Gunner

Chapter 1

Sierra

I knew what that meant. When Colin uses that tone, he means business. I could tell by the way his nails dug into my skin he wasn’t happy Gunner was here. Colin was very possessive of me. I hated how he treated me, but it’s not like I could fight him off. He was much stronger than me.

Colin and Gunner were total opposites.

Gunner was gentle.

Colin was rough.

Colin stormed into the room, slamming the door. I let out a whimper when the back of his hand connected with my cheek. “You f*****g b***h! Did you enjoy being a w***e with my brother?”

“Please, Colin…”

Colin grabbed me by the neck and shoved me down on the bed. His breath hit my ear as he hissed. “I should teach you a lesson, but I can’t right now. You know why?”

“Because G-Gunner is here.”

I could smell the alcohol off him as he kissed my neck and bit down. This was what he did when he got jealous. He would get me alone and mark my body. Then, after he was satisfied with his handiwork, he would send me out and make me face the man he was angry with. This case, being his brother.

Gunner, why didn’t you listen?

“Don’t worry, little wifey, I’ll teach you a lesson just as soon as he leaves. Now, get up and meet me downstairs for dinner. I have a special treat in store for you.”

I let out a choked sob and dried my tears. There was no use trying to hide the fact Colin hurt me. Gunner could always see right through my lies. I made my way to the kitchen and took a deep breath. Colin and Gunner were already seated at the table. When I glanced at Gunner, he clenched his jaw. Colin put on a fake smile and patted his thigh. “Come, Sierra. Come sit on your husband’s lap.”

I stepped forward and sat down on Colin’s lap. I kept my head down, not wanting to look Gunner in the face. I couldn’t look at him. I was ashamed of how powerless I was. My cheek still stung from where Colin struck me.

“So, did you enjoy my sloppy seconds, dear brother?”

Gunner clenched his jaw and shook his head. “Colin, I see you haven’t changed a bit.”

“So, what brings you to my neighborhood? I can’t expect this to be a social call.”

“There’s been the talk of illegal activity in your firm. They say that you’re assisting some very dangerous men.”

“Rumors, brother. Nothing but someone stirring up trouble.”

“You better hope you’re right, because if you’re lying… they will hunt you down and kill you.”

“Sierra, sweetheart, go upstairs and get ready for bed. My brother and I have some private matters to attend to.”

I knew the “rumors” were true. Colin had been dealing with some dangerous men. Men that you should never do business with. And, I secretly hoped that he would cross them. I wanted my husband dead for the things he’d done to me.

Stepping into the bedroom, I stripped off my dress and changed into my nightgown. I stood in front of the mirror and cringed when I touched the bruise on my cheek. It was starting to turn purple. My neck even started to change colors, too. I closed my eyes and sighed. I froze when a hand caressed my shoulders, trailing down my arms.

Gunner whispered. “I’m sorry, Sienna. I made you a promise, and I failed you.”

“Gunner, you shouldn’t be in here. Where’s Colin?”

“He’s passed out from the sleeping pills I slipped in his drink.”

Gunner turned me around and took my face in his large hand, tracing my cheek. “You deserve so much better than this. I should’ve gotten you out a long time ago before you even married that bastard.”

“It is what it is, Gunner. There’s no way to change the past.”

Gunner breathed through his nose and inched closer. “No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t change the future. I swear on my life, I’m going to get you out of here. I mean it, sweetheart.”

“There’s nothing you can do. Colin is powerful, has connections. The only way I’m getting out alive is if he’s in a body bag. Please leave, Gunner. I’m tired.”

Gunner frowned but nodded. He knew being in here was dangerous. It was dangerous for both of us. “Text me in the morning, and let me know you’re still alive. Soon, Sierra, you’ll be free.”

Gunner leaned in and kissed my cheek, leaving me confused and stunned. I brought my hand to my cheek and smiled for the first time in two years. Maybe just maybe, I could make it out alive. And, the next time Colin tries to have s*x with me, I won’t fight him and imagine it’s Gunner making love to me.