GOTHIQPLAGUE

Tags: Rape/Non-Con, Human Trafficking, Violence, Eddie Gluskin x OC, Drinking, Coercion, Very much non-canon characters, historical accuracy? never met her, lemon. Probably gonna add more tags later.

Diamondback

The year is 1850. The American Gold Rush is in full swing and people are flocking to California hoping to strike it rich and find their fortune out west. Mining camps have been set up all across the state, bringing in hundreds, if not thousands, of men. And men have needs. In the old west, gold isn’t the only thing proving to be profitable. Brothels and underground sex rings have popped up in droves on the routes out west. In Colorado, one outlaw has found his calling as a kidnapper and trafficker, a charming blue-eyed snake that lures women into his clutches with lurid promises and a silver tongue. Once he has them, he brands his victims with a diamond shape, earning himself the nickname of Diamondback.

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Chapter 1

It was a dry summer’s day in the little town of Dusty Ridge. Despite it’s size it was a busy little town, especially being one of the last stops on the gold trail before crossing the Colorado mountains. Horses and wagons kicked up dust as they bustled down the dirt roads of the town and trotting among them was a covered wagon pulled by a large, solid black draft horse. Sitting atop the wagon was a tall man clad in black, his icy gaze scanning the townsfolk from under the brim of his hat as he drove his wagon deeper into the town. He parked his wagon outside the local tavern and headed inside for a quick drink. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk a venomous snake was in their midst. To the folks who knew him he was Eddie Gluskin but, to the lawmen that pursued him he was only known as Diamondback. Despite the scarring on his face, he was a devilishly handsome man and it was easy to see how he could easily charm his victims, luring them into a false sense of security before whisking them away. Eddie sidled up to the bar, eyeing the girl behind the counter with a not-so-subtle gaze. The girl noticed Eddie staring at her, a slight bit of pink creeping onto her cheeks as she took in his features.

“What can I getcha’, hon?” she drawled out, leaning on the counter to show off her cleavage.

Eddie placed his hat on the counter and offered the barmaid one of his signature charming smiles.

“I’ll just take a shot of whiskey, darlin’.”

The girl giggled and went to fetch Eddie’s whiskey shot. She placed it in front of him, once again leaning on her elbows on the counter, entranced by the taller man. He easily towered over most of the other patrons, even when sitting down. “Gosh, you just got the bluest eyes. Like the summer sky,” the girl stated, her voice dreamy and soft.

Eddie huffed out a little chuckle at her remark,”Well, thank ya, darlin’. But I believe I’m the one that should be complimentin’ you. You’re beautifiul, sweetheart.” The barmaid blushed a deep red and giggled again,”You flatterer. What’s your name, hon?” “Johnathan. Johnathan Cross. Though, pretty girls like you can just call me John.”

“John,” she repeated,”Lemme get you another shot, hon. Just don’t tell the old man.”

Eddie smiled to himself, his gaze turning predatory. He had this one right where he wanted her. That is, up until a gunshot rang out across the way. A stray bullet came crashing through the tavern’s window and lodged into the wall. Eddie’s quarry went screaming out of the building and he heaved a heavy sigh as he watched the pretty barmaid go careening down the street.

Foiled by some fool with a gun.