Chapter 3 Dwayne Carlos

As she watched the disgusting predator walk away, Fiona's breath came in shallow, rapid bursts as she tried to steady herself and hold up the remains of her dress. The new man's sudden appearance had interrupted the nightmare, but the emotional and physical aftermath left her trembling. Her savior turned to her, his gaze softening with a mixture of concern and determination.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentler now, as he was trying to ensure her safety and comfort. Fiona nodded, though her movements were shaky.

"Yes, I... Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come. "She replied and the man smiled.

"You're safe now. Let's get you out of here. "He spoke as he took off his suit and threw it over her shoulders to cover the parts of the body that her now ruined dress exposed. He extended his arm, and Fiona took it gratefully.

The warmth of his presence was very much different from the invasive touches she had just escaped. They moved through the club, the man guiding her with a purposeful stride through the maze of bodies and flashing lights.

As they reached a quieter section near the club's exit, Fiona took a moment to gather her thoughts. The shock of her brother's betrayal, combined with the immediate danger she had faced, left her feeling disoriented and vulnerable. She glanced back towards where Lorenzo had disappeared and the sting of his abandonment was still fresh and raw.

The man led her to a secluded corner away from the oppressive music and flashing lights. His demeanor remained calm and focused, his brown eyes kept scanning their surroundings with a sense of vigilance. But Fiona was too exhausted to pay attention to this.

"What happened back there? "He questioned and Fiona felt too ashamed to go over the whole story.

"It's a long story. "She replied and silence took over. Fiona then took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort.

"Who are you? And... Why did you help me? "She questioned and the young man shrugged. The man's gaze met hers with a steady calm as he spoke.

"I believe that people deserve to be safe and respected. I saw what was happening and knew I had to step in."His words were simple, yet they carried a profound sense of commitment. As they walked toward the exit, Fiona felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

The night had been a harrowing ordeal, but the intervention of this stranger had provided a crucial lifeline. Even at that. Could she trust him completely? What if she was jumping from pan to fire? She thought but she remained silent.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, the contrast between the chaotic club and the serene world outside was stark. Fiona took a deep breath, her senses gradually returning to normal as she moved away from the club's oppressive environment.

"We need to get you somewhere where you can be looked after. Somewhere safe. "He said, and Fiona nodded in frightened agreement as she wasn't sure that if she went back to meet Lorenzo, he wouldn't send her back to his partner.

The man guided her to a nearby car, its sleek exterior contrasting sharply with the club's gaudy décor.

"You can sit here with me for a while. There are security cameras all over, we can leave the car doors open and you can sit in front while I sit at the back. "He spoke and Fiona stared at him in awe.

"Thank you. I don't know how to repay you." She replied close to tears, and the man gave her a reassuring smile.

"There is no need to repay me. Just remember that there are people who care and people who are willing to stand up for what's right. There may not be a lot. But they still exist."

*************

Fiona stared out of the passenger window as the street lights flickered past, their orange glow reflecting off the damp glass. The rain had started again, and the rhythmic sound of the wipers was almost soothing. A small comfort in the chaos she called life.

She wasn't sure how to feel about the man driving her home. But at least he saved her. As silly as it was, that earned him some of her trust.

"Why didn't you just run away? "He asked, breaking the silence that had settled in the car, about two minutes after Fiona explained part of her ordeal living under Lorenzo to him, and Fiona chuckled bitterly with her gaze fixed on the wet world outside the moving vehicle.

"Trust me. I tried. Twice. "She replied and her savior raised a brow.

"Twice?" He questioned in amusement, and Fiona nodded.

"The first time, he beat the shit out of me, the second time, not only did he beat me up, he starved me for three days," Fiona replied and the aura in the vehicle changed. Fiona's voice was quiet, almost detached as if she were telling a story from someone else's life. The man's eyes widened in shock, but he said nothing, allowing her to continue.

"He's my brother, "Fiona continued. Her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt,

"Stepbrother, actually. He makes that hard to forget. He needs me for his business. He's... he's just someone who enjoys lording over me. He uses me to distract his clients while they sign documents that would ruin their lives. I'm his pawn. I'm nothing but a slave in a place I used to call home. "She turned her head to look at him, her expression softening slightly, and the man tried to keep his focus on the road.

"But there's a light at the end of this dark tunnel. "She said, and the driver, whose name she still didn't know, glanced at her with curiosity.

"What do you mean?"

"In a year, I'll be old enough to inherit my grandfather's fortune. He left it to me before my father married my stepmother. Once I'm of age, I'll take everything that's meant to be mine, and I will finally be free. "She explained and the driver nodded, taking in the weight of her words.

"That's something to look forward to. But why haven't you gone to the police? "He questioned and Fiona's shoulders slumped as she let out a long sigh.

"I'm watched twenty-four seven. I don't have a phone, and my brother has connections everywhere. If I were to contact the cops, it could get me into severe trouble. "

The driver was quiet for a moment, contemplating her predicament. The tension in the car was palpable, but Fiona could sense a growing resolve in the man beside her. They continued the ride in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The rhythmic hum of the engine and the gentle patter of rain against the windshield seemed to create a cocoon of tranquility amidst the storm outside.

When the car finally pulled up in front of Fiona's house, the driver stopped the engine and turned to face Fiona. His expression was serious but kind.

"Here," he said, handing her a business card. The gold letters on the card glinted under the dim interior light of the car.

"If you ever get into trouble, call me. I'll make sure I come get you." Fiona took the card, feeling the smooth paper between her fingers.

"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

The driver gave her a reassuring smile.

"You're welcome. Stay safe."

With that, he turned back to the wheel and drove away, the sound of the engine fading into the night. Fiona watched his taillights disappear, feeling a pang of both gratitude and uncertainty.

Taking a deep breath, she turned towards her house. The old, Victorian-style mansion loomed over her, its imposing presence a constant reminder of her confinement. When she stepped into the house, she noticed it was eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity absent. Her brother must not be home yet.

She moved swiftly, her footsteps echoing through the empty hallway as she rushed up the stairs and made her way to her room. Once inside, she shut the door and leaned against it for a moment, her heart racing. She moved to her closet, pulled out her sleeping clothes, and changed quickly. The card from her savior felt like a lifeline in her otherwise bleak existence.

After changing into her pajamas, Fiona knelt by her bed and carefully slid the card under the mattress. She smoothed the fabric of her blanket over it as if trying to bury her worries with it. The name on the card.

She lay down and stared at the ceiling, the familiar cracks and imperfections in the plaster now seeming like the constellations in her personal sky. Sleep didn't come easily, as her thoughts were a mix of hope and anxiety. She wondered what her brother would do to her once he got home, and above all, the face, voice, touch words, and even name of her savior replayed in her mind.

"Dwayne Carlos,"

The name was boldly written in gold letters on the card he gave her and the name seemed to burn in her mind. A beacon of hope amid the darkness. Fiona's mind wandered back to her brother, the harshness in his eyes, and the coldness of his voice.

The pain and fear she had endured seemed to merge with the promise of a future free from his control. She wondered what Dwayne would be like if she ever needed his help, and if he could be the love of her life.

Underneath all her ordeal, she was a big lover girl and it was only natural for her to have such thoughts about the dashing gentleman who saved her life tonight.

The house remained silent, and the only sounds were the distant whispers of the storm outside. Fiona's exhaustion weighed heavily on her, but sleep continued to elude her. Instead, she lay there, with the face of the charming man who saved her replaying in her mind.

Dwayne Carlos.