Unknown Desires

Amelia's POV

I wasn't sure how long I'd been in the back of this van, only that one moment I was driving home, and the next, my windshield was full of shadowy figures standing in the middle of the empty highway. I'd slammed my foot on the brakes, tires screeching against the pavement, but before I could blink twice, the doors were wrenched open, a hand grabbed me, and a cloth soaked in something sickly sweet was pressed against my mouth.

I tried fighting and kicking him, but felt like I was kicking on stone, tried screaming but my mouth was tied.

Now, bound and blindfolded, my body jerked with every turn the van took. I swallowed back nausea as my stomach twisted, a mix of fear and the aftereffects of whatever drug they'd used on me.

They finally removed the cloth from my mouth.

"Where are you taking me?" My voice was hoarse, my throat was burning.

The men in the van barely acknowledged me, speaking to each other in hushed tones.

I forced myself to breathe, to think. If I panicked, I might think am weak.

I wasn't naive; I knew the world could be cruel. My parents had been murdered when I was a teenager, and my cousin Claire and I had barely escaped with our lives. I had spent the last few years in another state, trying to heal, to move on.

Now, I was finally coming home, to reconcile with my mate.

Ethan Grey.

I had left him behind, left everything behind, because I couldn't handle the weight of it all. But time had passed. I was stronger now. I wanted.. no, needed to see if the bond between us could be repaired.

Except now, I was here. Captured. At the mercy of strangers.

The van came to an abrupt halt, sending me rolling onto my side. Before I could regain my bearings, the back doors slammed open. Hands gripped my arms, dragging me out onto what felt like pavement. The blindfold was ripped away, and harsh lights stung my eyes. I blinked rapidly, my vision adjusting, and when I finally focused....

Move."

The voice was low, cold. No emotion.

I tried to resist, planting my feet, but someone yanked me forward. My body crashed against a solid chest, and I gasped at the impact.

"Don't make this difficult," another voice muttered.

They dragged me forward.

I forgot how to breathe.

A towering figure stood before me.

Then I eyes snapped to the hot dude, he was all sharp angles and raw power, his dark suit fitting him like a second skin.

A silver watch gleamed on his wrist, but my attention snapped to his face, ruthless, cold, with Icy eyes that looked straight through me.

He was looking at me like I was his next problem to solve.

Young Master, we have her."

Young Master!!

My stomach tightened. The title alone sent a chill through me. Whoever he was, he held power, not just ordinary power but a dangerous kind.

"She's the one?" he asked, his voice was deep, velvety menace.

"Yes, sir," one of his men answered. "She matches the description."

That's a mistake.

This had to be a mistake.

"I don't know who you think I am," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "but you've got the wrong person."

Dante stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "I don't make mistakes."

His presence was haunting.

"You do this often?" I challenged. "Kidnap innocent women off the street?"

Something flickered in his eyes.. amusement, perhaps. Or maybe it was the thrill of the hunt.

"Innocent?" He scoffed. "We'll see about that."

He let out a slow exhale, as if this conversation bored him. "Take her downstairs."

He said to his men. Without warning, I was lifted off my feet, thrown over a broad shoulder like I weighed nothing. I thrashed, pounding my fists against my captor's back.

"Put me down!"

My struggles earned me a sharp slap to my thigh. "Behave."

I bit my tongue, my face burning with anger and humiliation.

I was carried through grand double doors into a mansion that reeked of wealth and danger. My heart pounded as I was dropped onto a plush chair in a lavish study.

The cold guy that gave them instructions, maybe he's their boss stood before me, his hands in his pockets.

What's your name, he asked with command.

I didn't plan to answer, but Amelia just slept out of my mouth and he smirked. His charms are just too much to ignore.

"Tell me, Amelia," he said, my name rolling off his tongue like a slow caress. "Why would someone want you dead?"

I froze. Me. Dead?

"I.. I.. I I don't know what you're talking about," I stammered.

His eyes darkened. "Lies."

He moved closer, towering over me, his scent wrapping around me. My throat went dry.

"I don't have time for games," he murmured. "Someone put a target on your back. I want to know why."

"I don't know anything!" I snapped, already frustrated. "I was on my way home to see my mate. I have nothing to do with whatever the hell this is!"

Everywhere went silence.

He tilted his head, studying me. "Mate?"

A muscle in his jaw ticked, but before I could question his reaction, he turned on his heel.

"Lock her up."

Ok, young master, one of the guards replied.

My stomach dropped. "Wait... what!!"

The guards grabbed me again, dragging me toward the hallway.

"c'mon... ok.. ok.. please.. P. L. E. A. S. E!"

"Don't fight," one of the guards muttered.

I thrashed against their grip. "You can't just..."

A hand closed around my jaw, forcing me to look up. The young master's fingers were so strong and his grip weren't soft either.

"You talk too much," he whispered, gaze locked onto mine.

Something cold and electric passed between us. His fingers lingered for a second too long before he let go.

Scream all you want, sweetheart," he murmured, leaning down so close I felt his breath on my skin.

"No one will hear you."

"Then you better be ready," I shot back, my voice was still despite the heavy terror in my chest, "because I don't break easy."

"Take her," he yelled, turning away.

He didn't even look back.

I barely had time to scream before I was dragged into the darkness below.