THIRTY SEVEN

THIRTY SEVEN
The van door slid open with a violent screech. 

Their rough hands grabbed my arms and dragged me out like I was some sack of rice or a cheap object.

My legs were weak from sitting too long so I stumbled and almost fell, but they didn’t let me. They just kept dragging me behind them.

“Hey! Move! Walk faster!” one of them yelled commands at me, pushing me from behind.

Meanwhile, the mansion in front of me was massive.

A big three stories of pure luxury, with white lights blazing like it was Christmas. But all I felt was cold dread crawling up my spine. This wasn’t a house. It was a cage I was going to be confined in.

Or worse, a small corner or quarters of this place. Or maybe even an underground dungeon.

Seeing this, I already knew. The person kidnapping me already had money. Oh Lord, please I shouldn't be in the hands of organ harvesters, I prayed silently.

They should just allow me to go. Maybe I was the wrong target.

They pushed me through the big doors and into a wide sitting room. My knees hit the hard marble floor the moment they let go because I wasn't expecting it. Pain travelled through me and shot up my legs.

I remained there on the floor, my breath was fast and ragged as I tried hard to not to show how scared I was.

But then I felt a presence I couldn't ignore. It was gracious and powerful. Even his perfume was unavoidably pleasing.

Mr. Baron Slade sat in a big chair like a king, with his legs spread wide, his big belly was hanging over his belt. 

Lillian’s father. 

The same man I had seen with Ethan at events. Now he was staring at me like I was dirt under his shoe.

“So this is the small rat causing all the noise,” he said slowly, his voice thick and heavy. “Anna Lenu.”

I lifted my head and looked him straight in the eyes even though my heart was beating like a drum.

“Yes. I’m Anna,” I replied, trying to sound fearless, even if my voice was shaking and partially clear. “And you kidnapped me. What kind of wealthy man does that? What do you need me for?”

“How dare you?”
Slap!

One of his men stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face. My head snapped to the side and my cheeks stung.

“Watch your mouth!” the man shouted before stepping back.

Slade raised his hand and the man moved further backwards. But Slade was smiling. A wicked, ugly smile.

“You have plenty of mouth for someone kneeling on my floor,” he said.

Truly. I was supposed to be begging instead. But why would I? I mean, what's the reason.

He stood up slowly, his big stomach leading the way. “Where is my device?”

GOOD HEAVENS.

My eyes widened.

“The one you stole from Ethan’s office.”

My stomach dropped.

Good heavens.
They know.

I swallowed hard. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Slade let out a deep, loud and ugly laugh that filled the whole room.

I guess I'm the only one not used to it.

“You think I’m stupid?” He added.

“My daughter told me everything. You went in there like a thief and swapped it. Now you will tell me where it is and I'll let you go. So easy right?”

He walked closer until his expensive shoes were right in front of my face.

“I have worked too hard to build my empire,” he continued, voice getting louder. “Thirty years! And some useless orphan girl and her new boyfriend think they can play with me? You will return that device today, or I swear on my father’s grave, I will make sure they never find your body.”

I gulped. Because I was guilty.

What was I even thinking? My body shook with fear. My cheek was still hurting. Maybe tears were pricking the corner of my eyes or my eyes were just really hot, I couldn't differentiate.

“You and your daughter have been using Ethan like toilet paper,” I said with, my voice cracking. “Now you’re angry because someone finally beat you at your own dirty game?”

Another slap landed on my other cheek. 

Oh Lord.

This one was harder. It landed while my mouth was still open and when I was least expecting. The way the hand was strong and large? I tasted blood in my mouth.

How do such men live, hitting women so hard? I pity the females and children around them.

Slade crouched down, grabbed my chin roughly, and forced me to look up at him. His eyes were red and full of pure wickedness.

“Small girl, you don’t know who you’re playing with,” he said.

I was staring into his eyes, and I felt like I would puke.

“I can end you right now and nobody will ask questions,” he continued as if I believed his words. “But I won’t. Not yet.” He squeezed my chin tighter. “First, you will suffer. Then you will talk. Then… maybe I will kill you. Or maybe I will give you to my boys to play with. They like fresh girls like you.”

Ok, this part made my heart race. A toy for such men. That the beginning of my horror. I need to get out of here. And fast.

The men behind me laughed. One of them licked his lips loudly.

Disgusting.

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Inside my head, I was screaming.

Wesley… Sarah… please. Somebody. Anybody should just check up on me right now. I don't have alot of persons to hope on.

Slade stood up and waved his hand. “Take her away. No food. No water. Let her think about her life. When she’s ready to stop playing games, bring her back.”

They dragged me up again. My knees were hurting badly. As they pulled me out of the room, I turned my head and looked at Slade one last time.

“You will regret this,” I said through gritted teeth. “I swear it.”

He only laughed louder.

They threw me into a bedroom and locked the door. I heard the key turn. Then silence.

I sat on the cold floor, holding my swollen cheeks, my body shaking vigorously.

Damn. This is real. They are really going to hurt me.

Tears finally came. Hot tears. But even while crying, something inside me was changing.

I was no longer going to remain just the weak girl Ethan threw away. I swear. I must make Ethan pay. I'll make him feel this same way I feel right now.

I wiped my face and stood up slowly.

“I will get out of here,” I whispered to the empty room. “And when I do… all of you will pay for this.”

I looked towards the source of light in the dark room.