Chapter 49:
Kidnapped** **Ava** Two long months had passed since the day my house was reduced to ashes. In that silence that followed, an eerie calm had settled over my life. So far, the sinister attacks had ceased, and I found myself lingering on a fragile hope—perhaps, just perhaps, the monster that had haunted me had finally given up his deadly pursuit. Chief Thompson had warned me against getting too comfortable, cautioning me to remain vigilant and watchful. “Such predators don’t relinquish their prey easily,” he said, his eyes narrowing with grim conviction. “They’re clever, biding their time, conceiving the perfect moment to strike.” He was right, of course. But how was I supposed to remain on constant alert when the quiet felt so promising? The temptation to relax my defenses was stronger than ever after the recent tranquility. These past months had been a breath of fresh air—certainly the best I had experienced in years. Granted, none of these fleeting joys could compare to the bliss I felt in Noah’s arms, but still, they brought newfound brightness to my days. Yet, what truly made these moments memorable was Ethan. Every second spent with him unfurled a new chapter of self-discovery, revealing parts of me I never knew existed. I delighted in his company, and if I allowed myself to be honest, I sensed a burgeoning affection for him. He was everything I had longed for Rowan to be—a tender-hearted soul, attentive and loving. And let’s be real, the passion we shared was electric. Whenever I caught the gentle glimmer in his eyes as he looked back at me, I couldn’t help but hope he felt the same stirring emotions. I envisioned a future woven together with him, but the weight of uncertainty loomed over me. Did he want the same? Many might argue I was moving too quickly, and perhaps I was. But after dedicating nine precious years to a man who had filled my heart with disdain, I felt no remorse for snatching at happiness with both hands. This was my moment, and there was no point in holding back. Just then, the shrill ring of my phone broke through my reverie, yanking me out of the blissful haze centered around Ethan. Letty’s voice blared through the speaker, laced with urgency: “Where the hell are you?” Tonight was our weekly meetup, and I had kept her waiting a touch longer than planned. I’d blame it squarely on Ethan and his skilled ministrations. “Relax! I’m just pulling up,” I retorted, rolling my eyes even though she couldn’t see me. Ironically, Letty was notorious for running late herself, often by a good thirty minutes. “Fine!” she huffed and abruptly hung up. I parked my car and hurried inside the club, immediately spotting her perched in the VIP section, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tonight, we had decided to break from our usual rendezvous in restaurants. Letty craved an escape, and I couldn’t resist eagerly agreeing. This was my first encounter within a club’s radiant chaos, and to be honest, I had only sipped on alcohol twice—once during my ill-fated night with Rowan and again when Ethan and I first tumbled into bed together. Amusingly enough, the first encounter had faded into a blur while the latter remained crystal clear. “Finally,” Letty chirped when I slid into the seat across from her. Given our location, the ambient noise was bearable, making it easy to catch her exuberant tone. “Sorry, I got caught up doing something,” I shot back with a teasing smirk. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned forward, instantly understanding without requiring me to spill the details. “Then cheers to you, babe!” she shrieked joyously, raising her glass high before taking a generous gulp. Clearly, her spirits had risen to new heights—something told me she had indulged a bit too much already. “You’ve got to try this drink! It’s divine!” She waved over the bartender, insisting he whip me up one too. A few moments later, he returned, setting down a glass brimming with vibrant color. I took a sip, my eyes widening in surprise at the sweet flavor washing over my tongue. “I told you!” she laughed, pride lighting up her features. “It really is amazing,” I admitted, savoring the taste. I had always been put off by the biting bitterness of most drinks, and this was a welcome departure. “So, how have things been with you?” she asked after a moment, leaning back, as if she expected me to drop a juicy revelation. “Not bad, though this week has been a bit of a whirlwind,” she sighed, her brows furrowing slightly. “Anything I can help with?” I offered, genuinely wanting to ease whatever burden weighed on her. “If you could just conjure a few extra hands, legs, and maybe a different brain, then yes!” She slouched against the couch, feigning exasperation. I chuckled, shaking my head. “I’m afraid those are all out of my jurisdiction.” “And you? Have you heard from Rowan at all?” She pivoted, her gaze sharp and probing. Since the day he had clashed with Ethan, every attempt I made to reach him ended in silence. His lawyer was quick to respond to any query I raised, but Rowan himself remained a ghost. It gnawed at me that I was the one who had suggested he keep his distance. Maybe this time he was genuinely adhering to my wishes. “Nope,” I sighed, a sense of deflation seeping in. “He clearly doesn’t want to talk, and I won’t press the issue. Maybe it’s for the best.” Letty’s brow furrowed, a flicker of intrigue shimmering in her gaze. “I really doubt it.” “Why’s that?” I asked, my skepticism fluttering to life. “Just a hunch… I think something’s going on.” I frowned, considering her words. The only possible explanation for Rowan’s silence might stem from Emma’s interference. However, I couldn’t quite see him as someone who’d simply follow orders—especially when it involved any decision related to Noah. I shook off the thought. “It doesn’t matter. Tonight is about us having fun. Let’s forget about him.” “You’re right,” she nodded, her voice brightening as she checked her phone. “Oh shoot, I need to hit the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Before I could respond, she dashed away, leaving me alone at the table. But as the minutes trickled by, unease spread through me as she failed to return. After five agonizing minutes, my worry mounted, prompting me to rise and scan the club. When I didn’t find her in the bathroom, panic twisted my gut. Rushing back to the VIP section, I approached the bartender with urgency. “Have you seen the woman I was just with?” He smiled as recognition flickered in his eyes. “Yes, I saw her exit through the back door.” “Thanks,” I muttered, my heart racing as I burst through the club doors. Why hadn’t she informed me? Especially since her phone and purse had stayed behind. I stepped outside, scanning the area frantically, but there was no sign of her. Just as I reached for my phone to call Travis, a sudden, searing pain exploded at the back of my head, and darkness enveloped me. When I regained consciousness, everything swam around me in a haze. My head throbbed with relentless intensity, the world around me slowly coming into focus. A chilling realization washed over me—I had been kidnapped. My wrists were bound and pain shot through my arms as I hung limply from the ceiling. I twisted and yanked at the chains, fighting against the restraints. “Don’t bother… you won’t be leaving this place alive,” a gravelly voice echoed from my left. I turned, my heart racing, and caught sight of my captor in the dim light of the warehouse. The barren space felt desolate, abandoned, void of life or the slightest hint of comfort. The man before me appeared to be in his late thirties, with thinning blonde hair and a beard framing his thin lips. His amber eyes glinted with malicious delight. “Who are you, and what do you want?” My voice trembled with fear, but I fought against the terror gnawing at me. “Who I am isn’t the crux of the matter. As for what I want—you already know,” he said, a lazy shrug accompanying his callous words. Panic surged in my chest. My fears had materialized into frightening reality. My luck had finally run dry. I was trapped here with a deranged killer, and the thought of being found in time felt more like a desperate wish than a certainty. “Please… let me go. I beg you. I have a son who needs me,” I pleaded, tears streaming down my cheeks as the dread of leaving Noah behind enveloped me. “No can do. I’m getting paid handsomely to kill you,” he said, a chilling smile spreading across his face. “If it's money you seek, I can give you whatever you want. I’m wealthy,” I stammered, grasping at any sense of negotiation. He stepped closer, an unsettling grin tightening his features. “I wish it were as simple as that, but I accepted this job, and I always see my assignments through,” he declared with pride, as if he were boasting about a noble cause. What kind of twisted morality did he possess? “Please, I’ll do anything. I can offer you anything you want. Just let me go.” My voice wavered as I fought against the tears cascading down my face. He took a menacing step forward, his knife glinting as he let it trace down my cheek. “You’re quite pretty, and I’d consider it, but losing my reputation for you? Not worth it,” he whispered into my ear, sending cold shivers crawling across my skin. Just then, the heavy door swung open, and for a fleeting heartbeat, hope ignited within me. But the next words that slipped from my captor’s lips obliterated that spark. “Boss, look what I’ve got,” he exclaimed, pride shining in his eyes. “I promised you I’d get the job done.” A cold wave of betrayal crashed over me, and I felt as if the ground had fallen away beneath my feet. The very person I had never expected to turn on me had pulled the strings, sealing my fate. How had I been so blind? How had I not anticipated this treachery?