STRANDED IN THE FOREST

Xander, Chris and Jake were still stranded in the forest, huddled around a small fire. The night was dark and chilly, but the heat of the fire kept them warm. Xander had just finished roasting the little rabbit, and the smell of the cooked meat filled the air.

Chris, who had never liked the taste of rabbit, looked at the cooked animal with disgust, but his rumbling stomach made him take a bite. "This is disgusting," he muttered, taking another bite in spite of himself.

"Shut up and eat it," Xander replied. "You'll need your strength if we're going to survive out here." Jake remained quiet, staring into the fire. His mind was still reeling from the events that had led them to this place. Ashley their friend and boss was still unconscious.

They had been left to fend for themselves in the wilderness. They had managed to start a small fire and cook the rabbit that Xander had caught, but their situation was dire. Their phones were dead, but Ashley's second phone started ringing. Chris quickly grabbed it from her pocket and answered the call. It was Dave, Ashley's assistant. "Hey, are you guys okay?" Dave asked.

"We're stranded in the forest," Chris replied. "Ashley's been hurt, and we have no way to call for help."

"Oh my god," Dave said. "I'm so sorry. Look, you guys need to get out of there. Ashley's house has been taken over by the goons. I've got a safe house set up for you guys. It's not far from there." Xander and Jake looked at each other, fear etched on their faces.

"What do we do?" Xander asked. "We'll have to make a run for it," Chris said, determination in his voice. "We can't stay here." He added.

Dave's voice echoed through the forest as he talked to Chris on the phone. The trees rustled in the wind, and the moon cast a faint glow over the forest floor, illuminating the leaves and branches.

"But listen, Detective Brad called me. He's going to visit Ashley tomorrow." Chris sighed. "Thanks for letting me know. Can you send a car to pick us up near the forest in the morning? Ashley's badly hurt, and we need to get her to the hospital."

"Of course, I'll send a car right away," Dave said reassuringly. Xander turned off the fire, and they all settled down to sleep on the forest floor. Jake lay next to Ashley, admiring her beauty, and whispered to himself, "Please be okay, My queen. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The leaves rustled in response, as if the forest itself was listening to their conversation. The moon continued to cast its faint glow, as if watching over them, providing them with a sense of comfort in the dark and uncertain night.

***

Melody stumbled into the dark bedroom, her eyes unfocused and unseeing. She could barely make out the shape of the bed in the dim light. As she stumbled closer, the shapes on the bed began to take form. Her heart sank as she realized what she was seeing. Her boyfriend was in bed with the two women she had seen earlier, their naked bodies entwined in a tangle of limbs.

Melody's stomach churned with disgust and anger as she tried to back away, but her boyfriend called her back.

"Hey, Babe," he slurred. "Come here. I've got an idea for how you can make us some money." Melody shook her head, trying to clear her mind.

"I don't want to hear it," she said, her voice shaking. Shane took a step closer, his breath hot on her face.

"Listen, baby," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You've done it before. It's not a big deal." Tears streamed down Melody's face as she tried to push past him.

"No," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I won't do it again." But Shane held her tightly, his grip like iron.

"You don't have a choice," he said. "If you want to make money for us, you'll do what I say." Melody's stomach lurched again, and she threw up on Shane’s shirt. He cursed and shoved her away, and she fell to the floor, unconscious.

Melody woke up in her dimly lit bedroom, her head throbbing with pain. As she tried to move, she realized she was tied to a chair. Panic set in as she looked around the room, trying to make sense of what had happened. That's when she saw Shane sitting on the bed, holding a belt in his hand. Their eyes met, and Shane's lips curled into a sickening smile.

"Good morning, Babe," he said, his voice laced with malice. "I see you're finally awake."

"What the hell is going on here?" Melody demanded, her voice shaking with fear. Shane's smile only grew wider.

"You're going to become a whore again, Mel," he said, his words dripping with venom.

"It's the fastest way for us to make money, and I've already called some agents. They'll be here soon." Melody's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled against the restraints that held her in place.

"Why are you doing this to me?" she cried out. "Please, Shane, just let me go!" But Shane's face remained impassive as he stood up and walked towards her.

"You know why, Mel," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You owe me. You are the reason we are here, and you went out to spend the last money we have." Melody's eyes filled with tears as she stared at him, feeling helpless and alone.

"Please, Shane," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Let me go. I'll do anything." Shane leaned in close, his breath hot against her cheek.

"You'll do what I say, when I say it," he hissed. "And if you even think about trying to escape, I'll make sure you regret it." Melody's heart sank as she realized there was no escape.

She was trapped, at the mercy of a man who had already shown her that he was capable of unspeakable violence. All she could do was hope that someone, anyone, would come to her rescue before it was too late.