Chapter 3. In the middle of chaos

Without saying a word, Courtney grabbed my hand, dragging me outside the house in a rush.

"Courtney! Where are we going? And why are we running?" I asked, my voice trembling with confusion and fear.

A gunshot rang out behind us, loud enough to shake me to my core. My heart pounded in terror with every step, my mind racing with the thought of being hit. I didn't dare look back.

"What is happening?!" I demanded again, breathless, but he kept running, ignoring me. "Why won't you answer me? Where are you taking me?!"

He stayed silent, his face showing apparent frustration at my questions. His furrowed brows told me how annoyed he was by my persistence, as if there was something he couldn't or wouldn't explain. It felt like he was hiding something important.

We finally reached a large tree surrounded by thick bushes. He tightened his grip on my hand, pulling me under the cover of the branches. I scanned the area, realizing we were alone, but Courtney was still glancing around, alert, as though someone might ambush us at any moment. That's when I noticed the gun in his hand. His presence became even more menacing.

Is he a criminal?

"You!" I shouted, my brows furrowing in confusion. "Why won't you answer me? Who's chasing us? Where are you taking me? Please, just tell me—"

He kissed me.

I was so shocked I could only let out a small, stuttered gasp. His sudden move left me speechless. As soon as our lips parted, I stared at him in disbelief, like he had committed some unthinkable act. But before I could process it, the sound of men shouting and gunfire in the distance brought my fear crashing back.

Courtney leaned close, whispering, "Kiss me like you mean it."

"W-What?"

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

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

He smiled, a small, teasing smile sending me a strange warmth. "Beautiful name... Adeleine." I wanted to demand answers, but he kissed me again before I could.

My heart pounded harder this time, and I couldn't pull away. His kiss was slow and intoxicating, like a drug I couldn't resist. It was wrong—everything about this situation was wrong—but it felt so good. Sparks raced through my veins as his lips brushed against mine, his right hand gently caressing my face. My arms wrapped around his neck as if we were lovers caught in a stolen moment under the tree. His kiss deepened, growing more intense, and I was lost, my breath quickening, my skin damp with sweat.

I wondered if I should stop, if I should pull away and run, but I couldn't. Nothing made sense anymore, yet I was drawn to him, trapped by his dangerous charm.

*****

An hour had passed since we'd escaped the men chasing us, and now we were driving away from Los Monterio Subdivision in his car.

I sat in stunned silence, my nerves on edge, unable to process everything that had happened. The questions swirling in my mind earlier had all faded, leaving me confused about whether I regretted seeking his help or should be grateful.

Courtney's phone rang, breaking the quiet. He answered without hesitation.

I tried not to listen but couldn't help myself.

"Just cancel the fucking appointment!"

"I've got more important things to handle."

"Just check him out and report back to me ASAP."

"Don't call me again without an update. And make sure you get the fuckin' moolah, or I'll make sure you regret it."

His final words sent a chill down my spine. Did that mean he'd kill the person if they didn't follow through?

My heart raced again, but my thoughts were interrupted when Courtney spoke.

"Where do you want to go?"

I exhaled slowly. "Thanks for helping me, Courtney. But... can you stop the car?"

He glanced at me, puzzled. "Why?"

"Just stop the car and let me out."

His expression darkened slightly. "Why do you want me to do that?"

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

"You want me to drop you off here? On a bridge? Are you insane?"

"I said, stop the car!"

Frustrated, I reached for the steering wheel, trying to wrestle it from him. He shouted at me, pulling over and stopping the car. As soon as he did, I opened the door and jumped out.

Courtney followed me, leaning against the car with his arms crossed, his eyes locked on me, filled with restrained anger.

I glanced around, realizing we were on an empty stretch of road with no cars.

My mind is filled with unfortunate thoughts that are too much to handle. I'm sure 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 wrong with you?" He asked, taking a step closer.

"You're impossible," I muttered, glaring at him. "Yes, you saved me, but you didn't explain anything. The gun, the men chasing us... where are you even taking me? You're driving me crazy!"

He gave me a stern look, his sharp features as handsome as ever. "I'll explain later. Get back in the car. Don't make me force you, woman. I'm not gentle."

"Stop calling me 'woman.' And just leave me here! I know I should be thankful, but not anymore."

"And why's that?"

"Because... just go!" I yelled, frustration boiling over. "I'll pay you for helping me; just give me your bank details."

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "For what? You don't have anything with you but me."

"You're so arrogant," I muttered.

I turned to walk away, but he pulled me back just as a car sped past. He had saved me again.

"Are you crazy?! Don't do that again, Adeleine," he growled, his eyes flashing with concern.

"Get in the car. Now."

Memories of my husband's abuse flooded back suddenly, and I broke down, tears pouring uncontrollably. My legs gave out as I collapsed to the ground, sobbing. The pain was too much to bear.

Courtney's expression softened. He knelt beside me, his voice gentle. "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 complaining."

If only he knew the real reason behind my tears, he'd understand it wasn't him that caused them. He's been there through my darkest moments, and that thought stirs something deep inside me.

"Listen, I'm not here to hurt you. I'm not like like your husband," He said gently, his words breaking through my sobs and making me stand, my tears halting. "And don't forget—you came to me. You promised to do anything if I'd let you hide at my place."

His words left me speechless. The embarrassment hit me hard, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, the blush unmistakable. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I panicked. Everything's been overwhelming, and I didn't expect you to act like that."

His gaze softened, but his smirk remained playful. "Oh? You mean the kiss? You seemed pretty into it. Acted like you wanted more."

"What?!" I exclaimed, startled by the shift in the atmosphere between us.

"You didn't pull away," He teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It was only supposed to last five seconds, but I didn’t expect you to get so... into it."

I felt the heat rise again, flustered and defensive. "That's not true! I just... panicked because of the danger, okay? It wasn't intentional!"

He leaned in slightly, his smile widening. "Then why so defensive?"

"I'm not!" I shot back, trying to keep my cool despite his words getting to 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?"

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?"