The man reacted instantly, landing a sharp punch to her stomach that knocked the air out of her lungs.

“Shhh…” he mocked, clamping a hand over her mouth as he dragged her out of the closet.

But Svetlana wasn’t going down without a fight.

She kicked with all her strength, her shoe slamming into the man’s shin, earning a grunt of irritation. But he was too strong. Her slender frame stood no chance against his size, against the brutal force with which he held her.

Still, she refused to give in.

She writhed, twisting her torso violently, her nails clawing at his arm in a desperate attempt to break free. She moved like a cornered wild animal, fighting with everything she had.

The man growled.

“Fuck, you’re a pain in the ass!” he spat, trying to pin her down with his weight.

But in her desperation, Svetlana saw her chance.

In one swift, instinctive move, she brought her knee up with all her strength and struck him square in the groin.

The man let out a choked noise, and his grip loosened.

S