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Prologue

Blindfolded It was how this whole thing started; it was the birth of , the first loose thread that started the unraveling ofthat, in what could be the end of ain, blindfolded

I woke up in pure blackness, riht Pure dark, so complete in its entirety that I felt a wave of claustrophobia hit er, hate, and—ainstmy brain that I was, in fact, blindfolded S fro the dirty, masculine stench that reeked in this roo ue in place, the horrible aftertaste of voh, scratchy rope Ankles spread and secured to chair legs beneath , even without sight, the bruises that covered me

My brain understood everything about the situation at once, bursting into reality in one, horrific instance, like stepping into the harsh sun, painful in its strength I screa only a sto free some small part of my body in at least one ly slow motion, tipped backward and crashed to the concrete floor The impact slammed my head back, and with one painful crack, my body stilled, all senses instantly snuffed

Chapter 1

Fiancée It was a role I knew, had been in just a couple of months earlier But now, back in the title, with Brad De Luca as my future husband, it felt co ainst ainst my hair, the thrust of his pelvis as he let htiest way possible Yes, I could get used to this Yes, I could spend the next fifty years ofup in his arms

I rolled over, putting us face to face, his eyes still closed, hisinto a smile I studied the thick line of his lashes, the peace on his face, peace that would disappear as soon as his eyes opened, as soon as intensity stole over his features and dominance ruled the beautiful canvas of his face

Then his eyes opened, and I lost some of my breath Five minutes later, he took that breath in a coainst the sheets, er the only thing respectful and sane about our union

I dressed for work, pairing a gray suit and creas when Brad ca hi slightly “Are you wearing that to my father’s house?”

I turned away froo the right way throughthis for work That place that I go to during the week?” I looked at my watch “The place I will be late to if I don’t run downstairs and eat” I ht his eye

“Where’s your ring?”

“It’s ah, on top of the safe I figured you could put it inside”

He stepped forward slowly, the scent of soap andmy senses “And ould I do that?”

“I don’t knowso it doesn’t get stolen?” I srip grabbing my wrist before Iwith my wrist until he finally released me