Page 37 of Hunted to the Altar
“What’s going on?” I pressed, my voice steadier than I felt.
“A rival wants to renegotiate terms,” Mateo said, his tone clipped. “And you’re part of their demands.”
Samuel came out of the bedroom fixing his cuffs.
The words hit me like a slap. “Me?”
He nodded, his blue eyes burning with a mix of anger and something else—something darker. “They want you in exchange for peace.”
“Report, Mateo.” The two whispered between each other as Ifreaked out over what was just said to me. Why me? I didn’t understand at all.
My stomach churned, nausea clawing its way up my throat. “W-what did you say?”
Samuel’s gaze locked onto mine, unwavering and deadly serious. “I said no.”
The room seemed to tilt beneath me, the weight of his words pressing down like a physical force. I wanted to feel relief, gratitude even, but all I felt was dread. “Then why do they want me?”
He ran a hand through his hair, his movements tense. “Because they will not take no for an answer.”
My thoughts churned, a chaotic mix of fear, anger, and confusion. Why was this happening? How had my life spiraled so far out of control?
“You’re quiet,” Samuel said suddenly, breaking the silence.
I turned to him, my glare sharp. “What am I supposed to say? Thanks for not selling me off to the highest bidder?”
His lips twitched, but it wasn’t a smile. “You’re welcome.”
I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Enjoying it?” he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. “Do you think I enjoy being put in this position? Having to fight off enemies on all sides while protecting you?”
“I didn’t ask for your protection,” I snapped.
“No, but you need it,” he shot back, his gaze narrowing. “Whether you like it or not.”
I turned away, my nails digging into my palms. He wasn’t wrong, and that only made me hate him more.
“Stay here,” Samuel ordered as we entered the living room. He gestured for one of his men to stand guard by the door. “Don’t leave this room unless I say so.”
I bristled at his tone, but before I could argue, he was gone, disappearing into another room with his men. The door closed behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sank onto the couch, my hands trembling as I tried to process everything. The rival mafia, the demand for my handover, Samuel’s refusal—it was all too much. My mind raced with possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last. What if they came here? What if Samuel couldn’t protect me?
What if I ended up back in a cage?
The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. I hated feeling this weak, this powerless. But no matter how hard I tried to summon my old strength, it felt just out of reach.
Suddenly, there was an explosion that shook the building, the sound deafening and the force knocking me off the couch. My ears rang as I scrambled to my feet, panic surging through me like a tidal wave.
Samuel burst into the room, his gun drawn and his expression lethal. “Get down!” he barked, grabbing my arm and pulling me behind him.
The next few minutes were a blur of chaos. Gunfire echoed through the halls, the sharp cracks making me flinch with each shot. Samuel’s men shouted orders, their voices drowned out by the cacophony of violence. I clung to Samuel, my heart pounding as he guided me toward a hidden door in the wall.
“In here,” he said, shoving the door open to reveal a small, reinforced room. “Stay put.”
“No,” I protested, grabbing his arm. “You can’t go out there.”
His gaze softened, just for a moment, and he reached up to cup my face. “I’ll be fine. Just stay here. Please.”
