Rowan’s resolve solidified. He couldn’t stand idly by and watch as Dom exerted his dominance over Amara. Without a second thought, he made his way down the stairs, his jaw set in determination. As he descended, the whispers and murmurs of the crowd surrounded him, but Rowan remained focused on Amara and Dom. His steps were steady despite the turmoil brewing within him, a mix of anger, jealousy, and concern churning in his gut.
“Amara,” he called out, his voice cutting through the tension in the air.
Amara turned towards him, her eyes widening with a mix of surprise and exasperation. ‘As if one wasn’t enough, there’s another one,’ she thought, her mind racing to process the sudden appearance of Rowan. She didn’t need another confrontation, another alpha male stepping in.
Rowan met her gaze, his expression firm, a stark contrast to the chaos around them. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his words.
Amara nodded, though there was little expression on her face. “I am now,” she replied flatly, trying to mask her exhaustion and frustration. The night had been a whirlwind, and she felt her strength waning.
Rowan turned his attention to Dom, his gaze unwavering and full of silent fury. “Let her go,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Dom’s eyes narrowed at the intrusion, recognizing Rowan. He knew better than to mess with a man like Rowan, aware that crossing him could have fatal consequences. Reluctantly, Dom released Amara’s wrist, his sneer disappearing into a mask of neutrality. He was about to step forward, perhaps to make a parting remark, but Rowan’s anger wasn’t extinguished. Rowan indicated to his men, who were on standby, and with a subtle nod, he signaled them to handle Dom.
Two of Rowan’s men moved swiftly, grabbing Dom and escorting him out of the bar. The crowd watched in a mixture of awe and fear, whispers intensifying as Dom was effectively removed from the scene.
With Dom gone, Rowan turned back to Amara, offering her a reassuring smile. “Let’s get you out of here,” he said, gesturing towards the exit.
Before Amara could respond, her knees buckled, and she started to faint. Rowan quickly caught her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist to prevent her from hitting the ground. He turned to his assistant, Kyle, urgency in his voice. “My place, now!”
Kyle quickly nodded and rushed to pull the car around to the front of the bar. Rowan turned to one of his bodyguards, pointing at Rosie, who stood in shock and confusion. “Bring her home safely,” he ordered.
The bodyguard nodded, moving towards Rosie to guide her out of the bar. Meanwhile, Rowan carefully carried Amara outside, her body limp in his arms. He opened the car door, gently placing her inside before sliding in next to her.
“Ask Mrs. Grace to call the doctor,” Rowan instructed Kyle, his voice a mix of command and concern. Kyle nodded and made the call as he drove, the car speeding through the city streets towards Rowan’s estate.
The ride was silent except for the occasional murmurs from Kyle into his phone, arranging for the doctor to be ready upon their arrival. Rowan kept his eyes on Amara, her pale face and shallow breathing filling him with a protective rage. He vowed silently that Dom would pay for this, for daring to touch her, to make her feel unsafe.
Upon arriving at Rowan’s estate, the car pulled up to the grand entrance. Mrs. Grace, the housekeeper, stood waiting with a worried expression. “The doctor is on his way,” she informed Rowan as he carried Amara inside.
“Thank you, Mrs. Grace,” Rowan said, his tone softening as he spoke to the elderly woman. “Prepare some food and clothes for her.”
Mrs. Grace nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and a touch of concern. “Of course, Mr. Rowan. I’ll have everything ready in no time.” She gave Amara a reassuring smile before leaving the room.
Rowan turned back to Amara, his worry still evident as he gently lifted her into his arms. Carrying her with care, he brought her to his room and laid her on his bed. He looked at her with relief, thankful she hadn’t fallen into Dom’s clutches and grateful he had been there for her in time. Now, as she lay there, she looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the night.
He sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. His heart ached at the thought of what she had been through. He noticed her eyes flutter open, her gaze meeting his.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.
Amara looked at him quietly, a strange heat spreading through her body. She felt lightheaded, a lingering effect of the spiked drink. Her mind was hazy, her emotions raw and unfiltered. She didn’t respond with words; instead, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them, and kissed him on the lips.
Rowan froze momentarily, caught off guard by her sudden move. But then he felt her warmth, her need for connection and comfort, and he responded. He kissed her back, gently at first, then with growing intensity. His hand cupped her cheek, fingers tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss.
For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, lost in a moment of unexpected passion. Rowan’s mind raced, but his body responded instinctively, driven by a need to be close to her, to protect her, to offer her solace in any way he could.
Amara’s hands clung to him, pulling him closer as the kiss intensified. She felt a mix of emotions-relief, desire, and a desperate need she found in his presence. Her body felt like it was on fire, the heat spreading from where their lips met to every corner of her being.
Rowan eventually pulled back slightly, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed as he tried to steady himself. “Amara,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “We shouldn’t… not like this.”
Amara looked at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable. “I just… I need it,” she said softly, her voice trembling.
Rowan opened his eyes, looking into hers. He saw the pain and confusion there. He nodded slowly, understanding her need for connection, for something to anchor her in the storm of emotions she was experiencing. “I understand,” he said gently. “But you need a doctor, and he will be here.”
Amara shook her head, her eyes filling with tears, “It hurts, I need it.”
Rowan’s heart ached for her, but he knew he had to stay strong. Just then, he heard footsteps outside his room, followed by a knock on the door. Kyle’s voice came through, “Boss, Dr. Vince is here.”
Rowan glanced towards the door and then back at Amara. “The doctor is here now,” he said softly. “He’ll help you, I promise.”
Reluctantly, Amara let go of him, her fingers trailing down his arm as she pulled away. Rowan stood up and walked to the door, opening it to reveal Dr. Vince, a tall, calm-looking man with a reassuring demeanor.
“Vince, thank you for coming on such short notice,” Rowan said, stepping aside to let the doctor enter the room.
Dr. Vince nodded, giving Rowan a brief but firm handshake before turning his attention to Amara. “It’s no trouble at all,” he replied, his voice calm. He walked over to the bed, his eyes assessing Amara with a practiced gaze.
“Hello, Amara. I’m Dr. Vince,” he said gently, pulling up a chair next to the bed. “Rowan told me a bit about what happened. Can you tell me how you’re feeling right now?”
Amara took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I feel… strange. My body is hot, and I feel dizzy. It’s hard to focus.”