Crazy Stupid Love

Chapter 73: Lifeless

Darkness surrounds me; everything is damp. An unpleasant smell burns in my nose, and I can't move. I attempt to free my arms, but cold metal restraints hold them in place. A gag is tied tightly in my mouth, muffling each scream I attempt. Where am I?

The last thing I remember clearly is my brother's face. Everything after that is a blur. I ran towards him, but I didn't make it. Something stopped me. Someone stopped me. As heavy footsteps enter the room, it comes back to me.

His deep brown eyes come into view as he rips the blindfold from my head, along with a fist full of my hair. If it weren't for the handcuffs bonding me to the wall, I would kick his ass right now.

"Cole," I growl the second the gag comes out of my mouth. "You son of a bitch!"

A dark grin forms his lips, and he lets out a laugh that chills me to my core.

"Well hello there," he smiles. "Long time no see, Babe."

"Where am I?"

"Is that any way to greet an onld friend?" he asks smugly.

"What do you want from me?!" I scream desperately.

He smiles maliciously, taking a step towards me.

"What do you want from me?" I seethe through clenched teeth.

"Money," he answers simply.

"What?"

"This is my job. We kidnap family members of famous people, and hold them for ransom until we get our payout. You're not our first, and you mean nothing more than a $100, 000 cheque."

"You had so long to take me, but you waited until I went home. Why?" I demand. "Hell, you could have taken me the day we met at the airport."

"I have been planning this since the day you called me to come pick you up. I gained your trust, but you walked out on me before I was ready to take you. When you left, I didn't have another choice," he explains. "Plus, we attempted to pick you up earlier, but those idiots couldn't finish the job."

"It was you!" I scream. "In the alley that night! Those were your men!"

"That's right, Princess." he smirks.

"Wait, so you're telling me you never cared, not even for a minute? This was all about money?" I inquire; completely appauled.

"Yes."

"I hope you're not allergic to nuts," I growl. "Because I'm about to kick yours into your throat."

His mocking cackle rings through the room as I pull against the metal restraints, knowing he is safe from the ragin fire burning inside of me.

"Settle down, Bitch," he demands.

"When is my family coming for me?"

Glaring darkly into my eyes, he crouches down so his nose is almost touching mine.

"I'll call them when I'm good and ready," Cole breathes seductively. "But first, I'm going to have a little fun with you."

With a locked jaw; I spit directly in his face. A mix of disgusted grunts and vulgar words leave his lips, and his hand connects directly with my cheek. The slap whips my head backwards, slamming it into the pole I'm leaned up against. I do all that I can to keep the cry of pain inside; refusing to give him any satisfaction. I stare directly into his eyes with a gloating look; daring him to try me again.

And he does. As he winds up to hit me again, the unmistakeable sound of a gun shot echoes through the building. Shots continue to be fired, and I hate to admit the destructive noise fills me with hope. Someone is fighting to get in here, and they could be coming for me.