Page 15 of The Pakhan's Forced Bride

With no way to track Belle, all I can do is hit the streets and contact as many informants as possible to keep a lookout for her.

I drive out of the mansion and just keep going. I don’t know where she would head. To the airport?

I sent her photo out on a group chat I have with some trusted people.

But it’s been two hours already. She must be halfway back to Vegas by now.

“Fuck,” I scream, slamming my hands against the steering wheel as my eyes scan up and down the sidewalks, searching for her.

My phone chimes and I jump. I’m so tense I’m close to a blacked-out temper.

The message gives me some relief, though.

Killian: Saw that girl a minute ago—backtracking now. Will confirm when I have sights. Bay Mall shopping district.

Hurriedly, I change direction, skidding over two lanes and ignoring the cars honking at me. Fuck them. This is my city.

The engine growls as I press my foot harder into the accelerator, racing towards the mall.

Killian: She’s here, seems to be alone. I’ll track her until you arrive. Location sent.

He attaches a photo of her, from the side, wearing the same outfit she left the house in. Tight, high-wasted jeans hugging those wide hips.

She looks even better in jeans than she did in that dress.

I toss the phone onto the seat next to me.

Thank fuck.

It doesn’t take long to get to the mall, and once I’m there, I follow Killian’s location on foot.

He nods silently, acknowledging me, then leaves me to deal with her as I please.

Belle doesn’t notice me until I’m standing right behind her. I growl quietly, “What are you doing here, Belle?”

She jumps and spins to face me, her eyes shining with fright.

“I-I—" she stammers, looking left and right, searching for a way to escape.

“Don’t bother. I have men everywhere. You can’t run.”

She rolls her eyes. She fucking rolls her eyes at me.

I grab her arm and pull her close, our faces inches from each other. “What are you doing here, Belle?” I snarl again.

“Stop being such a bully. My wrists are already bruised, now you want to bruise my arm too?” She shoves me away from her, and I stare in disbelief. This attitude won’t be tolerated. But fuck me, she looks hot when she’s angry.

I grab her jaw and tilt her face up to mine. “Sweet little princess, don’t you dare speak to me like ever again. Don’t forget whose city you’re in,” I warn her.

The devilish smile that touches the corner of her lips spikes my anger and my desire. I pull her even closer.

“Is this a game to you?” I ask, my lips inches from hers.

“If it is a game, you aren’t doing very well,” she sasses. “I almost got away.”

“To a shopping district? You escaped to go shopping?” I taunt her. “If anyone is failing at thisgame, little bunny, it’s you.”

She huffs, scrunching her nose, embarrassed or annoyed. Either way, she looks cute.