Chapter 3

This wasn't a random attack. It was a premeditated betrayal.

Without this evidence, I'd have been hunted down even if I escaped. I acted fast, texting Frida from Russell's phone.

[Have you met those guys? What do they look like?]

[Nope, too much trouble. I just told them to handle the girl you're with.]

This was perfect, meaning they wouldn't tell Frida from me.

[Babe, where are you? I miss you.]

[Close by. Once this is over, you're all mine.]

[Why wait? Come now. I'll tie Lottie up while she's out and meet you.]

[Hell yeah, I'm on my way!]

I smirked at the screen. They'd face the consequences for trying to ruin me.

I set up Russell's recording gear in the tent's corner, linked to his phone for remote monitoring. He slept soundly under the pills' effect, and I looked at his peaceful face, the one that once charmed everyone, making people envy me for being his girlfriend.

No one saw the rot inside, how he'd plotted to destroy me for Frida's wealth and connections.

I kicked him, leaving a red mark on his skin. Frida's texts showed the thugs were hardened ex-cons. With Russell like this, I didn't believe they'd hold back.

Now, less than an hour remained. I bolted, my heart pounding as I ran faster than ever, not stopping until the tent was a speck in the distance. Hiding behind a boulder, I pulled up the feed on my phone.

Soon, two rough voices crackled through. The kidnappers had arrived.

"It's dark in there. Are they asleep? Let's grab the girl and ditch the guy," one said.

The other snorted, "Ditch him? The hirer wants her to be humiliated in front of him."

"Rich folks play dirty."

"Enough pep talk. Let's get the job done."

Joakim Dodson, a scar slicing across his nose and jaw, unzipped the tent. I recognized him instantly as one of my tormentors from my past life.

He lunged at the bed, then cursed. "What the hell? Only one person?"

His flashlight switched on, catching Russell, naked and sprawled. The sight caught him off guard.

Russell stirred as the pills wore off, opening his eyes to see a big man looming over him. He tried to scream, but the latter quickly stuffed a sock in his mouth.

"Quiet!" Joakim hissed.

Michael Harris, the second thug, poked his head in. "What's up?"

He froze, staring at Russell. "Damn, sleeping like that? This guy is begging for it."

Joakim, focused on the job, pushed him back. "Watch the entrance. If the girl shows up, grab her."

But his hands started to roam over Russell, who thrashed wildly. Joakim smacked him hard in the butt. "Stay still! Naked like that, you're practically asking for it."

Just then, Russell's phone pinged with a message from Frida.

[Where are you? I'm near the tent but can't find you.]

I took a deep breath and typed back: [Inside the tent. They haven't shown up yet. Come in.]

The trap was set, waiting for the star of the show. I'd show no mercy to anyone trying to harm me.

Frida didn't suspect a thing, assuming Russell had left the tent open for her. Joakim heard her footsteps and switched off the flashlight, both men waiting in silence.

"Russell, why didn't you come out and meet me? I'm beat," she complained. "Those idiots are late. Can't even do a job right. Where are we going after..."