“Hey, remain calm.” He whispered, his warm breath on her ear. She could feel the man's strong presence behind her, his voice was soothing as he tried to ground her. "Trust me, I won't let them hurt you. Just do as I say and we'll walk out of here alive.”
Melissa’s breath hitched. Her heart was racing, her pulse thudding in her ears, making it difficult to think. She could feel the legs trembling, but she nodded quickly.
The footsteps were getting closer. One of the men was almost too close. The stranger moved slightly behind her, hinting it was time to go. 'Stay calm, Melissa. Don't fall apart,' she thought. Taking a deep breath, Melissa stepped forward, moving into the dim light.
She felt her body shaking, fear spreading through her, but she believed this plan from the stranger in the
