The snow was falling in thick, soft flakes, blanketing the city in a quiet stillness. The streets glistened under the dim streetlights, and the soft crunch of snow beneath their boots was the only sound cutting through the cold night air. After the day's work the couple, Antonio and Hinata walked side by side, their hands entwined and their breaths visible were in the crisp chill. Antonio wore a long, dark wool coat, buttoned to his neck, a gray scarf wrapped snugly around his throat. His hands, though gloved, held tightly to Hinata's. While Hinata was bundled in a white, knee-length coat with fur lining the hood. A pair of red gloves peeked out from the sleeves of her coat, and she wore thick, knitted tights under black ankle boots. Her long dark hair framed her small face beneath the fur-lined hood, and her cheeks were flushed from the cold. "Your hand is so warm, baby". She looked up and smiled at Antonio. Antonio smiled back and patted her head due to their height difference. She pouted at the way he called her short, but it's one of the things she loved about him. His protective yet caring nature. "So...." Antonio started then pause abruptly. "So?" Hinata looked up curiously. "I think it's time we take our relationship to the next level... I know I have..." Suddenly, he was interrupted by the sharp ring of Hinata's phone. "Oh, I am sorry". Hinata said, her face flushed with embarrassment. Antonio let go of her hand and tucked them into his coat, watching her intensely. Hinata took her phone out, seeing the caller, her breath stiffened instantly, her heart dropping as she glanced at the screen. Panic flashed in her eyes, but she can't let Antonio see her fear. Her fingers trembled as she hit decline, slipping the phone back into her pocket. "Everything okay?" Antonio asked, noticing the tension in her. Hinata nodded quickly, she forced a broad smile and took his hand back. "It's nothing important. Just girly stuff with my cousins." She rolled her eyes and laughed, trying to ease her awkwardness. "Okay...". Antonio replied, but he could sense her unease ever since that phone call. They continued walking in silence. "Before the phone call interrupting, you were saying?" Hinata asked with a smile. "I was considering taking our relationship to the next level... You should stay over tonight... I am ready for intimacy...so we can make a baby". He suggested softly, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "I apologize for the times I turned you away with excuses, but not anymore". Hinata eyes lit up in joy, but on a second thought, she better not risk it. The phone call...what if he went through her phone. She needed time to settle things with those people and tonight is the best time before it gets too late. "What do you say? We get into the hot tub and all that you mention before". Antonio winked. Hinata hesitated, trying to come up with a quick excuse. "I....am sorry baby... I can't tonight," she stammered. "I've got some things to take care of at home. Maybe another time?" Antonio stopped walking and turned to face her, his brow furrowed. "You've wanted this for so long you waited for me to get comfortable, and now you are saying another time? What's going on?" He reached out, brushing a strand of her dark hair away from her face before leaning in for a kiss. The warmth of his lips against hers sent a jolt through Hinata, and for a moment, she faltered. She wanted him so much, and he wanted her too...the same way. Can she risk it and forget about the call? However, the panic gnawing at her insides wouldn't let her. As his hands slipped to her waist, pulling her closer, she gently pushed him back, breaking the kiss. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the falling snow. "Not tonight. Tomorrow I promise." Antonio looked at her, hurt flickering in his eyes. "Is something wrong? Are you still mad at me for turning away those times you needed intimacy?" She shook her head, forcing a smile. "No, baby, not at all. I am not punishing you for refusing my advances. I promise everything's fine." He nodded reluctantly, stepping back. "Alright, call me when you get home, okay?" he said quietly, his breath visible in the cold air. "I will, baby". She tiptoed and kissed him before they parted ways. Antonio watching her walk away, disappointed but more worried about her. He could tell that something's off, and she didn't want to talk about it. Hinata walked briskly, her mind racing. "Today the man I love finally agreed to share my bed after years and I just turned him down?" She sighed. "For a good reason" She convinced herself. "I can't afford to let him know. That call. What if they know I'm trying to avoid them?" She asked herself and shivered, but not from the cold but sudden anxiety. She hugged her coat tighter around her, lost in thought, barely noticing the snow-covered streets she passed. Suddenly, a dark van pulled up beside her, tires skidding slightly on the icy road. Before she could react, the side door slid open, and two masked figures grabbed her. Hinata screamed, but the street was deserted and no one in sight to help. Her phone fell from her pocket, landing in the snow with a soft thud as they shoved her into the van. One of them noticed her phone drop from her pocket. Without a word, he swiftly bent down, snatching the phone from the snow, shoved it into his pocket, glancing around the empty street to make sure no one had seen them. The van door slammed shut, and the tires spun briefly before gaining traction on the icy road, speeding away into the night. Inside. "Who are you? Let me go!" Hinata struggled against her restraints, her breaths shallow and rapid. The man sitting next to her pulled out a white handkerchief, soaked in a pungent liquid. He pressed it firmly over her nose and mouth. Hinata's eyes widened in fear as she struggled to break free, her muffled cries filling the cramped space inside the van. Her vision blurred, and her strength began to fade as the fumes from the drug took hold of her body system. She kicked out, her legs thrashing against the floor, but the men held her down with a cold, strong masculine grip. She was like an ant trying to escape an elephant stampede. Her body started going limp as the drug effect on her senses. The last thing she felt was the icy burn of the handkerchief against her face before she blacked out.