hina P

ran toward Ryan anyway. I was

d these people had on him, maybe that he

oice shaking as I reached for h

eaching for me, ready to run. But instead, he pulled me flush ag

. I struggled, trying to push against him, but h

ing in the dimly lit space. Yet, Ryan remained still, hi

willingly, I had no choice. With all the strength I had

for me to wrench myself free. He staggered back, cl

a second. I t

vening gown, my steps were lighter, faster. My breath burned in

I s

ndows reflecting the dim streetlight

Was this an escape

solely on luck, I dashed forward and shoved the door shut before the dri

ward, tires screechin

hut behind me, my en

car was suffocating.

the faint glow of the dashboard lights. He d

voice was hoarse,

espo

ard. "Are you

l no

fusing to settle. Then, just as I was abou

oked

neon signs. People moved in and out of the e

lic p

ly, my body sag

elt dizz

rld we

.

warm ar

es active again and that w

ss. The scent of fresh lin

ing. The light in the room was soft,

hands in an attempt to red

en I s

e was bent over the bed

my breat

tly. His face was... breathtaking. Sharp cheekbones. Piercing eyes. Thick, dark lashes that

said, his voice deep

y as I managed t

to check my temperature, st

re warm. Gentl

rmured, pulling his hand

hroat refusing to pro

as th

d he s

r the first time, I noticed his blac

but my throat s

his eyes sharp and full of life, before fishing out his phon

bbed his jacket and sl

g in me

" I bl

pau

ip. "Are y

t white teeth. "You're safe now. The hotel's been p

st tig

ant with the question

rying to b

mind for wha

leavi

being the first person in a long time t

d. I felt a kind of way but I

and my heart thu

w one

want him

n't wan

oved before I c

said, standing

s hung i

ression

cket, shrugging it off. It h

lse r

from the belt holders swiftly unto

shed th

hing. Stop this. B

ches from mine. The warmth of his skin see

s tilted m

murmured, his breat

shakily. "

ed against min

the sheets and

.

unlight streamed th

my body aching, b

beside me

eart

oom. His jacket was gone. His scent li

ounded at

er?" a voi

do

f bed, wrapping a rob

akfast untouched, I still couldn't

.

s like it happened yesterday as I stood outside the hospita

was a preg

iti

e mo

to my stomach, my

them despising Ryan Carter, the man I was supposed to marry,the man who had led me straight into the hands of my enem

m pregnant w

urned m

o

y jaw, forci

ch. My father. My

lose cont

whoever was responsible fo

ter? He

hat night? I hope I

termined heart, I l

the bench beside me, I lift

only the