Caught by the Convicts

by Jessa Kane

I’d have to wait for the steel door to be unlocked, wouldn’t I? Not to mention the three doors preceding it. The goal of a prison is to keep people locked inside, after all.

“Last chance to turn back,” the guard croons over his shoulder in a sugary Louisiana drawl. “Some of these men ain’t seen a lady in over a decade. You’re like a bone being tossed into a pack of hungry dogs.”

The man with the sharp, bloody object has almost reached me when I’m picked up and tossed over a large shoulder—and carted off into the fray.

A guttural sound comes from behind me, Night’s fist slamming into the wall. Loud enough to be heard over the pandemonium in the concourse. “No,” I whimper, forcing my voice to firm. “Please.”

“You don’t seem to realize the predicament you’re in. See, in here there is only one of us to satisfy.” He tips his head toward the bars separating us from the violent prison riot. “Out there? Well. I’d hazard a guess there are hundreds, if not a thousand men dying to tear this skirt from your tight little arse. You’re safer in here with us.”

“Show a little appreciation for the protection we’re providing.”

“Did I mention there’s a good reason he’s a virgin? There isn’t a woman brave enough to try him.”

I appeal to him with my eyes. “Please…I’m a virgin, too. You’ll hurt me.” He takes his hand back from my face as if burned, his stormy eyes shooting to mine. “I’ll hurt you,” he repeats slowly. Then, “What were you thinking, coming into a place like this? If someone else had grabbed you first—” “Let’s not think like that,” Klay says quickly, an edge of residual panic in his tone.

“Fuck,” Klay rasps beside my ear. “Fuck, you’re right. I’ll wreck her. I don’t…I don’t want to.” He sounds almost shocked by his own revelation. “I don’t want to wreck her, Ruger. I want to…I need to…”

When they open, they’re cold and focused, like I’ve seen them before in many a physical altercation. This is my best friend, the killer. The violent offender. The bruiser who has been on the street since he turned twelve, left to fend for himself.