Gabriel could guess how Tony was ‘persuaded.’ “You motherfucker. He could have hurt her!”
“He was an idiot druggie who only wanted money,” Vicky spat. “When he failed the first time, he kept coming back around, promising he’d take care of her, one way or another. He hasn’t stopped harassing me, and he’s been blowing up my father’s phone all day, messaging him that ‘today was the day,’ and we better have his cash ready.”
Vicky’s words suddenly made the blood freeze in Gabriel’s brain and his lion’s hackles rose. He suddenly remembered his encounter with Temperance’s ex last week and the desperation in the other man’s eyes. “Fuck!”
“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked. “Hey! Where are you—”
Gabriel rushed back out to the patio, his eyes scanning the guests.
He didn’t know why, but he felt … something was wrong. Like he could feel fear and anxiety coming from somewhere, but he couldn’t say where.
Please, oh please, oh please let that feeling be wrong.
His stomach turned to lead as he realized that Temperance was nowhere in sight. The last time he saw her was when she danced with Damon, but he saw his friend was now sitting at the sweethearts’ table with his new wife. “Damn it!”
Panic and terror tore through him. He knew, he just knew she was in trouble. Like he was feeling what she was feeling.
He rounded the castle, heading out to the front. Cars lined the driveway, but there was no one else there. Where could he have taken her?
When the smell of gasoline hit his nose, he let out an enraged roar.
Chapter Twelve
Temperance had been enjoying herself at the reception immensely, much more than she thought she would. While she had been nervous all week about attending the wedding, J.D. and Anna Victoria had helped make her feel welcome into their little group. Of course, spending time with Gabriel and having him assure her of his love and support the whole time had also boosted her confidence. She wanted for him to be proud of her, and also, she thought maybe it was time to stop hiding herself—and her scars. A few people had stared at her cheek and hands, and though it still bothered her, she didn’t feel as self-conscious as before.
And now here she was, dancing with the groom in front of everyone. But she was eager to go back to her mate. As soon as the song ended, Temperance glanced around. “Huh, I don’t see Gabriel.”
“I’m sure he’s around somewhere,” Damon said as he released her hand. “Why don’t I keep you company while you wait for him to come back?”
“Don’t be silly, Damon.” She pointed her chin toward the sweethearts’ table where Anna Victoria was sitting by herself. “Your bride needs you. Now, scoot,” she gave him a gentle push, though he didn’t need any more encouragement to join his mate.
Glancing around her and seeing that Gabriel was still nowhere in sight, she decided to head to the ladies’ room to freshen up. Signs and solar-powered torches had been put up that led to the pool area off to the side of the great lawn, which had been set up to accommodate guests. As she walked the makeshift path, a stiff breeze made her shiver. Rubbing her hands on her arms, she felt something else, and it wasn’t just the crisp spring air.
“Tempe.”
Gooseflesh rose on her skin. “What—mmmph!”
A hand clamped over her mouth as she felt herself hauled against a hard, male chest. “Don’t scream, Tempe.” Tony’s sour breath made her want to gag and she tried to wiggle out of his arms. “Don’t make me use this.”
Something sharp poked at her side. A knife. She immediately stopped struggling.
“That’s it, good girl.”
A muffled whimper tried to escape her mouth, but his grip tightened. “C’mon, Tempe baby. Just relax.” He pushed her through the line of trees at the edge of the lawn, away from sight. When she attempted to drag her feet, he only pressed the knife deeper into her rib, slicing through the delicate fabric of the dress. She winced as she felt the sharp tip draw blood.
Helpless, she allowed him to lead her along the length of the reception area, her heart plummeting with each step as she watched the revelry of the wedding going on, no one the wiser as to what was happening in the shadows. She thought she heard the snap of a twig, but it must have been a small animal.
Finally, they slipped to the side of the castle and to the driveway where all the cars were parked. Tony dragged her along the gravel path to the bottom of the hill where his rusted-out sedan was parked in the middle of the driveway. He pushed her inside the passenger side and slammed the door shut.
Immediately, she went for the handle, but realized it had been sawed off. Frantically, she searched the other doors, hopping over to the back seat, but they too had their handles removed, as well as the locking mechanisms. “Let me out!” she screamed, slamming her palms on the glass.
“You should have just gone with me, Tempe,” Tony said, his voice sounding hollow. “I told you I’d find a way.”
What was he saying? “You can’t kidnap me!” she cried. “Do you think this is going to make me take you back? Make me love you?”
“Hah!” he sneered. “You think I want you back after you fucked that animal? No way. I might get some disease from you.”
“Then what do you want?” she asked. “I don’t have any money.” And there was no way she was going to let him extort money from Gabriel.
“I know that,” he said. “But someone else promised me big bucks to get rid of you.” He scratched at his arms with his dirty fingers. When her
