Page 15 of Owned Bratva Bride

My heart beat multiplied, and I could almost taste danger on my tongue.

No, I’m not powerless.

Just as his hand slid the hem of my dress higher, I kneed him. I elbowed him as he staggered back.

Without thinking, I ran.

As my heartbeat eventually slowed in the back seat of the taxi, I thanked the powers that be that he didn’t know my address.

“Sure you’re alright, sweet? Looks like you had a bad night,” the older taxi man asked again.

“Bad doesn’t cut it,” I revealed, sighing. “Just my first college year, and this is happening already. I’m done dating.”

***

When I regained consciousness, I realized I was lying on something softer and warmer.

I opened my eyes to see that I was, indeed, on a large bed.

Where the hell am I?

The walls of the room were lined with heavy furniture, from large bookshelves to massive, ancient-looking tables. The velvet drapes framing the window and the gold accents made the large room look like a Gothic space.

Images of Lucien’s men being attacked flashed in my mind. I closed my eyes again, recalling my brief fight with those two men. I remembered the handkerchief they used to cover my nose.

They’d knocked me out.

I’ve been kidnapped.

I sat up slowly, taking note of the fact that my red dress was still on me.

Rising gingerly to my feet, I went straight to the window beside the bed. I rushed to the other window on the west wall when it didn’t open from the inside. Same thing. I tried the door; it was locked.

I sat on the edge of the bed, the heels of my palms on the silk sheets.

I have to escape.

I paced the length of the room, my mind unsettled.

I wasn’t a person of interest to kidnappers or whatever these guys are; I wasn’t a politician’s wife or kid. I wasn’t even popular in any sense, and I had no affiliations with any criminal group.

Could this have anything to do with going out with Lucien?

I almost missed the subtle click of the door.

This is my chance.

I skipped to the table just behind the door, gripping the flower vase like my life depended on it.

Actually, my life depends on it.

The doorknob turned, and the door opened. I didn’t see anyone until he took another step toward the bed.

He’s tall; I’ll have to jump.

Before he could turn around, I launched myself into the air, and the vase came crashing on the back of his head. Well, the bulky man crashed, too.

I ran out of the open door, my body colliding with another man.