Page 102 of King of Pride

“Ever since you married my brother, you’ve changed so much,” Zoe said, studying her with an amused expression. “You don’t even seem afraid of Maverick anymore. Before, you were so fucking terrified of him that you avoided him whenever you could.”

Rose immediately waved a hand dismissively, although the faint flush spreading across her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

“You’re overthinking it. Isn’t it normal? We’re married now. Besides, after getting to know him, I realized he’s not really as bad as I thought he was.”

Zoe giggled and started walking again, easily matching Rose’s pace.

“I never said it was a bad thing. I’m actually happy about it. Maverick has always been a great brother to me, so I know he’s going to be a great husband to you, too. I’m just happy that you’re happy with him.”

Rose clasped her hands behind her back as she walked through the snow, a small smile appearing on her lips.

“I am,” she admitted quietly.

The two continued down the sidewalk, their conversation carrying on naturally as the snow fell around them. Neither of them noticed the hurried footsteps approaching from behind.

It happened so quickly that Rose barely had time to react.

A hand suddenly came from behind and clamped over her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock as something pressed against her face, and she struggled instinctively, trying to pull herself free.

“Rose!”

Zoe's scream rang through the snowy street.

Several men dressed in dark clothing and masks appeared around them almost at once. Two of them immediately grabbed Zoe, while another caught Rose as her body began to lose strength.

Zoe fought desperately, twisting and kicking as she tried to break free.

“Let her go!”

She managed to wrench one arm loose and reached toward Rose, but one of the men shoved her hard enough to send her stumbling backward.

Rose had already lost consciousness.

Her body went limp as the men dragged her toward a dark car waiting farther down the road.

“No! Rose!”

Zoe struggled against their grip, but by the time she managed to pull herself free, the men had already forced Rose into the vehicle.

The car door slammed shut, and the vehicle immediately sped away, its tires kicking up snow as it disappeared down the road.

Zoe stood frozen for a moment, staring after it in disbelief.

Then panic took over.

“Oh my God…”

Her hands shook violently as she pulled out her phone and immediately dialed Maverick’s number. He answered after only a few rings.

“Maverick!” Zoe shouted, her voice trembling with panic. “Someone just kidnapped Rose!”

She could barely catch her breath as the words rushed out of her.

“They were men in masks. They came out of nowhere and grabbed her. They took her in a car and drove away!”

A curse left Zoe’s mouth before she heard the quick shuffle of movement on the other end of the call. Maverick’s voice came through immediately, sharp and commanding.

“Where are you? Send me your location. Don’t move. I’m sending someone to pick you up. I’ll take care of it.”