BROKEN HOPE (Broken Redemption Book 2)

Chapter 1

Emilia

(Present Day)

Oh god! What have I done?

It's the first thought that comes to mind when, out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Lucas and Nero running after us.

When we disappear around the corner, I try to signal for Creed to stop. Tapping my hand on his abdomen, I yell over the deafening roar of the engine. I need him to turn around and go back, so Lucas and I can explain that we've been searching for him and that this is our chance to work together to find a solution. But when Creed tosses my purse onto the side of the road and then squeezes my hand in a painful grip, it becomes clear I'm no longer in control of my destiny.

"Stop it!" He roars loud enough for me to know he means business.

There was a time when I trusted this man implicitly. That was back before that dreaded day three years ago when he tried to convince me our marriage was based on lies and manipulations. I'm still not sure I believe what he said to me that night. But now, as I face the possibility he's kidnapped me, I'm no longer certain I can trust him not to hurt me. I mean, why else go through the trouble of taking me this way? If he meant me no harm, why didn't he just go to Ben and ask for his help?

Oh god, the earrings. Why didn't I wear the earrings?

I was so angry and hurt after what happened between Lucas and me this morning that in an act of defiance, I refused to wear them and tossed them into my purse instead. The purse that's now discarded on the side of the road, along with my phone, my wallet, and the tracking device that was meant to keep me safe.

How could I've been so stupid?

Unlucky for me, I have plenty of time to dwell on my stupidity and current predicament. Whether it's been hours or minutes, I have no idea how much time has passed when he pulls the motorcycle onto a dirt road. The surrounding landscape tells me we're not far from home, most likely in one of the more desolate mountain towns. Which one is anyone's guess, and I'm kicking myself for not having paid closer attention. It was a foolish mistake. One I hope I don't live to regret.

When we come to a stop outside a small cabin, I scan the area, knowing this might be my only chance at an escape. The hunting cabin looks old and poorly maintained. The surrounding forest has grown to reclaim not only the land around it but also parts of the porch where the floorboards are broken.

Before he's turned the motorcycle off, I'm already on the move. Jumping from the back of the bike, I tear the helmet off my head and take off on a run. The rocky ground is difficult to navigate and I almost trip. Thankfully, I'm able to catch my footing before I fall.

"Emi stop!" He yells behind me.

He's so much faster, partly because of the high heels that make it difficult to run. In my attempt to kick them off, he makes his move, grabbing me by the arm and spinning me around. Just as I learned in the self-defense classes Ben forced us to take, I swing at his face. My fist connects in a hit that should hurt him, and yet I'm the one who falls in pain.

"Nooo...don't touch me!" I scream, holding my injured hand to my chest, while I flail and kick to keep him away.

"God damn it, Emilia. I'm not going to hurt you."

Like a cornered animal I fight and scream until he lifts me from the ground and wraps me up in a tight hold. With my back against his chest and my hands secured across my body, I'm at his mercy. Resigned to my fate, the fight drains from me and I begin to cry. When he shifts his hold into an embrace, memories of our life together come rushing back.