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As she raced through the city streets, her surroundings became a blur, a whirlwind of lights and shadows. Pounding footsteps and heavy breathing alerted her she was being pursued. She dared not glance back, fearing that any momentary lapse of focus could allow them to close the distance.
Rebecca’s breath came in ragged gasps, her lungs burning with the exertion of her escape. But undernourished and weakened by the abuse her body had suffered through, she was no match for the two men. A hand grabbed her shoulder and whipped her around.
With a surge of anger, she unleashed a powerful punch, landing it square on the snout of the bastard in front of her. Blood spurted from Evan’s nose and mouth as he staggered back, momentarily disoriented by the force of Rebecca’s blow.
A body slammed into her, making her stagger and drop to her knees. Jango, the asshole, grappled with her and managed to capture one of her flailing arms, yanking her back to her feet. No! She tugged against his hold.
The grip around her wrist tightened, but she refused to let fear paralyze her. Reacting swiftly, she twisted her body, delivering a vicious kick to the shin of the bastard. He howled in pain, momentarily releasing his hold.
Seizing the opportunity, Rebecca dropped to one knee and used Jango’s momentum against him. With a deft move, she swung her body, sending him hurtling over her shoulder. In an unexpected twist, he collided with Evan, both tumbling to the ground like bowling pins.
Thank you, Sensei. May he rest in peace.
Without pausing to revel in her small victory or in past regrets, Rebecca knew she had to keep moving. She had escaped her tormentors, and her survival instincts kicked in. The instinct to seek safety urged her toward the brightly lit grocery store, but she knew that would make her an easy target. Instead, she made a split-second decision and bolted between two parked cars.
Her petite stature worked in her favor, allowing her to navigate the narrow space between vehicles with surprising agility. Pounding footsteps echoed behind her, indicating that her captors hadn’t given up. Aware of the need for silence now, Rebecca slowed her pace and focused on staying hidden, darting, and zigzagging between the cars.
Ragged breaths tore through her lungs as her heart threatened to burst out of her chest. The combination of adrenaline, exertion, and fear coursed through her body, heightening her senses. As she maneuvered through the maze of cars, a high-pitched female voice caught her attention. Rebecca’s gaze darted to her right, where an attractive couple stood beside a gleaming Tesla X with its winged doors open.
Glancing over her shoulder, Rebecca’s heart sank. Jango and Evan were still hot on her trail, closing in. Panic gripped her, but her mind raced with possibilities. Could she ask for help from the couple? Yet, as she observed their heated argument, doubt crept in. Would they even be willing to assist her in this dangerous predicament? As uncertainty gnawed at her, she crossed her arms tightly, forming a protective barrier around herself. Crouched between the cars, her eyes darted between the couple and the approaching pursuers.
Her breathing came in short, shallow bursts.
Not allowing herself to overthink, she instinctively crawled into the open car, intending to hide from her pursuers. In her haste, she bumped the side of her injured head against the back of the front seat, eliciting a gasp of pain.
Her vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. Curling into a tight ball, she fought against the encroaching darkness, determined to stay alert. Mustering every ounce of strength, she clung to the flickering light of awareness, refusing to succumb to the threat of unconsciousness. As the world teetered on the edge of blackness, Rebecca closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tightly around herself. Her mind repeated a single mantra–danger, keep fighting—even as she lost the battle and slipped soundlessly into the void.
CHAPTER 4
Dante’s Tesla glided along the winding road toward Rawhide Ranch, and he enjoyed the picturesque landscape unfolding before him. The journey had been a long one, but it was just what he needed to settle down after the unpleasant start of his day.
Ready to embrace the experiences ahead, he let the Tesla roll to a stop where the path was blocked by an impressive wrought-iron gate before him. It stretched across the road, its intricate design featuring interlocking horseshoes and prominent “Rs” medallions. This was the entrance to a place where dreams could come true.
From a small guard shack, a man with a lanky frame and salt-and-pepper hair approached the Tesla, raking an appreciative glance over the car. “Good afternoon.”
Dante answered accordingly and grabbed his papers from the passenger seat. He held out his reservation sheet for the man to see. The guard nodded, taking the papers, and scanning them. “Enjoy your stay, Mr. Malone,” he said, handing back the papers and unlocking the gate with a beep. “Follow the driveway. You can park up front. A staff member will be waiting for you.”
The driveway leading to the Ranch was long and lined with trees, creating an inviting approach. There was no speed limit sign, but the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the grounds did invite a leisurely pace. Through the trees, Dante saw pastures and outbuildings.
The pastures sprawled across the landscape, providing ample space for the horses to graze and exercise. The grassy, fenced areas were dotted throughout the property, offering a serene and natural environment for the magnificent animals. Stables and outbuildings stood nearby, including a large barn that most likely housed goats and other ranch animals if the ones he saw frolicking behind the fence were any indication.
He took another turn, and the main building of Rawhide Ranch came into full view, a magnificent three-story structure that exuded grandeur. A set of six steps led up to the front porch, which stretched the entire length of the building. Multiple sitting areas adorned the porch, boasting large basket chairs, rockers, and porch swings.
At the center of the grand facade, a pair of massive double entry doors commanded attention. Their ornate design hinted at the warmth and comfort inside. This entrance served as a gateway to the wonders within, beckoning visitors to step into a world of possibilities.
As he approached the building, his eagerness mingled with a hint of hesitation. He had heard stories of the Ranch’s allure and the vibrant community it housed. However, he didn’t know how he fit into this world.
Stepping out of the car, Dante was immediately enveloped by the serenity of the Ranch. The soothing scent of nature filled the air, carrying a promise of freedom and untapped possibilities. He breathed it all in and let the tranquility wash over him.
A petite woman with short, dark brown hair and eyes approached him with a welcoming smile and extended her hand in greeting. “Welcome to Rawhide Ranch,” she said with genuine enthusiasm. “I’m Erika.”
Dante returned the handshake with a firm grip, appreciating Erika’s genuine warmth. “Thank you,” he replied with gratitude. “I’ve heard wonderful things about this place and I’m eager to experience it for myself. This seems like a place where people can freely express their desires. I’m looking for a place where my yearning for a genuine submissive partner is not only understood but celebrated. Rawhide Ranch seemed to provide just that.”
Erika’s smile widened. “Well, you’ve come to the right place,” she said. “Rawhide Ranch is more than just a getaway; it’s a community of like-minded individuals seeking connection, exploration, and personal growth. We strive to create an environment that fosters trust, respect, and open communication.” She gestured to a bronze-skinned man with a long black braid hovering a few feet behind her. “You can give your car keys to Moses; he will get your luggage and park the car for you while we get the paperwork done. We were expecting you a little bit earlier, but we should be able to get things completed before dinnertime.”
Her fingers moved in a rapid pace, and when Moses’ danced his hands in the air, Dante realized they were communicating through sign language. He connected his gaze with the man’s, brought his dominant hand toward his face, placed his fingers near his mouth, and kept his hand as flat as possible. He slowly spoke, “Thank you,” and moved his hand forward and slightly downwards toward Moses.
Erika’s eyebrows rose to her hairline. “Do you know ASL?”
