My head feels like a wrecking ball went through it, while the rest of my body feels heavy.What the hell?
Peeling my eyes open, I squint, attempting to take in my surroundings. It’s dark and I’m lying on an old couch or chair that has springs poking through it. They’re jabbing into my back, and when I rotate to the side, I sigh in relief when I can no longer feel them digging into my skin. There’s a vintage looking oil lamp on some kind of wooden stand. I think I’m in a cabin, but I have no memory of how I could have gotten here.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to remember what I was doing earlier but come up blank. I know Kash had a later client, but other than that, I’m not sure. Taking a deep breath, I try to sit up, then freeze when I realize my hands are tied. Fear slithers up my spine as I slowly realize that I didn’t come here on my own. A loud voice sounds from nearby, and I quickly close my eyes again.
“I told you I had it covered. Just stop and listen!” a male voice booms. “It’ll be fine.”
There’s a beat of silence, then: “Stop. I told you I could make it work, and you didn’t believe me. I’ll see you soon.”
I’m tempted to open my eyes and see who’s in the room with me, but approaching footsteps stop me. Trying to even out my breathing, I soften my facial features. If I don’t act strangely, they won’t realize I’m awake. As the steps get closer and closer, I feel panic rising in my chest.
“I almost feel bad for you.” The voice lets out a derisive snort, then laughs. “Actually, nah, I don’t think I do. Anyone stupid enough to get involved with Kash Malone isn’t too bright to start with.”
The footsteps retreat, leaving me in silence again. I hear cabinetsopening and closing in another room and take the chance to open an eye. My head is throbbing, but I ignore the pain as I take in my surroundings. I'm alone again, but I have no idea how long that will last. Attempting to stretch out my legs, I wince when the movement is restrictive, telling me they’re also bound.Shit.
Trying to move as quietly as possible, I pull my body into an upright position. Whoever tied me up isn’t very bright because they put my bound hands in front of me. Tugging at the rope around my ankle, I keep an eye on the doorway. If I don’t make any noise, hopefully I can get out of here before they realize I’m awake. I yank the rope through the knot, getting it loose enough so that I can shake it off my legs.
The tie around my hands may prove more difficult, but maybe I can at least make it to the door now that my legs are free. Peeking at the watch on my arm, I see it’s almost eleven thirty. I wonder if Kash realizes I’m missing.
Shit. Where is my phone?Patting my pockets, a tear slips down my cheek when I come up empty.Pull it together, Mila. You need to get out of here.
My bag is nowhere to be seen, but I don’t have time to look for it.
Swinging my legs over the side of the couch, I carefully put my feet on the floor and attempt to stand. My balance is a bit off, but I grab the back of the couch in hopes of staying upright. If it comes down to a chase, I may not make it very far if I can’t get the feeling back in my legs.
Taking a tentative step, I let out a deep breath and start walking. There aren’t many rooms, so I’m hoping the door is close by and not through wherever he is. Stepping softly, I keep my ears trained for the sounds in the next room. I need to get the hell out of here. Wandering a few more steps, I cringe when a board creaks. Freezing, I wait until I’m certain they didn’t hear before continuing on. I’m almost to the entry of the hall when I suddenly realize it’s gotten silent.
Slowly turning around, I wish that I had just kept going. Thebartender from earlier has a gun in his hands, pointed directly at me.Fuck.
“Did you have a good sleep, Mila? I didn’t expect you up for a while.”
“Actually, I had a bit of a headache when I woke. I don’t really recommend it. Why am I here?”
“Nuh-uh,” he tuts. “I think you know why you’re here.”
Anger rolls through me. “How about you spell it out for me because I guarantee you, I have no fucking clue?”
Stomping toward me, he grabs ahold of my chin, gripping it tightly between his fingers. It’s not like when Kash does it. Kash grips me to keep my attention on him while he does unspeakable things to my body. This man’s intention is harm.
Glaring down at me, he pushes my back against the wall. “Watch your mouth, Mila. I’m not supposed to hurt you, but if you push me, well, she’ll get what’s left.”
Shoving down my panic, I glare back at him, attempting to yank out of his grip. It’s hard with my hands still tied in front of me, but I bring my joined hands up, catching him under the chin.
He swears and stumbles back a moment, long enough for me to run through the small hallway. Taking off, I only make it a few steps before he grabs ahold of my shoulder, shoving me forward. I fall forward and cry out when I hit my head on a table sitting in the center of the room.
“Fucking bitch. I get what he sees in you. All that fire in such a little package. I bet you’re a whole lot of fun.”
Rolling over onto my back, I groan as my head throbs. Jake is standing above me, a dark, amused expression on his face. Crouching over me, he runs his finger down my cheek. “What do you say, Mila? Want to have a little fun?”
His touch repulses me, making me vomit in my mouth a little bit. I’m not sure if it’s from whatever drug he gave me or the fall, but suddenly I don’t feel well. “I think you should go have fun with your hand,” I spit out.
Laughing, he shakes his head. “Why would I do that when I can have fun with you? We have a bit of time after all.”
My mind can’t keep up. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, I know someone who doesn’t like you very much, Mila. You or your boyfriend.”
“Sounds like a personal problem.”
