Page 16 of The Mountain Man’s Curvy Bride (Mountain Man Sanctuary #3)

Daisy

The rough rope binding my wrists cuts painfully into my skin, each bump and sharp turn of the SUV causing me to jostle helplessly on the cold leather seats.

My heart pounds relentlessly in my chest, a frantic rhythm of fear and desperation.

Tears blur my vision, but I blink rapidly, trying to keep my wits about me.

Panicking won't help, but it's nearly impossible to keep calm.

From the driver's seat, Steven’s voice is sharp and bitter, slicing through the suffocating silence of the vehicle. "You thought you could just run from me, Daisy? Did you really think I wouldn't find you?"

I swallow the lump of fear in my throat, attempting to steady my trembling voice. “Steven, please. You have to let me go. This isn't right."

He scoffs harshly, his fingers gripping the steering wheel tighter, knuckles turning white. "Isn't right? You think leaving me—after everything I did for you—is right?"

My stomach churns violently, dread pooling heavily inside me. "You didn't give me a choice," I whisper, my voice cracking despite my efforts to sound strong. "I couldn't live like that anymore."

"You belong to me," he spits, his voice low and dangerous, his gaze shooting daggers at me through the rearview mirror. "You don't get to decide when you leave."

I twist my bound wrists, the ropes biting deeper, sending sharp jolts of pain radiating up my arms. "I’m married now, Steven. Wes is my husband. He'll be looking for me."

The SUV swerves slightly, Steven’s sudden anger causing him to jerk the wheel harshly. He turns his head sharply, his eyes narrowed in fury. "Married? You married someone else?" His voice rises, filled with incredulous rage.

"Yes," I whisper, tears slipping down my cheeks as I force myself to hold his gaze defiantly. "And he loves me."

Steven’s laughter is cruel and bitter, making my blood run cold. "Love? You don't even know what love is, Daisy. You're mine. You always have been and always will be. And you'll never see your so-called husband again."

Fear crashes through me, stealing my breath.

The thought of never seeing Wes again breaks something inside me, a pain so deep it leaves me gasping for air.

My tears fall freely now, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

I squeeze my eyes shut tightly, clinging desperately to the memory of Wes—his gentle smile, the warmth of his arms around me, the love in his eyes.

"Please, Steven,” I beg weakly, desperation making my voice tremble. "Don’t do this."

"Shut up!" he roars, slamming his palm against the steering wheel. "You're not in control anymore, Daisy. You never were."

The darkness outside the SUV windows seems endless, trees rushing past in a blur, their branches like ghostly arms reaching out in warning.

I try once more to loosen the ropes around my wrists, gritting my teeth against the sharp pain, but they're tied too tight.

Frustration boils inside me, desperation fueling my determination. I can't give up. I won't give up.

I force myself to take steady breaths, calming the rapid fluttering of my heart, trying to think clearly through the haze of fear.

When we reach wherever he's taking me, there might be a chance to escape.

Steven always underestimates me. I know he thinks I'm weak, helpless—but I've grown stronger since leaving him, thanks to Wes.

The SUV accelerates, engine roaring louder, carrying me further from safety with every passing mile.

My eyes flick around the vehicle, searching for anything that might help me later—a tool, a weapon, anything.

My heart sinks when I see nothing helpful, just Steven’s leather jacket and a few empty soda bottles.

I lean back against the seat, the tears drying on my cheeks, replaced by a stubborn resolve. Steven can threaten and rage all he wants, but he won't break me. He won’t take away what Wes has given me—strength, courage, love.

As the darkness outside thickens, I know we're getting closer to Steven’s destination—the home I once fled in terror. But this time, I refuse to be a victim. This time, when the chance presents itself, I will fight with everything I have.

Because somewhere out there, Wes is looking for me. He won't give up, and neither will I. No matter what happens, I will see my husband again.