Lock You In My Heart

Bain didn’t actually care how much Lance defended Gabrielle. He didn’t care about either of them, period.

Gabrielle was Lance’s cousin, not his. That was why Bain didn’t concern himself about matters that involved her. Whether she lived or died, it was none of his business. What mattered to him were the lives of his people in the village.

“The Campbell Family’s people are spread all over the world. We don’t need to go to Italy for the sole purpose of knowing them, and I’ve heard that Miss Campbell’s husband is from Antawood. His information has been almost completely expunged. But yes, he is indeed the future leader of the Campbell Family,” Bain explained to Lance. His gaze was intense and calculating, never missing anything.

Miss Campbell ended up marrying a man from Antawood. He was simply incredible. What he did was honestly quite a feat.

Bain steepled his fingers in front of him and rested his chin on top. He was thinking of something. Since Lance was also from Antawood, he might have some vital information what the Campbell Family wanted.

Of course, Bain knew it wasn’t that simple. There was more to this than meets the eye.

“Gabrielle has nothing to do with it, Bain. I can guarantee that. She doesn’t know anyone from the Campbell Family; she even has no idea that they exist. We’re ordinary people and regular citizens of Antawood—we don’t have the title nor the power to meet them. We just came here to see Bryce. The moment he wakes up, we’ll go back. We won’t cause you or your people any trouble,” Lance said, holding out his hands to show that they had nothing but good intentions. Lance knew Gabrielle was dying to go home.

Bain was suspicious by nature; that was how he and his people managed to survive. He was sharp and he noticed even the smallest things. He didn’t trust outsiders—at least, not easily. Those who were allowed to enter the forest were either his friends or outlaws. They were of the same kind, more or less, which made Bain put his complete trust in them.

As for someone like Lance, who was neither his friend nor someone running away from authorities, he wouldn’t have any connection to Bain if they didn’t do business with each other.

Even though their interests aligned, Bain still refused to believe everything Lance said. Bain didn’t trust the other man one hundred percent. He had some lingering doubts.

Bain gazed at him steadily and impassively. He leaned back against the chair and crossed his legs, quietly regarding Lance for a few beats. “Forget it, then. It’s true that I’ve sabotaged the business and other ventures of the Campbell Family, but it’s not without reason. Their people also hurt my men and destroyed our businesses. They will have to pay. If any of their people ever make the mistake of trespassing on the forest, I won’t treat them nicely. Just so you know.”

the weather. He exuded callousness and ruthlessness. In that moment, it was

to for his people.

her about it.” Lance stood up and was about to leave. Their conversation was going nowhere,

What I said is true. We cannot afford to have any member of the Campbell Family in the forest. They crossed the line when they wounded my men. My people won’t be so forgiving, which

“I understand, Bain.”

sooner. It’s dangerous for you to stay here.” Bain dismissed Lance. He already said everything he wanted.

forest was Bain’s territory. He took care of everyone living here and considered them as family. He would certainly never treat outsiders the same way. His generosity had a limit. If it wasn’t for the fact that Lance could bring him some favors, Bain would have never let him in—not a

Bain welcomed Lance and his companion was for money. Bain

to admit that it was just too dear a price. Bain prided himself for being level-headed; that was how he took

back earlier, especially Gabrielle. I’ll leave you to your business now.” Lance left the red

head as he

lived, he went straight to the hospital to check on Bryce.

said, Bryce could wake up in two days. Lance trusted the doctor. He was competent and, quite possibly, a genius too. As long as he promised to treat someone, he would do everything he could to

it wasn’t just him. There were also Gabrielle and Bryce, and Bryce would still be weak when he woke up. Lance had to take so many

If anyone here had some sort of connection with the Campbell

sending her away. Was that proof that

he might not be able to take her away. He ran

that it would be safe to take Gabrielle to the forest. Now, Lance realized that he only ended up leading her into this horrible trap.

was now looking after two people who expected him to take them out