Bella's POV
I whipped around to face him, my glare freezing Gideon in his tracks. He'd never seen me like this—wild, dangerous. Like a cornered wolf ready to strike.
While he stood there stunned, I launched myself at him.
By the time his brain caught up, my hands were already locked around his throat.
My knee dug into his chest, pinning him to the ground.
Maybe I moved too fast, or maybe he just couldn't believe sweet little me would fight back—but Gideon just stared up at me in shock, forgetting to struggle. His face turned a lovely shade of red.
Ivy's terrified shriek cut through the air. "Bella, stop! Let him go!"
She grabbed my waist, trying to drag me off with everything she had.
Phoebe and Daisy snapped out of their trance and rushed over—not to help me, but to beg. "My lady, please release Lord Gideon! You'll kill him!"
Daisy even tried prying my fingers loose.
"Back off," I snarled, my voice like ice.
Both maids froze, too scared to move.
