Dr Neil De-Luca rang the number for the third time to hear the same message:

This number you are trying to reach is not recognized. Please redial using the correct number.

It couldn't be the wrong number. Had she changed her number forgetting to tell him? He ran his hand across his forehead, realizing for the first time he knew very little about the woman who had injected herself into his life, offering him excitement and faith for a future he had lost some hope in.

Throwing his phone on the table. He pressed the button on his answerphone, whilst hitting the space bar on his PC. He would distract himself with work. As his computer screen sprang to life.  A file was open in the bottom corner. Patient RW18-8-18... Rayne's. He didn't recall opening it.

Was that Rayne name he heard on his messages?  He replayed it.  It was Nathan Knight asking him to return his call.  He didn't hesitate in returning the call. "Hello Mr Knight, It's Dr De-Luca— you called?"

Relief spread through Nathan's body. "Dr De-Luca, yes, thanks for calling me back."

"How may I help?" He waited as his eyes once again looked at his computer screen with confusion.

"You saw Rayne today and I realise you can't go into details, but she hasn't returned home, only leaving a message that she had a family emergency." The line went quiet. He continued. "As far as I was aware, Rayne has no family she's in contact with. Did she mention anything today of said emergency? Both Jaxon and I are anxious and it's totally out of character for her."

Dr De-Luca ran a hand across his chin. Rayne only had two family members remaining and was sure Rayne would not willingly contact either. "Hold one second." He clicked on the file to scan through, but was shocked to see the print symbol appear.   Bloody hell.   He never printed files. Someone had used his computer to gain access to Rayne's file. And only one other person had been alone in his office today.

Nicole.

Nathan's impatience got the better of him as he heard mumbled cursing, followed by more silence. "Dr De-Luca can you shine any light onto Rayne's whereabouts. Where we might find her. We've tried her phone, but it's switched off."

Dr De-Luca interrupted. "I've had a breach of security; and Rayne's file is the only one to be tampered with."

"What do you mean... tampered?"

"I'm saying someone has accessed her file other than me."

"Dr De-Luca, who had access?"

"I'm sure there must be some rational explanation." He shook his head refusing to believe.

"Doctor, who had access?"

"My friend... Ms Smith."

Ms Smith?   Nathan didn't know Ms Smith? A sinking feeling settled in his gut. Can you describe this person to me, doctor?"

Dr De-Luca thought the request odd, but gave a description of Nicole.

Nicole... Nathan muttered under his breath.

"Did you say Nicole, Mr Knight?"

"Yes, you gave me a description of a woman we have a restraining order against. But her name isn't Ms Smith. How long have you known this person?"

"Not long." Had she used him to get information on Rayne, then changed her number?  His eyes fell shut as bile rose up his gullet. He would worry about that later. It was important to find Rayne. "Mr Knight, Rayne would never willingly engage with her family, not with their history. And I have grave concerns if they have made any sort of contact."

"Duty noted, doctor, and thank you for returning my call." There was no point in worrying about her file. He would deal with that later.

"Please, before you go, Mr Knight, if you would be so kind to let me know when you have found her."

"Yes, of course." Nathan ended the call with Jaxon now standing directly in front of him waiting anxiously.

"Talk to me," insisted Jaxon.

"Nicole has somehow conned our good doctor and gained access to Rayne's medical files."

"What the fuck—you're messing with me, right?"

Nathan shook his head. "Do you have her new address? We need to pay Nicole a visit."

Jaxon didn't know her apartment number. "I know which building."

"That's a start. Let me just grab a few things."

~ ~

Rayne burst through the doors of the exit as fast as her legs would carry her. She struggled to control the tears as she looked left to right, not sure which direction she should head—but anywhere away from here. Minutes later, she was on the main road.

Everything looked different in the years since she was last here. But she was sure the bus station must still be in the centre of town. Looking for signs, she spotted what she was looking for... six miles. She could do that... six miles. And if it wasn't open—she would damn well sit there and wait!

Heading the direction, she wrapped her arms around herself; not having a coat, and the air was chilling as the hour became late. Now going on for eight in the evening. It would soon be dark.

A car pulled up alongside as she moved away from the edge of the paving.

"Rayne, stop!" She didn't need to turn to know it was Marcus. "Please go away Marcus."

He killed the car's engine and jumped out, reaching for her arm to prevent her from walking away from him. "Please Rayne, wait!"

She yanked her arm free. "I don't want to see you  or her again."

"What happened? Mom said you verbally attacked her."

Rayne's eyes widened; her mouth dropped. "I verbally attacked her!?"  She shook her head. "It was a mistake to believe she could change. I did nothing but ask if she ever loved me. And she made her feelings perfectly clear." Rayne balled her hands into fists. "You lied when you said she was sorry."

He shook his head. "No-no I didn't honestly. She said she wanted to see you. Please Rayne, I would never lie—not to you."

She opened her mouth to snap at him, but he looked sincere. "It doesn't matter. I'm going home and you can't stop me."

He held his hands up in a peaceful gesture. "Okay, okay... Look I'm sorry I talked you into coming, please let me take you home."

"No. I can make my own way. You've done enough."

"I'm not letting you go in this state."

"I'm fine." She gritted her teeth. "I've been fine for over ten years. I can find my way home, Marcus."

They stood for a moment. "Okay. Let me drive you to the bus station and sort a return ticket home."

A ride there was the sensible option and perhaps the bus station might still be open if she accepted? "I can buy my ticket."

"Just the ride then?"

She thought long and hard. "Fine."

Sat in the car, her mother's cruel words circulated repeatedly.

Whore! You corrupted your brother. Only God can wash away your filth. Dirty, dirty Whore!

The heaviness inside seemed suddenly too great to stomach. Had she been such a terrible child? If her own mother could hate her—had she been born evil?  Perhaps it would have been better if she had never been born. Her father would be alive and maybe Marcus would be normal.

Marcus slammed on the brakes, shifting in his seat, grabbing her arm. "My God, Rayne!"

She snapped from her thoughts, not realizing she drove her fingernails into the skin just above her right wrist. Raw redness colored her pale skin.

"You're bleeding!"

Rayne double blinked, her hands shook. "I'm taking you home. I need to look at that wound and get it cleaned up."

Rayne yanked down her sleeve. "No, it's fine."

"No, it's not Fine. He slammed the car into gear and turned it around. Fifteen minutes later, she sat outside a small house. "Is this where you live?"

"Yes."

She got out of the car and followed him inside, the sting from her gash bringing more relief than pain. They stood in his kitchen.

"Sit, I will get a first aid kit."

She watched him leave. Ignoring his request, she stepped toward the sink and flicked the faucet, running her wrist under its flow. The touch of water on her skin made her hiss out as the pain finally registered.

Dirty, dirty whore. You're a filthy girl. I wished you'd died.

"No, no, no." she sobbed out as the blood mixed with the water in the sink. Tears pricked her vision. She blinked them away, feared if she gave in and cried, she would cry until she melted away to nothing.

Why had she returned?  Why had she thought she could get some kind of closure?

Stupid... stupid and dirty.  She was suddenly scrubbing at her gash... more blood dripped onto the white ceramic basin.

Marcus returned. "Jesus, Rayne. Stop!" He flicked off the faucet and grabbed a clean towel and wrapped her wrist. "Why are you doing this?"

He placed a finger under her chin, tilting so she would face him. "Why would you hurt yourself like this?"

She shook free of his hold. "Why? Why?" Her muscles stiffened. "Because of her—because of you!"

He stepped back. "I never hurt you. I loved you. You loved me."

"Love? Love? You call that love. How can you not see that was wrong? I wanted your love as a brother. You were supposed to look after me. Make me feel I wasn't something to hate. That I meant something to someone... but that."  She shut her eyes briefly. "What you did—what we did. It was wrong Marcus." She sobbed out a cry. "You twisted love into something ugly. And she blames me. Hates me even more because of it."

He looked away. "I still love you Rayne."

She shook her head, pale and distraught. "Don't. Don't you dare say that to me."

He cringed inwardly, but still the impulse to hold her, make her understand what he felt for her wasn't wrong—he couldn't help it. All these years had changed nothing for him.  

He sighed. "Look, it's getting late. The bus station won't even be open now. Stay here tonight and I will drive you back tomorrow. But I'm not letting you head home on your own. Not if this happens." He pointed toward her wrist as she lifted it, pressing it against her chest. He was worried that she might hurt herself again.

Rayne's wrist throbbed, but in a way that the pain kept the darker thoughts under control. "I won't do it again."

He straightened but was adamant she would remain with him tonight. "I have to head back to the hospital. To check on Mom. Take these?" He handed her two painkillers. "Stay here, I won't be long." He didn't want to leave her, but had promised their mother he would return. "There's food in the fridge, eat if you want something."

She didn't acknowledge him, but sudden exhaustion replaced the emptiness living in her stomach

~ ~

Nathan and Jaxon arrived at Nicole's apartment block. Heading inside, they walked towards the concierge.

The young man acknowledged their arrival, as Nathan wasted no time in instructing him to alert Nicole of their intended visit. He had little doubt she would see them.

His assumption was correct, as they travelled up in the elevator to the twenty-second floor. "You are not to question anything I do once we are inside that apartment."

Jaxon looked at him, puzzled. "Are you going to tell me what's inside the bag?"

Nathan's face remained straight ahead. "I may have to do some things I'm not proud of. But under no circumstances do you intervene—understand?"

He would not try to reason with Nathan. But as long as he wasn't planning to murder Nicole. He was on board. Finding Rayne was their priority. "Care to enlighten me?"

"No." he wasn't sure himself. But he knew Nicole. And one look into her cold eyes would tell him all he needed to know.

Perfect Timing.  Nicole had not long exited the shower before she answered the phone. They were here. Both of them—they had returned to her. As she knew, they would... eventually.

Combing through her wet hair through. She loosened her towel and let it fall to the floor, reaching for her favorite perfume... correction, Nathan's preferred fragrance.

Walking through to her bedroom, she pulled out a long white silk slip, fastening the silk ties but leaving a little cleavage on show to feed the ideas of any red-blooded male.

Eyeing herself in the long mirror, her heart raced as she excitedly made her way to the door. She listened for footsteps to approach the door and opened before they could knock.

There stood the only two men together who could bring her to her knees. Her eyes fell to the bag Nathan was carrying—before lifting her gaze to meet his penetrative glare. She tried to figure out what he was thinking, as his facial expression gave nothing away. But they had come to her, which could surely only mean one thing—they wanted her.

Nathan clenched his jaw. Keeping his face neutral, he stepped inside Nicole's apartment without a single word. He was right. Her seductive smile told him all he needed to know. She would submit without struggle.

He dropped his bag to the floor.

Nicole stepped backwards, shifting to the center of her long hallway.

Nathan walked towards her as he guided his hand to the tie on her slip, loosening he parted to reveal her naked body beneath, her nipples peaked as he pushed the slip from her shoulders, it effortlessly dropped to the floor. "Do you know why I'm here?" He took half a step closer, his eyes skimming down her body and close enough that she would feel his dominating presence.

"Yes, Sir." She answered, a little breathless. She now stood naked before them. A shiver ran across her skin, but not from the cold. She loved the power he held over her.

"This is where I will give you one opportunity to ask us to leave and we will never darken your door again." He knew he was taking a risk with this speech, but he was almost sure she would not deny them.

Nicole's pupils dilated, the pulse in her throat quickened. She would not ask them to leave.

He forced a smile, not affording his act to slip. "Good girl." He lifted his hand to her bare shoulder and gently pushed her to her knees. "I think you have forgotten how to greet me."

The cool hardness of the wooden floor behind her skin was almost soothing. She would give him what he desired, her submission, the retraction of her control, making her feel powerful and powerless in equal terms. Heart pounding, she lifted her gaze to meet his.

"Eyes down," Nathan ordered.

Jaxon winced behind him; his suspicions of Nathan's plan confirmed.

Nicole flinched, looking down and although his tone was threatening, all she could do was to think of all the times he had forced her to her knees, begged for his touch. She would do anything for this man. "Are you still angry with me, Sir?"

"Did I give you permission to speak?"

She flicked out her tongue across her lower lip, nervous excitement pooled in her stomach. "No, Sir." She had fantasized about this for months, unsure if she would experience it again. And this time she would not let them go. She would be everything they needed and more. Nobody would take them away for her.

The muscle in his jaw ticked. "Good." He slowly walked around her. "Apparently, you have forgotten many of the rules. I think my slut needs re educating." The words tasted foreign on his tongue.

His dirty words switched on the light that had been dimmed for far too long, sending her temperature rising. "Sorry Sir. I will do better. Please let me show you I can do better."

"Lead me to your bedroom." Nicole rose. "No. Hands and knees—crawl."

"Yes, Sir." She lowered, dropping her hands to the cool floor and crawled as seductively as she could, swaying her hips, sure he would admire her perfectly toned ass.

Nathan rolled his eyes before turning his attention to his brother. "Bring the bag."

Jaxon's express was neutral as he did as instructed without a word. This was Nate's game, and he would play along... up to a point.  But there was no way he would ever touch that woman again—not in this lifetime.

As Nathan followed Nicole in his mind, his game-plan was up front and centre. He pushed down his anger and any thoughts of disgust. He had one goal—information.

Inside her bedroom, he almost sighed in relief as she saw the metal bed frame. This would make it so much easier. Watching her kneel Infront of the bed. Head down. "What is your safe word, princess?" The endearment almost made him gag.

"Pickle, Sir," she stifled a giggle.

He stalked towards her and yanked her head up by her hair to hear her gasp. His smile was almost menacing. Narrowing his eyes, he released her hair and grasped her chin, staring deeply into her eyes, as if trying to read her. "I'm in no mood for games slut, you are mine to do with as I see fit."

"Yes, Sir. I am yours, always."

From the way her eyes practically glazed over, he knew she was his to do as he pleased. "Good, up and on the bed, face up."

"Yes, Sir." Not a second was wasted.

"In the center, spreadeagle." He removed his jacket and threw it on the nearby sofa before turning toward Jaxon but did not meet his brother's burning eyes. "Get the cuffs, Jaxon—all of them."

Jaxon dropped the bag and rummaged through, pulling out four pairs.

"Fasten the little slut's wrists and ankles to the bedpost."

Seeing her lay and waiting, Nathan's eyes wandered over the sight before him. There was once a time, her submission and tempting body had turned him on. But now all he saw was a woman who would sink to any depths, hurt those who meant nothing to her to get what she wanted. She disgusted him as a bitter taste in his mouth forced him to swallow. You're doing this to find Rayne.

Jaxon fastened each cuff in place, keeping his eyes on the task as he tested the sturdiness of the frame. He knew she was watching him, but he had no desire to look upon the woman he had once loved... trusted. What would once have been an erotic game between the three was now neither pleasing nor satisfying. Happily, he stepped away, turning to Nathan. "Done. She isn't going anywhere."

Nicole eagerly awaited.

"Thank you, Jaxon. Now, I'm going to ask you some questions and if you answer them to my liking, then you will be rewarded. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

Nathan saw no reason to beat around the bush. She was under his control. "Tell me about your relationship with Dr De-Luca."

Nicole visually paled. "I don't understand," she stuttered.

"Is it not true that you and he are friends?"

"No Sir, that's not true."

"I think you are lying."

Nathan turned to Jaxon. "Search her apartment. That file must be here somewhere."

Nicole yanked at her restraints. All her excitement evaporated into thin air. "W-what are you doing?" 

"Let me make this simple. Rayne is missing and I believe you have something to do with that."

Nicole was furious. Her face reddened. "I won't tell you a thing!" she spat out.

Nathan clenched his fists to steady his anger. "Answer me this instead."

She refused to look at him as she pushed her head into the pillow beneath her, angry at her own stupidity for letting them cuff her to the bed. "I won't say another word."

"Do you still have your apartment cleaned twice weekly?"

Nicole was flummoxed—why would he ask such a question? "Tuesday and Fridays, if my memory serves me right. And this is the only thing that you and Rayne have in common—routine."

She remained quiet; it was still true. Housekeeping had been yesterday, not to return till Friday.

"Do you understand the question now?" Nathan smirked. "You will be tied up for approximately 36 hrs."

Her head lifted, her eyes burning with rage. "You wouldn't leave me here... like this?" She yanked harder on the restraints.

"Oh, but I will."

"I will report this to the police. You won't get away with this."

"Please, feel free. I still have the signed contract. The one that states you enjoy being tied up and all the other kinky shit and it won't be the first time I've left you tied up."

She gulped, knowing she would be a mess if left till Friday. And no one would hear her screams. "You bastard!" she cursed.

Nathan stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "Where is Rayne?"

Her anger erupted. "What is so special about that little bitch?  She's nothing, nothing but a sick, crazy whore!" She twisted on the bed, the cuffs biting into her ankles. "Did you know she fucked her own brother?"  she watched his eye twitch.  "You didn't, did you?" A bitter laugh rolled over her tongue as her head dropped back down.

Nathan's chest tightened.  Was she speaking the truth?  "I wont ask you again Nicole."

She pinched her lips, knowing literally her hands were tied. "I only know where her mother is."

"Where?" Nicole released a frustrated cry before begrudgingly giving him the hospital where she had tracked her down.

"Good, now that wasn't so hard, was it?"

"Now, fucking set me free." She hissed.

Jaxon returned to the bedroom with the file in question. "I got it and this looks like Rayne's phone."

Nathan returned his attention to Nicole. "I don't believe I will."

"What? You said you would."

"No, I don't believe I did. I said I would reward you."

She let out an angry cry. "Then what's my fucking reward?"

Nathan walked to the sofa and retrieved his suit jacket. "I shall send someone to remove your cuffs tomorrow morning. That's your reward."

"No. No! You can't leave me here overnight." Her eyes flicked to Jaxon. "Please Jaxon, help me." She tugged on her restraints, the cool metal chafing her skin.

Jaxon forced a bitter laugh as he reached down to pick up the bag.

"Ah, but I can and will pet." He slipped on his jacket. "And take this as your final warning, Nicole. And trust me, you are already on shaky ground for violating the terms of the restraining order. So, if you ever come near Rayne, Jaxon or myself. Then I will have you thrown in jail—faster than you can say... untie me, Sir!"  He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "And don't worry, I will leave the keys with the doorman with instructions."

Nathan and Jaxon left the apartment.

Jaxon googled the hospital address. "Fuck, it's going to take hours to drive there."

"We aren't driving. We fly. Tonight!"