THE THREE KINGS OF HER PRISON

Maria Vale knew something was wrong the moment she saw the black car. It had been behind her for three streets. At first, she told herself it was nothing. People drove behind other people every day. That was how roads worked. But when she turned left, the car turned left. When she slowed down, it slowed down. And when she suddenly stopped beside a closed bakery, it stopped twenty feet behind her. Maria stared at it through the reflection of the bakery window. “Okay,” she whispered. “That's officially creepy.” She reached into her handbag and wrapped her fingers around her phone. The car didn't move. Maria pulled out her phone and pretended to check a message. Her heart was beating faster now. She should call someone. Before she could unlock her screen, the car door opened. A tall man stepped out. Maria immediately turned and walked away. Fast. Her heels clicked against the pavement. She didn't look back. She heard footsteps behind her. “Maria.” She froze. Nobody called her name. She turned slowly. The man was standing several feet away. He was dressed in black, his face expressionless. “How do you know my name?” “Come with me.” Maria gave a nervous laugh. “That's your opening line? Seriously?” The man didn't smile. “I wasn't joking.” Maria turned around and started running. She made it three steps. An arm wrapped around her waist. She screamed. A hand covered her mouth. Her phone fell onto the pavement. “Don't fight.” Maria kicked violently. The man cursed. She bit his hand. Hard. He released her for half a second. Maria ran. She didn't get far. Another man stepped out from behind the car and grabbed her. “Let me go!” She screamed and struggled. Nobody came. The street was almost empty. A cloth was pressed over her mouth. The world began spinning. The last thing Maria heard was the first man's voice. “Take her to the estate.” Then everything went black. --- When Maria opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed was the ceiling. White. Too white. The second thing she noticed was the silence. She sat up quickly. Her head throbbed. “Where am I?” She looked around. The room was enormous. A large bed. Dark curtains. A fireplace. A beautiful carpet. And no door she could immediately see. Maria jumped out of bed. “Hello?” Nothing. She rushed toward the windows. Locked. She tried the handle again. Nothing. “Great.” She stepped backward. “Kidnapped into a luxury hotel. Very classy.” The door opened. Maria spun around. A man walked in. He was tall, broad-shouldered and dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit. His face was cold. Not angry. Not confused. Cold. He looked at Maria like she was something he had been waiting for. “Who are you?” He closed the door behind him. “Adrian Blackwood.” Maria stared at him. “The Adrian Blackwood?” “Yes.” Her stomach dropped. Everyone knew the Blackwoods. Their family owned hotels, banks, security companies and half the businesses wealthy people whispered about. Maria took a step back. “Why am I here?” Adrian's expression didn't change. “Because of your father.” “My father?” “Yes.” “My father is dead.” “No.” Maria's breath caught. Adrian walked closer. “Your father is alive.” She shook her head. “That's impossible.” “You were told he died eleven years ago.” “You're lying.” “I don't need to.” The door opened again. Another man entered. This one looked nothing like Adrian. He had messy dark hair, a crooked smile and eyes that seemed almost amused by everything. He leaned against the door. “So this is Maria.” Adrian glanced at him. “Roman.” “What?” Roman shrugged. “I was expecting someone scarier.” Maria glared at him. “I'm standing right here.” Roman smiled. “I noticed.” “Then stop talking about me like I'm furniture.” His smile widened. “I like her.” “I don't care,” Adrian said. Roman laughed. A third man entered. Unlike the other two, he said nothing. He simply looked at Maria. His eyes were sharp and unreadable. “Lucien,” Adrian said. Lucien gave Maria a small nod. Maria looked from one brother to another. Three men. Three Blackwoods. And somehow, she knew they were all dangerous. “What do you want from me?” Adrian's voice remained calm. “Something your father stole.” “I don't know what you're talking about.” “You will.” Maria shook her head. “My father didn't steal anything from you.” Adrian's jaw tightened. “He betrayed my family.” “Then take it up with him.” “We would.” Adrian stepped closer. “But he disappeared before we could.” Maria's heart hammered. “What does that have to do with me?” Roman's smile disappeared. “Everything.” Maria looked at him. He continued. “Your father left something behind.” “What?” Adrian answered. “You.” Silence filled the room. Maria stared at him. “That makes no sense.” “It will.” “I want to go home.” Adrian looked directly into her eyes. “You're not going home.” Maria's anger exploded. “You kidnapped me!” “Yes.” “You drugged me!” “Yes.” “You're admitting it?” Roman raised a hand. “For the record, I wasn't involved in the drugging part.” Maria looked at him. “Congratulations. Would you like a medal?” Roman almost smiled. Adrian ignored them both. “You will remain here until we find what your father took.” Maria's voice shook. “And if I refuse?” Adrian's expression hardened. “Then you'll remain here longer.” Maria looked toward the window. She suddenly understood. This wasn't a threat. It was a sentence. She was their prisoner. But there was something Adrian hadn't considered. Maria Vale had never been good at obeying people. She looked back at the three brothers. “Then I guess you made one mistake.” Adrian raised an eyebrow. “What mistake?” Maria smiled despite the fear crawling through her chest. “You kidnapped the wrong woman.” Roman laughed. Lucien's eyes narrowed. But Adrian simply stared at her. For the first time, something almost like amusement appeared in his eyes. “We'll see.” He turned toward the door. Maria watched him leave. Then Roman followed, but not before looking back at her. “Good luck, Maria.” “With what?” His smile returned. “Surviving us.” The door closed. Maria stood alone. Then she heard the unmistakable sound of a lock turning. Click. She stared at the door. Her smile disappeared. Somewhere outside, three men held the keys to her freedom. And Maria had a terrible feeling that none of them intended to give them back.