Running [3]

Iris POV 

He moved, letting the bullet hit the window. The glass shattered into pieces, making a loud noise.

His lips curved into a victorious smirk as he got exactly what he wanted, and realization struck me. I had just used a gun and I shot him with perfect aim.

“My little thing knows how to use a gun,” he said, his feet carrying him closer to me. “But as far as I know, you’re a teacher. And the precision you used while shooting at me… that’s something only a professional would have.”

“I….. I learn it for self defence” I try to defend myself.

His hand shot out, wrapping around my throat firm enough to kill me with little more pressure. He yanked me forward, his forehead pressing against mine, his breath sharp and furious.

“I hate liars,” he growled, voice low and venomous.

The air shifted.

I dared to meet his eyes. The moment I did, my breath caught in my throat.

He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear.

“Do you know what I do to liars?”

His voice was a whisper. But it was more terrifying than a scream.

“I skin them alive,” he said, his fingers tightening slightly. “Pluck out their nails. Tie them to a pole… and leave them in a locked room with starving hyenas.”

He paused.

“They don’t die early. They scream as the animals tear the flesh from their bones.”

My lips parted as I tried to fill my lungs with air to stabilize myself.

“Does my little thing get afraid?” His breath grazed my cheek, hot against the coldness of my skin. My fist clenches. I can feel his mocking in it. 

“But I am not going to give that punishment because you are my little one. He murmured darkly against my skin.

“I will never let anyone even touch the strands of your hair but I will. I can tear your flesh, eat you alive, fuck you till you even forget how to spell the word lie.” His face lowered until his hot breath touched my lips. I closed my eyes tightly.

But a loud knock on the door pulled me out of it. I turned my face towards the door. The heavy presence suddenly got up. My face turned towards him, but he was gone, like he was never here.

My body slowly relaxed, a heavy weight lifted, and my eyes rooted on the gun in my hand. Its cold steel gleamed in the dim light. It has beautifully carved a wildflower into it

My fingers traced the carving as though it until another sharp knock at the door made me flinch. I leave the gun on the bed.

My hand reached for the cold metal handle of the door, making a chill raced down her spine. Not from the cold but from the effect of what had happened just moments ago, from his touches and his presence. 

As soon as the door slid open, my mom was standing there. Why was she here? Had she heard the gunshot?

Her eyes ran across my whole body. She grabbed my arms, examining me as if she was checking for something. 

Her hand touched my cheeks, she cupped them as she asked, “Are you okay?” The concern was there in her eyes; it's so rare that she shows any emotion.

I felt warmth in my chest seeing her care for me. It felt good to know there was someone who cared for your well-being and even better when it came from someone you wanted. 

Her eyes lingered, asking for an answer. I nodded, forgetting what had happened moments ago. But her next question reminded me.

“The noise was like something breaking.” I looked out the window, where I had just shot a bullet some time ago.The gun had a silencer, which didn’t make noise, but the glass did.

She stepped further into the room, her gaze falling to the gun resting on my bed. Her eyes lingered on it, before I spoke her words froze me where I stood.

“Xavier. He’s been here.” Her voice was steady, I stared at her, stunned how could she possibly know?

Sensing my question, she pointed toward the gun. “The wildflower carved into the gun it’s his mark.”

“Did he hurt you?” she asked. I shook my head. He didn’t, but it won’t be long before he does. He’s dangerous and terrifying.

She looked into me, not saying it, but I understood what she was trying to ask. She was the only one who knew my secret in the family. “I don’t think he knows,” I mumbled.

“You need to be careful,” she warned.

“I will,” I assured her.

“I will tell someone to clean this and fix the window,” she said.

“Take care of yourself." She moved out of the room.

I sat on the bed, my hand moving to my face. I can’t marry that monster. I need to do something, because at one point I would prefer to die rather than be his sex toy. My breathing grew heavy. It’s okay, I tried to comfort myself. I am used to it. 

I quickly searched for my phone, dialed a number. I impatiently waited for the call to be accepted and it did.

“Hello,” a sleepy voice came. “What happened, is everything alright?”

I took a deep breath and said, “I need your help, David.” I explained everything to him.

“Iris, it’s dangerous. You know your Father.” I could feel the fear in his words.

“I need to do this. I cannot marry that criminal, he is a monster,” I desperately tried to convince him.

After a long pause, his voice came. “Okay, I am coming.” The line went dead.

I quickly grabbed some important things I would need. My legs ran towards the door. Opening it, I came face to face with Mrs. Smith.

Her eyes ran across my body, noticing the bag in my hand. Her expression changed as she quickly came inside and closed the door. 

“What are you doing? Your Father is in the living room with all the bodyguards.” The concern in her tone was so warm.

Mrs. Smith is in her early 60s. I have known her since my childhood. She has been working here for years. She has always been there for me, loving me like her own child. She is a sweet lady.

“Where are you going?” she asked. “I heard about your wedding. Are you ready for it?”

As soon as she asked, I hugged her tightly. She was the only one I could share my feelings with and trust. Tears gathered in my eyes.

“Shh,” she caressed my back. "I don't want to marry him" I whispered, she pulled away as she said, “You are running then.?” she asked and I nodded at her response.

“He is tightening security more so you don’t run from your wedding.” she stated.

I froze.

She grabbed my hand. “Don’t worry, if I am here then why fear? Come with me.” She opened the back door and led us downstairs.

We heard footsteps and she quickly made me hide behind a pillar.

I could see from here a bodyguard was coming. If he came closer, he would see me. God, I was about to cough before I even started to run.

Mrs. Smith walked towards him, standing in front of him. “Oh Liam, are you trying to find me?” she said in a seductive voice.

I put my hand on my mouth to block any sound. No one could win against Mrs. Smith in this.

He looked confused. “Um… I don’t think so,” he said awkwardly.

“Stop lying, I know what you want.” She pushed him back a little with her finger. He looked surprised and too awkward to speak.

“You wanted to get with me alone, you naughty boy.”

He flushed red. “No, no, it’s nothing like that.”

“Then why are you here, alone? What did you want to do with me in the dark, huh?” Her voice carried sadness that I knew was fake.

“What are you saying? At least think of our age,” he tried to escape.

“What about my age? I still look like I’m 19 years old, a college girl.” She said as she unbuttoned the top of her shirt.

“I… mm… maybe someone is calling me. I’m going.” His face flushed. He ran away and he wasn't going to come across her again. 

I can't stop the laugh that escape while looking at him run. She is always like this and I love her. Slowly came towards her. She was looking in the direction he had run.

I whispered in her ear, “19-year-old girl, you look sexy.” I teased her. Her cheeks turned red, but she tried to compose herself.

“Let’s go, that bastard ruined my mood,” she said.

“Come quickly.” She pulled me with her, outside from the back door. “Where are you planning to go?” She grabbed my hand, her eyes moist. She mumbled, “You know your Father. If he finds out, he can do anything to bring you back. And now that Stone family is also involved with him.”

“Don’t worry, my sexy girl. If he is my father, then I am his daughter. I know him better, I know what he will do.” I said, pinching her cheeks. She smiled.

I listened to the sound of a chase as I heard footsteps coming. I knew my father must have found out about me. 

“Bye, I need to go sweetheart.” 

She nodded at my words.

I ran, hearing the sound of many men running behind me.