Free Renounced by Bailey Bradford Page B

things. He thinks Butler had people spying on our pack all along. This guy was able to shut down Keegan and Olin’s phones, so he has power, money, access to equipment and—or — people who can do things like that for him. He’s not some stupid, small time criminal like I first thought. And he knows where we are, so we can’t sneak in yet. Soon, but not yet.”
    Maarten trusted his mate. “I’ll just wait here for you then. Be careful.”
    Ryder’s amusement was slight but there. “Yeah, wouldn’t want you to run off—unless you can, then do it.”
    “I can’t even stand up.” Maarten was so weak it was pathetic. Between the dehydration, the beating, and being pinned like a bug to the wall, his strength was gone. “Thirsty,” he complained out loud.
    The man holding the gun shook his head. “Señor Butler said nothing for you.”
    Butler didn’t want him to regain his strength. That was one thing, but, “I will die if I don’t get a drink.” Eventually, he would. Not right away. There was no need to say as much.
    The door came open.
    Maarten knew it was Butler just from the way the energy in the room ramped up.
    “Now, I do think you’re exaggerating.” Butler grinned as he strolled over. “Zito, you can step back. The tranq gun is quite effective at a distance, remember?”
    Zito, the man holding the weapon, took a step back. “He is fast.”
    Butler chuckled. “Not now he isn’t. He’s hurting and thirsty. Luis, bring a half-cup of water from the yellow jug in the refrigerator downstairs. The rest of you may move back as well.”
    Maarten tried to move his arms. The pain was incredibly sharp.
    Butler squatted beside him. “There are snipers outside, waiting for your friends to arrive. I’m sorry, your boyfriend and friends. I wouldn’t want to negate your relationship. You…” Butler stared at him, taking a slow perusal of Maarten’s body.
    Did he hesitate over Maarten’s private parts? Maarten thought he might have but wasn’t certain.
    “You fascinate me,” Butler murmured. “Strange, because men hardly ever appeal to me and when they do, they’re much more flamboyant—more flamboyant than bright green pants and orange underwear. It’s usually the makeup and, well, the swish , as I call it.” Butler laid a hand on Maarten’s side, on the very spot he’d been punched earlier. “I do like the way you flinch. Such a strong, silent type. If it makes you feel better, I wouldn’t rape you. I’m not that kind of monster.” His mouth kicked up in a grin on one side. “Just a common drug dealer, not a sexual predator. However, if you decide to try something different than your usual fare, I’d be interested in exploring your potential as a sub with you. Or just fucking you, though I will warn you—there will be pain involved.”
    Maarten had to work very hard to keep the disgust from his expression as he listened to Ryder rant in his head about how he was going to kill Butler.
    “Just something to think about. No need to answer right now.” Butler ran his hand up to just under Maarten’s pec. “Ah. So tempting, but there’s the line I won’t cross.” Butler stood, taking his creepy touching with him. “You look so repulsed, and how odd that such an expression also turns me on. You are very unique, Maarten. I intend to have you, so start thinking about the best way to capitulate to me while maintaining a semblance of that pride and distaste.”
    “You’re fucking warped,” Maarten couldn’t help but utter.
    Butler nodded. “That I am.” He met Luis at the door. “Oh good. Set it on the floor about four feet from his left hand. If Maarten wants a drink, he’ll find a way to get it. Of course, if he tries to attack or turn into a demon, shoot him with the tranquilizer. But…” He looked at Zito. “There are cameras in here, and if I see that you simply panic and fire, I will eliminate you like I did your brother for his comment.”
    Zito nodded. “Yes, I