Page 74 of Dark Seduction
A risky thought darts through my mind—they're not going to kill me, not after going through all this trouble to kidnap me. Emboldened by this realization, I decide to push my luck. With a defiant flick of my tongue, I spit the gag out onto the grimy motel floor right at his feet.
The man groans in annoyance, his patience clearly wearing thin. “You’re lucky you’re needed,” he snaps, his voice harsh. “If it were up to me, I’d have killed you in that parking lot.”
Ignoring his threat, I shoot back with my own demands.
“Where am I? Who do you work for? Why am I here?”
He pauses, eyeing me like I’m some kind of curiosity that’s both amusing and irritating. Then, to my frustration, he throws back his head and laughs—a deep, mocking sound that echoes off the cheap paneling of the room.
“You’re a damn fool if you think I’m going to answer your questions.” He shakes his head as if I’m a child throwing a tantrum.
I narrow my eyes at him, my heart racing but my voice steady. "If you don't start talking, I'm going to scream again," I threaten, hoping he'll take the bait.
He just laughs, a grating sound that echoes mockingly around the dingy room. "Go for it," he smirks, waving a dismissive hand. "This hotel is abandoned, owned by the guy who wanted youtaken. None of the other rooms are occupied."
Frustrated but not deterred, I draw in a deep breath and let out a piercing scream, just to test his claim. Sure enough, he doesn't even flinch, just rolls his eyes at my effort.
He sighs, clearly annoyed now. "You really should shut your mouth."
I shoot back quickly, "And what are you going to do to make me?"
The smirk fades from his face, replaced by a wicked look that makes my skin crawl. He strides over, yanks off my shoe, then peels off my sock. I try to pull away but I'm tied too tightly. He then starts caressing my foot, and I feel bile rise in my throat at his touch.
"You have lovely feet," he murmurs, his eyes fixed on them with an unsettling intensity.
He then looks up at me, his expression darkening. "Every time you scream, I’ll take a toe as a souvenir," he says coldly. His twisted smile sends ice through my veins, the threat hanging heavy in the air between us.
"You're absolutely revolting.”
He just shrugs off my disgust, grinning like he's in on some sick joke. "What's that American saying? Different strokes for different folks?" he laughs, obviously enjoying this far too much.
Desperate for anything that might tell me what the hell is going on, I push harder. "Come on, you've got to give me something. Throw me a bone here."
But he just nonchalantly waves his gun in my direction, dismissing my demand with a cocky smirk.
"No, I really don't have to give you anything," he taunts, then flops down onto the bed, which nearly buckles under his weight.
He pauses, a sly look crossing his face. "However, I'll give you one clue. What's happening now, it's been brewing for a while," he says cryptically before turning to change the channel on the TV. “A long, long time coming. Yes, indeed.”
Then, with a menacing glance back at me, he adds, "And just remember, any noise from you means one less toe."
As he settles in to watch TV, ignoring me like I'm just part of the furniture, I'm left fuming and frightened in equal measure.
Is this really happening?
Trapped in this shabby motel room, tied to a chair, I can't help but wonder… will Lev and his crew make it in time?
Chapter 33
Lev
My grip on the steering wheel is iron-tight as I barrel toward the outskirts of Chicago, the destination an abandoned motel complex just visible against the twilight. My phone rings, cutting through the silence of the car like a gunshot. It's Vanya.
"What?" I snap, my tone sharp as a blade.
"We're keeping tabs on your position," Vanya's voice is calm and collected. "I'll be close by. Whatever you need, just holler."
"Good. Keep your eyes peeled. I've got a damn strong feeling I'll need backup."