Page 105 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
Immediately, he snatched it up and skimmed his eyes over it. The note was short, the hand rough:We have what you value. Come alone, and bring what is owed.
Cold fury settled over him as he realized that indeed his wife had been kidnapped.
And heaven help the men who had taken his wife.
CHAPTER 24
The air was damp and foul, thick with the stench of ale, smoke, and sweat. It was unbearable.
Somewhere above her, a single candle flickered, casting long shadows over the walls.
Lily had no idea where she was, as she was sitting on the rough floorboards, her back pressed against the cold wall. Shivers wracked her whole body. Her wrists and ankles were tied with a rope, and a gag was stuffed into her mouth.
Every muscle in her body ached from being stuck in the same position for too long.
Loud, boisterous laughter drifted in from behind the heavy door, cruel to her ears. The pounding of boots on the floors of whatever place they had her in and the sound of men in boisterous revelry sent stabs of pain through her head.
Lily was certain there were ten men at least, judging from the voices speaking over each other.
She tried not to but it was hard to put aside fear of what they wanted by capturing her. But then she shut her eyes, trying her best to maintain her composure.
I will not panic. I will not give them that.
She shifted against her bonds, testing them, trying to set herself free. The rope scratched her skin raw, but she refused to give up. She twisted her wrists, feeling for any give. Every time the rope bit into her skin, she bit back the urge to cry out.
Think, Lily. You’ve read of women who survived worse than this. Breathe. Plan. Watch.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and light spilled into the room. She quickly ceased struggling.
She blinked quickly, her eyes adjusting to the light until she noticed the broad-shouldered man standing in the doorway. Behind him, she glimpsed a room full of tables littered with empty bottles, greasy plates, lots of tobacco smoke, and a group of men hunched over their drinks.
The man stepped inside, shutting the door behind him with a loud click.
“Just checkin’ on the Duchess,” he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. His eyes roamed over her in a way that made her skin crawl.
Lily lifted her chin, meeting his gaze without flinching.
He crouched down and reached for her face. The stench of stale beer on his fingers made her turn her head sharply.
“Now, now,” he murmured, catching her jaw in one hand and forcing her to look at him. “Don’t be shy.”
His thumb traced over her cheek slowly, deliberately.
Fear and irritation rose in her chest. But beneath it all was something hotter, sharper, and more dangerous.
When his fingers moved lower, she didn’t hesitate to jerk her head forward and sink her teeth into the heel of his palm. She bit downhard, tasting satisfaction when he yelped.
“You little—!” He yanked his hand back, shaking it violently as if to chase away the pain, before drawing back his other hand in an attempt to strike her.
Lily didn’t look away. Her eyes locked onto his, daring him, every inch of her saying,Do it, and you’ll regret it.
But before the man could hit her, a commotion erupted in the main room.
Loud, angry shouts rang out, followed by the crash of furniture being hurled at the walls and loud curses.
The man instantly turned to the door, his expression tightening further. But before opening the door, he glanced back at her once, and she returned his look with a cold, defiant smile.
Before the man could grab the knob, the door burst open.
