But the thing is I hadn’t been scared. There was something about that deep rumble and the strong arms that held me tight. Sure, they manhandled me into the trunk, but it wasn’t a rough shove, it was more of an urgent push, movements that made sure I was comfortable and safe even though I was being kidnapped.
Do you hear yourself? My mind screamed again. You’ve been abducted for crying out loud! There’s nothing comfortable and safe about being kidnapped!
That was true because the trunk of this car was effing cold, and I shivered painfully again. Oh god, oh god, it had to be night time now. We had to be going on at least ten hours of driving, and I pounded again the trunk above me again, but it was no use. We were speeding along, and there was no one to hear. Instead, my mind went crazy with wild thoughts.
Who hired him to kidnap me?
Why would someone do this?
What’s so special about me?
Drawing a blank, I can’t think of a single person who would want this. No one has a motive to take me. There are no enemies that I can name, no one who hates my guts to this level.
Why would he do this?
Truly confused, I don’t understand what’s going on.
None of it makes an ounce of sense.
Plus, this all happened in broad daylight right outside the place I call home.
Would anyone even notice I was gone? Would there be a missing person’s report filed?
My thoughts wander to Ann-Marie and I know that she certainly won’t think twice about my absence. She likely won’t even notice until a bill goes unpaid or there’s an eviction notice plastered on the front door.
Hopefully, I won’t be gone that long.
If I can just talk some sense into this man, maybe he’ll let me go. It’s a long shot, but I have to cling to some sliver of hope. Maybe I have something to offer him, but what? My curvy body? Would he even be into that? Or some secretarial work? Oh god, I’m making no sense and give up, curling into a ball once more.
Later, the ride turns bumpy as the car slows and starts covering rougher territory. The tires dip and the vehicle jostles and I hold myself as still as possible to prevent from flying into something. This rough terrain is no joke and we drive over it for at least twenty minutes, if not more.
Finally, the car comes to a stop with an unwelcome jolt. Unprepared for the sudden movement, my body is thrown against the front wall of the trunk and I bump my forehead hard. Ouch, my hearing buzzes and vision blurs. But it’s time. Tensing, a door slams and heavy footsteps round the vehicle.
Holding my breath, the trunk opens, revealing a swath of blue sky and oh god, but the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Huge with massive shoulders, his body is completely blocking the sun, shrouding us in shadowy darkness. Black hair as dark as ink falls over blue eyes, but there’s no sympathy in that gaze. Instead, he’s looking at me with a mixture of disgust and contempt.
“Hey,” I say. Or more accurately, the word comes out as “Mmmph!”
What the hell is wrong with me? This is my captor for crying out loud, and I’m saying hey? The gag still covers my mouth, and I sit up abruptly. But that’s a mistake because blood rushes to my head and immediately, I slump into a shapeless pile, breathing hard. Oh god, oh god, something awful’s gonna happen, even worse than before.
And the man doesn’t help. With a nasty grunt, he reaches out and forcefully rips the gag from my mouth. Oww! That hurt! My hands raise to my lips and I rub them, the tape making them rose-red and plump. But my captor’s totally unaffected. The dark man takes a moment just to stare at me and the look in his eyes tells me he’s disgusted by the very sight of me.
His hatred is palpable and shakes me to my core.
How does he hate me when I don’t even know him?
Again, I’m completely confused. What’s going on? Why?
“Get the fuck out,” he growls in a menacing tone, taking a step back to allow me to follow his command.
Bleary eyed, I look up at him and pant. “Please don’t hurt me. I’ll give you anything. I don’t have much, but I’ll give you whatever you want.”
The giant just snarls, eyes running up and down over my trembling body. I can’t help it, my Double Ds are generous and with the way I’m shaking, they sway back and forth, heaving up and down with quick breaths.
His eyes flare for a moment, going from blue to a hot, searing pitch black. But then shaking his head, the dark man gets a hold of himself. Averting his eyes, he growls harshly, that same disgusted expression on his face.