Natalie's POV
I bit back a smile as Julian's arm tightened around my waist. The plan was working perfectly. His face had twisted with rage when I'd whispered my lie about seeing Violet with a stranger.
"I swear, Julian, I saw her being led away by some woman I didn't recognize," I insisted, injecting fear into my voice. "She looked frightened."
Julian's eyes darkened dangerously. "Which way did they go?"
I pointed vaguely toward the eastern path of Howling Woods Park. "That direction. We should go after them."
I took a deliberate step and then cried out, collapsing against him. Julian caught me instantly, his strong arms wrapping around me.
"What's wrong?" Concern replaced his anger.
I winced dramatically. "My knee—I think I twisted it running after them."
His jaw tightened as he helped me to a nearby bench. I watched conflict play across his handsome face—the desire to hunt for his daughter warring with his instinct to protect me.
