The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

Chapter 43

Nancy's heart pounded as the footsteps grew closer. She had no intention of opening the door, but dying in her new home in the suburbs was not on her to-do list, either. After all, she had gone through hell and high water to escape her life in Cyrus, a small, suffocating town where everyone knew each other's business.

With no time to hesitate, Nancy flung open the door. The moment she did, a figure burst through, enveloping her in a firm embrace. Judson, a man with the arms one would expect to see on a lumberjack, scooped Nancy up and kicked the door shut with a resounding thud.

Suspended in the air, Nancy found herself almost entirely supported by Judson. The back of her head rested against his chest, and she could feel the solid press of his muscles even through his shirt.

Startled, Nancy was about to protest when the footsteps outside made her swallow her words. It felt like an eternity before the footsteps faded. Finally, Nancy and Judson exhaled, and the next moment, Nancy was prying Judson's hands from her waist. "Put me down!"

Judson obliged, setting her gently on the ground. Nancy backed away immediately, creating a safe distance between them.

don't care who you are. Please leave," Nancy said,

the door and peeked outside. Something out there made him spin around to talk to Nancy, but before he could get a word out, she grabbed a vase and whacked it over his head. Quick

eyes widened in shock before he slumped to the ground,

the man lying on her floor, Nancy felt frustrated. She

abroad. Was she that easy a

a clenched fist, Nancy was about to drag

held her breath, listening as the voices moved away, convinced the villa

just leave Judson there, especially not with a head wound.

but notice Judson's striking features. She had seen handsome men before, Cyrus included, but Judson was different-youthful, with flawless features and a lean, muscular build. However, his looks were the least of her concerns. She only