My hands, bound tightly behind my back, ache with the strain of captivity, the rough texture of the ropes digging into my flesh. I try to speak, to cry out, but the gag stifles any sound, leaving me mute and helpless.
Surveying my surroundings with growing dread, I take in the stark, cold concrete walls surrounding me. The air feels heavy with the weight of impending doom, each breath a struggle against the suffocating grip of fear.
There are four men in black suits. Their presence looms over me like a specter of menace, their inscrutable gazes piercing through me with chilling indifference.
Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision as a wave of terror washes over me. I am alone, defenseless against the unknown horrors that await me, trapped in a nightmare from which there seems to be no escape.
The gag is roughly pulled from my mouth, my throat raw from the sudden freedom. A raspy scream tears through the air, a desperate cry for release from the horrors unfolding before me. A brutal slap lands across my face, silencing me and leaving the metallic taste of blood on my lips.
The force of the blow sends shockwaves through my skull as stars explode behind my eyes.
Summoning every ounce of strength, I lift my head, determined not to let them break me. But before I can even gather my wits, another blow lands with savage force, the sharp sting of impact accompanied by a sickening crunch above my eye. A wave of dizziness washes over me, my vision swimming in a haze of crimson as blood trickles down my brow, pooling in the corner of my eye.
“What do you want from me?” I manage to cry.
The tension in the room thickens. The men just smirk at me, their intentions unclear and ominous. I then hear a distinct tap echoing against the solid steel door, drawing everyone’s attention.
With a creak, the door swings open, revealing an unexpected figure. Stepping into the dimly lit room is an older lady, her presence commanding despite her petite frame. Strands of silver-gray hair are arranged in an elegant updo, framing her face with a sense of authority. She’s clad in a tailored skirt suit, the fabric hinting at a touch of luxury.
Her sharp eyes sweep over the scene, carefully observing every detail. Her demeanor has a sense of purpose, as if she’s accustomed to navigating challenging situations with poise and confidence. As she strides forward, her heels click against the cold floor, starkly contrasting the oppressive silence in the room.
Will she save me?
“Help me,” I plead, my voice barely a whisper, my desperation bare before her.
Her gloved hand reaches out, cold and unyielding, as she tilts my chin upwards, forcing me to meet her steely gaze.
“Where are my sons?” she demands, her voice a low, menacing growl that sends a shiver down my spine.
“Wh…who?” I stutter, feeling the blood trickle down my face.
“Royce and Porter Ackley,” she replies in a stern tone.
The revelation hits me like a physical blow. The air feels like it has been sucked from my lungs as the older lady speaks the name of my rapists–-her own sons. Shock and disbelief wash over me. She looms over me, her presence now suffused with darkness. I can see the depths of her despair and the twisted loyalty that binds her to her sons. Her gaze has a chilling intensity, a darkness that seems to swallow everything in its path.
With a gulp, I realize the gravity of the situation.
Cain, Nate, and Mike, wherever you are, please find me before it’s too late.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
READERS
I appreciate you dedicating your time to reading my book. I am sorry for ending it on another cliffhanger. I look forward to sharing more of my work with you in the future. Thank you for your continued support and for allowing me to share my passion for writing with you.
ENGLISH PROPER EDITING
Hannah, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all your help. Your assistance saved the day, and I am incredibly grateful for everything you did. Your professionalism and expertise are impressive, and I couldn’t have accomplished this without your support. Thank you for being such an incredible asset and for going above and beyond to help me. You are truly amazing!
DISTURBED VALKYRIE DESIGNS
I cannot express enough gratitude. I appreciate your patience and understanding in dealing with my forgetfulness and clumsiness. Your exceptional qualities and skills are truly admirable, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. I am eagerly looking forward to collaborating with you again in the future. You go above and beyond for me. Thank you!
BETA & ARC READERS
I really wanted to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support has been incredible, and I couldn’t have done this without you. Your encouragement and motivation have pushed me to reach new heights, and I feel so fortunate to have you on my team.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You mean the world to me.
MILLIE & CALLUM
Thank both of you for being my constant support and motivation. I appreciate your encouragement. I want to give a special shout-out to Millie for her exceptional technical skills.
DAISY & RACHEL
I love you.
GET IN CONTACT
Jade always enjoys hearing from her readers. If you would like to get in touch with her, you can find her on social media platforms.
Alternatively, you can also reach out to her through email at:
jadewauthor@gmail.com
www.jadewilkesauthor.com
