Page 6 of The Veiling

“So, wait.” I rubbed my wrists where I had been bound. “Did you save me?”

“Something like that,” he shrugged, “I guess.”

“Why won’t you tell me who the hell you are?!” I raised my volume, annoyed at his hidden identity, and muffled voice.

“We really need to get you cleaned up.”

“I need to make sure my—” I snapped my mouth closed, unsure if I wanted to volunteer the information that I was pregnant in case he could not tell.

“We’ll have your baby checked out soon.”

My eyes widened. “Tell me who you are. Now!”

“Who I am isn’t your concern right now.” He held his hands out to the side. “Right now, my concern is keeping you safe until that asshole and his friends are dead.”

“What about Valen—”

“I’ll get you back to him as soon as it’s safe, but right now you’re better apart.” He snorted. “Believe it or not, you’re in less danger here.”

I jumped up, wincing, instantly regretting my sudden movement. “You have no idea what’s better for me! I don’t even know who you are!”

“Isa—”

“No!” I roared. “You will get me back to my fiancé immediately!”

I was pissed off. After London, I had changed. We all had. I was ready to go down fighting if it meant a better life for my family and me. Whoever the man was would pay for kidnapping me. I did not trust him.

Cocking his head, he stared directly into my soul. At least that was what it felt like. The room was eerily quiet as we watched one another for what seemed like an agonizing eternity. He blinked several times, coming out of whatever trance he was locked in.

“You’re bleeding.”

Sighing, I lifted my fingers to my hairline, then inspected them. I examined my once stunning dress again, realizing just how ruined it was. I clutched it, holding the top up.

“You also need clothes.”

“What Ineedis to go back home!” I shouted before bringing my voice down, mumbling, “And I need to go to a hospital.” I was worried sick about my child. Lacing my hands together over my stomach, I closed my eyes. “Please. Whatever money you want, we can pay you.” I lifted my gaze to his. “Just let me go before my fiancé comes here and kills you. Hewillfind me, and hewillmurder you. You don’t know who you’re messing with.” Maybe threatening him would help.

He looked to the ceiling before resting his hands on his hips and meeting my gaze again. His shoulders rose and fell. Without a word, he stepped back and extended his arm in the opposite direction of the only exit in sight. “Your threats are empty to me.”

Déjà Vu

“You need to sleep.” My sister, Laura, handed me a hot cup of Earl Grey tea as she sat next to me on the couch and tucked a foot under her. She lifted her own mug to her lips. “Or at least change clothes.”

I inspected the steaming liquid before placing it on a coaster near the edge of the glass top coffee table.

“You came,” Tanya said to my sister as she entered the room.

Laura nodded. “As soon as Noah texted me, I sped over.” She nibbled the inside of her lip, peeking at the window he was standing in front of with his attention buried in his phone.

Lowering my gaze, I rubbed my hands together while watching my own phone screen on the table. I needed a sign. Any sign she was okay. It was taking everything in me to hold it together, but I was coming unraveled by the second.

“Boss.” Noah’s voice broke me out of my thoughts.

I glanced up.

“I still haven’t been able to get the location on Isabelle’s phone. I have men going back to the hotel to comb the grounds to see if it was dropped outside, or in the parking lot, or maybe in a bush.” Apprehensiveness appeared on his face. “However, there’s something we should discuss.”

Running my fingers through my hair, I sat back.She’s so much better off without me.

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