Chapter 31

I sob out a little whimper and pull it back in time, not wanting to let this torrent of pain loose and knowing it will if I stay. I make a move for the door, a foot heading that way fast and brain lagging, but Arrick is swift in counteracting my route, dropping the luggage and catching me face-on as I get to the front entrance.

“Uh, uh! You are coming upstairs, and we’re going to talk this out.” He catches me by the shoulders, gripping tight, and glances over my head to ensure they haven’t seen my attempt at running again. Hooking his arm around me tightly, he guides me in the direction of the stair, and there is nothing I can do about it without drawing their attention to us. He doesn’t bother with the bags, hauls ass, and drags me out of sight as fast as he can, pulling me up the carpeted steps quickly. I struggle in his strong embrace, now he has me in the crook of his arm and pulled against his body, but it’s futile. He’s just pure muscle and a strong build, and I am barel