The kompromat to order

20

 Evan looked at me, not hiding his pleasure. And I was frightened and huddled closer to the cold radiator, as if it could save me from him.

- You see how life has turned out? - he slowly approached me like a predator on the hunt, - you wanted to save Wilson, and now you need to be saved yourself. But I have to disappoint you, - he said, a disgusting smile on his face, - no one can save you.

- Where's Chris? - I dared to say what had been on my mind.

Evan thought for a minute and then added:

- We took care of him. So you'll never see him again!

"Him?" - I thought in my head.

My brain started to work. It was a man's name also. It didn't occur to him that Chris was my friend and she is a woman. He's bluffing. So they don't have her.

- What do you want? - His daze was slow to fade, and his words awakened anger. I stared at him angrily, though I tried not to show my emotions so as not to provoke him.

- To teach you a lesson, - he said harshly, - you deceived me and you must be punished for it.

His words made me feel like my hair was moving in terror. At that moment, I heard the sound of the door again, and his subordinates came down and tied me to the radiator. They seemed to be loyal servants of their master, ready to do anything for the money he paid them.

- And here are your teachers, who will shake the crap out of you. - He added at length, and smiled nastily, - They're good at that.

- But I did everything you asked! - I had no other options, I had to talk to him, because I was afraid to stay with these thugs.

- Did I ask you to give me a virus that destroyed everything I worked on? - his voice rose to a shout.

He came even closer to me and leaned in. A little further and I thought he was going to hit me. But he gave me a nasty smile and added:

- Don't play with me. Leave your playfulness for these guys!

He turned around and headed for the exit. As he walked up the stairs, he said words to his thugs:

- Do what you want with her, I don't need her anymore.

These words sent a chill down my spine, and I only now noticed the disgusted and sticky looks on the two thugs' faces, which indicated that the worst was coming. Tears insidiously splashed from my eyes, and the bitter taste of horror froze on my tongue. As soon as the iron door slammed behind Evan, one of the big men moved toward me.

- Well, darling, I'll be the first, - he laughed nastily and threw me onto the mattress.

I started to resist, but his heavy body leaned over me, not allowing me to move. I knew that there was no way to escape being chained, but I could not accept my horrible fate either.

His rough hands reached under my sweater and began to squeeze my chest painfully. I tried to get up and push him away, but instead received a rough slap that disoriented me for a while. I could taste the salty taste of blood in my mouth, and my lower lip felt burning. While I was coming to my senses after the strong blow, he untied my legs.

When he was hovering over me again, I heard a loud explosion, followed by another, and then several more in a row. The big guy who had been standing back and watching me rushed to the exit. The other one, who was holding me, looked around in fright and ran after his partner.

I was left alone lying on a disgusting dirty mattress. I heard several more explosions outside, only now I realized that these sounds were like shooting. But after that, everything was quiet.

Suddenly, the front door creaked and I heard heavy footsteps. Judging by the sound, several people were coming downstairs, and I pressed myself against the radiator in fear, looking at the entrance to the room. Again, tears rolled to my eyes, expecting to see my tormentors. But other men burst into the room and among them I saw my salvation. He was like a breath of fresh air that burned my lungs, but at the same time gave me life. It was my Rob. Everyone had weapons in their hands, and Rob was no exception. But when he saw me, he immediately put it in his pocket and flew to me.

My tears were choking me, the lump in my throat did not allow me to say a word, and my brain refused to work. I looked at him and couldn't believe it was really him. It was as if life had returned to my body. Rob cautiously sat down next to me and began to free me from the shackles. His eyes wandered over me anxiously, and I saw horror and pity in them.

- My girl, - he said, gently touching my skin, - what have they done to you?

His eyes were filled with compassion, and I was like a fish on dry land, unable to answer, just gasping for air. And how many tears were in me... but I was all wet with them.

- Mr Wilson, would you like some water? - one of the men behind Rob suggested and held out a bottle of water.

Rob nodded and took it. He opened it and began to gently give me water, as if I couldn't do it myself. And I probably wouldn't have been able to, because my body still didn't obey me.

A few sips of cold water refreshed my head. I looked into his dark blue eyes, filled with despair and sadness, and could only speak:

- Rob, is that you? - My arms could barely reach out to him, and he grabbed me in his arms.

It was so warm and safe next to him. I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent. I squeezed him tighter, afraid that it was just an illusion. But no, it was him, and he was real.

- Emma, what did they do to you? - this question haunted Rob.

And what can you think, looking at a girl chained up, with a torn sweater and blood on her face?

- Nothing, - I said quietly, sobbing.

- Emma, tell the truth, - Rob insisted.

- I am telling the truth. They didn't have time to do this... you came just in time.

- Baby... - he touched his forehead to mine, - I'm sorry.

- For what? - I asked in surprise.

- For what you had to go through because of me. But I promise that no one will ever hurt you again. I will always protect you!

- Always? - I asked excitedly.

- All my life! - he said sweetly and gently kissed the corner of my lips, avoiding the broken part of my lip.

I had never felt so helpless in my life as I did in that basement. Fear and hopelessness bound me tighter than belts and ropes. Hot tears were dripping down my cheeks, but now I had someone who soothed and kissed every tear.

I didn't blame Rob for what happened at all. I blamed myself more. I knew I was taking a risk, but I still couldn't help thinking that my friend was in trouble. I don't even want to think about what could have happened to me if Rob hadn't found me or had been delayed. Closing my eyes, I eagerly inhaled his scent, enjoying the feeling of safety. And his words were firmly embedded in my head, and I had no doubt that he would really protect me and never leave me.