Chapter 43. Bella POV

Kicking the rusty bucket around the bleak room soon lost its appeal. Its purpose as my punching bag had eased my annoyance but not my curiosity. What could have spooked Lucien so much that he turned into a complete ass all over again? He might as well have thrown me in this room he wanted to be rid of me so quickly.

Although he hadn’t locked me in, I didn’t want to attract attention by leaving it open to freshen the air or invite random thugs to investigate. The noise outside was building by the minute, something was clearly happening in the town today.

Studying my new base was a sorry sight. A sagging, stained mattress that I had no intention of letting my skin touch, shafts of light covered the floor through the poorly constructed wooden walls, it was a delight. The only saving grace was a window. Although it was right at the top of the wall above the disgusting bed.

Grimacing, I found a towel, placed it on the mattress, the shrieking squeak of my weight on