It happened fast.
Too fast.
One second, she was moving through the woods, silent, careful, breath measured.
The next—
A shadow slammed into her from behind, knocking her to the ground, stealing the air from her lungs.
Bella gasped, twisting, fighting, thrashing, but it was useless.
Because he was stronger.
Because he was faster.
Because he was Dante fucking Rodrigo.
His weight pressed her into the dirt, his body locking her in place, his breath hot against the shell of her ear.
"I gave you a chance, Bella."
His voice was low, rough, edged with something sharp.
"You should have stayed."
Bella snarled, struggling beneath him.
"Let me go."
Dante's laugh was dark, humorless.
"Not this time."
His hands gripped her wrists, his fingers curling against her skin like steel.
"You left me once, Bella."
His lips brushed her throat, his teeth scraping against the sensitive skin.
"I am never letting you do it again."
Bella shuddered.
Because he meant it.
Because there was no escape now.
And worse?
Because some part of her didn't want to escape at all.