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“You’re insane.” I try to kick him, but he pushes me against the wall.
My head bangs against the wall, causing an immediate headache.
“I think you’ve spoken enough.” He cuts a piece of tape from a black roll. “This should keep you quiet.”
When he leans in close to smell my hair, I try to shove him away from me, but he pins me in place with his big body. His scent makes me want to gag.
Finally, he pushes me onto the mattress again. I’m grateful I don’t have to stare into his hollow gaze for a second longer.
While lying perfectly still, I reflect on our conversation. Who is Bobby? I remember Viktor once mentioned his father’s right-hand man was named Bobby. Viktor said he didn’t trust him.
My thought process stops when my kidnapper takes out a cell and snaps a picture of me. I need to find a way to get out of here. The way he’s staring at me assures me of this. I don’t want to think about what he has in mind.
“I have to show proof you’re still alive.” The whoosh of a text being sent is quickly followed by his cell phone ringing. He answers promptly. “Yes, everything went as planned. She’s tied up. She isn’t going anywhere.” He glares down at me. “Did you want me to send a message? Oh, okay… I’ll see you in a bit.”
He closes the distance between us. “I’m going to have so much fun with you.” When he licks his lips, I make myself one with the mattress. “You have nowhere to run. There isn’t anything you can do. I’m going to show you a real man.”
When he spots my repulsed expression, he laughs and leaves.
* * *
It’s been a few hours since I woke up in the warehouse, and Junior has been out of sight for twenty minutes. I have spent the time plotting my escape. I will not give in to him without a fight. He won’t lay a finger on my head. I try to stand, but I still can’t. The car accident left me weaker than I’d like, but I won’t stop trying.
I move my legs underneath me. If I can sit on the back of my legs, I can use them for momentum. I get as close to the wall as possible, take a deep breath, then push. With the sturdiness of the wall and the angle of my legs, I know I can do it.
After a few minutes, I manage to stand.
I only have one shot at escaping.
This is it.
I check to see if Junior is near. When I don’t see him, I bolt for the nearest door. I have no idea where I am, but outside has to be better than in here.
Unfortunately, the door won’t budge. I walk to the next door, but it is locked too. When I spot an exit sign, I run toward it. It’s an emergency exit door with a bar as a handle. I push the handle, and it opens. Thank God.
It’s pitch-black outside. How long have I been here?
I take a few more steps forward, then scan the premises.
There’s nothing anywhere. I don’t even see any cars.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I’d know that voice anywhere. With my heart in my throat, I turn toward the voice. “You can’t be that surprised, Ava.” I’m staring at my mother. “Let’s take that tape off your mouth.” She removes it with force. It feels like a layer of skin is ripped off with it.
“Mom, what are you doing here?” I’m hoping she will confess she’s here to save me, but I doubt it.
“Getting what’s mine.”
“What?” She grabs my arms and drags me back into the warehouse. “Mom, what are you doing? Let me go.”
“There’s so much you don’t know or understand.” She sits me on a chair I hadn’t noticed before. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”
“Yes, like, why am I tied up? Why am I here? And what are you doing with this man?”
“I can answer some of those questions without interfering. You’re tied up for your own good. I don’t know why Dougal brought you here.” There’s disgust on her face. “As far as Junior is concerned, he’s just the muscle.”
“This can’t be happening. You’re my mother,” I say in disbelief.
How could a mother hurt her child? I’d die before I hurt Aisling or Niko.
