Fading Into the Dark (The Layla Duet #2) Read online

  Recommended to read Book 1 first

  Copyright © 2021 by L. Aquila

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Cover: Aisling Magie-Pretty Indie cover designs, [email protected]

  Formatting: Champagne Book Design

  Editor: Kim Huther, [email protected]

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Prologue

  Chapter 1: Dreams

  Chapter 2: The Escape

  Chapter 3: Saving me

  Chapter 4: With her

  Chapter 5: Losing him again

  Chapter 6: I’m sorry

  Chapter 7: We need you

  Chapter 8: The guilt

  Chapter 9: Kiss me

  Chapter 10: Tension in the air

  Chapter 11: Memories

  Chapter 12: The interview

  Chapter 13: Taken

  Chapter 14: Be brave

  Chapter 15: Found

  Chapter 16: Lost in my dream

  Chapter 17: End game

  Chapter 18: Grateful

  Chapter 19: Announcement

  Epilogue: New arrival

  About the Author

  Layla

  When I was a little girl my mother use to tell me to shoot for the stars, to never give up without a fight. To conquer my demons and demolish any negative energy that presented itself. My parents’ demise led to a ripple effect of events. Having your family ripped away from you at such a young age changed me. When I moved in with my sociopathic aunt, I never would have guessed she had anything to do with my parents’ death.

  She ruined my life, sent bad people after me. Sara wanted revenge, and would stop at nothing to get it. During my journey I met an amazing man. Cade Teller. He was there for me, saved me, and healed my inner wounds.

  He tried to fix my broken soul until the day I was ripped away from him. Fear was apparent on his face; I felt it, too. My distress was for a different reason, though; death doesn’t scare me, not at all. What I fear is the thought of never touching him again, feeling his warm body pressed up against mine. That’s what I’m scared of, a life without Cade Teller. Because a life without Cade is like a life without a purpose. They may have taken me, they also may have broken me, but no matter what happens I will find my way home…

  Days have passed...maybe it’s been weeks. Who knows? What I do know is I’m not the same person I was before they took me. I was kidnapped by terrible people. These people ripped my heart and soul right out of my body. It’s not fair that this happened to me. I guess I asked for it when I walked into the lion’s den. When I went into that building with Cade and Eric I never thought I wasn’t coming out. I figured that if I was with them I was safe. I guess I was wrong, because from the moment I was taken I’ve been beaten and abused by the worst man I have ever laid eyes on.

  Hyde. He got what he wanted…me. Yes, you heard right. I was who he wanted all along, and now that he has me, he is never letting me go. No way in hell will he allow me to escape this evil life that has presented itself. All I do know is that Cade Teller’s face is the only thing keeping me afloat. When I make it back to him, I promise to tell him I love him every day. No matter what it takes, I will escape the darkness and reach for the light.

  Dreams take you to unimaginable places. That’s where I spend most of my time, in dreams. These people pump me with so many drugs that when I’m lucid I crave more. The feeling takes me away from the darkness. My biological father’s sex trafficking organization finally caught up to me. I refused to work for them so, in return, I was taken by Hyde. How someone can treat another human being the way I’ve been treated is beyond me.

  It’s absolutely disgusting. What I have endured over the past several weeks is not something I ever thought possible. The dreams, though, they take me away. My dreams bring me to him. Cade is my only reason for surviving at this point. I pray he’s searching for me. All I can do is wait for that day to come. The day that I am finally free…

  “Layla, I’m scared.” A young girl named Jessica sits on the cold concrete floor, chained to the pole.

  “I know it’s scary, Jess, but you’re strong and I know you can do this. Block it out, this isn’t real, okay? Open your mind to the unknown. When you’re with him go somewhere else, okay?”

  She nods in understanding and I feel like I’m going to be sick. I do my very best to stay strong for her. Jessica is 22, or so she thinks. She has been here a long time, and it’s impossible to keep track of the days when he pumps you with drugs and you’re in and out of consciousness.

  I never thought this could be my life. At this point I am almost willing to abide by their rules, just to get out of here.

  “He’s coming,” she whispers. I gulp and then nod at her. My eyes try to reassure her she’ll be okay but I don’t even believe myself anymore.

  “Get up,” he commands. She complies because fighting only makes it worse. The guard takes her up the stairs and out the door without a backwards glance. I am not exactly sure what they do with her, but I can only imagine. Being held captive has made me start to feel like I’m not actually here sometimes. I don’t know what it is, but I’m having a hard time grasping reality. The trauma I have endured could only be the cause of that. I never would have thought this could be my life.

  “Where are you, Cade?” I mumble to myself. “I need you.” My cries are soft; I try not to show weakness in front of Jessica because she is near her breaking point. Her screams at night are terrifying. She can’t seem to help the nightmares that play in her mind as well. She is on constant edge, and at times I’m not sure she is going to make it mentally.

  Sometimes she hallucinates while awake. I assume it’s from the drugs. Hyde hasn’t done anything to me yet besides give me drugs. I don’t know what he plans for me; all I do know is he takes Jessica frequently. The only time I see him is when he drops off scraps of food. During that time, he sticks me with a syringe. That is my favorite part, because when that liquid rush runs through my veins, I am met with a peacefulness I didn’t know existed. That’s when I see Cade, the love of my life. The thought of Cade moving on also plagues me.

  There is no doubt in my mind he is looking for me. As for now, I can wait for those fleeting moments that I’m met with complete and utter euphoria. I will see him again for real, and when I do, I will hold on to him with everything I am.

  I awoke to a terrifying scream and then a thump. Jessica is still not back yet and I’m beginning to worry. My anxiety has reached its breaking point. I’m scared, lonely, and starving. This is not the life I pictured for myself.

  “Layla.” His voice calls my name and I freeze. He comes into my line of vision and I just stare blankly at his cold expression. His hair is black, and his eyes are gray. He’s tall, built, and there’s no way I could take him on in the state I’m in. If I had energy, with my training I would fight him. I would fight my way out of here.

/>   “Have you thought about working by my side?” Carefully, I think about what he’s offering. If I can get out of my current situation, then that’s exactly what I’ll do. Whatever it takes. “I have thought about it,” I rasp.

  “Good, because if you decide not to help me this will be your permanent residence.”

  I think about that for a second and go with my gut.

  “What do you want me to do?” I sigh in defeat.

  He grins widely and I cringe. “Come with me, Layla. I will get you situated in my home. You will do as I say or, so help me, I will make your life extremely difficult from here on out.” I nod in response, too scared to speak. My goal is to work up enough energy to fight. Hyde doesn’t know my capabilities, nor will he find out until it’s too late. When he least expects it, I will attack and never stop until he’s dead.

  Night falls and the feeling of helplessness consumes me. I am in a large bedroom with bars on the windows. This house is pretty large from what I’ve seen. I still have not heard a word about Jessica. I fear the worst, but am too afraid to ask where she is. Now this is about survival; I have to look out for myself.

  I have come this far, and I will not ruin my chance to escape. I make a promise to myself that once I gain enough strength, I will look for her and make sure she’s safe. And if I can’t find her, I will make it to safety and call for help.

  Food was delivered to my door once I arrived, and I don’t think I ever ate that fast in my life. I almost choked when I swallowed, I was that hungry. I already feel better and that just makes me even more determined to fight. It’s been weeks, hell maybe even months, since I was captured. The days went by in a blur when I was locked away in the basement. The drugs he would give me numbed any feelings I had for a short amount of time.

  He hasn’t given me any today and I crave it. I crave that feeling of quiet, stillness, and peace. My thoughts are now getting carried away with me. I feel paranoid, not knowing what’s next. How am I going to sleep without that feeling? There is no way I will be able to.

  The door creaks open and I am sitting in the stretch pants and tee that was laid out for me. “You ready to learn the business?” Hyde takes up the entire doorway and stares at me as if he wants me, and I cringe a bit.

  “I’m ready,” I tell him. So, I follow him down the long hallway and into his office. He points to a chair that he wants me to sit in.

  “As of today, you will be given no more drugs, nothing to sedate you, because I need you on your ‘A’ game. There will be no chance of escape this time and there will be no conversations with the victims,” he orders.

  “Okay, I understand,” I reply, trying to build this crazy asshole’s trust.

  “You will go through some minor withdrawal from the drugs in the next few days. During that time, I will have a nurse monitoring you. Again, there will be no chance of escape. I am running a very successful business, and I will not allow you to tamper with it no matter what your morals are. You have done enough damage in the past that you’re lucky to be sitting here in front of me. If I wasn’t so infatuated with you, Layla, you would be dead.” I cringe at his confession.

  “I understand, and from here on out I will do as you say. Can I ask you how long I’ve been here?”

  “Eight months,” he says, and I gasp out loud. My hands start to shake. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, you have been here for a while; the drugs made you feel like it’s only been a short time. You lost a lot of time, Layla. That’s why it’s important for you to just do as I say or you’ll end up like the rest of them.”

  “Who?” I question. “That’s none of your concern. Just know it’s only me you have to worry about now. No one else.”

  As much as Hyde scares me, the others frighten me more. My aunt was out to ruin me, and if she’s gone that’s one less person I need to worry about.

  “Off you go.” He shoos me away. The guard doesn’t make a sound as he leads me back to my room.

  Sleep never came last night as I started to feel the withdrawal from the drugs. I never knew I could feel this sick. My stomach dry heaves in the toilet. I’m cold and sweaty at the same time. All I want is to feel better, for this nausea to go away, but it’s like a never-ending cycle. The nurse stands by and watches me with weary eyes as I beg her to give me something, but she doesn’t. How can she stand there and watch me, knowing how sick I am, and not do anything? These people have no soul; I just can’t even fathom being that cruel.

  Hours go by, and I’m starting to feel more exhausted than ever, so I curl up in a fetal position on the hard tile floor in the bathroom and pray for someone to take this agony away.

  The next morning, I wake to a sound in the corner of my room. Looking over, I see its Hyde. He’s sitting in a chair just staring at me.

  “I see you survived. I would stay hydrated and finish off your liquids. There is breakfast on your table,” he tells me, and I nod.

  I feel like shit, but not as bad as yesterday. My head hurts from throwing up and crying.

  He gets up and saunters over to my bedside, sitting on the edge next to my legs. His hand meets my thigh, and I twitch from his touch.

  “No need to fear me, Layla; I will not do anything to you that you are not willing to do.” I gulp and continue to stay silent.

  “I don’t need to force myself on anyone but in due time you will want me and we will become one.” He leans in to my ear and I hold my breath. “You will want me one day; I will have you and you will have me. I need someone like you by my side,” he whispers, and my eyes start to water. Just the thought of being with him and not Cade sends a shiver down my spine. I want to rip his fucking hands off.

  He grins and then kisses the corner of my mouth, and I shiver at his attempt to kiss my face. I am trying to hold back my trembling hands, but there’s no use.

  He kisses my cheek next, then lowers his mouth to my neck. He places gentle kisses all the way down to my collarbone, and a tear escapes my eye. His large hands rub my arms as he continues to touch me with his lips. When his hands move to my bottom and he pulls me toward him I almost freak the fuck out, but stay composed because I know right now that this is about survival. That’s all this is. He smells my hair and groans into my neck.

  “You are so lovely, Layla.” He meets my face again and leans in to kiss my forehead. “You will want me one day, love, just give it time.”

  He then continues massaging my back and holding me close like we’re lovers. The torture continues, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. His sick mind actually believes I could fall for him. That’s never going to happen, over my dead body. Hyde touches me in places I wish he wouldn’t so I shut my eyes tightly, praying he will eventually stop. When he does, I breathe a sigh of relief.

  I am dealing with a complete psychopath. His mental state is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I vow to myself that I will suck him in and spit him out. This man will get what’s coming to him if I play my cards right.

  Weeks go by, and I have settled into a routine. Luckily, Hyde has not come near me like before and has given me space to adjust to my new life. I miss Cade, I miss his touch and his love. What is he doing without me? Is he all right? Has he moved on? Just the thought of Cade with anyone else makes me sick to my stomach. I guess I wouldn’t blame him for moving on and trying to be happy, or would I? If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure what I would do.

  I think of him every day, and pray that I can build up enough strength to fight and get the hell out of here.

  Hyde has no idea that I train in my room at night. I continue to build more muscle, and when the time is right, I will snap his fucking neck and flee. If a guard tries to stop me, I will end them as well. Nothing and no one will stop me from escaping this place.

  So far, all I’ve had to do is research five new girls that they want me to lure into the pits of hell. A plan is set in motion for me to get these girls. It’s actually quite genius. Have a young woman as myself befriend them on
e at a time and inveigle them to a life that is more than cruel.

  It’s a life filled with abuse, degradation, unworthiness, and despair. How can anyone with a soul choose this life? Well, that’s just it, these people and the people who brought me into this world have no soul. It’s like I’m watching robots at work. My biological father was evil to the core and he built this operation. He ruined my life and the lives of many others. He is dead, as he should be. Good riddance, I hope they all start dropping like flies.

  I still wonder what happened to Jessica. Is she still down in the basement? Or did he get rid of her? In fear of being caught, I have kept to myself and have done what he asks. I need to find my way back home, but first…Hyde will die and he will die by my hand.

  Today is the day Hyde sends me out to grab the first girl. But little does he know I’m prepared this time. I have built up more strength, and I’m willing to fight. After today, I will be a free woman. I may be different—this experience has changed me—but only time will tell if these wounds will heal. Will I be the same after killing him? I know this will change me forever and I can live with that.

  There’s a knock at my door and my heart beats wildly. I put my game face on, and open the door to Hyde.

  “Are you ready to leave?” he asks in a gruff tone. He makes his way over to me, and I take a few steps back.

  His hand cups my cheek. “Do you honestly think I don’t know what you’re up to?” He smiles and then his face turns cold. His hand lifts, and he smacks me hard in the face. So hard, I fall to my knees and hold my throbbing cheek.

  He kneels down to my level as I meet his eyes with my now watery ones. He grips my chin, and the look he gives me is utterly terrifying.

  “I watch you at night in this room. I see what you think you’re preparing for, but know this, beautiful: you will never escape this place, or me for that matter.”