Page 53 of Strictly Forbidden

Remorse was something that had been beaten out of me but at this moment, I found myself feeling far too many emotions that wouldn’t suit us if I wanted us to remain alive.

I needed to shut it down and fast.

But fucking how? How the hell could I shut down feelings that had taken me so long to redevelop?

Because it was the right thing to do. For once in almost a fucking decade, that’s what needed to happen. Be a good man for a change. That’s what my father would say.

Or the beautiful woman with the chestnut hair and eyes the color of the brightest sky would not only learn her lover was a terrible person, she would also learn the world was filled with them.

Then again, maybe she’d already figured that out.

CHAPTER 15

Noel

Pressure.

Unrelenting pressure in my head and in every inch of my body.

Those were my first explosive sensations as I rocked up from a tenuous unconsciousness.

The most startling thing about waking up from a strangled sleep was not knowing where I was. I’d gotten very good at knowing every inch of my surroundings, waking up at the slightest sound. The moment I opened my eyes, utter terror rushed into my system because I couldn’t recognize anything, which meant I’d fallen into a deep slumber.

How in the hell was that possible given the circumstances?

Cars chasing us.

Terrified for my life and that of my pup.

A fiery crash.

My God. Why was fate out to get me?

And where was I? What…

Breathe, just breathe.

Had I been so wrong about Kage? Was that his name?

I took several scattered breaths as my inner voice commanded, studying the dying fire in a fireplace I didn’t recognize. Hearing a slight snoring sound, I shifted my gaze, thankful to see Max resting comfortably on the other end of the couch. Without moving, I scanned the room, noticing Kage was dozing in a chair close by. In his lap was a weapon, which I hadn’t noticed before. A new trickle of fear skittered down the length of me.

Who had he gotten mixed up with and could I believe his bold story?

Sadly, I had a feeling I could.

Kidnapped.

I wouldn’t exactly call what had occurred being kidnapped since I’d gone with him almost willingly, although it had been under duress. But he’d been right. We’d been followed. Chased. They’d almost been at my house. My. House. Why? Because I knew Kage? Or was there something more sinister going on?

The possible threat rushed into the forefront of my mind. It was impossible not to think about it.

Impossible not to fear what had always seemed like the inevitable.

Stop. Just stop.

If I didn’t, I could go mad or lose my shit altogether.

Whatever was happening, I could sense Kage was full of anxiety as well as anger. While he’d been the brooding type, one of the quietest men I’d ever met, there was no sense of anger. In truth, he’d had a calming effect and I had a feeling it had been because he’d been around Max.

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