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J uliette

“Men,” I whispered and lowered my phone. Couldn’t live with them. Couldn’t kill them.

My evil mind envisioned gory and extremely bloody methods of offing more than one male figure in my life. A knife was too passé. A gun was boring. Maybe a weed eater with the steel edging blade attached.

Not a bad idea.

Maybe my given profession should be an author instead of a blogger. Oops. That wasn’t the correct term any longer. Influencer. I wasn’t certain at this point who I was influencing since everyone appeared to be in a coma or taken as hostages in alien ships bound for galaxy number sixty-nine.

That’s how low the engagement numbers had been lately on both my professional and personal social media accounts. The reason cited for my abrupt layoff. The fact I’d brought in forty percent of the new clients hadn’t mattered.

I’d been forced to work with the textbook definition of an asshole. Sadly, the company had been bought out six months before. I didn’t want to add to the mix the prick I’d dated for almost two years or I’d become depressed.

All assholes.

That’s exactly the way I felt every day and had for months.

“Trouble in paradise again?” Cami asked as she flitted into the living room, tossing her Hermès pocketbook onto the couch.

“Let me guess, that horrible ex of yours is begging you to take him back,” Ashley chortled.

“My ex knows I’d just as soon castrate him and no, he hasn’t so much as sent a single text.

This afternoon it’s all about the usual argument with dear old Dad.

He continues to remind me that my travel blog is ridiculous and not a way to make a decent living,” I responded and shoved my phone into my jean shorts pocket.

I tried to remind myself that without my father’s money and influence, I wouldn’t be standing in a luxurious condo staring out at the beautiful pearlescent beach and turquoise waters of Bermuda.

However, I constantly reminded myself with good fortune and luxury there was always a price. Dealing with my nagging father was one of them.

“Mmm… Your dad just needs company. A hot woman lavishing him with attention will soothe the savage beast.” Cami had a dreamy look on her face.

My glare was harsh. “Ew. He’s my dad.”

“But he’s single. And rich.”

“Not to you,” I reminded her, laughing. “Plus, he’s set in his ways.

I just don’t know why he can’t understand I have a life.

” A life I’d fought hard to achieve on my own with little encouragement from my father.

Granted, several pieces were crumbling as if a cookie being stomped on by a bully, but that was beside the point. It was my life. Plus, I was a big girl.

“He’s just worried about you,” Ashley told me.

My two best friends were with me on this glorious trip. It had been a present to myself for losing my job, a promise to work harder to make my personal social media pages kick some serious butt.

My ruthless father knew jobs were often cut when one company purchased another because he’d participated in the slicing and dicing many times in his illustrious career. Yet when it happened to his own daughter, he’d been outraged. At least he’d acted like it, trying to prove how much he loved me.

If I knew him, he’d purchase the company I’d worked for and completely dismantle them.

Why not add a marketing firm to his growing list of companies?

Maybe he’d try pushing me for the fifteenth time to join his flock.

The last thing I wanted to do was to work for my father.

The man was a tyrant. Plus, our relationship was rocky and had been for years.

“I know and I love him for it, but he doesn’t need to call every day asking me what I’m doing. I’m on vacation.” I did love my father, even if we didn’t see eye to eye on almost anything.

“That’s the spirit.” Ashley plopped down on the couch, immediately pulling her phone into her hand. “Besides, the Threads footage you uploaded last night is trending. Plus, you have five hundred new followers since the start of our trip and yesterday’s adventures brought thousands of likes.”

“You’re kidding me.” I grabbed her phone, flicking through the Instagram pictures. I was proud of them and the work I’d done over several years building from only a few followers to almost one point five million. Enough I had sponsors, but not quite enough to rest on my laurels.

Money did make the world go around and I refused to live off my trust fund.

“I think you need to add some hot guys in your videos and pictures,” Cami suggested.

I frowned and handed Ashley her phone. “I’m not a romance author writing about hot guys in every book.”

“No, but the video we shot of you and the hot waiter from lunch yesterday went viral on TikTok.” This time, Ashley held out her phone, practically cooing as she divulged the news.

Folding my arms, I walked closer. “One hundred thousand views? And fifty thousand nine hundred likes? That’s insane.” They were the kind of numbers I’d dreamt of. “That could mean more sponsors. Maybe I don’t need another marketing job.”

“See? Your artistry is incredible and people love you. That’s why you’re going to change your mind and come out with us.

We’ll find another hot waiter. Maybe this time, you two could dance the tango or something.

” Cami had been insistent since I’d refused to go shopping and drinking.

Two of my favorite things, but I just wasn’t in the mood.

Maybe my ugly mood was exacerbated by the fact my on again–off again boyfriend had decided the off position was permanent. Or maybe I craved doing something else entirely in my life.

I laughed from envisioning the act. “Not tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll party. Go have fun. I’m going to take a few photographs and run a nice, hot bath.”

Ashley frowned. “It won’t be as much fun without you.”

“Hey!” Cami smacked her arm.

They laughed and I shook my head. I loved having them with me, but tonight I craved some alone time. “Go. Have fun.” I shooed them away, laughing as they headed for the door.

After they were gone, I danced a little jig, trying to keep from shouting. Maybe I was finally on my way to a successful career. Photographing nature in its finest. That’s the way I celebrated, creating more content.

I slipped the lock into place and headed into my bedroom, grabbing my beloved Nikon.

My Christmas present from a bazillion years ago had been a thirty-five millimeter.

My father had told me I had an eye for beauty and an iPhone couldn’t capture the necessary elements for bringing nature and the various wild creatures I loved so much to life.

That had morphed into taking photographs of everywhere I’d traveled with my father, which had in turn mushroomed into a viable and formerly lucrative career.

Until now.

I’d cherished the camera, replacing the first with a second and third, finding solace in being alone.

There was something so incredibly peaceful about capturing natural beauty and there was so much of it in this world. The photographs shoved aside the nastiness that I’d seen and experienced in people.

Colleagues.

Random strangers.

Former friends.

Their nasty behavior had nearly drowned me in sorrow that only the quiet realm of nature had cured.

Losing myself in nature’s beauty had helped with the loneliness not only of losing my mother, but also because my dad had prevented me from developing close friendships. He’d been too worried about my safety to realize I’d been a sad little girl.

But this was no time for lamenting about the past.

I grabbed my glass of wine, heading onto the deck and taking a deep breath.

The sun was just starting to set, creating a masterpiece of incredible colors.

The ocean was lapping at the shore, gentle breezes flowing through the palm trees.

A stunning backdrop. I snapped a few pictures, marveling at the beauty.

As I stood back, sipping my wine, I noticed something and placed my hand over my eyes to shield them from the glare. Was I seeing dolphins playing only a few yards out?

Excitement reminding me I could do anything I wanted with the right mindset, I placed my glass on the table and raced down the stairs to the beach. I’d been right about the dolphins. I was so thrilled my hands were shaking.

But I managed to snap picture after picture, even wading into the water. As the gentle waves splashed against my legs, I stood in awe of the majestic creatures. They were truly magnificent.

As with all good things, they disappeared a few minutes later, swimming into deeper waters.

While a touch of sadness rushed into my mind, I was still exhilarated I’d been allowed to be a part of their world.

If only for a little while.

Sighing, I remained where I was for a few minutes, doing nothing more than enjoying the moment. Yet as twilight began to shadow the sun, I headed back to the condo.

At least I had some incredible pictures to upload, perhaps even enlarging one or two to decorate my barren walls.

I headed inside to drop my camera on the bed, turning on some music before I walked down the hallway. Some jazz music was perfect for the night. Time for more wine before running my bath.

Before I left my room, I snagged a hair scrunchie, yanking my long strands into a ponytail. Just as I stepped into the living room, I heard a noise.

What was that?

I stood where I was, trying to ascertain if there’d been a change in the music. No, nothing like that could have made the sound I’d thought I heard.

Cautiously, I took a couple of additional steps, hugging the wall as I scanned the room. The safety training from years before had kicked in. Had my friends returned? Doubtful. They’d be laughing by now, eager to share in their escapades.

Unless they were playing a joke on me.

“Cami? Ashley? Is that you guys?”

I was suddenly nervous, several goosebumps popping down my arms. After taking a few more steps, scanning the living room and seeing nothing, I took a deep breath.

Maybe checking to make certain I’d locked the front door was a good idea.

Stepping into the foyer, I could swear I felt a strange sense that someone was standing right behind me.

They weren’t.

The door was locked. I could see the sliding door from where I was standing, at least a portion of it. My stomach lurched, but I chastised myself for being silly and headed into the living room.

I never saw who grabbed me because as soon as he did, a bag was shoved over my head. Screaming, I kicked out even as the attacker lifted me into the air.

“No. No!”

Muffled voices. A couple of deep, evil laughs.

Men.

There were at least three. But I couldn’t understand them. They were foreign, whatever language they spoke unrecognizable. I was no pushover. My father had insisted on self-defense classes. I kicked and twisted, managing to drive my foot into the groin of the man holding me.

His wail was followed by him dropping me like a rock to the floor.

I tried to rip the bag from my head while crawling but was suddenly yanked into the air and pitched aside.

Something shattered as I crashed into it, the sound spurring me on.

I screamed. I flailed. I kicked out, once again bumping into something.

Anguish tore down my leg and I tumbled to the floor.

“Get her!”

English.

More commands were tossed out, their angry voices echoing in my ears.

Even though I couldn’t understand all of what was being said, I knew instinctively they were enraged that I was fighting. Fuck them. I continued struggling with everything I had, sensing I’d scratched one of them.

I kicked, my foot smashing against another attacker, his angry moan followed by a blasting pain, stars exploding in front of my eyes.

The asshole had backhanded me. Dropped to the floor, I gasped for air, still trying to fight even though I was completely dazed.

Inside my heart was pounding, the deafening sound and rhythm echoing in my ears.

“That’s it.” Another voice. Low and husky, dripping with sexual tension.

When he gripped one leg, yanking, I screamed. “Let go of me!”

“What’s wrong, you little whore? Do you think you’re too good to spread your legs?” His laugh was evil.

I issued a wild punch, somehow managing to connect.

His hiss was followed by another penetrating blow, agony instantly screaming through my head.

“Just wait until I fuck you.”

“I said enough,” another finally growled. “She is not to be injured. Or touched. He wants her to himself.”

There was no accent, his English perfect.

“Do it. Now. We have a schedule to keep.”

His words filtered into my mind just as I felt a prick on my arm. This had been planned. I was being kidnapped. As a strange, warm feeling floated through me, my eyes felt heavy. Fight. I had to keep… “No. No. No!”