Page 259 of Unexpected Hero

James agreed.

The tightness in my chest spreads in all directions, settling in my jaw and stomach.

How could I be so stupid? What was I thinking?

From the far side of the room, the harsh voices of the men capture my attention, halting my self-flagellation.

“This is the one who’s supposed to be a virgin, right? Let’s check. Hope the bitch didn’t lie.”

“Scissors?” the one with the accent asks, in English this time.

What the fuck? They’re checking to see if we’re virgins?How are they going to do that?

Oh no.

Bile rises in my throat.

The sound of cutting fabric echoes around the room, along with his raspy breaths. There’s rustling and more cutting. My heart breaks for her, whoever she is.

I’m going to throw up. And they’ll know I’m awake.

Did they do the same thing to me?

More rustling, a little more cutting, and then some sounds I can’t decipher. There’s a natural urge to open my eyes, but I fight it.

I never want to open them again.

Perhaps I never will.

Chapter 49

The sins of the father

LETTIE

My time is running out. They’ll come for me next.

There are only three of us left in this room.

Over the last few hours, girls woke up one by one. Some of them were frightened enough to scream and cry, even when I tried to shush or comfort them.

They were the first to be taken out of here, kicking and screaming as they went. Demanding answers from men who didn’t care to respond.

Who are you?

What do you want?

Why am I here?

I think some of them are Russian. Although the thought terrifies me, I can’t help but fear that they may have flown us there. I have no idea how long I was asleep or how long I’ve been tied up.

I faked being unconscious for as long as I could. After two of the others woke up, the men came around and started smacking the rest of us to rouse us. It was either admit I was awake or keep getting hit. Each whack made my throbbing headache worse.

My cheek still stings from where he smacked me. As soon as my eyes opened, he spit on my face.

I don’t know why he did that.

And I couldn’t wipe it off with my hands since they’re bound. But after he left, I managed to rub my cheek against my shoulder to get most of it off.

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