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The footsteps were still coming from behind, a death knoll pounding toward her. The man would hurt her. She knew it.
Groaning, she forced herself to her feet. Her knees, hands, and arms hurt and she couldn’t catch a breath. But she had to move. Shuffling forward, she tried to move back into the rhythm of a run, but she couldn’t coordinate her legs.
Footsteps.
Closer and closer.
Please help me, she begged heaven above.
His large body slammed into her from behind. Madeline screamed. She imagined she’d hit the rough trail again, this time with an extra two-hundred and fifty pounds on top of her.
“No!” she cried out.
The man wrapped her up and lifted her off her feet.
“That wasn’t the sweet taste I was planning on,” he growled in her ear.
“Try to kiss me again and I’ll do worse,” she screamed back.
He laughed, a scratchy, mean sound. “It’s time I do worse.”
“No!” She kicked her heels back into his legs, dug her fingernails into his arm, and threw her head back into his.
“Calm down, little she-devil. Not sure what the king sees in you besides your beauty.”
Headlights bounced up the trail and through the trees. Madeline had never seen anything so beautiful.
“Guess we need some privacy,” the man said.
He carried her toward the thick trees.
“No!” Madeline fought him with every ounce of strength she had. She kicked, scratched, thrashed, and bit his hand when it got too close to her mouth.
The man cursed and threw her onto the trail. She landed in a heap, more pain radiating through her, this time from her backside.
“Time to stop playing and follow orders.” He heaved out a sigh, as if it were the hardest thing he’d ever done. “Get the king alone, or I’ll be back for you. And next time I won’t be so nice.”
He disappeared into the trees.
The lights were almost upon her. She stood shakily and waved her arms so they didn’t run her over.
Captain Levi and Lieutenant Mason stopped right in front of her. They both leaped from the side-by-side vehicle. “Ms. Prescott,” Levi called out in horror.
“A man.” She pointed shakily. “He attacked me.”
Levi cursed. “Stay with her and call for backup,” he demanded of Mason, then he took off through the trees.
The lieutenant placed a call as he escorted her to the passenger side of the vehicle and helped her sit down. Madeline prayed Levi would catch the man. She answered Mason’s questions and tried to control her trembling limbs.
All she wanted was to forget this ever happened and be in Nolan’s arms.
ChapterEleven
Nolan wokebefore his five-forty alarm. He was anxious to be with Madeline and had dreamed of holding her close and kissing her throughout the night. How to convince her he loved her deeply and the love he felt for Anne wouldn’t make him love Madeline less? He understood it was hard for her. He’d probably feel the same way if she’d been in a loving and happy relationship for over thirty years. Instead, it felt as if she’d been waiting. For him.
Their love was unique and beautiful, intense and all-consuming. He prayed she felt the same.
He dressed quickly in workout gear, brushed his teeth, and was tying his shoes when a rap came at his door.
