She took her time with her hair and makeup, wanting to see satisfaction in Nick’s eyes when she came into the room. Lastly, she slipped on the silver heels she’d found with the dress. After a last glance in the mirror, she returned to Nick.

She wasn’t disappointed in his reaction. A low growl escaped his throat before he pulled her to him and devoured her mouth, his hands sliding down her back as he tugged her close, showing her the evidence of his excitement.

When he pulled back, she was breathless, and thinking twice about going anywhere.

“Maybe we should just stay in,” she suggested.

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t tempt me, woman. You look good enough to eat, and I’m already having a tough time figuring out how to show you off. I don’t want anyone other than me looking at you.”

His words made her feel warm all over. She leaned in and kissed him softly, thanking him. Then she willingly followed him to his old truck and took a seat.

They were late to arrive at the party, and immediately several men came up and grabbed his attention. While he was laughing at something one of the men said to him, Chloe smiled. Her heart was thundering. She was almost in shock as she gazed at Nick, the man who had changed her thinking, changed many views she’d had her entire life. She felt the color drain from her cheeks as she realized she was hopelessly in love with him.

She’d often wondered if she would ever know what it felt like to truly love another. She hadn’t been taught the meaning of the word love, so how could she feel that emotion toward another person? But as she gazed at Nick, she knew beyond a doubt that she did indeed love him.

It was odd. In the movies, love was portrayed as this epic adventure that was so obvious it smacked you in the face. In reality, it snuck up on you. One moment you were living your life as best as you could, the next you were gazing at a face you’d looked at many times, but the feeling was different. It was as if he was the reason you were standing there, he was the reason your heart even beat.

It hadn’t happened in an instant, she realized. It had taken time. It was little things that had slowly begun to add up―the way he smiled, the way he kissed her, teased her, made love to her. The way he wouldn’t let her retreat or walk away from him. He was strong and self-assured, but he was also kind and compassionate. And she’d fallen for him. The thought was as terrifying as it was joyful.

A part of her was scared, but another part was hopeful. He wanted her. She knew that for sure. But did he want her for now, or forever? That was the question she didn’t know the answer to. That was what she was afraid to know.

They did work well together, and they certainly were compatible in the bedroom, but up until maybe two weeks before, she’d thought he was her enemy. Her father had told her Nick was evil. Would Nick be willing to forgive all of that? To not see it as a betrayal?

Chloe left Nick to chat with his friends while she made her way to the bar and ordered a glass of wine. She didn’t know any of the people at the party, but she was okay with being alone. She didn’t need to have constant attention to feel good. Sometimes she preferred to stand back and watch how people moved, how they interacted.

She looked over at Nick again, and he laughed before looking up. His gaze found hers and he smiled. She was filled with joy. He stared at her for several moments before his friend regained his attention, and he went back to chatting.

Chloe beamed, feeling warm and secure.

“That’s not exactly the expression I expect you to be wearing while looking at that man.”

The curt words sent a chill through Chloe’s body, and definitely wiped the smile from her face. Her infatuation with Nick had caused her to relax, to not be on guard. She hadn’t even realized it until this very moment, but she was always looking around her, always aware of who was nearby.

It had been a lesson taught to her at a young age. She never wanted to be surprised. Being unprepared usually brought terror and pain. There wasn’t a shiny gift at the end of an adventure, there was disaster. With stiff muscles, Chloe turned to find her father looking down at her disapprovingly.

It took everything inside her not to tremble in fear, but she placed a polite mask on her face before speaking to him.

“I didn’t know you would be here,” she said, her voice tight no matter how she tried to change it.

“You are the one not supposed to be here. I was personally invited,” he informed her. “I’ve also noticed you haven’t been checking in with me. I would have thought by now you’d have found information to help your brother,” he spat cruelly. “But it seems you’d much rather be flirting with the enemy than taking him down. I know I raised you better than that, but I should have learned by now to expect to be disappointed in you.”

Chloe was trembling as he finished speaking. She was afraid of falling apart in a room filled with people. She didn’t want that to happen, didn’t want to be afraid of this man who had terrorized her all her life.

“I’m not doing this,” she said as she turned and walked away. She was scared but also filled with a sense of relief at being able to defy the man and have him unable to do a single thing about it. He couldn’t take a swing at her in a crowded room because then the world would truly know what a monster he was.

Chloe didn’t get far before she felt biting fingers on her arm. She was dragged through a door before she knew what was happening―before she was able to cry out. Not that she would have done that, she realized as her father shut them in a small, dark room where no one would see what was happening.