Legal Chills and Passionate Thrills

Chapter 10: The Kidnapping

The sun had set, casting long shadows over the city as Lexi walked to her car. She was exhausted but satisfied with the progress she had made that day. The evidence against Casket was mounting, and she felt they were on the brink of a breakthrough. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the black SUV idling nearby until it was too late.

A rough hand clamped over her mouth, stifling her scream. Strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the ground and dragging her toward the waiting vehicle. She struggled, kicking and thrashing, but her captors were too strong. Her heart pounded in her chest as fear gripped her.

"Shut up and stay still," a voice growled in her ear, the threat unmistakable.

The SUV's door slid open, and Lexi was shoved inside. The door slammed shut, and the vehicle sped off, leaving the quiet street behind. Lexi's mind raced, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She had to stay calm, had to think. Blake would realize she was missing. He would come for her. He had to.

The men tied her hands and blindfolded her, their rough treatment leaving her bruised and terrified. She could hear them talking in low voices, but their words were indistinct. The ride seemed to last forever, each minute stretching into an eternity. Finally, the SUV came to a stop, and Lexi was dragged out.

The air was cool and damp, the scent of decay heavy in the air. They were in an abandoned building, she guessed. She was pushed into a chair, and her blindfold was removed. Blinking against the harsh light, she saw several men surrounding her. One of them stepped forward, his expression cold and menacing.

"You've been sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, lady," he said, his voice filled with contempt. "Casket doesn't like that."

Lexi's heart pounded, but she met his gaze defiantly. "I'm not afraid of you."

The man laughed, a cruel sound that sent chills down her spine. "You should be."

He backhanded her across the face, the force of the blow snapping her head to the side. Pain exploded in her cheek, and she tasted blood. Lexi's vision blurred, but she refused to show weakness.

"You can hurt me all you want," she said through gritted teeth. "But I won't stop until Casket is behind bars."

The man's expression darkened, and he raised his hand to strike her again. Before he could, a loud noise echoed through the building—the sound of a door being kicked in. The men spun around, weapons drawn, as a figure emerged from the shadows.

It was Blake.