Chapter Two

“Who might this beauty be?.” Mr Agabus asked Luke as his eyes ran over my whole body while he licked his lower lips.

I shiver in disgust as I try to hide behind Luke who was holding me firmly.

“Behave!”. Luke whispered into my ears as he tightened his hold on me.

As Mr. Abagus’ eyes raked over me, I couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that washed over me like a tidal wave. His gaze was predatory, lingering on every curve of my body in a way that made my skin crawl. Suddenly, I regretted my choice of attire, the form-fitting bodycon dress that had seemed so appropriate earlier now feeling like a glaring invitation for his lecherous stares.

But I had to play it cool. After all, Mr. Abagus was Luke's special client, and it was crucial to maintain a facade of professionalism, no matter how uncomfortable the situation became.

"I am Lily, Luke’s fiancée," I replied, forcing a smile as I extended my hand for him to shake. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Abagus."

His response sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, trust me, the pleasure is all mine," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity as he took my hand in his. I had expected him to release it after the customary handshake, but instead, he held on, his grip tightening until it became almost painful.

I resisted the urge to pull away immediately, not wanting to cause a scene in front of Luke's client. But as the seconds stretched into minutes and Mr. Abagus showed no sign of letting go, my discomfort grew exponentially.

I stole a glance at Luke, hoping for some sign of recognition or intervention, but he seemed oblivious to my distress, his attention fully focused on the conversation at hand. Anger and disappointment churned within me as I realized that I was on my own in this uncomfortable situation, with no one to come to my rescue.

Taking a deep breath, I summoned every ounce of courage I had and forcibly pulled my hand out of Mr. Abagus's grasp, the action more abrupt than I had intended. I kept my hands firmly at my sides, resisting the urge to rub away the lingering sensation of his touch.

Mr. Abagus's eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips, before he turned his attention back to Luke. My cheeks burned with humiliation as I silently cursed myself for not speaking up sooner, for allowing myself to be subjected to such blatant disrespect.

As the meeting dragged on, the minutes ticking by agonizingly slowly, I found myself growing increasingly restless. Every word that passed between Luke and Mr. Abagus felt like a dagger to my heart, a reminder of my own powerlessness in this world of men and their deals.

After what felt like an eternity of uncomfortable small talk and forced smiles, Luke finally excused himself from the table, leaving me alone with Mr. Abagus. As soon as Luke disappeared into the crowd, Mr. Abagus's demeanor seemed to change, his eyes taking on a predatory gleam that sent shivers down my spine.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as Mr. Abagus stood up and made his way to the bar, disappearing into the dimly lit cellar to mix cocktails. My mind raced with a thousand different scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last. What did he want from me? And more importantly, how was I going to get out of this situation unscathed?

My thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Abagus returned to the table, two glasses in hand. He set one down in front of me with a sickeningly sweet smile, his gaze lingering on me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"Here, have a drink," he said, his voice smooth as silk as he motioned for me to take the glass. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to refuse, to get up and run as far away from this man as possible. But Luke's words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of my role as his fiancée, his partner in both business and life.

With a heavy heart, I reached out and accepted the glass, my fingers trembling slightly as they closed around the stem. "Thank you," I murmured, my voice tight with apprehension, as I lifted the glass to my lips and took a hesitant sip.

The liquid burned as it slid down my throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste that made my stomach churn. I forced myself to take another sip, desperate to appear composed and unaffected by Mr. Abagus's presence. But with each passing moment, the weight of his gaze grew heavier, suffocating me with its intensity.

I stole a glance around the room, searching for any sign of Luke's return, but he was nowhere to be found. Panic began to bubble up inside me, threatening to overwhelm my carefully constructed facade of calm.

"Is everything all right, my dear?" Mr. Abagus asked, his voice dripping with false concern as he leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. I recoiled instinctively, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to maintain my composure.

"Yes, everything's fine," I replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Just waiting for Luke to come back."

Mr. Abagus's smile widened, revealing a row of yellowed teeth that sent a shiver down my spine. "Ah yes, dear Luke," he said, his voice taking on a sinister edge. "Such a lucky man to have a woman like you by his side."

I stiffened at his words, a chill creeping down my spine at the implication behind them. It was as if Mr. Abagus knew something I didn't, something that made my blood run cold.

“Thank you!”. I said to him in a tight voice as I took a sip from the drink.

“No need to thank me. Anyway, nope that we are alone, why don’t we get to know each other? After all, we are about to become partners.” Mr Abagus suggested. I feel like there is an underlining to his suggestion but I couldn’t point it out. Nevertheless, I still cussed Luke in my mind for leaving me in such an uncomfortable position.

“There is not much to know about me.” I answered, trying to sound as polite as I could.

“O come on. A beautiful lady like you must have many wonderful things to share!.” Mr Abagus said, rolling his palm together as he licked his lips.

Okay so now I am getting freaked out. I took another sip from my drink before I got up. I decided to go and wait for Luke outside because I can’t stand this creepy anymore.

“Excuse me!”. I said to him, Immediately I tried to walk, I immediately felt dizzy. I placed my hands on my forehead and tried to stabilize myself.

“Do you need any help?”. Mr Abagus asked.

“No thanks, I can manage..” I answered. I try to force myself to walk. Just as I successfully managed to make it to the door, I felt a hand pull me back.

“Not so fast, why don’t you stay so that we can get to know each other better?.” Mr Abagus stated.

“Not interested.” I answered as I tried to pull myself away from him..

“O please, stop struggling. I promise you will enjoy it.” Mr Abagus declared and pulled me closer to him. It was at that moment that I realized that I have been drugged.

I need to get away from here fast before the drug fully kicks in. With the little strength I still have in me, I turned to face Mr Abagus and gave him a punch in the eye.

He screamed and let go of me. Without wasting anything, I flew from the booth. I started running but I couldn’t see where I'm going clearly because my eyes were sluttering and my legs were starting to give up.

I heard Mr Abagus' angry voice from behind and I decided to hide. I entered the booth in front of me and collided with a solid wall.

Before I could fall to the ground, two strong hands grabbed me and prevented me from falling. That’s strange. I am sure walls don’t have hands.

I looked up and behold I am in the arms of a man. Although I couldn’t see his features clearly, I am sure that it’s not Mr Abagus..

“Hey Miss, are you okay?.” I was concerned.

I struggled to form words in my mouth as I felt myself slipy out of consciousness.

“H-Help me!. I managed to utter before I went limp in his hands.