Page 142 of A Dangerous Proposal

Maybe I missed something. There are a few unlabeled boxes back there. Maybe they’re Opal’s.

Stepping carefully over a plastic bin filled with old books, Madison made her way toward the rear wall. Suddenly, the rolling metal door slammed shut behind her with a deafening bang.

Madison froze, heart lurching into her throat as she rushed to the door. Her fingers curled around the cold metal handle, yanking hard.

It didn’t budge.

Panic surged through her veins. She banged on the door with both fists; the sound echoing through the small space. “Hello? Is anyone out there?”

Silence.

She pressed her ear to the door, straining to hear something—anything. But the only sound was her own ragged breathing.

Then she smelled it.

Smoke.

Her chest constricted as the acrid scent filled her nostrils. Turning slowly, she scanned the dark space with horror.

I’m trapped.

A thin tendril of smoke curled under the edge of the door and swirled toward the ceiling.

No, no, no.

Were those voices outside?

“I called the fire department,” she heard a distant voice call out.

Madison screamed and banged on the metal door. “I’m in here! Help me!”

But the voices were already gone. The smell grew stronger, thickening the surrounding air. Her hands shook as she fumbled for her phone, swiping at the screen with trembling fingers.

Alex.

Her thumb hit his number, and the phone rang once, twice…

He picked up on the third ring. “Angel?”

“Alex—” Her voice cracked as she coughed, the smoke irritating her throat. “I’m at the storage unit. The door—It’s locked, and there’s smoke. I can’t get out.” Her voice rose in panic as tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Angel,” Alex snapped. “Where are youexactly?”

“The back of the lot. Unit 47,” she managed, her breath coming in quick gasps. “Alex, it’s filling with smoke?—”

“I’m coming,malyshka.” She could hear the strain in his voice and knew he was trying to stay calm for her. She held onto it like a lifeline. “Stay low and cover your nose and mouth with something and keep talking to me.Do not hang up.”

Madison dropped to her knees, coughing as she pressed the sleeve of her shirt over her mouth. The smoke was growing denser, making her throat raw.

“Alex,” she choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love you. I love you so much. Tell Jax?—”

“Don’t you fucking dare, Angel. I’m coming. You’re going to be fine.” His voice shook, and she heard the roar of an engine in the background. “I’ll be there in three minutes. Don’t you fucking dare leave me here alone. Stay with me.”

Her head felt heavy, her limbs weak. The edges of her vision blurred. She had to get air. Dizzy and disoriented, Madison crawled to where she could see gaps of sunlight coming in from around the edges of the door where it didn’t fit snugly against the wall. Pressing her nose to the space, she hoped it would buy her some time.

“Madison!Angel!” Alex’s voice sounded distant as the darkness rushed in.

Chapter Forty-Three

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