Page 5 of King of Rage

A second later, both feet left the ground.

“Hey, careful,” a man's voice murmured.

Stella tried to lift her head, but it felt too heavy. Her eyelids fluttered as she struggled to make sense of what was happening.

Someone was carrying her.

She could feel the steady movement of his steps, the firm arm supporting her back, and the faint sway of her body against his chest.

“Put me down,” she mumbled, though the words came out barely audible.

The man didn't respond.

Or perhaps she was simply too dizzy to hear him.

She tried to open her eyes, but the world remained a blur of shadows and passing lights. Her head lolled against his shoulder, and she instinctively curled closer to the warmth supporting her.

A moment later, she was lowered into a seat.

The soft leather cradled her body as she slumped against it.

Then a familiar scent drifted toward her.

Floral. Clean. Comforting.

It wrapped around her like something she had known for years.

Stella's breathing eased.

Without thinking, she shifted toward the warmth beside her, her cheek brushing against what felt like a solid arm. Her fingers curled loosely into the fabric of a sleeve, and she settled against it.

For the first time that night, she felt safe enough to let her eyes close.

The car began to move.

She had no idea where they were going.

She didn't even know how long she had been asleep when the vehicle finally came to a stop.

The sudden stillness stirred her.

A moment later, something cool brushed against her cheek.

A large hand.

Stella's brows drew together. She shifted against the seat, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to open her eyes.

“Stella.”

The deep voice sent a shiver through her.

Her eyes opened.

Lucius was leaning into the car, his face only inches from hers.

For a moment, she simply stared at him.

The city lights illuminated the sharp lines of his face, while a deep frown settled between his brows. His cold fingers remained against her cheek, his thumb resting just below her eye.