Chapter 3. In the middle of chaos

Without uttering any word, Courtney grasped my hand, hauling me out the door until we scurried outside the house. 

"Hey, Courtney! Where are we going? And... why are we running away?" I questioned, uneasy and baffled as to why we needed to run. 

A sudden blast of gunfire resonated again from our behind, and it was too squawking enough to frighten the entire atom of my being. My apprehension kept revving up the more we ran because the thought of getting shot was just too much for me! I didn't even dare to glance back at the bullets' origin. 

"What is going on?!" I asked again, catching my breath, but he never slowed down or gave me an answer. "Why do you keep ignoring me?! Where are we going? Where do you plan to take me?!"

Despite my numerous questions, he didn't answer any of them. And the only thing I noticed was the annoyance written on his countenance whenever I questioned him. His brows were furrowed deep as if he was aggravated by my constant pestering, which I did just for assurance, but I failed because of his nonsensical silence. And from how he acted, it felt like he had some sort of secret he couldn't convey. 

Soon we reached a giant tree belted by tall shrubbery; he tightened his grip on my hand while leading me under the cover of the trees. I scrutinized the entire surrounding and realized there was no trace of anyone else around except us. However, Courtney kept on looking around cautiously every second as if someone would be coming to catch us off guard, and I gasped upon seeing him holding a gun now. His intimidating aura became even more terrifying.

Is he a criminal? 

"You!" My brows crumpled in confusion with the avalanche of questions in my mind. "Why can't you answer my question? Where do you plan to take me? And... who are those people chasing us? Please, let me know what is going—"

He kissed me! 

I was utterly startled beyond words that all I could muster was a short, stuttered gasp that came right after. That abrupt gesture is enough to make me wordless. Soon as our lips parted, I gazed into his eyes with disbelief, as if he'd done something horrendous. My whole senses thought that was the end, but then a voice of men yelling along with the nonstop, rumbling gunshot continued from a distance, making my apprehension return tenfold.

My attention quickly shifted to Courtney when he whispered, "Kiss me like you mean it."

"W-What?"

"Do it if you don't wanna die, woman."

"Stop calling me that. I have a name." I scolded. "I'm Adeleine."

"Gorgeous name... Adeleine." He smiled, not too wide but enough to impact me internally. I wanted to force him to explain, but the next thing he did drowned me in the profound abyss. 

He kissed me again, making my heart thump aggressively. It was just slow and sensual but addictive I never wanted to stop tasting. 

This is wrong, but why does it feel so damn good? 

The way our lips graze each other's sent sparks through my veins, and it felt electrifying. His right hand was already caressing my face, and mine was wrapped around his neck as if we were a real couple playing inside a romantic movie under the tree. Aside from how amazing his lips were against mine, I could hardly concentrate on anything else. Our kiss became increasingly frenzied and intense. His mouth opened wider to devour mine deeper, and I was completely lost. My breathing sped up, and I was sweating.

I started wondering if I should stop kissing him since I couldn't get enough and run away because everything that kept transpiring now was bizarre. I don't understand what is happening, yet here I am... stuck with his foreign yet tantalizing presence.

*****

One hour passed since we finally fled from the men chasing us, and we were now inside his car, driving away from Los Monterio Subdivision. 

Stupefied. Nervous. Wordless. That's all the sentiments I felt at that moment. All the questions bubbling into me earlier turned into dust, completely confused about whether I should regret asking for his help or be grateful.

While surveying the view outside the window, I heard his phone ring, disrupting the stillness inside the car. He answered it without reluctance.

I immediately got curious despite how I shouldn't want to eavesdrop on a private conversation. Still, he didn't seem to care about it, so I decided to hear their discussion.

"Just cancel the fucking appointment."

"I've more important things to do than that."

"Go and check him. I need you to report back to me ASAP."

"Do not hit me up without any updates."

"Make sure you get the fucking moolah, or I'll make your blood run cold."

The last words he articulated before he ended the call stunned me. Does it mean he will slay the person he's conversing with over the phone if he fails to do his order? 

Shit! Just the thought of that terrified me.

I was brooding briefly, but it stopped when he broke the silence.

"Where do you want to go?" He suddenly asked as nothing terrible had transpired. 

I respired slowly. "Uhmm... thank you for saving me, Courtney. But can you please stop the car?"

"Why?" He tossed me a side glance, confused.

"Just stop the car and let me leave," I said without uncertainty, as if I didn't beg for this opportunity.

"And why do you want me to do that?" He continued driving. 

I'm starting to notice how good he is at changing expression, and he can do that easily without leaving any mark on the previous one.

"You're asking too many questions! Just stop the car, please?"

"You want me to drop you off here? Are you insane? We're in the middle of the bridge, and I can't do that."

"I said, stop the car!"

In hopes of stopping Courtney from driving, I attempted to reach the steering wheel and pull it away from him as he fought with my hand for control of the car. 

"What the fuck is your problem?!" He yelled, and when he had no choice but to halt the car, I threw open the door and got out. 

He followed me after putting the keys in his pocket. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was leaning against the side of the door, overseeing my action. His eyes showed controllable fury but stayed rigid while awaiting my response.

I examined the surroundings and realized there weren't even any cars passing by.

My mind is filled with unfortunate thoughts that are too much to handle. I'm certain my husband is furious now that I'm gone and would never hesitate to kill me once I finally showed up. I'm stuck between staying with this strange man or returning to my usual hell life.

"What's the matter with you?" He strode, then halted before me.

"You're a strange one," I muttered, creasing my brows while staring directly into his eyes. "Yes, you saved me. You helped me but didn't even bother telling me what was happening. The gun... the men chasing after us... and the plan where you plan to take me. You're driving me insane, you know?"

He threw me a stern look. Yet the handsomeness of his features was still evident. "I'll give you an explanation later. Get in the car now. Don't make me do it for you, woman. I swear I'm not gentle."

"Stop calling me "woman." Can you? And please, just leave me here alone. I know I should be thankful… but not anymore."

"And why is that?"

"Because… argh! Just go, leave me alone. Just give me your bank information, and I'll send you the money."

He took a deep breath while placing both hands on both sides of his pocket. "For what?"

"For helping me out."

"I don't buy that. You don't even have anything on you now aside from me.

There was a hint of a slight sneer as he mentioned those words.

"You're too arrogant," I mumbled.

And because of that, I was coerced to run away, but before I could finally take a step forward, a swift force pulled me back by the waistline. That's when I realized there was a car scampering through the intersection. Fortunately, Courtney saved me from being hit.

"Are you fucking crazy?! Don't do that again, Adelaine." His angry eyes bore through every part of me as they locked onto mine. He looked worried, as if I was an important person to him. 

"Now, get in the car."

A flashback of memories with my husband emerged from how he tormented and abused me. And now, my tears descended faster than ever before as my body shuddered uncontrollably. My legs gave up under me, and I collapsed, crying like a child. Every shed tear was a knife slashing through my soul and leaving wounds internally.

His expression softened upon seeing me like this.

"Okay, I'm sorry for yelling. It's just I need you to listen to me now. I need you to stop asking until we reach our destination." He glanced at me with a sincere expression. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just need you to trust me without any protest."

If only he knew what goes on in my mind, he'd realize he's not the reason why I'm crying. Actually, he has been there the whole time in my worst side of life, which makes me emotional. 

"Look, I don't plan to kill you. I'm not gonna hurt you just like your husband did to you," He clarified, making me stop brimming with tears and stand up immediately. "Besides, you're the one who initiated coming with me, remember? You even promised to do anything for me in exchange for letting you hide in my house."

I was wordless upon hearing his words. I'm so stupid not to realize that, and the embarrassment has been burning within me for a while. And I was sure that the redness of my face must've been glaringly evident by this point. "A-Alright, I'm sorry. I was just... taken aback by everything. I panicked, but I didn't mean to be rude to you. I was just shocked by the way you act."

"You mean... were you bothered by a kiss? 'Cause you act like you want more." 

"What the hell?"

The atmosphere between us changed abruptly as he spoke those words. 

He smirked at me mischievously. "Your expression says it all. That was supposed to last in five seconds, but I never thought you to be that aggressive."

"What are you saying?! I didn't mean to kiss you back! I just panicked for no reason because we're in a dangerous situation!"

"Then why so defensive?"

"I'm not, okay? I'm just stating the facts." I tried to stay collected to conceal how his words affected me. 

He shook his head, smiling wryly. "Just get in the car. Come on." He held my hand, but I tried hard to pull away in an inoffensive way by reacting like I was afraid of that gesture.

"I can handle myself. And from now on, do not touch me."

He turned around and placed both hands in his pockets, his teasing smirk still etched. "A simple touch scares you. But a kiss doesn't?"