Page 50 of Ruthless Lullaby

I tighten my grip on my wallet and quicken my pace, the unease in my belly growing with each step. The black car is still there, its darkened windows concealing whoever is inside. A part of me wants to cross the street and put as much distance between me and the vehicle as possible. But another part of me urges me to keep going, to get to the hospital as soon as I can.

By the time I draw level with the car, my heart is pounding so loudly I'm sure it’s audible over the distant sounds of the city. I hold my breath, waiting for something to happen, for somesign that my fears are justified. But the car remains still, its engine idling softly, giving no indication of any threat.

Maybe you’re being foolish, Mindy.

I continue on my way. Maybe I was wrong to worry. After all, this is a safe neighborhood, and I'm a grown woman who can take care of herself.

I bravely go past the car and my heart skips a beat. The door opens, and a tall man in a black suit and dark glasses steps out. I instinctively pick up the pace.

"Miss Williams," he says, his voice deep and commanding. I instantly feel a chill run down my spine. "Please get in the car," he orders, gesturing towards the open car door.

Shit.

I hesitate, my mind racing with questions. "Excuse me?" I ask, trying to put as much distance between us as possible. Not that it’s any use. I’m wearing heels and he could catch up with me in seconds if he wanted. "Who are you and how do you know my name?"

The man's expression remains impassive, his eyes hidden behind the dark lenses. "My name is Pavel,” he replies, his words tinged with a heavy Russian accent. "Get in, and you'll be fine."

I glance around the street, searching for any sign of help, but the sidewalks are suddenly deserted. It's as if everyone has suddenly vanished into thin air. The man takes a few steps towards me, quickly closing the distance between us. Before I know it, his imposing figure is looming over me like a dark cloud.

"I won't ask again, Miss Williams," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Get in the car."

I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my back, despite the cool evening air. My mind is screaming at me to run, to get as far away from him as possible. But with my heels, I know he’d catch up with me in no time. Not to mention that he’s about four times my size and has the physique of a gorilla. It’s clear that any resistance would be futile.

So, I panic.

With my heart hammering in my chest, I reach into my purse pocket and press the speed dial button for Betty, hoping that my shaking hand got the right combination.

“What’s up, girl? When are you coming home?” I hear my friend’s voice. “Hello,” she repeats. “Mindy… are you there?”

The man’s hand snaps out and my phone is wrenched from my hand. “That was a stupid thing to do,” he says.

I open my mouth to say something, but I’m frozen.

“Mindy?” I hear Betty’s voice from afar. “Mindy… are you alright?” She sounds concerned. “Are you pocket-dialling me?”

Pavel cuts the call, and before I could make a run for it, he grabs my arm. The next moment, I’m being pushed into the car by force. As soon as I'm inside, he shuts the door behind me, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the quiet street. I scream, yell, my fists bang on the tinted windows, hoping that someone outside will hear my desperate plea for help. My palms are slick with sweat, as my kidnapper walks around to the driver's side and gets in.

No!

You should have called an Uber, Mindy!

My mind races with potential scenarios, each one worse than the last. Is this about Alexis? Maybe her dealer is after her family now? Or maybe one of the guests from NYC High came after me? Am I going to get raped and then killed?

Oh my God!

I feel panic rising further in my chest. What have I gotten myself into? Who is this man, and what does he want with me?

The car pulls away from the curb, the engine purring softly as we pick up pace, gliding through the empty streets.

"What’s this about? Where are you taking me?" I ask my kidnapper, my voice trembling. He doesn't answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Good evening, Miss Williams," a new voice chimes in. I feel my blood freeze in my veins. It’s not the man who took me. This voice is different. It’s even deeper. Smoother. Crisper. And threateningly familiar.

I hear a whirring sound as the privacy wall rasps and grinds as it slowly descends, revealing the person sitting behind it. A familiar scent hits my nostrils. Sandalwood, cedar, and the essence of primal sin.

I turn my head slowly, afraid to look at the figure sitting next to me.

The man’s eyes meet mine and a jolt of electricity hits me. It courses through me like I just lodged my fingers into a wall socket. Fear and desire collide within me, creating a dizzying cocktail of emotions that leaves me breathless.

---