Page 22 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Bride

Steven’s laughter is cruel and bitter, making my blood run cold. "Love? You don't even know what love is, Daisy. You're mine. You always have been and always will be. And you'll never see your so-called husband again."

Fear crashes through me, stealing my breath. The thought of never seeing Wes again breaks something inside me, a pain so deep it leaves me gasping for air. My tears fall freely now, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly, clinging desperately to the memory of Wes—his gentle smile, the warmth of his arms around me, the love in his eyes.

"Please, Steven,” I beg weakly, desperation making my voice tremble. "Don’t do this."

"Shut up!" he roars, slamming his palm against the steering wheel. "You're not in control anymore, Daisy. You never were."

The darkness outside the SUV windows seems endless, trees rushing past in a blur, their branches like ghostly arms reaching out in warning. I try once more to loosen the ropes around my wrists, gritting my teeth against the sharp pain, but they're tied too tight. Frustration boils inside me, desperation fueling my determination. I can't give up. I won't give up.

I force myself to take steady breaths, calming the rapid fluttering of my heart, trying to think clearly through the haze of fear. When we reach wherever he's taking me, there might be a chance to escape. Steven always underestimates me. I know he thinks I'm weak, helpless—but I've grown stronger since leaving him, thanks to Wes.

The SUV accelerates, engine roaring louder, carrying me further from safety with every passing mile. My eyes flick around the vehicle, searching for anything that might help me later—a tool, a weapon, anything. My heart sinks when I see nothing helpful, just Steven’s leather jacket and a few empty soda bottles.

I lean back against the seat, the tears drying on my cheeks, replaced by a stubborn resolve. Steven can threaten and rage all he wants, but he won't break me. He won’t take away what Wes has given me—strength, courage, love.

As the darkness outside thickens, I know we're getting closer to Steven’s destination—the home I once fled in terror. But this time, I refuse to be a victim. This time, when the chance presents itself, I will fight with everything I have.

Because somewhere out there, Wes is looking for me. He won't give up, and neither will I. No matter what happens, I will see my husband again.

17

Wes

The tires of Hank’s cruiser scream against the pavement, the night outside reduced to a blur by the roaring siren and flashing lights. Beside me, Hank’s jaw is clenched, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel tightly, navigating the winding roads at dangerous speeds. Every nerve in my body feels stretched taut, a burning mix of fear and rage swirling through me, making it nearly impossible to think straight.

“We’re almost there,” Hank says tersely, stealing a quick glance at me. His voice holds a determination that offers little comfort amid the turmoil gripping my chest. “We’ll get her back, Wes. I promise you."

I nod stiffly, my throat too tight to form words. My hands ball into fists, nails digging sharply into my palms as I fight against the overwhelming helplessness. I can't stop picturing Daisy's terrified face, her beautiful eyes wide with panic, pleading silently for help. The thought of her alone, frightened, at Steven’s mercy, is unbearable.

“Hang in there,” Hank mutters, sensing my tension. “She’s tough, Wes. And Steven’s too arrogant to realize he's underestimated her."

“I know she’s strong,” I manage to choke out, my voice thick and strained with emotion. “But what if we're too late? What if?—”

“We won’t be,” Hank interrupts firmly, pressing the accelerator harder as the cruiser surges forward. His confidence bolsters me slightly, but anxiety continues to gnaw painfully at my gut.

The miles stretch endlessly as we finally reach the outskirts of the neighboring town. Hank cuts the siren, slowing the cruiser to approach quietly. The dashboard GPS chirps softly, guiding us directly toward Steven’s last known address. My pulse quickens, heart hammering with each moment drawing us closer to Daisy.

“There it is,” Hank whispers urgently, pulling onto a side street, out of sight. He cuts the engine abruptly, plunging us into tense silence. We exit swiftly, the cold night air biting against my heated skin, every step toward the house echoing loudly in my ears.

My eyes immediately lock onto Steven’s black SUV parked carelessly in the driveway, and rage surges through me anew. “Not exactly hiding his trail, is he?” Hank mutters, drawing his weapon from his holster and checking it quickly.

“Not the brightest,” I agree bitterly, fury heating my veins as we cautiously approach the house, sticking close to the shadows. My breath quickens, every instinct screaming to rush inside immediately and find Daisy, but I force myself to stay behind Hank.

At the front door, Hank signals for silence. With practiced ease, he kicks the door open, splintering the wood and sendingit flying inward with a deafening crash. “Police! Steven, show yourself, now!” Hank’s voice reverberates through the quiet house, commanding and unyielding.

The silence that follows is oppressive, heavy with menace. We move swiftly, methodically through each room, our footsteps echoing against the wooden floors. Each empty room heightens my dread until my breath comes in painful gasps, desperation clawing at me with each second passing.

Suddenly, Hank’s voice rings out sharply from the back room. “Wes, back here! Hurry!”

I sprint down the hall, heart pounding, dread gripping me tightly. Bursting into the dimly lit room, my blood turns cold at the sight before me. Daisy sits bound to a chair, wrists cruelly tied, her face pale and streaked with tears. Her wide, terrified eyes meet mine instantly, relief flooding her expression.

“Wes!” she cries hoarsely, straining against the ropes that bind her.

“Daisy,” I breathe, rushing to her side and swiftly working to untie her wrists, my hands trembling with urgency and relief. “I'm here. You're safe now."

She collapses into my arms the moment the ropes fall away, sobbing softly against my chest, her body shaking uncontrollably. I hold her tightly, running a gentle hand through her tangled hair, soothing her trembling form.

“I knew you’d come,” she whispers weakly, her voice filled with raw emotion.

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