Esme's heart sank. There was no way she would let him take Ellie. Not now, not ever. But she was alone, far from the crowd and Silas.
"Look, you can't escape here with the baby," she tried to negotiate despite the fear. "I can give you as much money as you want. Just don't hurt her."
"Don't try to play with me," he grumbled. "Give me the baby or die."
She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "You'll never get away with this," she whispered fiercely.
The man's lips curled into a cruel smile. "That's for me to worry about. Now, give her to me." He tried to snatch the baby from her.
Esme struggled, her pulse quickening. "Over my dead body," she spat and kneed him in the crotch with all her strength.
"Ugh!" the man groaned, releasing her instantly.
Esme quickly opened the door and rushed in, securing the locks in a frenzy. She backed away, holding her baby close, her breath coming in short gasps. She knew it wasn't over.
