Page 76 of Sexted By a Stranger
"Whether he cares or not, we'll find out soon enough." He sneered coldly. "Luca Bellomo will soon receive my 'invitation.' Then we'll see what he's willing to pay for his 'stellina'." He bent down, that face reeking of tobacco and alcohol leaning close to me, cloudy eyes flashing with malicious light. "As for you—stay put. Try any tricks…" He suddenly raised his hand, pretending to strike again.
I flinched in terror, letting out a frightened whimper, squeezing my eyes shut.
The slap didn't fall. Connor seemed satisfied with my reaction, straightened up, and shouted toward the door, "Watch her closely." Then, without another glance at me, he turned and left. The iron door slammed shut again.
Once I was sure he was gone, I slowly, deeply exhaled, my tense body instantly going limp and collapsing to the ground. The cold sweat on my back had long since soaked through my thin clothing, sticking icily to my skin.
Connor had been temporarily fooled by me. But since he wanted to use me to threaten Luca, I might not necessarily survive in his hands. I had to find a way to save myself. I couldn't just sit and wait for death.
Sheila, stay calm. Think of something.
I began to carefully move my body. I extended my still-movable fingers and started to feel around inch by inch, extremely slowly, exploring the ground beneath me and the walls beside me.
I didn't know how much time had passed—maybe minutes, maybe hours. Just when my fingertips were numb from cold and continuous effort, and the shadow of despair was trying to swallow me again—
My right index finger suddenly touched an extremely small protrusion on the cold concrete floor at the base of the wall. It wasn't gravel, but more like a thin, elongated piece of metal embedded in the cement crack.
I held my breath, using all my strength to control my trembling fingers, carefully using my nail to catch the edge of that protrusion, bit by bit, extremely slowly digging it out.
Sweat mixed with blood slid into the corner of my eye, bringing a sharp pain. I gritted my teeth, not daring to make anysound. Finally, the sensation at my fingertips became clear—yes! It was metal! About the length of a finger.
I gripped the tiny exposed end with two fingers, using every ounce of strength I had, and yanked it out with all my might.
A cold, slender metal object fell into my sweaty palm.
In the darkness, I couldn't see exactly what it looked like, only able to urgently explore its outline with trembling fingers—elongated, one end was a plastic handle, the other end was a metal blade. Although the edge felt somewhat dull, even with small nicks, this was definitely a small knife that could bring hope.
Heaven never seals off all exits.
I immediately gripped this life-saving blade tightly in my palm, edge facing inward, and carefully hid it with my sleeve.
After doing all this, I collapsed against the bone-chillingly cold wall as if I'd exhausted all my strength, gasping heavily.
I knew Luca would definitely come. He would tear through this darkness like a descending god.
But I couldn't just wait. I had to do something to create an advantage for his rescue and to fight for the greatest chance of survival for myself and the baby.
I gripped the small blade in my sleeve and pressed it against the rope.
Then I began, again and again, using all my strength and patience, extremely slowly and repeatedly sawing away.
Each friction brought tearing pain, the knife wasn't sharp, and progress was barely visible.
But I couldn't stop.
Only one thought filled my mind: Hold on, Sheila. Wait for him.
Stay alive.
Chapter 24
Luca & Sheila
Luca
The study door was violently thrown open.
Ragnar burst in.
