Chapter 4: Run, Bleed, or Belong

A month later, we set off back to the estate. On the way, we were ambushed.

The convoy snaked along a deserted stretch of highway, the sun setting behind us. I was half-asleep when the first shots rang out. The guards shouted, tires screeched, and everything descended into chaos.

Because we were transporting prisoners, he ordered his guards to shield them in case someone tried to silence them. There were a lot of attackers, all in black, masked. Their targets were both the prisoners and Julian.

The gunfire was deafening, echoing off the trees. I ducked behind a seat, heart pounding. Julian barked orders, calm as ever, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife.

I fingered the bracelets on my wrist—all high quality: two diamond, two gold, plus my necklace. Even if I sold them cheap, I could get at least ten thousand dollars. My car was right next to the woods. If I slipped away unnoticed, rolled down the slope, and hid deep in the forest until everyone left, I could escape for good.

My mind raced, calculating every possibility. Freedom was right there, just a few steps away. I could almost taste it—fresh air, no more guards, no more Julian.

Now was the perfect chance. No one would pay attention to a woman dressed as a valet.

I held my breath, waiting for the right moment. The noise outside covered my movements. My heart hammered in my chest.

Julian was surrounded by several attackers. They were clearly no match for him, but he was too busy to notice me.

He moved like a force of nature—every motion precise, deadly. The attackers fell back, but more kept coming. I knew he’d survive, but I wasn’t sure I would.

Opportunities like this didn’t last long. My heart pounded. I hurried out of the car, about to run, when I heard Julian shout, “Get back in the car!”

His voice was sharp, slicing through the chaos. I froze, caught in his gaze. For a moment, it felt like time stopped.

I stared at him, stunned. Even in the chaos, he’d found time to watch me. He’d seen right through my intentions. Those deep eyes reminded me of the day my aunt tried to escape and he shot her dead.

My legs felt like jelly. I remembered the look in his eyes that day—cold, unforgiving. I knew better than to test him twice.

I didn’t dare run into the woods. I grabbed a knife, ready to help him.

It was a kitchen knife, dull and small, but it was all I had. I gripped it tight, praying I wouldn’t have to use it.

An attacker nearby tried to grab me. Julian cut down the attackers around him in a few swift moves, then plunged his knife into the one charging at me.

Blood sprayed across my shirt. I stumbled back, breath coming in short gasps. Julian didn’t even look at me—just kept fighting.

I ran to his side, worried. “Julian, I was so scared for you.”

My voice shook, but I meant it. For all his cruelty, he was still the only thing standing between me and the world outside.

Suddenly, a crossbow bolt flew at us. I instinctively dodged, but misjudged the angle—it pierced my shoulder, pinning me right in front of Julian.

The pain was white-hot, blinding. I screamed, collapsing to my knees. Julian caught me before I hit the ground, his hands surprisingly gentle.

Agonizing pain shot through me. His guards finally formed a wall in front of us, blocking the hail of bolts. As I slipped into unconsciousness, I saw his deep eyes fixed on me—like a wolf circling tighter and tighter, leaving me frozen in fear…

His face was the last thing I saw, fierce and unyielding. Even as darkness swallowed me, I knew I’d never escape him—not in this life, maybe not in the next.