Tristan could not believe what that guy had attempted. He wondered what would have happened had he dismissed as lovers squabble and went on his way. That was a save at the nick of time that he was more than glad about. As he sat at the back of his car while Alfredo drove quickly, a drunken Claire had her head on his laps. He continued caressing her hair as she was busy muttering things. His mind went out to the man from earlier and how he was not satisfied with what he had done to him. The jerk was lucky he had been stopped by Alfredo from tearing him into pieces. Tristan could not recall the last time he had been engaged in a physical brawl with anyone since he tried building up the reputation of a gentleman who would rather battle in other ways that the fist. He had punched him directly on the face and broke his nose that caused the other guy to rush at him and throw a weak punch Tristan had easily side stepped from. The other guy continued throwing punches until one landed at the side of Tristan’s stomach. The pain really connected as it was not so far from nerves connecting to his operation.
Instantly, he felt a little dizzy and then all he felt was rage. So much anger and rage that he rushed at the guy and started throwing punches he was sure he most definitely could not avoid. Tristan had suddenly grown dangerous and menacing and soon had the guy sprawled on the ground while he stood over him decorating his face and ribs with blows. He did not stop, he just could not and this was a part of him rarely seen. When Alfredo had tried to stop him, he in fact resisted until the pulled him away with his strength and Tristan saw that Claire had fallen off long ago. He had no idea and that must have happened when he had drawn the abuser away from her with so much force. He rushed over to her side and raised her into a half sitting position in his arms. It was all his fault really. He had let his blind rage cloud his vision that he had not seen the person he was protecting fall and probably faint. He carried her in his arms quickly and realized then that some persons were standing afar watching him but he cared less as he got in. Alfredo took the hint and entered quickly. Tristan had taken one last look at the other guy as he was certain he would be coming back for him soon enough especially if something serious happens to Claire.
She did not open her eyes all through the drive and he was worried. They were headed for the hospital because he wanted to be certain she was not suffering a concussion. Her phone had been ringing and each time it rang he would see it was from her father. He did not know how the man would react to a man taking his daughter’s call and also could certainly not tell him that he was taking her to the hospital. That would be him creating more issues. It would be best she tells them herself when she is awake and all sober. It would certainly cause lesser drama and save him the stress of an explanation to an older man seated across a table giving him the death stare. He could already understand that fatherly need to protect one’s own daughter. When the buzzing became excess, Tristan picked the phone up and decided to drop a text.
I know you must be breathing hard as we all know Claire could not read nor spell. Dyslexic is her weakness after all. Also Tristan had no idea but he sent a message saying it was from Claire’s friend and that she was already asleep being the reason she was not answering. Immediately, another text came demanding to know if she was okay. Tristan looked at her wondering if she really would be okay but however he replied that she was totally fine and was only sleeping after movies. That seemed to reassure the old man as there was no other messages from him.
Her phone started buzzing when they were close to the hospital. It was Danielle and he could guess who she was already. This he picked up and demanded to know what was the problem. From her gasp, he knew she recognized his voice as she asked if Claire was with him. Tristan felt angry and asked if she had taken Claire out there and left her all alone. Of course, Danielle could not say she did. She denied it so as not to loose her job over irresponsibility. She would apologize to Claire when next she sees her but it was cool she was in safe hands. Their boss was no pervert right? He only kissed her once. He certainly would not want to do anything to ruin his name or reputation in public.
Tristan was confused now really. If she had not gone to the place with Danielle, was there a possibility that perhaps she had gone there because she felt hurt by how he had treated her. He had not expected she would take that to heart much less consideration. He had been a jerk but it was not his fault. He wondered now how he would have been feeling had something happened to her on account of him ditching her halfway through love making. But she was an innocent and naive one, why then was she drinking or had she been playing games on him. Lots of questions with no answers were streaming through his mind as he thought how close he was to loosing everything. Silently, he tendered an apology to her and hoped she would open her eyes soon. They were now within the hospital premises and he lifted her into his arms and headed inside. Alfredo went ahead and alerted the nurses, one of which recognized both he and Claire.
“Oh your employee must be getting you through a lot.” the lady said obviously hypocritical about it
” Mind your business missy.” Tristan shot at her angrily.
She put up her hands and then went about her duties. Claire was taken into a ward and had doctors checking on her thanks to Tristan’s influence. Everyone wanted to please him obviously and for once he was glad about being the popular man he was. The influence was timely. She was perfectly okay and just a little stoned, the doctor had said. There were no signs of concussions as feared just a little drink and some other mixture for regular stoners. That was so unlike Claire and Tristan hearing that felt pissed. When she decides to open her eyes, he was going to give her that which she obviously was craving for. He promised himself. He went on to ask the doctor when she would be set to go home and the good man said as soon as she opens her eyes as he could see obviously Tristan wanted out of the hospital instantly with the lady. Seeing that was all, he proceeded to go inside and wait for her to wake up. Alfredo had been asked to get back to the car on standby so they would be leaving as soon as she wakes. She looked so peaceful in her sleep and so inviting. He waited for her.
It was sometime during the early hours of 3am that Claire opened her eyes and stretched out. Looking to her side, she saw him looking at her with vicious eyes.
“Um… boss… Tristan…” she muttered
“Can you walk?” he asked her
“I think so… where am I?” she asked
“Ask your surroundings.” he said and got up. “We are leaving now.”
“We?” she asked but seeing the look on his face, she slide down from the bed instantly not wanting a scolding obviously. Tristan did not seem like he was going to be willing to be patient with her this time. She staggered when she tried to stand as she felt dizzy and sat down for a bit on the bed. She got up again and this time made certain to get an accurate feel of the ground. Tristan started out for the door and she walked slowly unable to keep up with him and feeling shameful. She still had not idea what had happened after she had seen him pull Matthew away. Claire was obviously embarrassed as she walked after him.
It was only when he got to his car that he waited for her to get close. He opened the door and asked her to get in. Claire did as commanded and sat down carefully. Alfredo asked if she was okay now and she said she was as he started the car. They were on the road now. They had just passed the usual turn to her place when she called to Alfredo but Tristan asked him to head straight home. Claire turned to him now.
“But my dad…” she started
“Told him you are fine.” he said
“You what?” she asked alarmed
“Do not worry. He has no idea of you rampage. I texted as a friend.” he chipped in
“What rampage?” she asked
“Oh you’ll see.” he said welding a most crooked smile.