CHAPTER 62
LILY’S POV
Noah’s car was just a short distance ahead. We didn’t have to run much. As we hastily got in and fastened our seatbelts, he started the engine and drove off like one possessed with the desperate need to survive.
For several minutes, we drove in silence, the both of us replaying the horror of what just happened in our heads though I was affected more as I was still in shock. I still couldn’t believe I almost got raped by two high rascals in a lonely street. Just the thought of what could have happened if Noah hadn’t arrived made icy shivers run through me, leaving me shaken and battered on the inside.
I felt so ashamed that I found it hard to meet Noah’s eyes. Though I could feel his concerned, pitying gaze flicker toward me every so often as he drove. He was also checking his side mirror repeatedly to make sure no one was following us.
I looked out the window to distract myself and seek serenity but my attempt was futile despite the beautiful sights and structures that faded as we sped through the road. My expression was so sombre and hollow that anyone who saw me now would think I was mourning the loss of someone dear.
“I’m sorry about your car…” Noah said in an attempt to start a conversation since the silence between us was becoming awkward. “I’ll get you a new one as quickly as possible.”
I didn’t realize I had a car until he said that. My mind was so occupied and disturbed by the thought of what happened I had completely forgotten.
“You don’t have to,” I murmured, my voice humble and distant, still unable to meet his gaze even though I knew I needed a car more than anything now since I couldn’t use a taxi or private ride for the time being.
“Please don’t say no,” he insisted gently. “Having a car is essential, especially for someone like you in such a high position in the company. And I’m not doing it just for you. I’m also doing it for your kids too. They’ll need a reliable means to get to and from school safely especially since taking taxis and private rides are out of the question now.”
I didn’t say anything in response. Even if I declined again, he’d still get it anyway so there was no need to bother. I just didn’t want to put him in a position where he felt he was responsible for taking care and providing for me and my kids. He had done enough already and I was very grateful for it.
Suddenly, he took a turn and found a safe spot to park, turning off the engine.
“Why are we stopping?” I asked, confusion and a hint of unease colouring my voice now that I finally looked at him.
He unfastened his seatbelt and started taking off his suit jacket which only made me more nervous as I was afraid something had happened.
“Here,” he handed the suit jacket to me. “Use it to cover up. Sorry for not doing that earlier.”
My eyes widened a little in surprise as I didn’t expect that to be the reason he’d stop the car. Realizing my bra was the only clothing that covered the top of my body, I felt cold and somewhat uncomfortable even though the windows were wound up and tinted so no one could see us. Hesitating a bit, I collected it and muttered, “Thanks.”
As I put it on, Noah occupied himself by looking back and still checking that we weren’t being followed.
“So far, we’re safe,” he confirmed. “I don’t think they followed us, not that they’re in a position to do so,” he said with a hint of scorn, having known he left them in a pitiable state.
“Please let’s start going,” I said in a restless tone after putting the suit jacket on and refastening my seatbelt. “I need to get to my kids and make sure they’re okay.”
“You don’t have to worry about them,” he reassured. “The bodyguards won’t let anything happen to them.”
But I still felt restless, desperate to see my kids and make sure they were safe. However, it didn’t take Noah much effort to convince and snap me out of my desperation. After all he had done for me, how he’d been there for me like no one else, I trusted him completely with my entire heart and soul. And seeing how Scarface and Hawkeyes came through for Liam when that bully kid was bothering him, I knew I could also trust them to keep my kids safe.
“You should be worrying about yourself right now because you seem stressed out. Remember I told you the medics said you suffered a minor concussion from that accident and need a lot of rest? If you push yourself any further, it might lead to serious complications and I don’t want that for you. I’m going to drive you home so you can rest while I handle every other thing. Is that okay with you?”
He looked at me softly, expecting a positive response. I nodded like a child and managed a smile, suddenly bereft of words, overwhelmed with the thought of how anyone on this earth could care so much about me and my kids. It was like a dream come true. Like a miracle, I thought I never deserved after everything I had been through.
He reached forward and cradled my cheek, my face fitting perfectly into the cup of his hand. He let his fingers trace my busted lips and the welt that formed from the slap Bloodshot Eyes gave me. I winced a little to suppress the sting. His features hardened with rage on seeing that
“Those bastards,” he seethed with a ruthless expression. “If I get my hands on them again, I’ll make sure they spend the rest of their lives in ICU.”
“You did what you had to do, Noah and I’m very grateful for you saving me again. What happened is all in the past now. Let’s not keep thinking about it.”
Gently in a polite manner, I brought his hand down my cheek and looked away, trying to keep myself from remembering that ugly experience again although it was hard.
“I understand,” Noah said. “But you have to understand too that what happened back there wasn’t your fault. You fought hard and I admire you for that so please don’t let that thought eat you up. Those bastards don’t deserve you feeling this way for them.”
My eyelids trembled with unshed tears as I couldn’t get hold of myself anymore. The storm of emotions raging inside me was like a violent wave I couldn’t contain. It made my body quiver uncontrollably. That was when I looked back at Noah, and the words involuntarily flew out of my mouth.