Page 50 of Surrendering to the Obsession

He lifted the gun from the floor and began spinning the cylinder lazily, the metal clicking echoing in the room.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s play something new.”

Mia’s breathing steadied. Fear twisted inside her stomach, but her face remained composed. She lifted her chin.

“What game?”

The kidnapper’s grin returned—colder this time.

“Russian roulette. One bullet. We take turns pressing the gun to our own heads and pulling the trigger.”

James froze.

Mia’s fingers trembled—just slightly. The men holding her tightened their grips.

“If you’re unlucky,” the kidnapper continued, “you die. If I’m unlucky… I die.”

Mia swallowed, hard. “And if I win… you let us go?”

“Of course,” he said smoothly. “I’m a man of my word.”

The man who had slapped her leaned down with a wicked grin. “Just telling you… our Boss has never lost this game.”

The leader twirled the gun around his finger, then pointed it at her.

“That’s the deal. If you win, you walk out with him—” his eyes flicked to James, “—alive.”

He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a chilling whisper.

“But if you lose… you die beside your husband.”

Another man leaned against the wall, arms crossed, lips stretching into a cruel grin. “Although,” he drawled, “I’ve heard people call you a married widow.”

Mia didn’t move.

He jerked his chin toward James with mocking pity. “They say your husband doesn’t give a damn about you. So tell me—” his voice dipped lower, nastier, “—is it really worth dying for someone like that?”

Mia stood completely still, no reaction on her face. “All you have to do is keep your word,” she said calmly. “Don’t back out.”

James shook his head violently, voice rising with panic. “Mia, are you out of your mind?! Don’t even think about it. Don’t play with your life like this!”

Mia ignored him completely. She stepped forward and extended her hand toward the man. “Give me the gun.”

The kidnapper snorted. “I’ll start. To give you a head start.”

Mia narrowed her eyes. “How do I know you don’t already know where the bullet is? You could cheat.”

The leader paused… then smiled, amused by her suspicion.

With excruciating slowness, he clicked open the cylinder.

One by one, he removed every bullet—letting each metal piece clatter loudly onto the table.

Clack.

Clack.

Clack.