Chapter Forty-One

Claire The feeling of surprise and fear sucked the voice from her throat, making it hard to breathe. Whoever slung her over their shoulder was most likely male due to the ease and the broadness of his shoulders. When he took the first step, Claire's voice returned, and she screamed at the top of her lungs. Swinging her limbs wildly, she caught the post of Axel's bed with her hand and jerked them both back. "Help!" she screamed, praying Axel could hear her plea, or feel her fear. This bastard was not taking her anywhere. He grunted and jerked Claire until her fingertips slipped from the post, and he hauled her toward the open bedroom window. Fear snaked its claws down her spine, shoving her into survival gear. She kicked and pulled until he struggled to keep her in his arms. The bedroom door swung open in a loud swish, and Axel stood in the door like an Avenger. Claire could hardly see through the darkness of the room, but she knew it was him. She smelled him and felt him