Tomas.
I continued my story with Maya in a flashback, and Jennifer was still listening to me silently, her eyes fixed on me with keen interest. I could see her absorbing every detail, and it gave me a strange sense of comfort. I took Maya to my car and drove fast. Mark was with me, and honestly, I didn’t know what I was supposed to do next. But I have to admit, when I saw that man at the strip club threaten her, it ignited a deep anger within me.
It made sense why so many men were throwing money at her while she danced-she was captivating. Her face, her eyes, they drew me in. I couldn’t think of anything else while she sat beside me, only that I had to save her from whatever nightmare she was escaping.
“Where are you taking me, Mr.?” Maya asked, her voice trembling slightly. “You could drive me to an inn or a hotel. I want to rent a room, and then I’ll move on and find a job…”
I turned my head, widened my eyes to meet hers. “You won’t go anywhere, Maya!” I said, raising the speed of the car.
She gasped, “What?! Why? Please drop me here!” Her nervousness was palpable, and she raised her eyebrows in a mix of fear and confusion.
I increased the speed again, the engine roaring, the tires gripping the asphalt. “No way, Maya!” I told her firmly.
“Please, Mr… um, I still don’t know your name yet! I know I owe you my life! You saved me! But you didn’t buy me! I am not for sale, Mr! Please slow down and drop me anywhere!” She pleaded, her desperation evident.
“I said no, Maya! And by the way, my name is Tomas Charl! Stop calling me Mr!” I snapped back, a mix of frustration and urgency rising within me.
She shook her head defiantly. “Okay, Mr. Tomas! Thank you for saving me! But please, I know you will never pay him! I don’t have much time! I need to escape; please, leave me alone!” Maya screamed, her voice filled with panic.
I slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt. I turned my head sharply, narrowing my eyes deeply at her. “Maya, I am Tomas Charl! I will pay him! And you will work for me! That’s it; it’s not up for discussion!” I said in a firm, unyielding voice.
She cleared her throat, her expression softening slightly. “Um, Mr., thank you, but you don’t have to pay. I can travel to Mexico; he will never find me there!” she insisted, her resolve trying to shine through.
“What?! Mexico? No way, Maya! I refuse! You will work for me!” I told her, my frustration boiling.
She sighed heavily, “Mr. Tomas! Please.” She was trying to open her door to escape the car.
I quickly pulled her back, shutting the door securely.
“Ouch, Mr.! You hurt me! Please, let go of my arm; you will break it!” she exclaimed, staring at me with wide eyes.
I widened my eyes in return, realizing how tightly I held her. “Okay, I will let go of your hand now, Maya, but don’t even think about running away from me again! I won’t tolerate it!” I warned her, my voice steady but firm.
She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. “Oh great, Mr.! You saved me just to make me your slave now! You didn’t buy me! I am not for sale! You are doing the same thing he did with me! You are just like him!” Maya told me, her voice filled with hurt and anger.
Ignoring her words, I turned the car back on the road and sped up, my mind racing.
Mark, in the backseat, scolded me, trying to bring me back to reality. “Tomas! What are you doing for God’s sake! She is right! You don’t have to pay him! We can give her some money to go to a safe place, and that should be enough!” Mark said, his voice filled with concern.
“Stop it, Mark!” I shouted, frustration bubbling over.
I glanced in the rearview mirror, catching Mark’s worried expression. “What, Mark?! Don’t stare at me like that! Here we are; we’ve arrived at your house! Please get out of the car now and close the door behind you. I will call you tomorrow!” I informed him, my tone leaving no room for argument.
I stopped at his house, and he exited the vehicle.
Maya continued to plead with me to let her go, but I didn’t respond. I just drove to my mansion and came to a halt.
“Now, get out, Maya!” I commanded her, my voice firm and unwavering.
She stared at me defiantly, arms crossed. “No, Mr., sorry! I will never…” She was about to continue, but I opened her door, pulling her by her arms, walking us both inside. She struggled, trying to push me away, but she was no match for my strength. She felt fragile, like a delicate flower, with a very sweet voice that contrasted sharply with her fierce spirit.
I opened the door to my house and kicked it shut behind us.
“Wait, Mr.! I don’t want to be with you! Please, leave me! I am not for sale!” Maya exclaimed, her voice rising in panic.
I scooped her up, carrying her effortlessly upstairs with my strong arms. I opened the door to my room and closed it firmly behind us.
I placed her on the couch, locking the door with the chain and sliding the keys into my pocket.
Then I turned my body, walking much closer to her, widening my eyes in a somewhat intimidating manner.
She stood up from the couch and moved toward the window, her body tense. “Don’t touch me! I will jump! I swear!” Maya warned, her voice trembling but fierce.
I widened my eyes in alarm, frozen in my spot. “No, stop! Are you mad? I won’t harm you!” I pleaded, trying to calm her down.
“Then why am I here?!” she shot back, her fear palpable.
Suddenly, she caught sight of a knife on the table. Grabbing it, she pressed it against her wrist, her eyes fierce. “If you move one more step, I swear I will cut my wrist and kill myself. I am not for sale!” she screamed, desperation dripping from her words.
My story was lengthy, but Jennifer didn’t complain or ask for a break. She seemed genuinely interested, and I felt comfortable sharing everything with her. There was a strong chemistry between us, a connection I hadn’t anticipated. Maybe I wanted to show her that I wasn’t the heartless man everyone thought I was. Perhaps, I wanted to impress her. I felt as if I didn’t want to hide anything from her, but part of me was worried. Not everything in my life was safe to share-my secrets were dangerous.
But despite the turmoil in my heart, I was falling for Jennifer, head over heels, letting my emotions take the reins at that moment.