He might not love me, but it’s clear he cares about me. It’s in the way he hugs and kisses me and gives me affection. He stocks my favorite protein shakes in the fridge. He orders my coffee and breakfast ahead to ensure I get the pastry I want. When we have sex, he makes sure I’m taken care of and always lets me take control. I could talk to him about the Pilates studio for hours, and he’d listen attentively the entire time. And he brought Molly home.
So, I let my guard down.
And when the fire alarm went off next door, causing the one in the Pilates studio to go off as well, I walked outside without thinking.
There was smoke coming out of the store, and the water main had burst. My only thought was that I was going to lose the studio I’d just closed on.
Because I’d let my guard down.
And then I was snatched up.
I watched Daniil and Josh lose their lives when they tried to save me.
And before I could call for help, my phone was snatched out of my hand and thrown into the street.
The only good thing was that Nicole wasn’t taken.
I was shoved into the trunk of a vehicle and brought to the port, where my wrists were bound and I was forced into a cargo ship.
They didn’t bother to cover my eyes, which told me I was going to die.
And my only hope at this point is that they make it quick.
But when two huge men corner me with malice in their eyes, it hits me that they’re going to torture me before I die.
“We were told to send a message,” one of the guys says, his accent thick, slicing the ropes on my wrists because he obviously doesn’t see me as a threat.
I’m not sure where they’re from, but when he speaks to the other man, it’s clear they’re Hispanic. Because I was raised to be a good trophy wife, Andrey made me learn Spanish, Italian, and Russian, so I understand every word they’re saying in Spanish.
“I get her first. Then you can have her next.”
“Fine. Then we’ll kill her.”
“He didn’t say to kill her. Only to send a message.”
“Killing her will send a message.”
They both laugh, and I close my eyes, mentally preparing for what’s about to come.
The first guy advances on me, and I scream even though it’sfutile. I claw at his arms and neck and face, refusing to go down without a fight.
He yells at the other guy to hold me down.
I kick and scream and attack him until my wrists are twisted behind my back, and my shoes, yoga pants, and underwear are ripped from my body.
I try to turn off my brain, to think happy thoughts to help me mentally escape.
My precious cat, Molly.
Working out at the Pilates studio.
Coffee with Nicole.
Spending time with my niece and nephews.
Cooking Sunday meals with my mom.
Kane and I cuddling on the couch and watching TV.
