Seduced by Revenge.

Chapter 4

Nomsa’s POV

Have you ever felt like u dreaming but only to realize that it’s reality . That’s exactly how I felt when I heard those gun triggers . I didn’t know what to do especially when I came to think that my friend can’t run to save her own life , worse she was intoxicated. My heart raced , my palms started sweating but I tried to regulate my emotions because it was a matter of strategy.

On the other hand I could tell that mark was panicking but he couldn’t chicken out , he had to be a man . “Woooo woooo wooo gent , I’m sure there’s a way we can sort this out . Calm down I promise we will co operate,” Mark said his voice firm but trembling with terror .

The masked thugs showed no mercy shouted back “f****k you , do as we say .” The tall thug slowly moved close to us . I had already laid Annie on the ground . We nodded, but I was just waiting for the right moment unleash my martial arts skills .

“Give us all your belongings . Your phones , jewelry , I mean everything .” One of the thugs shouted his voice sharp and cruel “then we will leave .

My heart thumped so hard it felt like it could break through my chest. With trembling hands I slowly started placing my phone on the rough concrete of the parking lot . Each step feeling like it dragged the weight of my soul along . One by one I took off my earrings , bracelets , anything of value and laid them down carefully besides my IPhone 16 that I treasured dearly . The metallic clink of each piece hitting the ground made my stomach churn . I couldn’t bear the thought of loosing them , but there was no choice .

Mark mirrored my actions stripping off his watch and chains his jaw tight , his eyes on the thugs

They stepped closer shadows stretching long under the flickering streetlights, their boots scraping against the pavement as they reach for our possessions .

Then mark acted . In a heartbeat , faster than i could even react he kicked the first thug’s gun out of his hand . It clattered across the concrete and for a moment everything froze .

The second thug pulled his trigger and fired . The bullet whizzed past and missed us , embedding itself in our car with a deafening thunk .My breath caught in my throat .

Instinctively, I lunged forward and grabbed the gun from the ground . My palms were sweaty and my hands shaking but I did not hesitate . The second thug tightened up his face and eyes in fury , that’s when I unleashed every ounce of my martial arts training.My foot slammed into his chest , sending him stumbling backwards . As he lunged to aim , I twisted , using his momentum against him and wrapped my arms around his neck . He gasped surprised and I held on until he crumbled to the pavement.

The first thug’s eyes wide in panic, managed to snatch only my necklace before reality hit him . To be factual we weren’t an easy prey .Fear took over greed and he bolted vanishing into the shadows

I dropped the gun my heart racing , lungs burning , as I stared at the scattered belongings between us Mark caught his breath beside me , shaking his head. A small smirk of disbelief on his face . We had survived but barely .

No one said a word the silence was heavy , thick in shock and disbelief over what had just happened . My hands were still trembling . The sound of my heartbeat echoed in my ears like a fading drum .

Annie hadn’t seen a thing she was fast asleep through it all . I glanced at her peaceful face and almost smiled . She must have been having fun in Wonderland while or our world fell apart outside .

Mark moved quietly, gently lifting her and settling her in the backseat . Then he turned to me “I will drive ,”he said softly.

I ddnt argue. My body was shaking too hard , My mind replaying the scene over and over . I simply nodded and gracefully handed him the keys . As he started the engine I whispered the directions home my voice unsteady .

My guts kept on flashing a red light , a warning I couldn’t quite place . Something wasn’t right , but where was the danger pointing ?

“Damn ,” I muttered underneath my breath the realization hitting me like a storm . “James , yes It’s James , he thinks he will get away with this as well , not this time around ,” I said out loud before I could stop myself.

“Huh?” Mark looked at me so confused .

I turned to him breathing heavily , my chest tightening with anger . “I think it’s that husband of mine ,” I spat out my voice rising . “He must have sent those people to rob us .He’s too possessive he never wants me out of his sight .”

Tears burned in my eyes and fury took over , “This time ,” I screamed ,my voice breaking “this time I’m ending it once and for all .”

“Nomsa , I understand you angry and emotions are high,” Mark said gently . “ please calm down let’s figure this out once we get at your friend’s place , before I leave ?”

He’s voice was soft almost soothing . As a sensitive soul , he spoke in a way that felt like was quietly petting my back , grounding me in the middle of a storm .

The drive home was silent , only the faint hum of the engine filling the air .When we finally pulled into the driveway , exhaustion weighed heavy on my chest .

Just as I opened the back door , Annie jolted awake in terror . “Who are you ? Where am I ? Leave me alone ,” she screamed , her voice screeching like a tire on asphalt as she kicked me wildly .

“Annie , it’s me Nomsa ,”I exclaimed . “You are safe I said moving towards her slowly.

Her eyes darted around until recognition softened them .

Slowly she relaxed . I helped her upstairs and tucked her into bed, brushing a stray curl from her forehead.

As I walked back down , my mind still replaying the chaos of the night , I froze halfway down the stairs.

There at the bottom sat Mark waiting. A faint smile curved his lips as he looked at me . He looked up as I reached the bottom . I sat beside him close enough to feel the warmth of his body .

For a moment, silence wrapped us around , not the awkward kind though , but the kind that speaks louder than words .

Then in that low calm tone of his , he said “I’m all ears . Whatever it is , you can tell me .”

I hesitated , then I let out a shaky breath . My marriage I began , my voice small. “It’s , it’s been suffocating. I feel like I have been holding my breath for years .”

He nodded slowly his eyes not loosing any eye contact . “ You don’t have to stress about it all will be alright when the time is right ,” He said to me with a sly smile softly. He’s response didn’t make any sense and was quite a confusing one . But I let it slip away.