Page 6 of Saving Meri

“Where are we?”

“Temporary holding point.”

She swallowed hard. “And then what?”

Bear felt her muscles tighten, the way she forced her body into stillness. That wasn’t submission. That was self-preservation. She still thought she wouldn’t be leaving here alive, that he might not differ from the men who had used her before him.

Bear lowered her to her feet inside the room and stepped back just enough to let her breathe. He didn’t crowd her, didn’t force her to meet his gaze, but he kept the space between them minimal.

“You listen to me, and you listen well,” he said, his voice a slow, steady command. “You’re safe. Most of the men who held you captive are dead, in custody or soon will be. Those who aren’t are scattered in the wind, but we aren’t done with themyet. Your brother and I are going to hunt them down and make sure they never touch another person again.”

Her throat worked as she processed his words, but her expression remained blank.

“You’re safe,” he repeated. “I’ve got you.”

She didn’t move. Didn’t react. Didn’t believe him.

Bear had just rescued her from hell, but getting her back wouldn’t be as easy as winning an auction or pulling a trigger.

Meri needed a man who wouldn’t let her go. He realized he could be that man—wanted to be that man.

Somewhere during the time he’d been working with Archer to track her down and set up a rescue op, his feelings for Meri had gone beyond that of rescuer and survivor. In his mind, Meri Vaughn belonged to him now.

And Bear never let go of what was his.

2

MERI

The first thing Meri registered was stillness. No distant screams. No guttural orders in the dark. No metallic clang of chains against concrete. Just silence.

Her body tensed before her mind fully caught up. Where was she?

She forced her eyes open, pulse pounding. The dim lighting and excessive warmth of the room contrasted with the damp chill of her months-long captivity. The mattress beneath her was soft, the sheets crisp and unfamiliar. Not silk. Not satin. Just cotton. Normal.

That should have comforted her. It didn’t. She bolted upright, breath locking in her throat. A shadow shifted across the room.

Bear. He sat in a chair near the door, one booted foot resting casually on his opposite knee. His posture was loose, but everything about him radiated control. Like a beast watching from the dark, waiting for something.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry and tight.

"You're awake," he said, voice steady, deep.

Her stomach clenched. The last time she'd woken to a man watching her, it had meant pain, degradation, a reminder that she wasn’t a person anymore—just property.

Meri scrambled back, pressing against the headboard, her heart hammering. The sudden movement sent a spike of pain through her muscles—too weak, too underfed, too drained—but she forced herself not to show it.

Bear didn't move. He didn't shift forward, didn't reach for her. Just watched. Measured.

"Where am I?" Her voice was hoarse.

"A warehouse we’ve set up as a temporary safehouse."

Her fingers dug into the blanket pooled around her hips. Safe. She wanted to believe him. But men had lied before.

Meri's gaze darted toward the door. It was closed. No visible locks, but that meant nothing.

Her voice was flat when she spoke. "And if I wanted to leave?"

---