Page 32 of Captive Bride

But the knocking becomes more intense, and it turns into pounding, and I get a little worried. Theo doesn’t knock like that. He knows not to make too much noise.

My stomach drops as I realize this might be it—the moment of danger that I’ve been running from my entire life. Someone is here to take me, and it’s not a Capulet.

I’m all alone with virtually no bodyguards, no Thelma.

I stand back and watch as the door busts in…

And there he is.

The mystery man is here to claim me, but now he doesn’t look caring or docile or trusting. He has a hard look in his eyes, and it makes me afraid.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to cover myself with the soft blanket.

He gazes at me fiercely, and I realize I might’ve underestimated this man.

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