One Hundred-Sixteen

He hit her again, not quite as hard as the first time, but hard enough. She could feel the blood trickling down her chin. She could taste it in her mouth. It sent shivers through her body.

"You stay put. I'm going to get my Jeep and then the fun will begin. If you try to get away, the next beating will be worse, bitch. You understand me?"

She nodded her head. He eyed her suspiciously. He went over to the truck and picked up a roll of duct tape. He came over to her and wrapped several loops around her, securing her to the tree. He stood back and eyed his handiwork. He nodded to himself and smiled. It was an evil smile and it chilled Elena to her bones. He laughed when he saw her shudder. He turned to walk away, then rotated his hip and kicked her in the stomach. Her breath shot out of her and she puked. The pain was terrible; her whole midsection was on fire. She choked and tried to breathe. He was laughing at her.

"That was for tricking me with the vest. You shouldn't have worn it. It