At that moment the man finished stripping off the last of his clothes, his movements slow, deliberate, like he was savoring the fear thick in the air.
Then Valentina squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, willing herself to wake up from this nightmare. But when she opened them, the reality was still there, cruel and pressing down on her like a heavy stone.
The leader's voice cut through the room, rough and full of mockery.
"Be a good girl," he said, his grin wide and disgusting. "If you behave, it won't be too hard on you. But if you fight..." He leaned closer, his breath foul against her skin. "I'll make sure you won't even be able to walk again."
Valentina's body shivered uncontrollably. The threat wasn't empty. She could see it in his eyes—the dead, merciless glint that promised he meant every word.
