3

Just as I shift forward, the car comes to an abrupt stop. The sudden movement throws me forward, and I barely catch myself before tumbling out.

"Oh, for goodness' sake," I mutter.

My perfect escape is ruined.

I climb out of the trunk anyway, brushing imaginary dust off my jeans as though I'd planned to do that all along.

"What are you doing?"

I turn to find the brown-haired man from earlier staring at me with an expression somewhere between annoyance and disbelief.

I fold my arms. "What does it look like I'm doing, Brownie?"

His eyebrows shoot up. "Brownie?"

"Well, I don't know your name, do I?"

Before he can answer, the blond man pinches the bridge of his nose. "Jax," he calls tiredly, "just get her inside."

So... Brownie has a name. Jax.

Jax sighs before walking over to me and opening the rear passenger door.

"Come on."

I remain exactly where I am.

"I need to pee."

"You can pee inside."

I shake my head.

"No, I need to pee now."

The blond man lets out an exaggerated sigh. "You'll survive another five minutes."

"What if I don't?"

"You will."

"What if I pee in your car?"

He looks at me for a long second before turning to Jax. "I already have one problem. Don't let her become another."

I can't help smiling to myself.

At least I am getting on their nerves.

"Are you done?" Jax asks.

I look around instead of answering him.

We are in the middle of nowhere. A long driveway stretches behind us, disappearing beyond a pair of enormous black gates that have already begun to close. Tall trees surround the property on every side, and there isn't another house in sight.

Even if I run...

Where exactly do I run to?

I have no idea where they have brought me.

I let out a quiet sigh. For now, cooperating seems like the smarter choice.

"Fine," I mumble.

"See? That wasn't so hard."

I roll my eyes and climb out completely.

The moment I look up, my feet freeze. Standing before me is the biggest house I have ever seen.

No…

House isn't the right word. It is a mansion.

The building stands proudly against the evening sky, its cream-colored walls glowing beneath rows of elegant lights. Expensive cars are parked neatly in front, while a massive fountain occupies the center of the circular driveway.

Everything about the place screams wealth—more wealth than I have ever imagined.

I slowly turn to look at the men who have brought me here.

Just who... is Hunter Cyprus?

Before I can think any further, the front door opens.

"Move," Jax says, gesturing toward the entrance.

Taking one last look at the gates behind me, I swallow the lump forming in my throat and walk inside, knowing my life has just changed forever.

Hunter’s POV

"Did you bring her to the room?" I ask, leaning back as Cole and Jax walk in.

"Yes," Jax says, giving a tight nod.

"She tried to run, we almost couldn't hold her down"

"I know," I say, a slow smirk spreading across my face. "Which means we keep the locks tight. She’s gonna try again, right?"

"Definitely."

"Good. Leave her to me." I wave a dismissive hand toward the door. "You guys can go."

The heavy wooden door clicks shut behind them. I stand up, smooth down my jacket, and head up the stairs. I made sure her room was just a few steps down the hall from mine—close enough to hear every move she makes.

I turn the knob and push the door open without a sound.

She’s sitting on the edge of the mattress, knees pulled to her chest, her head resting on her arms. Her shoulders are trembling softly. Crying. Of course. People always cry when you pull them out of their safe little world.

She hasn't heard me enter, so I stay by the door for a second, letting my eyes rake over her.

She’s gorgeous. Curvy in all the right places. She gets that from her mom. Ryder and her don't share anything except those striking green-brown eyes. I tongue the inside of my cheek and grin.

"Hey, princess," I say softly.

Her head snaps up. I lean in, searching her eyes for that sweet, trembling terror I love so much. But it’s not there. Instead, her eyes burn with fire, no fear in them.

Heat instantly surges up my neck. Now she just piss me off. People fear me, it’s the rule. And she’s not going to be the exception. I’ll break that pride out of her if it's the last thing I do.

I watch as she pushes off the bed, standing up fast as if she wants to attack me.

Lauren’s pov

I look around the bedroom, my heart hammering against my ribs. It’s huge—twice the size of my bedroom at home, with plush rugs and dark, expensive furniture. But the air feels thick, like a golden cage. It will never be home.

I sink onto the mattress, and the tears finally spill over. Mom must be losing her mind right now. I miss you so much, Mom.

"Hey, princess!"

The voice cuts through the quiet. My head snaps up, my stomach dropping into a tight knot.

Hunter.

He shuts the door behind him with a quiet click and steps into the room, moving like a predator taking its time.

"So, I heard you gave my men a hard time," he says. "They said you're feisty. But guess what, princess? I love feisty. It just means I get to teach you a lesson."

"Why don't you just let me go?! What do you want from me, you son of a bitch!"

His jaw tightens, his dark eyes turning pitch black.

"You don't know?" he says, his tone dropping "Come closer. Let me show you."

My feet freeze. Instinct screams at me to back away, and I take a tiny step backward. Big mistake because that made his eyes flare with rage.

"Now!" he barks.

The command makes my insides shake and before I even realize what I'm doing, my legs move on their own, bringing me right in front of him.

"Closer," he whispers, his breath warm against my forehead.

I swallow hard, my body rigid.

"I don't like repeating myself."

I close my eyes tight and take the final half-step. Our chests are now practically touching, which sends weird, terrifying electricity through my veins because of how close he is.

Before I can draw a breath, his strong arm whips around my waist, pulling me hard against his chest.

And his lips crash onto mine roughly, and ruthless. I gasp in surprise, and he takes full advantage, pressing deeper, completely dominating me.

My head spins, trying to understand what is going on.