Gideon was busy on the phone. "Find out every detail about this man," he uttered tightly. "His past affairs, his present – every single thing. And hell, I don’t want this deal. I won’t work with someone like him."
"Understood," came Matthew’s solemn voice. "I’ll let you know once I get the details."
Ending the call, Gideon turned, only to find them missing. "Where are they?"
Just moments ago, they had been seated there, drinking wine. And now, they were gone.
His eyebrows creased as his mind raced with disturbing questions.
’Has she gone with him for money?’ His mouth curved into a grim line. ’Summer, don’t do anything stupid that you will regret forever.’
He strode away, dialing her number. With each ring, his heart thudded harder.
’Where is she? Why is she not picking up? What is she doing?’
The thought of Summer with Mr. Hill hit him like a punch to his ribs. He quickened his steps as he moved forward.
Inside the restroom...
Summer struggled to break free, using all her strength. "Get off of me," she yelled, her hand pushing hard against his chest.
But the man only leaned in further, his breath hot and foul against her skin as he tried to kiss her. His hands roamed over her waist, back, and arm, scraping her skin. Her body recoiled with disgust.
"Uh," she cried, helpless and terrified.
The ringing of her phone pierced the tension. Summer’s eyes went to her bag on the counter. If she could get her phone, she could call Gideon. She twisted her torso as she stretched her hand toward it.
Sensing her intention, he knocked the bag to the floor.
"You are not going to call anyone," he said with a vile smile. "In this place, no one can stand up to me, not even your boss. So, be wise and surrender to me. I promise I’ll fulfil all your demands."
He pinched her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Be smart. Surrender to me. I’ll give you anything you want. Money, jewelry, branded apparel – name it. Just be mine. Leave Gideon."
Summer jerked her face away, trying to slip out of the narrow space between him and the counter. He slammed his hand on her shoulders, pinning her firmly in place. His grip was bruising.
"Why aren’t you listening?" he grunted, frustration twisting his features. "Gideon doesn’t care about you. He left you to drink with me. It’s a clear message – he wants you to please me to get the deal."
Summer stopped struggling momentarily, shocked. "Impossible," she muttered with disbelief. "He can’t. He would never..."
Though he had done many awful things in the past, she still refused to believe that he could do this. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
"Oh, Summer, you are na?ve," he scoffed. "Why else do you think he brought you? In the corporate world, this is normal. Stop fighting. Let’s enjoy ourselves."
He leaned in again, his lips seeking hers.
She clenched her jaw as she struggled to keep his face away from hers. "Never..." she spat, her eyes blazed like fire. "You shouldn’t have touched me."
Summer grabbed the wrist that held her captive and bit down hard.
"Ah," a cry tore open his throat. Shock contorted his face. His grip slackened from the pain.
Summer pushed him aside, mustering all her strength.
Quickly reaching for her bag from the floor, she dashed toward the door. But Mr. Hill wasn’t ready to let her go. His features twisted in rage.
"You dared to bite me," he growled, yanking her back by her arm and delivering a tight slap on her.
Summer stumbled, crashing against the counter. Pain seared her skin.
"You bitch," he roared. His shadow engulfed her as he lunged over her from behind, arms clamping around her like iron. "I thought we would have fun, but you wouldn’t listen. Now, I’ll show you how cruel I can be when someone doesn’t obey me."
As he spoke, he pulled her skirt up. His fingers clawed for her underwear.
Terror gripped her throat. Her mind screamed, ’No one is coming. Gideon left. He didn’t care. He brought me here for this...’
He had seen how uncomfortable she was, yet he had chosen to stay impassive, silent.
’I can’t let this man ruin me,’ she resolved.
Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the pepper spray she had always kept for protection. Holding it up, she sprayed it onto his face.
"Ugh, aah," he howled. He stumbled backward, clawing at his face, cursing violently. "You— you bitch..."
Summer shoved him hard.
His feet slipped on the smooth tiles, sending him crashing onto the floor.
"Wait, you wench. I’ll kill you..." His cry came from the room.
Summer didn’t dare look behind, her legs wobbling beneath her. Her head spun. Every muscle in her body protested in exhaustion – maybe from the struggles or maybe from the alcohol in her blood. But she couldn’t slow down – not when he might catch her.
Her steps faltered, and she staggered, one hand slapping against the wall to steady herself.
"Summer, you can’t run away from me," his enraged voice thundered behind her, sending a violent shiver down her spine.
She forced her weak limbs to move forward, willing to get out of this place. She bumped into someone. A gasp escaped her mouth, and she staggered.
Two strong arms encircled her. She looked up and saw Gideon. Before she could even say a word, she heard Mr. Hill’s voice again.
"Stop right there..." He stumbled out of the restroom, wiping at his burning eyes. When he saw Gideon, he froze. For a moment, he couldn’t find words to speak. An idea sparked.
"Gideon, don’t trust her," he yelled. "She lured me in. She clearly signaled me to follow her into the restroom. When I did, she started acting like some innocent victim, as if she didn’t know anything. She seduced me. And now she is pretending that I forced her."
Summer looked up at Gideon, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
"I didn’t... Will you believe me?" That’s all she could say. Her throat tightened, choking her.
Gideon’s face darkened as his gaze landed on the red marks on her cheek. A violent surge of rage crashed through his chest. He wished he could tear the man apart. How dare he lay a hand on her?
Before he could make a move, he felt Summer’s body going limp in his arms. Alarmed, he glanced down and saw her closing her eyes.
"Summer," he called, but she didn’t respond.
Summer fell into unconsciousness.
Without waiting a second, he lifted her and carried her out.
"Gideon, trust me," Mr. Hill continued to yell. "I didn’t do anything. It’s she who seduced me."
Gideon strode out, not stopping anywhere. Determination burned even hotter. He would destroy this man.