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I draw in a ragged breath, my resolve hardening as I stare down the man who once made me feel so small and powerless. He’s taken enough from me, and I refuse to let him take any more.
In that split second, I channel all my anger and fear into one swift motion, kicking him squarely between the legs with all the force I can muster. His eyes widen in shocked pain, and his grip on my arm falters just long enough for me to break free.
“Ugh!” I gasp out as I wrench my arm away from him. My heart races in my chest, a mix of adrenaline and raw emotion fueling my actions.
“Go to hell, Ian,” I spit at him, the words tasting like sweet victory on my tongue.
With that, I turn on my heel and sprint toward the bathroom, desperate to find Antonio and Benedict. I know they’ll protect me.
My shoes squeak against the shiny tile floor as I weave around abandoned carts and frantic shoppers. The bustling store fades into a blur, my peripheral vision consumed by the singular goal of finding my sanctuary.
I can hear Ian’s heavy breathing closing in behind me, the sound of his footsteps echoing in my ears. My heart pounds against my chest as I push myself to run faster, but it feels like I’m moving through molasses.
“Get back here, Harper!” he snarls, his voice a twisted mix of rage and sickeningly sweet malice. I know all too well what awaits me if he catches up, and the thought sends shivers down my spine.
Suddenly, I feel an iron grip around my throat, yanking me backward. My feet leave the ground as Ian slams me down, my skull cracking against the cold tile floor. Pain blossoms in the back of my head, but it’s nothing compared to the desperate need for air that claws at my lungs.
“Didn’t think you’d get away that easily, did you?” Ian hisses, tightening his hold on my throat. “You’re mine, Harper. You always have been, and you always will be.”
“Go…to hell…” I manage to choke out, my vision beginning to blur at the edges. I claw at his hand, desperately trying to pry it off so I can breathe, but my strength is fading.
Mommy!The faces of my children flash before my eyes, their laughter and smiles piercing through the darkness that threatens to swallow me whole. I can’t leave them. I have to fight, for them and for myself.
“Let…go…” I gasp, my voice barely audible. I claw at Ian’s hand one last time, but it’s futile. My vision fades further, and the world around me narrows down to a pinprick of light.
“Say goodbye, Harper,” Ian hisses, his breath hot on my face. “No one’s coming to save you now.”
With every ounce of strength left in my body, I try to shout out for help, but only a weak, raspy sound escapes my lips. “Pathetic,” Ian spits, his grip on my throat unrelenting. “Always so weak, Harper. That’s why you’ll never be anything without me.”
Ian’s cruel laughter rings in my ears as everything fades to black. “Too late, love.” I try to scream, to call out for help, but there’s nothing left. No sound, no vision, no hope.
As I succumb to the darkness, my last thought is of my children—their smiles, their laughter, the way they make my world complete. My men…how happy they’ve made me, and the fact that I know they’ll protect the kids for me.
If only I could see them one more time…
“Harper!” A distant voice breaks through the void. I hear the sound of a fist landing, and the grip around my neck releases, but it’s too late. Oblivion welcomes me with open arms, and I can’t fight it any longer.
43
HARPER
My eyelids flutter open, the world around me a sea of blurry shapes and colors. I blink a few times, trying to clear my vision as the room slowly comes into focus. Above me, garlands of green, red, and gold weave their way across the ceiling, while twinkling fairy lights cast a warm glow on the walls.
Huh?
“Harper?” Antonio’s deep voice pulls me back from admiring the Christmas decorations. He’s standing at the foot of my bed, his dark eyes full of concern.
“Wha—” My throat feels like sandpaper, making it difficult to speak. I swallow hard and try again. “What happened?”
“Are you okay?” Benedict asks, his soothing voice laced with worry. He’s perched on the edge of my bed, his hand hovering hesitantly over mine, as if he’s unsure whether to touch me or not, as if a touch is enough to make me break.
“Yeah,” Hudson chimes in, leaning against the wall beside the window. His broad shoulders are tense beneath his tight-fitting shirt, and his lips are pressed into a thin line. “You had us pretty worried there for a moment.”
I try to sit up, but pain shoots through my body, forcing me to lie back down. My head is pounding, and my limbs feel heavy. I start to remember what happened, and a sudden wave of panic washes over me, my heart rate spiking.
My children—are they okay? My mind starts to race with worst-case scenarios. “My kids!” I blurt out, the words barely audible through the tightness in my throat. “Where are they? Tell me that you didn’t let Ian get to them.”
“Hey, hey,” Benedict says softly, his hand finally settling on mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “They’re safe, Harper. They’re with my mom right now. She loves kids, and they’re basically like grandchildren to her.”
