sergio, where's your phone?"

  Grabbing my phone from my jacket pocket, I hand it over to Antonio. "Who are you calling?"

  "Theo, things aren't adding up, it feels like we're missing something."

  "Si." I nod in understanding because like I said, I don't get why Katherine would be in Sydney. I focus back on the busy road and the next thing I know, Antonio has disconnected the call and hands it back to me.

  "Sergio, we need to get there now. Fuck, the tracker on her phone is on and if it moves, Theo will let us know."

  I hear the urgency in Antonio's voice, nod and press my foot down on the accelerator. I hope to fuck we're not too late.

  Chapter Three

  Kirsty

  I shuffle through the front door, Joey pressing behind me and pause at the top of the steps to breathe in the fresh air. It feels like forever since I've felt the warm sun on my skin. Closing my eyes, I lift my head and soak in as much as I can until I'm jolted forward by a hand pushing against the centre of my back. I stumble but quickly catch myself before I hit the ground.

  "Move it bitch, we don't have all day."

  I take the steps down cautiously. When we reach the bottom, Joey grips my arm and steers me towards an old rusty white van. Sliding the door open, he pushes me inside with so much force, I have to roll onto my shoulder so my head doesn't hit the other side of the car. Righting myself, I look around and realise there are no seats except for the long bench seat in front. The windows back here are all covered over, I can't see out and no-one can see in.