Page 62 of Sexting the Don

I chuckle, shaking my head with a mock groan. "Imagine the tragedy of skipping leg day!" I joke, leading us to the squat rack. After wrapping up our sweat session, I glance at my watch and realize it’s later than I thought. I’ve got a shift at La Serna tonight.

“You can stay and get ready here if you want,” Natalie offers.

“Thanks, girl. You’re a lifesaver,” I reply.

I hop into the shower in Natalie’s guest bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the workout grime. Afterward, I stand in front of the mirror, fixing my hair and dabbing on makeup—just enough to make those tips tonight a little fatter. You learn a few tricks when you live off gratuities.

Sliding into my server uniform, that classic black that somehow makes me feel both sleek and sharp, I can’t help but grin at my reflection. This is the same outfit I was wearing when Enzo and Ifirst crossed paths.

Running a hand down the smooth fabric, I imagine what I’ll look like a few months down the line, rocking a baby bump in this getup.

I grab my things and head out, thanking Natalie again and waving as I leave.

Once at the restaurant I park the car, grab my bag, and head to the building. Halfway to the back entrance, a sudden panic hits—keys! Patting down my pockets turns up nothing.

Turning back, I retrace my steps. Reaching the car, I spot my keys on the driver’s seat, mocking me.

“Of course,” I mutter.

Keys secured, I lock the car and turn to go back to the restaurant.

A sudden shadow looms over me, instantly chilling the air, and my heart skips a beat.

My eyes widen as I spot Jimmy and another burly figure out of the corner of my eye.

Before I can react, darkness envelops me. A bag is yanked over my head, cutting off my vision.

Panic surges through me, and I scream, thrashing wildly, my instincts kicking into full survival mode. My bag and phone clatter to the ground, lost in the scuffle.

Jimmy’s harsh whisper cuts through my cries, "Shut your damn mouth, or he’ll knock you out!" His breath is hot and foul against my cheek.

I freeze, terror rooting me to the spot for a split second—a second too long. They take advantage, one man grabbing me roughly by the waist while Jimmy keeps a tight grip on my arm. I'm powerless as they hustle me toward the sound of a trunk popping open.

With brutal efficiency, they shove me inside what I realize with a sinking heart must be their getaway car.

My mind races in panic as the trunk slams shut, plunging me into suffocating darkness. I'm left reeling, the muffled sounds of their voices barely penetrating the heavy lid above me. Seconds later, I hear the engine start.

The car rolls forward, each turn and stop a complete torment as I struggle to make sense of how everything so quickly turned into a nightmare.

Chapter 28

Mandy

I'm pounding and kicking against the trunk with all I've got, my voice hoarse from screaming, but it’s like yelling into a void.

No one hears me. Realizing I’m just wasting energy, I slump back against the side of the trunk, panting and trying to regroup. This whole mess feels like some twisted movie scene, except I'm the unlucky star.

My thoughts race. Has my boss noticed I'm MIA yet?

He's got to think something's up when I don't show. Would he call my mom? Panic flares up, but I push it down. Mom would definitely know something's gone terribly wrong if she finds out I never showed up for work.

I suddenly realize that she doesn’t have Enzo’s number. Great. This keeps getting better.

Frustrated and running out of options, I stop my futile attempts to make noise. Even at red lights, the city’s din would swallow any sound I could make from within this mobile cave. I have to be smart, conserve energy, and stay sharp.

I force myself to breathe calmly, lying in wait. I need to be ready for anything—a chance to yell for help or bolt as soon as the trunk opens. I listen intently to the muffled city sounds and the occasional bits of conversation from my captors up front. Every detail matters now.

Each second drags, but I’m holding onto the hope that someone is aware I’m missing. It keeps me from spiraling into total despair. I’m not just going to curl up and wait—no way. The moment I get a shot, I’m taking it. They’ve snatched the wrong girl if they think I’m not coming out of this fighting.

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