Page 28 of Stolen Temptation

My eyes sting with unshed tears. I dash them away while berating myself.

This is far from the first time I’ve been in a tenuous position, and I’m tougher than this. Before hurting me lost its effectiveness, I suffered through a lot of abuse at Leo’s hands. Watching him hurt Mae was far worse than anything he ever did to me, and Mae isn’t here for my captors to hold over my head.

Rory probably believes I’m weak, but if he thinks I’ll fold and give in to whatever it is he wants easily, he’ll be sadly disappointed.

I almost jump out of my skin when the door to my room pushes open, allowing warm hallway light to stream inside.

In steps a woman of average height with bright green eyes and dark hair woven into a thick braid. Navy blue scrubs. A gentle facial expression.

A kind smile. “You’re awake.”

The sincerity radiating from her reminds me of Mae.Did she get away?

Is she safely on her way back to France? I’ll never find out.

Despite the ache in my stiff limbs, I snatch the woman’s arm and pull her close.

“What is it?” Her eyes widen in concern. She begins checking me over for additional physical injuries.

“Where am I?”

She hesitates, which only unsettles me more. This shouldn’t be a difficult question.

Why is she regarding me like I just asked her some profound philosophical inquiry?

Clearly choosing her words carefully, she shifts her weight from one leg to the other.“You’re in the medical unit.”

My eyebrows knit together. The motion stings my forehead. “Right. But what hospital is this?”

“You’re not in a hospital.” The nurse spits out the words and turns to leave.

And abandon me to my fear and bewilderment? I don’t think so.

My fingers grab for the woman’s hand.

“Please.” My voice hitches. “Tell me where I am. What’s going on?”

“Those responsible for you will explain everything in greater detail.” Her promise stabs a sharp blade through my heart.

Those responsible for me?Is she talking about Leo? Did someone contact him when they found me?

Fresh horror threatens to rip me in two.

This is worse than I thought.Way worsethan getting assaulted or left for dead.

The mere thought of them returning me to Leo’s clutches after my escape attempt drenches my body with icy dread. He treated me terribly enough when Iwascooperating. There’s no telling the horrors he’d subject me to after I humiliated him in front of his mafia cronies.

I’d take Rory drugging me for the rest of my days over that option.

Merde. Could Leo be on his way to collect me already? What if he’s here now, waiting?

Despite my best intentions to brave this out, a tiny whimper escapes my mouth.

“No harm will come to you here,” the woman adds, voice low like she’s disclosing a secret. “We’re on the Gallagher estate.”

The whole world stops, balancing on the microscopic tip of a needle. My eyes snap up to her sweet face.

I’m surprised my heart monitor doesn’t flatline.