Page 7 of Stolen Union

“You mean while you tried to kidnap me,” she says, rubbing her head.

“Potato, po-tah-toe.”

She huffs, crossing her arms. “I can’t believe this. You’re actually kidnapping me … again!”

“I need to show your brother a lesson. He won’t stop hunting me. I had no choice but to take drastic measures.”

“No choice? You had a choice not to kidnap me!”

“You know,” I say, scratching my chin, “most people don’t argue with their kidnappers so much. You’re especially brave, Gabriella. And stupid.”

“That’s because I know you, Dante. You didn’t hurt me last time you kidnapped me. I doubt you will again.”

“That bruise”—I point to her head—“says differently.”

“And I’m mad at you for it. Now, where are we going?” She cranes her neck to look out the window, but the windows are tinted black—nothing can be seen through them.

I chuckle. “Like I’m going to tell you that.”

“Why not? I have a right to know where you’re taking me.”

“Gabriella, you don’t seem to understand I’m your kidnapper. Not your friend. I’m not going to tell you where were going. And before you ask,” I say as she opens her mouth. “No, you’re brothers won’t be able to find you. That’s the whole point.”

“Well, I think it’s a stupid point. There’s no reason for you to kidnap me. I was getting married today. You ruined my wedding.”

“Sorry. Didn’t realize you had love for that idiot you called a fiancé.”

She flushes and ducks her head. Oh, so I struck a nerve. “He wasn’t an idiot. He was just …”

“The man your brother picked out for you. You didn’t want to be with him.”

“How can you say that?” she asks, staring me down with her beautiful brown eyes. “I wanted to marry Antonio.”

“Sure. You sound so convincing.”

“I …”

“What?” I ask. I’m getting under her skin. That was never my intention with Gabriella, but I’m enjoying it too much to stop. “Am I right or wrong? Did you want to marry that idiot?”

“Who says he’s an idiot?”

“It’s clear to me he is. He couldn’t stop me from taking you. If you were my girl, no man could take you from me.”

She leans in closer. “Last I checked, Dante, you kidnapped me before and lost me then. My brothers got me back from you, so ergo, you’re not as suave and badass as you pretend to be. I’ll be saved again. It’s just a matter of time. That’s why I’m not worried.” She shrugs and leans back, trying to look cool, but I can sense the tension in her body. Under her bravado, she’s afraid.

“This time, it’s going to be different. Last time, you had Lara with you. And, from what I remember, she was the reason you were saved. Without her escaping, your brothers never would have found you. You’re all alone this time. So, unless you escape yourself, you’re stuck with me. Your brothers can’t save you now.”

She looks away from me. I can see her thinking. Finally, she meets my gaze. “I’ll find a way to escape you, Dante. I don’t need any help. You don’t know me that well. You’re underestimating me.”

“Well, thanks for the tip. Now I’ll know not to underestimate you.”

She opens and closes her mouth. “That’s not … what I meant.”

“Oh? Then what did you mean? Should I underestimate you or not? Which is it, Gabriella?”

“Just shut up,” she says.

“I’m the captor here. You don’t tell me to shut up.”

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