Page 49 of Lie in Wait

Shehadto find the piece of her that could return the favor, duct tape or not. Unable to free herself, she rolled over to where Ariana was struggling.

Bella kicked her feet as best she could considering the tight tape around her ankles. She didn’t want to hurt Ariana with the heels, but at the same time wanted to inflict permanent damage on her father or Neil. Or better yet, both of them. But she only had one within reach.

It was hard to see where to kick. The beam of light kept moving around, and flashed in her eyes every so often, making it even harder to focus. She had to twist herself almost completely around but she was certain her heels were aimed at whichever man was back there with them.

She held her breath for a moment before pulling her legs as close to her as she could then thrusting them out.

“Ow!” That was Neil, and he released a string of profanities before promising Bella she would pay for that poor decision.

She kicked him again, harder this time. And her heel sunk into something.

The flashlight dropped and bounced along the floor. When it stopped, the light shone on a wall.

It was just enough to light up everything in the van. Not well, but enough to see.

Neil swore all the more.

“What’s going on back there?” Father demanded.

“Your disobedient daughter just kicked me in the groin!”

“Aren’t you wearing a cup?”

“Not for a stupid Halloween party! I — oh!”

Ariana tackled Neil, and they both flew backward, landing on the floor.

Neil gasped for air.

Ariana covered his mouth and nose with her hands.

He wrapped his fingers around her neck.

She cried out and let go of his mouth.

Bella squirmed over, finding every movement a challenge because of the tape around her ankles and wrists. They had tied her hands behind her back, which made it even harder.

Done on purpose, no doubt.

That wouldn’t stop her. Slow her down, but not stop her.

She’d tasted enough freedom that she knew exactly what she was fighting for now. Life without the heavy-handed rule of oppressive men was better than she’d dreamed. She’d had the space and freedom to breathe, to dream.

No way she was going to let them take that away from her now. This was nothing more than a setback.

Bella twisted her body again and aimed her feet at Neil. She’d hit him harder in the crotch and hopefully take away his ability to reproduce. The last thing the world needed was more of him.

Just as she was about to make contact, Neil shoved Ariana away and grabbed Bella’s legs.

She tried to scream, but the duct tape prevented her from making more than a muffled whisper.

He pulled off her right shoe then the left.

Those were the only weapons she had.

Neil threw them at her.

Bella closed her eyes just as the heel of one scraped across her face, over her closed lids. They both hit the wall behind her.

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