Chapter 2 - A Second Attempt

As Talana drove from the club, her mind was a whirlwind, spinning with unanswered questions.

“Who was Max?” she muttered under her breath, “Why does he care so much about me? Why... why does he call me Angel? He doesn’t even know me.”

As the evenings events played in her head, her heart thudded. The way Max’s steady eyes locked on hers, how he’d stepped in when no one else did, his calm voice cutting through the chaos. The warm, almost otherworldly sense of safety he’d radiated. It was unnerving—and comforting all at once. The way he touched her. The effects of the kiss they shared. The way he had spoken to her, his voice both a soothing balm and a searing flame. The way he’d kissed her.

Thinking of the intimate moments between them sent a warm side inside of her, but then the bathroom incident darkened her thoughts. The rough hand grabbed her arm. The sinister smirk of the stranger as he cornered her. The way he came at her and the names he called her made her shiver,

“Why me?” she whispered, blinking back sudden tears. “Why was I the target?”

She shook her head, trying to shake out the memory. Pulling up into the runway, she killed the engine, letting the silence of the night engulf her.

As she climbed out of the car, her stomach twisted, and the fear that someone was there unnerved her.

Talana froze, her pulse skyrocketed as her eyes darted around the driveway, scanning every shadow.

“No,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “No, it can’t be—”

The bushes near her porch rustled, and she instinctively stepped back, panicking she called out, “Who’s there?” her voice was breaking. The incident at the bar came flooding back.

A low chuckle floated from the shadows, making her blood run cold. “Miss me, bitch?” The voice was dark, taunting, the familiarity voice and the wreak from the bar churned her stomach. That voice - she would never forget that voice.

Her throat tightened. “Stay away from me!” she shouted, but her voice betrayed her fear.

The man stepped into the faint light from her porch. His face was obscured, but she didn’t need to see it. She knew it was him. There was no mistaking it. He took a slow step forward, his movements deliberate.

“Why so scared?” he asked, his tone dripping with mock malice. “I didn't get to finish what I started. Now I get to take what I want!"

Talana backed away. As she tried to scream, he lunged at her, pushing her flat to the ground.

“No!” she screamed, trying to twist out of his grasp. Her trembling fingers clawed at the ground beneath her.

The man laughed again, his predatory grin gutteral and filled with malice as he leaned over her. “Scream all you like you're parents aren't home and neighbours are a bit far to hear. You’re quick, I’ll give you that,” he sneered, taking another step toward her. “But not quick enough. You will be mine."

He kicked in the sides as he towered above her, undoing his belt and zip.

Talana’s eyes darted around, looking for the nearest escape.

As if summoned by her silent prayers, headlights appeared at the end of the street, cutting through the darkness. The sudden light seemed to startle her, causing him to hesitate long enough for Talana to bolt towards her car.

The car screeched into her driveway, coming to a sudden stop. The door swung open, and Max stepped out, his face a mixture of fury and determination.

“Son of a bitch! You again! Get the fuck away from her,” Max growled, his voice low and commanding.

"This doesn't concern you," he snarled.

"Oh it concerns me, touch her again and you will regret the day you were born!" his voice was like ice, cold and frozen. "You don't want to know what happens if you try it again!" he threatened.

"You think you can scare me?" he sneered.

"I'm not into scare tactics. I will break you!" Massimo's voice dropping deathly low.

The assailants' confidence faltered for the first time. “This isn’t over,” he spat before retreating into the shadows.

Talana collapsed on the floor next to her car, Max rushed to her side. “Talana, are you hurt? Did he—?” His voice laced with worry.

Unable to speak, tears streamed down her face. Max knelt beside her, his hands hovering uncertainly before finally resting on her shoulders. “You’re safe now,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the tension in his jaw. “I’ve got you, Angel. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Noticing red marks on her, Max carried her to the car, I'm taking you to the hospital for a check up," he insisted.

"Max, I..." he cut her off quickly.

"No arguments, angel," he responded.

Talana buried her face into the warmth of his chest. She couldn't help but cling to him, feeling the deep sense of security.

As they drove, Talana's phone rang. It was Gianna, her best friend. Exhausted, Max took the phone. Meet us at the hospital.

As they drove, Talana asked, "Max, why are you helping me?"

"All will be revealed very soon, angel," he responded.

"Max?" she asked again.

"Yes, angel," he glanced at her.

"Why do you keep calling me angel?" she asked, searching his face for any expression.

"Because that is what you are. An angel, who doesn't even know how bright she shines. How much better she makes someone's day," he smiled gently at her, his facial expression changing to that of tenderness, compassion, and admiration.

"I care deeply for you angel, more than I wish to admit," he thought to himself.

The next five minutes of the drive to the hospital were silent. "I'll find you!" he vowed to himself.

As they reached the hospital, Talana said to him, "Max, that man's voice, it's very familiar. I'm not sure why, though, but I do vow revenge."

"We'll get him together, angel." he promises aloud.

Massimo noticed the intense look Talana gave him. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to forget that we're in the parking lot of the hospital." His voice dropped lower, more huskier.

His control was hanging by a thread. "Damn it, angel," he whispered as he bent his head, foreheads touching, "you have no idea what this is doing to me." He was fighting a war within himself to control his urge to take her then and there.

"Then show me," she responded as she swallowed hard.

"No, not yet," he calmed the storm within. "You need to see the doctor."