one changed

remble uncontrollably. The arrogance he had carried only moments ago disappeared comple

opped to his knee

said, his voice shaking. "I did n

e was seeing. This was the same man who had forced her, threatened her, and ordered ev

ned her gaze t

ests who watched her suffering now stood

that the man standing before her w

ore dangerous than s

answer to her prayers,

fear settled i

to escape Giovanni. But she had never imagined that her salvation wou

had pulled the trigger without remorse

not be gentle, and c

d his gaze toward her. His dark eyes settled on h

took control of her instincts, and before s

out saying a word, he handed the gun to the man standing behind him.

nsed as Domenico

n, but her feet

he bent slightly and l

g against his chest. She could feel the strength in his arms. It was not the touch of a man asking

night," Domenico said, his voice low but

eart skipp

one will stop me from having

rying her as if she belonged there. The guests quickly stepped aside, lowering

his face until he settled her into the b

is fingers hovering over the darkening bruise left by Giovanni's grip

ught the moment hi

ressing it protectively against herself. Her body shifted away fro

r eyes pleading with him, though sh

"Not until you give birth to my child," he said firmly. His gaze dropped briefly

ion and fear tangling together. Before she could gather the courage to question him

started i

ide, forming a silent convoy. The church disappeared behind them as the ca

side a man who had taken control of her life. She forced herself to look at

appened was unusual. He fastened his seatbelt calmly before turning his head toward

rs," he said. "The one the

causing a shiver t

realized who I was," he continued. "But I do not

ain. His thumb hovered near her cheek, close enough for h

serve a quick death. Also, I promised you that I would return to you