Page 1 of Finding Her Strength

PROLOGUE

UNKNOWN

The flash drive is handed to me as I walk into the empty computer room. Despite having special privileges, I’m still treated as a second-rate citizen in this shithole. It’s infuriating. No part of this is going to plan, but this flash drive holds one of the keys to getting my kingdom back. And Iwillget it back.

Opening the only file on the drive, the computer screen illuminates a hooded figure as they walk across the bus terminal, keeping their head turned away from the cameras. They load their suitcase and step onto the bus headed for Atlanta.

I don’t need to see her face to confirm her identity, I’d know that body anywhere. Did she really think she could run away from me? That I wouldn’t look for her the minute I was told she was gone?

I thought my lessons on respect and obedience had stuck, but apparently, I have some reteaching to do. She won’t disobey again after I’m through with her.

As the bus leaves the terminal, I bring up the route map. So many places she could be hiding, but none of them are out of my reach. I will find her. I’ve got all the time in the world.

I rewind the footage and watch her get on the bus again.

Don’t worry, little pet. I’ll find you and bring you home, where you belong.

1

HOPE

Agasp escapes my throat as I quickly sit up in bed. My hand lands on my chest as I work to slow my breathing, shaking off the tendrils of fear. Images of cold, hard eyes and clenched fists try to push their way into my mind.

Another nightmare.

I haven’t had one in a few weeks and was starting to get used to sleeping all the way through the night instead of waking up in a panic. Sometimes, I can pinpoint what triggers them, but this one came out of left field.

The clock on my nightstand reads four-thirty in the morning. With adrenaline still coursing through me, I know I won’t be going back to sleep. I have to be at the shop in a couple of hours for a delivery anyway, so I might as well start my day.

Thinking about my flower shop, Blooming Beautiful, a smile pulls at the corners of my mouth. It’s still hard to believe this dream of mine has become a reality. Even after being in business for over a year now, I still sometimes can’t wrap my head around it.

I quickly shower in my tiny bathroom, then get dressed for my day. I bought a bunch of T-shirts with my businesslogo in different colors so that I can maintain a professional appearance while still being comfortable. It makes getting ready for my day quick and painless.

After making a cup of coffee, I grab my latest read and sit out on my baby balcony. Since I have some extra time this morning, I’m going to take advantage of it by escaping into the world of romance.

I love reading all kinds of genres, but romance novels are my favorite. There’s something about seeing a couple get their happily ever after, no matter what they go through, that’s comforting to me. Maybe it’s because I’m still working toward my own happy ending—minus the man part of the equation. I do not need a guy to be happy. A puppy, on the other hand, might be a good option.

When I moved to Sonoma, North Carolina, I was finally taking back my life. Never again was I going to allow someone else to make decisions for me. Never again would I let fear stop me from doing what I want to do.

I found an apartment I loved, an adorable little storefront to open my shop, and every choice I’ve made has been mine alone. Now, all I have left to do is accept what happened in my past, and move forward.

I thought I was getting close when the nightmares stopped, but after last night, maybe that’s not the case. I’m doing much better than I was this time last year, though, so, despite the dreams, I’m still in a great place.

After getting in some decent reading time, I move from my comfy patio chair and head back inside to make a to-go cup of coffee. Getting my day started on the right foot requires two things: coffee and flowers. Having one of those items in my hand, I leave my tiny apartment and head toward my shop for the second.

The town is quiet this early in the morning, blanketed in a sense of peace before the sun wakes the world with a new day. Despite having to be here before dawn, watching thesunrise through the windows of my shop brings me a joy I never knew I’d get to experience.

Owning a business has many pitfalls—having to wake up early, for one—but what makes everything worth it for me is being the one to make all the decisions. I love getting to choose what items come into the store, how it’s decorated, or even who I employ. I also love being able to change my mind just because I feel like it. It’s freeing.

A knock on the back door prompts the arrival of my flower delivery. When I prop the door open, Denny lugs in a long box of flowers. “Good morning, Denny.”

He sets the box down on the large table in the middle of the room. “Mornin’, Hope. You doing okay?”

“I’m just fine. How are you? How are the kids?” Denny works for the flower company in Westlake—the next town over—but lives here in Sonoma. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well over the last year.

As Denny unloads the rest of my flowers, he tells me all about his little girl’s dance recital, which prompts a story about his neighbor’s daughter who use to do dance but is now, apparently, a surly teenager with an attitude problem.

I’ve found the people in this tiny town are the nosiest busybodies I’ve ever met. They are the masters of leading questions, trying to dig up more information on whatever gossip is being spread. It’s quite entertaining to watch them try to one-up each other with what they know. I love it.

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