Stealing Beauty (Stolen 1)

“That sounds wonderful. I really could go shopping. I need a new wardrobe.”

“Are the styles different in Colombia?” she asked. Sofia had no idea about the horrors of my past or the fact that Adrián had stolen me from Hugo. Her father, Caesar, kept her mostly sheltered from his violent life. In her mind, she was an ordinary college student. I’d told her I was childhood sweethearts with Adrián, and we’d reconnected when he’d visited Bogotá recently.

She knew Adrián was her father’s boss. Apparently, she was aware that their business wasn’t strictly legal, but she wasn’t involved in the realities of their criminal enterprise.

“I just didn’t bring many clothes with me,” I hedged in response to her question. “I would love to go shopping with you.”

“Great,” she replied with enthusiasm. “Let’s make a plan for Saturday. Does that work for you?”

“I’ll have to talk to Adrián, but that should work. I’ll let you know soon.”

“You have my number, right?”

“Yeah. Your father gave it to Adrián. I’ll call you tomorrow to confirm.”

“Perfect,” she agreed. She stood, taking my cue that it was time for me to go. “I’ll see you soon.”

She held out her arms, and I stepped into them for a quick hug. It felt odd being embraced by Sofia. Almost as though she was my friend.

Warmth glowed at the center of my chest. A whole new world of possibilities was opening up before me. I didn’t have to be isolated anymore. I no longer lived in a gilded cage. There was no need for Adrián to lock me in one, because I chose to be with him.

I said one last goodbye and headed for the exit. One of the men who’d been guarding me stood as well, shadowing me as I stepped out onto the street. Adrián might have gifted me with my freedom, but he wouldn’t leave me unprotected.

“I ordered a car for you,” the man, Tobias, told me. He gestured at the black SUV that waited at the curb.

“Okay,” I accepted easily, not at all concerned that Adrián was being a little high-handed. He just wanted to keep me safe. It didn’t faze me that he’d sent someone to retrieve me and bring me back to him.

Tobias opened the door, ushering me into the car. Suddenly, he crowded me, urging me to slide into the back seat.

My heart leapt into my throat, and I tried to shove Tobias away, frantically thrashing as he shoved me forward.

“Cariña. I’ve missed you.” Hugo’s oily grin made my stomach knot. He waited for me in the car, like a coiled snake ready to strike. His meaty hand fisted in my hair, and I shrieked in pain and panic as he yanked me onto the seat beside him. The door slammed closed behind me, the locks clicking into place. I reached for the handle anyway, desperately tugging at it.

Hugo wrenched my head back, pulling my body tightly against his side. His strong arm closed around my torso, trapping me in place.

“Valentina!” Adrián’s furious snarl filled the car.

I writhed against Hugo’s hold, struggling to get to him. “Adrián,” I cried out, desperate for his protection.

Hugo’s iron arm kept my own pinned to my sides, and his free hand left my hair to clamp down over my nose and mouth. I twisted and screamed, but his fingers bit into my cheeks. I struggled to draw in air, and my eyes watered.

Through my wavering vision, I could make out that a man sat in the front passenger seat. He held a smart phone pointed in our direction. Adrián’s furious face filled the screen. He wasn’t here. I was alone with Hugo.

I tried to wrench my body free from his grip, but I could barely breathe with Hugo’s hand over my face.

“Let her go,” Adrián growled.

“She’s my wife,” Hugo ground out, his grip tightening around me possessively. “Vicente told you what would happen to her if you ever came back for her. I’ve made a deal with him. He’ll let her live, in exchange for your life.”

“My father wouldn’t offer that deal.” Adrián’s angular face was red with fury, but there was nothing he could do to get to me.

My head was beginning to spin from lack of oxygen, the world blurring around the edges.

“Vicente has a new heir,” Hugo sneered. “And you fucked up his business when you agreed to support Duarte over Ronaldo. You tried to get us involved in a war between the Mexican cartels. From now on, Caesar controls your territory. He’s proven far more loyal than you have, Adrián.”

“Caesar knows better than to challenge me,” Adrián seethed.

“Who do you think arranged my travel to America?” Hugo taunted. “Caesar will make everything right with the Mexican cartels again. He’ll restore order and power. Now, if you want Valentina to live, you’ll surrender yourself. Come to Caesar’s house and turn yourself over. Otherwise, things will get very messy for you.” He pressed a wet kiss against my cheek. “I really don’t want to have to kill my wife. I’m very fond of her.” His hand roved higher, cupping my breast and squeezing hard enough to bruise.