Duke was already pulling me toward a hidden staircase behind the altar. My father followed closely behind, his expression grim. The steps were steep, spiraling higher and higher, and my wedding dress made it even harder to move.
By the time we reached the rooftop, my legs were burning, my breath coming in shallow gasps. But all of that disappeared when I saw the helicopter.
Its blades were already spinning, slicing through the cold night air. Several of Duke’s men were stationed nearby, their hands resting over their weapons, their gazes sharp as they scanned the perimeter.
Duke wasted no time guiding me toward the open door. "Get in."
I hesitated.
"Britney." His voice was firm. "Now."
I swallowed hard before stepping inside, settling onto the leather seat beside my father. Duke climbed in after me, nodding toward the pilot. Within seconds, the helicopter lifted off, the ground below shrinking as we soared into the sky.
Through the window, I could see the mob gathered outside the church, their voices drowned beneath the roar of the blades. Some were crying. Some were furious. But all of them had one thing in common.
They wanted Duke Trayson to pay for something.