Chapter 23
Tessy’s POV
I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess enveloping me. Where am I? Anthony’s villa. How did I get here? Memories flooded back, and I gasped. The beating!! the abuse!!, the touching!!. Gunshot!!!!!!!
The masked figure, his iron bar, the leader’s severed arm and head!!!
My breath caught in my throat. Panic set in, my heart racing wildly. My hands shook, and my legs trembled. Fear gripped me, suffocating me. I couldn’t breathe. No, no, no. It can’t be happening. I’m safe. I have to be safe.
I frantically scanned the room, desperate for reassurance. But every shadow seemed menacing, every sound a threat. I’m going to die. They’re going to find me. My body convulsed, sobs racking my chest. Tears streamed down, blurring my vision.
Please, someone help me. Footsteps echoed outside. My heart skipped a beat. No, it’s them. They’ve found me. I screamed, my voice hoarse.
The door swung open, and Anthony rushed in, a doctor beside him. “Tessy, sweetheart, be calm, I am here now, you are safe,” Anthony soothed. But I couldn’t hear. My panic consumed me.
The doctor approached, his voice calm. “Tessy, I’m here with you, it’s big daddy!.” Anthony wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” I clung to him, my body shaking uncontrollably.
The doctor administered a sedative, his voice gentle. “This will help you relax.” Slowly, the panic receded, replaced by numbness. Anthony’s words echoed in my mind. You’re safe now. I drifted off, surrounded by his comforting arms.
I drifted off, but my sleep was far from peaceful. Nightmares engulfed me, and I was back in that dark, terrifying place. The masked figure loomed before me, his iron bar raised. I tried to scream, but my voice was trapped.
He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with menace. I trembled, paralyzed with fear. “No, please,” I begged, but he didn’t respond. His hand reached out, grasping for me. I jerked away, but he was too strong.
Suddenly, Anthony’s face appeared, his voice calm. “Tessy, wake up. You’re safe.” I jolted awake, gasping for air. Anthony’s arms wrapped around me, holding me tight.
“Bad dream?” he asked, concern etched on his face. I nodded, still shaking. “The masked figure… he was coming for me.” Anthony’s grip tightened. “You’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” But the memory of the nightmare lingered, haunting me or was it because of my head injury?
Anthony’s kiss brought temporary comfort, but memories of the leader’s touch flooded back. I screamed, pushing him away. “Hey, hey, it’s me, your Big Daddy, baby doll,” Anthony soothed, holding me tight. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
Tears streamed down my face. “How did I get here?” “The police answered your phone when I called again,” Anthony explained, his voice filled with emotion. “I rushed there and brought you to my villa with the doctor.”
I begged, my voice trembling. “Please, don’t tell my parents. I couldn’t bear it.” Anthony nodded, concern etched on his face. “I promise, baby doll. Your secret is safe with me.”
“What happened? How were you kidnapped by those thugs?” he asked and I hesitated, hiding the truth. “I was taking a night stroll… and they just grabbed me.” Anthony’s gaze burned with intensity. “We’ll find them. I swear.”
My fear resurfaced. “What if they come for me again?” Anthony’s arms tightened around me. “The police won’t let that happen. And neither will I.” His lips brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine.
“You’re mine to protect.” Our kiss deepened, passion igniting. But I pulled back, uncertainty lingering. “Anthony, I…” “Shh, baby doll,” he whispered. “You’re safe. Let me take care of you, just relax.”
His fingers traced my face, sending sparks through my body. “Let’s eat, and then we’ll talk about everything.” But my appetite was gone, replaced by anxiety and desire. “Daddy?” “Yes, babydoll?” “Hold me. Don’t let go.” I said with a faint tone.
Anthony’s arms enveloped me, his chest warm against mine. “Sure.”
A few hours passed, and Anthony was nowhere to be found in the villa. I looked at the mirror and saw the bandage wrapped around my head. Soon I will take it off. My phone rang, breaking the silence. Eddy’s name flashed on the screen.
“Hey, where are you?” Eddy asked, concerned about lacing his voice. “I didn’t see you at home.”
I lied, trying to sound casual. “I’m with Elizabeth, doing some homework and won’t be back for some days.”
Eddy’s tone turned excited. “By the way, when should we check the hall for our engagement party? My mom is disturbing and she wants to go with you.”
My mind raced, panic setting in. “Uh, I’m really busy with reading right now… can we talk about it later?”
Eddy sensed my weakness. “Tessy, is everything okay? You sound…”
I quickly cut him off. “I’m fine, just stressed with school. Let’s talk later, okay?”
Eddy hesitated before agreeing. “Alright, remember you can always come to me if you need someone to talk to, I care about you.”
I forced a reply. “Sure I will.”
I ended the call, relief washing over me. But guilt lingered, knowing I’d deceived Eddy. Anthony’s words echoed in my mind: “You’re mine to protect.” My heart was torn.
As I prepared to leave, Anthony’s lips brushed against mine. “I’ll call you later, baby doll.” Stepping out of the villa, I noticed the same lady and man I’d seen before entering. Who are these people? In the beginning when I seduced Anthony at his apartment, they interrupted us by knocking. At the hotel they were present, I guess they were just business partners. The lady, who always shot me hateful glances anytime she saw me, approached me.
“Listen, bitch,” she spat, her voice venomous. “You have bitten off more than you can chew.” The man grasped her arm, halting her tirade. “Sorry about this, just ignore what she said, she is just moody,” he apologized, his smile forced. I nodded, uneasy, and quickly left.
Back at my apartment, I rested until Elizabeth burst in, tears streaming down her face. “Tessy, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “They placed a gun to my head, saying they’d kill me if I didn’t call you.”
I believed her, enveloping her in a hug. “I’m glad we’re both safe. The police will handle the rest.” Elizabeth’s tears slowed, and she pulled back, her eyes red-rimmed. “What happened to you? You disappeared.”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I’ll tell you everything later. Let’s just focus on getting through this.” Elizabeth nodded, and we sat together, holding each other, grateful to be alive.
“But you still look beautiful despite the bandage on your head, let me take a picture!” She teases.
“You are so silly!” I tickled her and laughter filled the place.
TBC.