Page 92 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I’ll let Josh explain that.

“Roll out.” I shoot Ryder and Grayson one last look to confirm they’re ready.

Pulling our balaclavas down, rifles clunking, we jog toward the tree line and begin infiltrating the Marino estate.

I’m coming, sweetheart.

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STELLA

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RUN FOR YOUR life.

No, fuck, do not run, or he will shoot you.

My heart is racing as I’m forced to walk toward Tony, who stands next to the priest. The man holds a Bible in his hand and looks only marginally happier to be here than I do.

He’s under duress, as well. The four guards standing around the sides of the room don’t give either of us a choice to leave.

Nor does Tony, who has a gun tucked into the front of his dress pants. It looks out of place with his white shirt and shiny shoes. Then again, perhaps that’s how he looks every day.

Guess I’m about to find out.

My father let him abduct me from his home, and replaying that moment breaks something inside me on a core level. The man who gave me life and should have protected me has betrayed me. He’s failed me.

Worse, he threw me to the lion that was hunting him.

Did my mother know he planned it? Or was she out and had no idea?

Your father is beside himself, and we both know it’s best to do what Tony wants.

That’s what she said on the phone. She must have known. It doesn’t matter. I know the truth. They are both dead to me now, and I plan to never speak to either of them again.

I enjoyed my first taste while dressing you.

The lace of the crotchless panties rubs horribly against my private flesh, reminding me Tony took something from me he had no right to.

He plans to do much more.

You will remain in this room until I’m sure you understand your role in our marriage, dressed as I want, ready for me to fuck you when I please.

I never agreed to this.

I agreed to marry him to save my father’s life, and then I believed we, as a family, had a plan to get me out of this marriage as quickly as possible.

God, I’m so stupid.

This is illegal. He can’t keep me here. Clearly he’s insane and far more dangerous than any of us thought.

Your father knew.

On wobbly legs, I take step after step as my life flashes before my eyes. Lunches with Charlotte, watching her first runway show, publishing my first novel, graduating from college. Holidays in the Hamptons, Christmas with my family. My first kiss.

Making love to Declan.

The way looked at me as if the sun rose and set with me. The feeling of his strength as I pressed my face into his chest.