Janet’s head started to clear as the drug wore off, and she realized she was tied to the chair.

Gradually, her eyes opened, and she saw several men looking at her through the laptop screen.

After a few blinks, her vision cleared, and she could see more clearly.

“So, what do you make of her?” She could feel Marco’s breath on the back of her neck as he stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder.

“She is a real head-turner! How much do you want?” Janet was sure the man on the laptop screen was Russian from his accent when he asked.

She strained to hear their conversation about selling her over the thumping of her heartbeat.

She felt a strong urge to scream, but her body was too feeble even to twitch a finger, so she slumped back in the chair.

“Allow me to present my gift to Don Vladimir Ivanov.” Janet felt Marco’s hand gently pat her head, then noticed him raise an eyebrow as he sat beside her.

“Do you know who her father is? Connor Blair! The Capo of Anton Genovese.” He smiled evilly.

“Wow, that’s an excellent catch! That detestable scoundrel slaughtered our comrades. It would be so much fun to fuck her. But is she a virgin?”

“Can’t say. I can have her checked if you’d like,” Marco smiled.

“No. We will take care of that. If she comes out a virgin, she’ll be Don’s plaything, and if she fails, our soldiers are no less when it comes to satisfying women!” He chuckled, and Marco joined him.

“Get ready. Tomorrow, our men will take her from your possession! Give her a good rest until then.”

Marco shut the laptop with a snap and turned to face one of his friends. “We need to go through the arrangements. We have to get her out of Springfield tonight. Be very careful.”

‘What the hell did they inject into me?’ She was overwhelmed by a burning sensation all over her body, and her thoughts spiraled out of control.

‘Damn, I can’t even lift a finger!’ Janet’s eyes flooded with tears as she felt helpless to stop them.

The memories of her aunt, uncle, and Isabella stayed in the back of her mind as she desperately hoped for a miracle.

The next day,

“Leave me. Help!” Janet yelled frantically as the Russian armed men dragged her onto the ship.

Though her hands were tied with rope, her fighting spirit stayed strong.

Despite her brave efforts, the big bullies overpowered her, and one of them carried her into a cabin on the ship like a sack of potatoes.

“Leave me, please! I’ve nothing to do with this! Let me go!” she begged, crawling back onto the bed in terror, but one of them grabbed her ankle and yanked her forcefully.

Her heart jumped into her throat as she struggled against their huge grip, only to be met with a sharp slap across her face.

They tied her to the bed with thick, rough ropes. A cloth was pushed into her mouth, muffling any sound she tried to make. And as they covered her face, Janet felt like her life had come to an end.

Rest up now because once the nightmare begins, there’s no going back to peaceful sleep. She heard their laughter receding as they slammed the cabin door shut.

“Wow. She is a tough cookie!” They laughed and chatted as they climbed up the deck, but their conversation came to an abrupt halt when they heard the loud thrum of the helicopter.

“What’s that?” They unsheathe their guns and hurry up.

~ JANET ~

Tears streamed down my cheek for what felt like an eternity when, suddenly, the sharp, piercing blast of gunshots drowned out the sound of my cries.

Startled, I tried to wiggle myself free out of instinct, even though I knew it wouldn’t help.

The drug they injected into me before handing me over to the Russian men was taking effect, causing tremors in my limbs, but I refused to let it weaken my resolve.

I groaned in pain and struggled to move when the sound of gunshots just outside my cabin made me freeze.

The danger was close.

I was at a loss about how to help myself out of this state, but I kept comforting my throbbing heart, believing that everything would eventually be okay. I will get through this. No matter what!

The cabin door opened with a soft click. I immediately froze as I listened to the footsteps creeping closer, and then silence filled the air.

Even though my face was covered with a black cloth, I could feel the piercing gaze of unseen eyes.

And then, suddenly, the ropes tying my legs to the bedpost were released, and the smell of a strong, woody cologne filled the air as I sensed someone sitting next to me on the bed.

Rough hands brushed against my skin as they reached behind my head to remove the veil from my face.

Reflexively, I quickly turned my face away and tightly shut my eyes.

“You’re safe, kitten.”

The resonance of a man’s deep voice had an instant calming effect on my pounding heart.

Still, it kept beating erratically because of the drug’s side effects, which allowed me to understand everything happening around me fully, yet slowly rendered me unable to make any moves to stop it.

“The nightmare is over. You can open your eyes now.”

Feeling the man’s breath on my skin sent a chill down my spine, but that feeling quickly faded when I heard the unmistakable click of the cuffs releasing from my wrists. Suddenly, a wave of relief washed over me.

The moment my eyes fluttered open, I felt the weight of a man’s unwavering stare fixed on me. “Are you okay?”

In a flash, I sat on the bed and pulled out the cloth that had been forcefully stuffed into my mouth.

“Who are you? What do you want from me?” I propelled myself to the other side of the small bed and confronted him. Every nerve ending in my body tensed with apprehension.

“I’ve come to rescue you.”

He answered calmly as I stared at his striking appearance.

The man had a firm jaw lined with dark bristles, high cheekbones, a straight nose, and sharp, black eyes. I wasn’t sure if it was his handsome face or the effects of drugs that were robbing me of the ability to breathe.

I took in his tall, broad stature and chiseled features before my vision started to blur.

“I’m here to take you home.” His voice was the last thing I heard, and then the room whirled as I toppled off the bed.

“Janet!”

He scaled to my side and yanked me towards him, preventing me from crashing onto the floor.

I felt his rough hands cradle my face. I saw the concern in his eyes as he noticed the bruises and cuts on my body.

Then I felt his hand on my chest, as if his touch had the power to steady my racing heart.

“Did my dad send you to rescue me? Are you one of his comrades?” Clutching his collar for support, I tried to regain my focus.

“Yes. Be quiet now, and let me help you.”

Holding my hand tightly, he smoothly got off the bed and effortlessly lifted me into his strong arms.

He cast a quick glance at my bruised feet and cursed under his breath as I rested my head on his chest, my eyes growing heavy.

“We’ll be out of this place soon.”

He escorted me out of the cabin and up the stairs to the ship’s upper deck, where I couldn’t help but notice the helicopter looming overhead.

Another man, dressed in a black suit and aviators, walked toward us, his silhouette cutting through the bright sunlight.

“Hand her to us!” His baritone voice resonated, and I promptly voiced my objection.

“No… No. You take me home. Please!” I clasped his collar with every ounce of my strength, and he looked down at me. “Do not hand me over to anyone else. I trust you.”

“Bos…”

“Bring down the safety rope!” He silenced the man in a black suit. As my feet made contact with the ship’s surface, a sharp hiss escaped my lips upon feeling the weight of my body.

Alright, listen to me. I’m about to lift you up, and you need to hold on with all your strength!” He took my hands and placed them around his shoulder.

“O-okay…” I struggled to speak properly, but it came out sluggish.

He secured his jacket to the rope, then leaned down. His strong arms wrapped around me as he effortlessly lifted me.

I looped my legs around his waist and held on tight with all my strength, as if my life depended on it.

“You’re choking me to death!” I heard him say with great difficulty. “Don’t worry, I won’t betray you.” He gave me a gentle pat, and I relaxed, resting my head on his shoulder, as we gradually floated into the air.

A sigh of relief escaped me as I settled into the helicopter. He sat beside me, removed his jacket, and quickly turned to face me, with a worried look.

“You’re freezing! Why is your heart still pounding so hard?” He rubbed my chest.

“I’ve been drugged!” My body trembled uncontrollably before he enveloped me in his arms, “Please save me,” I heard myself pleading as my eyes began to close in his arms.

~ SEBASTIAN ~

The cold still lingered in her extremities. I could feel a tremor that ran from her shoulders down to her hips.

My arms tightened around her, pulling her closer and letting my warmth seep into her core.

I tucked her head against my neck. She was fragile but conscious, aware of every movement I made.

I moved slightly, sliding one hand along the curve of her side, keeping it flat against her torso. Her body reacts almost instinctively, leaning into me further, seeking more contact.

Her back flushed against mine, and I could feel the rise and fall of her chest with every breath.

“Keep breathing with me,” I murmur into her hair. “Slow. In… out.”

I pressed her closer, adjusting my grip so our hips aligned just enough for her weight to rest naturally against mine.

My legs spread slightly to brace against the movement of the helicopter, keeping us both steady. The friction of her body against mine sent heat coursing through her shivering muscles.

Her fingers curled around my forearm, tentative at first, then firmer, as if she were testing whether I would hold her or let go. I didn’t.

I kept her close, my chest pressing into her back, my arms firm around her, my hands clutched the back of her hand.

She makes a small sound, almost a moan, and I feel it against my skin.

For a fraction of a second, I notice how every curve of her body fits against me.

My hands slide slightly higher along her sides, letting the warmth of my touch move through her.

Her head tilted further back, brushing the side of my neck.

“Janet,” I said quietly. “Stay awake.”

My warmth blended with hers, keeping her in this fragile, suspended moment as the helicopter cut through the thundering grey sky.

Her head was tucked under my chin, and I could hear her teeth clattering. She looked up at me through her hooded eyes, and I looked down at her.

She reached out to touch my cheek before gently pressing her lips against mine. Her trembling lips gently stroked mine. Her body inched closer to mine as if she sought solace in the way I held her.

I know she was reaching out for comfort, but the way her lips gently caressed mine was slowly unlocking something in me. Again.

“Janet,” I restrained myself and pressed my palm flat against her chest. Her heartbeat was too fast. Her skin felt colder than it had moments ago, as if the heat we’d fought to build were slipping away.

If her core temperature dropped further or her heart couldn’t keep up… No. I won’t let anything happen to her.

I lost track of her last time, but this time I won’t let anything take her away from me, even if it means crossing the line.

I quickly turned her to face me. Her lashes fluttered. She murmured something incoherent. Panic started to set in my chest.

“Janet, look at me!” I cupped her face, and she slowly lifted her drooping eyes to meet mine.

My thumb brushed over her lips before I brought her mouth to mine. And this time I didn’t hold back.

Her lips responded almost immediately, softening, warming, and parting as she pressed closer. I felt her hands sliding weakly but surely into my shirt.

And my hands? They moved as if they had a mind of their own, reaching under her torn T-shirt, rubbing her back before cupping her breast over her bra.

Slowly, I felt the chill leave her body, her warmth returning, her heartbeat growing steadier beneath my palm. Still, I didn’t let go of her. We remained locked together.

Mouth to mouth, chest to chest, crotch to crotch until her breathing finally calmed.

“Boss, this is your captain speaking. The weather has drastically changed. The closest landing zone is New Orleans, twenty-five minutes out,” I heard through the intercom.

My jaw tightened instantly. New Orleans. Of all places. “Fine. Go ahead.”

I looked at the woman in my arms as she slowly fell asleep on my shoulder, clutching me as if her life depended on me.

Great!

Twenty-five minutes of my erection locked in my pants while I was holding this beauty in my arms.

Twenty-five minutes of holding her like this, fighting my own body as hard as I was fighting the fear of losing her.

Damn it!