Page 26 of Claiming Tessa

He didn’t like the blood that had been sprayed over her from Ross’s head, and he wanted her clean as soon as possible.

He kept a few feet away from the woman and waited for her to be calm enough to hear him.“My name is Alastair Maclean.We’re the mafia in this part of the city.”

Alastair heard his brother curse behind him and ignored him.

The woman was hunched against the wall.Tears mixed with blood and brain matter ran down her face.“Why are you telling me this?Are you going to kill me next?”

Alastair shook his head.“I’m making sure that you won’t be able to go anywhere, ever.”

“I don’t understand.I’ve never done anything to you or anyone.”

“I know.Sometimes your life takes a path you didn’t expect.”No kidding.He never predicted he’d kidnap a woman and plan to keep her forever.“My advice is to make the best of this.I’ll treat you like a princess as long as you’re loyal to me.Do you understand?”

“No, I don’t.I don’t understand any of this.”

He sighed.“That’s okay.We have plenty of time.”He held out his hand and waited.

She shook her head.

“You can either take my hand and walk out of here with some dignity, or I can have a few of my men carry you out.Choose.”

She studied him for a moment and before she reached for his hand.He could see how much she was trembling, but he would take care of her as soon as they got home.When her shaking, tiny cold hand slid into his hand, something inside of him settled, and a warmth filled him.

“That’s good, baby.”He pulled her along and looked at one of his men.“Take care of Ross.”

“You got it, boss.”

As he led her out to his car, he felt something shift in his universe, and he knew he’d forever be changed.He just didn’t know if it would be for the good or bad.Only time would tell.

End of sample chapter