Ryan
I requested a glass of non-alcoholic wine from the bartender, drumming my fingers against the bar counter, as I sat on one of the high bar stools by the counter. To be honest, I was quite worried that Serene hadn’t gotten back yet. I wanted to check on her, but I felt like I should wait a little longer. Earlier, while we had both been at my place, she had spent a long time in the bathroom. So, what if she had constipation or something? I didn’t think it’d be nice to disturb her.
“So, how’s everything going at your office?” Sherri asked.
I turned to her, trying to act like I wasn’t worried. She had been talking to me for a while, which kind of kept my company. I smiled at her. “It’s been going well, I guess. It’s just that I’m still seeking a way to get rid of Raymond.”
She sipped from her glass of wine, and giggled. “I think you should resign already. I mean, if you don’t like the place, why keep working there?
“Nah, nah.” I flapped my hand at her. Taking my glass of wine from the bartender, I thanked him, and turned back to her. I sighed. “I get good pay from Twinkle Stars. Aside from that, Ray and I are on a contract, you know? Don’t wanna violate the filthy things written on that sheet of paper.”
Again, she chuckled. “You’re so funny. Anyway, it’s nice talking to you once again.”
“Hm.” I nodded.
“You’d better get married. Can’t believe you still get drunk, and do nothing with yourself. How can you be this irresponsible?” Someone lamented.
I squirmed my neck sideways, when I heard that familiar voice. Seeing it was James Robert and his dad, I bit my laugh. James was drunk, and it seemed like he had been wooing a couple of ladies. Once again, his father was talking about him getting married. Well, James needed to get married. He wasn’t responsible, seriously. If he got married, he would probably be a little responsible. At least, for his wife.
“You mind drinking wine with me some other time?” Sherri asked, which grabbed my attention back to her.
I propped my elbow on the counter, and only chortled. What was this woman trying to do now? Why couldn’t she give up on me?
“No.” I gave her a straight and firm answer.
Glancing at my wristwatch, I realized that five more minutes had passed by. Okay. This was it. I would go to the restroom to check on Serene. She was taking too long.
Standing up from the stool, just about to walk past Sherri, she held my wrist back. With raised eyebrows, I turned to her. “What? You need something?” I asked.
“Ryan.” That concerned look pulled on her facial expression. She stood up, stepped close to me. Why was she stepping close? Wait, did she think I was drunk or something? “Please, don’t ignore my question. Don’t ignore me as well.” She took my hands. “Don’t leave yet. This is the only chance for us to speak. Alone.”
I pulled my hands from hers, shaking my head at her. “See, I’ll be right back. Need to do something.”
“Is it Serene?” Her tone became low, terror and sadness running in those eyes. “Again? Really? I mean, what about our friendship? Where have all those memories gone?”
For some reason, my subconscious mind was asking me to leave here. First, I didn’t want to speak with her about our friendship-nonsense. Second, I had a feeling something wasn’t right. What if Serene had gone to the wrong restroom? She didn’t even know this place.
“Tonight isn’t the right time for this conversation,” I stated. I stepped backwards, and put on a stern look. “I’ll be right back. Sit here, or leave. Your choice.”
“But—”
I just twirled around, and left. I had no time for her shitty talks.
Walking into the hallway, I moved my eyes left and right, searching for Serene. As soon as I got to the door of the restroom, I dialed her number. Bad for me, the call was unable to be sent. I sighed, raked my fingers into my hair, feeling even more scared.
Exhaling hard, I made a quick decision to visit the securities in the hotel. But then, my eyes caught her phone lying on the floor. I widened my eyes, trying to ignore the hard beats of my heart against my chest.
If her phone was here, did it mean that something was really wrong with her?
Suddenly, the door of the room which was only a few doors away from the restroom, jerked open. A couple of tall and huge men jogged out of the place, and shut the door behind them. I narrowed my eyes, knowing that something wasn’t right.
When the door had been opened, I heard the loud whimper of a lady. Oh goodness, was a woman being assaulted? Or, could that be… Serene? Had she been attacked by some kidnappers?
No, no. No one could be audacious enough to attack her. But, well, it wouldn’t hurt to check what was going on in there. I didn’t think the door was locked.
A bit terrified, I walked towards the door. Reaching it, I shut my eyes, and exhaled once again. Not wanting to be hesitant, I turned the door knob, and barged into the room. The moment I did so, the smoochers who were pinned to the wall, snapped from each other, and turned around.
My heart slipped to my stomach when I saw it was Raymond. I didn’t know how it happened, but a rare rage suddenly boiled in my head.
No. It wasn’t just Raymond. Serene was here too.
“Ryan!” She cried. She ran past Raymond, hurried over to me. Her eyes were soaked in tears, and when she threw her body into mine, I knew she was dreaded. She burst out crying.
I patted her back, then cupped my hands around her jaw. I was angry, but, before I would react, I needed to know what had been going on here.
I inhaled as I stared at Serene. “Baby, tell me what’s going on.”
She sobbed hard, her body shivering. “He was trying to sleep with me. He wanted to force himself on me.”
And, this was it. This night; the night filled with wrath and fear, I would murder someone.
I glared hard. I couldn’t think straight.
“Ryan, I was so scared!” She wailed. “I’d thought no one would come over. I’d—”
“It’s fine now.” I pecked her, using my fingers to wipe off her tears. “I’m here, okay? I’ll deal with him.”
She sniffled.
Extremely furious and terrified to know what could have happened to her, I pulled her aside, and stormed over to Raymond.
He frowned, and sulked, “Those mother-fuckers didn’t lock the door. I’m gonna deal with them.”
I sniggered. “First, I’ll deal with you.”
Like a Lion who was grabbing its prey, I grabbed his shirt’s collar, and threw a punch against his face. Not a punch, not two, and not three. Uncountable punches.
For about seven minutes, I kept beating him, venting out every damn anger in my blood.
He had the guts to kiss my woman’s lips? He deserved to be killed by me. What a fool.
***
Serene
As soon as Ryan parked his car in front of my house, I hopped out. He hopped out as well, and jogged towards me. Standing in front of me, he took my hands, leaned close, and gave me a peck on the cheek. Pulling away, he cupped his right hand around my jaw.
“Are you okay now?” He asked. His eyebrows were creased, his tone low, nothing but worry hovering in those pretty blue eyes.
I gave him a small smile, and nodded. “Yes, I am. All thanks to you for saving me from the monster.”
He sighed. “From now on, he won’t ever disturb you. The police have arrested him, and have charged him for a case of attempted sexual assault. In fact, officer Brad said this isn’t the first time he’s doing this to a woman.”
“What an asshole.” I scorned.
He smiled, and pecked me again. “We should go on a date tomorrow. Sundays are usually fun, you know?” He winked.
I giggled. “Okay. Not a problem.”
He inhaled, and stepped backwards. “Will call you when I get home. Take care, okay?”
I nodded.
He jogged to the other side of the car. As soon as he stepped in, he shut the door behind him, and drove off.
I smiled. Though I was still quite scared, I was trying to act fine. Especially because of my family. Hopefully, I wouldn’t ever experience such a terrifying thing. After all, the idiot, Raymond, had finally been arrested. There was no doubt that he had left my life.
Quite excited by that, I turned around, walking towards the door. Well, Sherri was what was left to deal with. And, she had to know that my man wasn’t leaving. I wouldn’t let her have him. She didn’t deserve him.
I stepped in, and shut the door behind me. All night, I was grateful that nothing had happened to me. If anyone was to taste my virgin pussy, not Raymond; not the devil.
***