All Chapters of Claiming Brielle: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

[Leo’s POV]I sit at my desk, my chin resting in my clasped hand, as I wait for my men to report back. When I left this morning, I wasn’t expecting to get a call from my guard telling me that my songbird rushed out. Nor was I expecting the blue-haired bastard to not show up to finish the final details of his transfer, and despite telling myself that my songbird would never betray me, I knew that they were together.That was why I sent my men who were following the blue-haired bastard in to attempt to kill him, but he was slicker than I thought and ended taking out more than a few. And after that, not only he, but even my songbird got away.“Dammit,” I growl now, staring at my blank phone on the desk. “What the hell are these people doing?”Of course, I could have gone and taken care of things myself, but if there was the slightest chance that we may be spotted, my image would be ruined.Image.My image.My fucking image was the reason that things were getting too fucking messy. Why th

[Thad’s POV]I stare at Brielle, shock rushing through me over what she has just told me. Was this the same woman who was denying such things not too long ago? Wow, she really was changing.“Then this is a good thing.” I say slowly, though I know that won’t be enough to make her feel better. “Even if it feels like the end of the world, you will see.”“Yeah,” she whispers, curling up against me, clearly looking for the warmth and presence of another. “I guess I will.”Nodding, I remain silent as Brielle all but clings to me. I guess this was a start, but I knew from experience that she had a long way to go with the healing process and I would be here with her every step of the way. Not because I was an astounding guy or anything; I had my own selfish reasons and hoped that maybe one day she would turn and look at me.Remaining silent, I listen to the sounds of Brielle’s shuddery breaths and feel the way her body shakes. And even though the food that I offered her was growing cold, I do

[Thad’s POV]I hang up my phone and know right then and there that it's time to go, but hopefully this would keep the crazy bastard distracted while we escaped. Throwing it on the ground and stomping it, I turn and head out of the kitchen to find Darlene and Steven waiting with their luggage.“Is it that time?” Darlene asks, eyeing me.“Yep,” I announce, making my way to the room where Brielle is waiting. “I can only hope that she’s able to do it.”Darlene doesn’t respond to what I’ve said, but she doesn’t need to. We both knew how hard this was going to be, but I could only hope that Brielle cared about her own well-being.“Thad,” she gasps when I step into the room and find her in a pair of pants and bra, her back turned to me as she works to put on a sweater. “Why are you…”“What is that?” I hiss, taking in a long scar on her back. “What the hell happened?”Before I can stop myself, I’m moving, rushing forward, and grabbing her shoulders so that I can get a good look.“How did you

[Brielle’s POV]I walk down a busy street that is surrounded by stands filled with all types of things. There is the woman who runs a bakery just down the street selling her latest creations. A fisherman offering the freshest of catches. A woman and her small child are selling stained glass ornaments for your home. And even a butcher selling sizzling fresh meat.It’s a peaceful sight that blends in with the buildings sitting on either side of the street and the sparkling ocean just in the distance.This is the place that I’m slowly getting used to, the people that I’m slowly becoming acquainted with, and the life that I’m now leading after running away from the one I had in the past. And although I know that I should be at ease, that I shouldn’t hold the slightest bit of fear over being found since I changed my name and our tracks were hidden perfectly, there are still moments that I feel like the one I ran from is here watching me, following me, and just waiting to attack and drag me

[Thad’s POV]I stare at Darlene as she takes me in with a look that screams she doesn’t quite believe me. It’s annoying as hell, and part of me just wants to tell her to fuck off, but I don’t bother doing it; instead, I turn and knock on the door and then wait as I hear someone moving around inside, and when it opens and Brielle’s puffy gaze meets mine, I’m moving.“Delivery,” I announce, ignoring the gaze that is burning into my back. “I’m sure that you’re probably starving, so I’ve brought you some food out of the kindness of my heart.”As I speak, I can hear Darlene’s laughter from the hall beyond, but I don’t turn around. I simply place the tray I’m holding on the bedside table, then straighten myself out.“Come on,” I say, peeking over my shoulder at Brielle. “Shut that door and come eat.”“Oh, okay.” She says quietly while doing exactly what it is that I’ve said. “Sorry, I’m just a...”“What have I told you about apologizing all the time?” I ask, narrowing my gaze on her. “Stop