Chapter 2

THE STRANGER IN THE RAIN

Teresa stepped back, her wet dress clinging to her body like a second skin. Who are you?

The man nodded toward the street, flashlights sweeping in the rain. Right now? The only person who isn’t planning to drag you back to that cathedral.

"Answer me," she demanded, her voice shaking.

He held up his hands. "Fine. My name is Larris. And I've been watching Jerry Desmond for months."

Her stomach knotted. Why?

Because your fiancé isn't who you think he is.

A distant shout, now closer, echoed.

Larris clutched her hand once more. Move.

She hesitated.

Then she heard Desmond's voice, angry, ordering.

Bring her to me, NOW!

Her decision was instantaneous.

She ran with Larris

They ran down alleys, puddles splashing below their feet, as rain turned the whole city into a glowing smear of streetlights and danger.

Larris led her to a basement garage behind an abandoned laundromat. He unlocked a dusty car, ushered her inside, and sped off just as the guards rounded the corner.

Theresa pressed her forehead to the window, shaking. Where are you taking me to?

Larris Answered her, Somewhere safe.

Then she Ask again, Why should I trust you?

You shouldn’t, Larris replied honestly. But you definitely can’t trust Jerry Desmond.

Her throat tightened. You know what he did to me?

"I know what he did to a lot of people. Larris glanced at her through the rearview mirror. And I know he would rather burn this city down than let you go.

Her heart pounded painfully.

"What does he want with me? she whispered.

Larris hesitated.

Then, he said the words she didn’t expect.

He wants your inheritance.

My what?

You don’t know? He exhaled. “Of course you don’t. No one ever tells the bride.

Tell me what?

Larris eyes flicked to hers again dark, serious.

Your late grandfather left you something, Something worth billions.

Theresa blinked in surprise.

What are you talking about?

A company, Larris said. One of the largest energy firms in all of West Africa.

Theresa slowly shook her head. That's impossible,my family is nowhere near wealthy.

Because they hid it from you. Larris voice softened. Your grandfather didn't trust anyone in your family-except you.

But you were too young to understand then.

Her breath caught.

So Jerry Desmond wants control of it.

Yes, said Larris . And the easiest way to take it, is by marrying you.

Why would my father agree?

Larris looked at her sorrowfully. Because Jerry Desmond paid off his debts. And because… Jerry Desmond made it clear what would happen if your father refused.

Cold fear gripped her lungs.

You’re lying, she whispered.

I wish I was.

In the car, the silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

Finally, Theresa asked the question she had been avoiding.

What do you want from me?

Nothing, he said simply. Your grandfather hired me months before he died. To protect you.

Theresa pulse stumbled.

My grandfather knew?

Yes. He suspected that someone would come after you. And he was right.

She stared at Larris, really looking at him for the first time.

He wasn’t polished and charming, like Jerry Desmond.

He was rugged.

Serious.

Purposeful.

And for whatever reason… she believed him.

But believing him didn’t make her any less terrified. Where are we going now? she asked shakily. A safe house outside the city, Larris replied. You'll be hidden there until we figure out our next move. The rain hammered at the roof as it took off into the night—into the unknown.