2

SIERRA

Everything about this man was maddeningly effortless. The tousled hair, the way his shirt and leather jacket clung just enough to hint at the body beneath, and those sharp and amused eyes darting on mine as if they knew too much and didn’t mind.

I swallow the lump in my throat when ​he runs his predatory gaze over me. The corner of his mouth slowly lifted as if he read my thoughts and found them entertaining.

My stomach flipped and heat crept up my neck. 

Every piece of clothing, every visible tattoo, every muscle held rigid beneath the expensive fabric was a confirmation. 

He's a dangerous man, but so damn hot– what am I saying?!

“I'm asking if you need help.”

I swallowed hard before looking away. My fingers tightened on the strap of my bag. “I don't need help from strangers who lurk in alleys.” I tried to pull my bag from him, but he wouldn't let go.

“I wasn't lurking. I was… lingering. There's a difference.”

“Oh, great! A lingering stranger. That's so much better.”

He let out a small laugh. My toes curled as I found him so sexy with those chuckles.

“I'm not here to hurt you. You looked lost. I thought you might need help.”

My brows furrowed. “You followed me for blocks, that's not helping, that's stalking,” 

“I just want to make sure you're safe.”

Hearing his concern gives me butterflies in my stomach. 

Damn! What’s wrong with me? I need to compose myself.

“Safe from what? From someone like you?” I tried to snap, still holding my life with that bag strap.

“A hottie gorgeous creature?”

I scoffed, taken aback at his bold remarks because they're true. But I need to argue.

“Hah! Just a creature!”

He smirked. “We never know, maybe this creature might be your future husband, too.”

“No thanks, but I don't want to marry someone shit.” 

I tried to pull my bag again with force. But he only tightened his grip around it.

“Are you a singer? You have a good pitch.”

“Should I sing more? HELP!!!!”

He firmly shut his eyes. “This road is closed. No one can hear you.”

“How did you know?”

“It's my property, sweetheart,” 

I clutched my hand on my chest. “Should I gasp?”

“You don't have to.” 

I bit my bottom lip, annoyance and anxiety collided in my chest. “Just let me go,” I sternly muttered.

He sighed and nodded behind me. “There's a hotel when you turn right. Stay there for a night. You know how dangerous it was to walk around in the middle of the night.”

This time, his voice was calmer. No teasing, no mockery, no annoying smirk.

“And he thinks he’s not dangerous,” I said under my breath, but he still heard it.

It seems I provoked him with that remark.

His eyes turned dark, causing me to swallow hard. 

He looks… dangerous.

My breath caught when he slowly stepped closer. My pulse pounded in my throat as I stepped back desperately until my back touched the cold wall. 

What is he going to do? Please, don’t kill me.

I firmly shut my eyes when he leaned his thick forearms against the wall, caging me in between his arms. I clenched my hands as his face was an inch away from mine, inhaling his earthy, rugged, and masculine scent, which wrapped around me like a warm blanket I hadn’t asked for but suddenly needed.  

Oh God, he smells so f*cking nice–

“If you won't believe me… It's up to you,” he said in his husky voice.

My fingers curled against the wall behind me, trying to anchor myself to something solid as my knees threatened to give way.

He leaned in closer, and this time, I felt his warm breath touch my ear. 

“But don't blame me if something happens to you,” he whispered.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. My heart was racing so fast I could barely hear my own thoughts. His eyes met mine, and I swear the world tilted. I could feel the flutter in my chest, wild and uncontrollable, as if a thousand wings were beating against my ribs.

I was nervous, God, I was nervous, but also completely, hopelessly smitten--

Wait, me? Smitten?

My eyes widened, and I pushed him with all the strength left in me. I ran away as far as possible, making sure he wouldn't match my pace again.

God! Why am I blushing at a stranger? Is it a crush? NO WAY!

I keep running without looking back. I turned right, though. Oh, well, it's because there's no road on the left side? Duh!

I felt relieved when I saw the hotel he was talking about. Thankfully, it’s still open. I stopped at the gate and finally dared to look back. I saw him leaning against the wall while spinning something in his hands. 

He followed me. 

I sprinted inside the hotel in panic.  Okay, I'll stay here for a night. Tomorrow, I will finally be free and safe--

My whole body turned cold as soon as I entered the lobby.

What the f*ck?

“You won’t get away,” My father said with a smirk. 

Before I could react, someone behind me sprayed something on my face, causing me to lose consciousness.

*****

I groan and slowly open my eyes, clutching my aching head tightly. 

What happened? Where am I? 

I looked around and noticed I’m inside the car… wearing a wedding gown.

A WEDDING GOWN? I thought the wedding was next week?!

Shit!

My hands curled into fists as tears filled my eyes. I want to scream and kill myself right now. This is bullshit! Why are they doing this to me? Why are they throwing my life into a den? But how did they even find me?

The door opened and met the sharp eyes of my mother, urging me to get out of the car. 

I can't believe them. I can't believe they could do this to me!

“Out now!”

I flinched at my father’s outburst behind my mother. He’s scary when he’s angry, but I don’t feel fear now. This is fury boiling inside me.

He suddenly grabbed me and forcibly dragged me inside the building. I was about to resist, but I saw tons of men surrounding us while carrying firearms.

Guns? For what? Will they shoot me if I run away?

Damn it!

My hands were trembling and sweating when we reached a heavy oak double door. As soon as it opened, a familiar figure with an annoying smirk caught my attention.

My world stopped… for the second time because of this creature.

What the hell is he doing here?!

“Sierra, this is Alessandro Montrego.” My jaw fell, shattered on the marble floor. “Your husband-to-be.”

T-That stalker was… Alessandro Montrego?!

“I told you, I might be your future husband, young lady.”

Oh, Jesus Christ! Why did you give me a hottie criminal?