Page 113 of Sapphire

The guard smiles and nods. “You will be free to go as soon as the money has cleared.”

We wait there in silence, no one talking to each other.

“You are free to take her,” the guard finally tells the man, getting off the phone.

“No!” I scream as his large hand comes out and grabs my arm. “No!”

“You’re mine now,” he growls.

I shake my head; I don’t want to go with this man.

The guard goes to touch me, and the man growls at him, “Leave us, I will deal with her in private.”

The guard nods and gives me a smirk as he shuts the door.

“No, please, you don’t have to do these things. Please, no.”

But the man is too strong as he pulls me against him. “Shh, Zoe. I’m here to save you,” he whispers in my ear.

I freeze.

No, this can’t be happening. I can’t dare to think this is real.

“Don’t react, but know it’s going to be okay.”

I can hardly breathe, then I kick him in the shin, and he stumbles back, rubbing his leg.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” I scream at him.

He gives me a smirk. “It’s going to be so great to teach you a fucking lesson.”

Even though I know his words are fake they still scare me.

Another door opens, and a large man stands in the doorway. “Ready to go, boss?”

The man grabs my arm and pulls me through the door. We are outside, and there is a big black SUV waiting for us. I climb in and sit as far away as I can from the man who has bought me. He jumps in and doesn’t say a word. The driver starts the car, and we hurtle down the long driveway.

“Where are we going?”

“Home,” he answers, his eyes looking around everywhere.

“Which one?” I ask. I need to be sure.

“Ours,” two male voices say behind me.

39

ZOE

No—there is no way in hell they are here with me. My eyes don’t believe what I’m seeing behind me.

Tomas and Mateo looking at me, tears in their eyes.

“Oh my god.” I burst out crying, launching myself over the seat and into their arms. “You saved me.”

“We were never giving up on you,” Tomas says, smiling, touching my face.

Mateo has hauled me onto his lap, his strong arms around me. His lips softly touch my neck.

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