Compelled

6. Save the damsel

"Hello to you too, darling. We haven't met in a long time. Are you avoiding me?" Ian said sounding dramatically sweet which only made it seem fake. Did he not think Liana would have told me by now. How stupid could he be?

"What do you want, Ian?" I got out roughly, wanting nothing more than to strangle him. 

"What I've always wanted sweet. You." He sounded sick like I didn't even know who he was. I was silent for a good minute and my finger hovered over the red button, ready to end the call. 

"Hang up and Liana would get another visit from me." He threatened cautiously. My heart was beating so damn fast I could hear it thumping in my ears. "Meet me outside your place of work." He instructed and I definitely wasn't going to do that. 

"I'm not-" I started but he abruptly cut me of. "For Liana's sake, I hope you don't refuse." I swallowed more times than necessary, breathing like I had ran a marathon. 

"Fine. Do anything funny and you'll be sorry." He just laughed at my warning and hung up. I ignored the way my hands were trembling and found Mr Pearson's' number, thanking myself over and over again for saving it during the move, it rang and when no answer came, went to voicemail. Just then my phone beeped with a message. 

"If you're not down here in two minutes. Forget me being nice. Oh and make that one minutes and fifty-eight seconds." s**t! Damn b****y s**t. I shoved my phone back into my coat and took the stairs down, running as if my life depended on it. 

When I got to the entrance door and scanned the area Ian was no where to be seen so I decided to turn and run back in but all thought of that faded when cold metal was pressed against my back followed my a whisper.

"Make even the smallest noise and I'll pull the trigger." Ian's malicious voice sounded near my ear. 

"Get into the car without making a fuss." He pointed to his Jeep. Never have I ever thought I'd be so afraid of seeing his car as I was now. Usually when I used to spot this shiny black metal box it caused some sort of relief to me but not today.

I scanned the area hoping to see someone that I could scream for help but then again having another person here meant possible harm to them. The five shift ended and everyone was gone but the next shift nurses should be here soon. 

The cold hard object pressed painfully against my back. "Get in the f*****g car!" He said again but stopped when the sound of an engine was heard approaching. The relief quickly rose in me but vanished the same time when the car drove passed the entrance and to the back. 

Ian shoved me roughly towards his car. "Why are you doing this, Ian?" My voice shook with the amount of fear rising in me. I have never feared him before because this side of him was unknown to me. 

He laughed while pushing the back door of his Jeep open then pushed me in, locking the door. He rounded the car to the drivers side and I hastily pulled at the door latch but it wouldn't open. 

"Child lock, honey. So sit tight and be a good girl." He said mockingly then turned the key, the sound of the struggling engine as it awoke making me jump. There was no damn way to get out! 

I looked out the window as he reversed towards the reserved emergency parking for the ambulance then turned towards the exit. "Let me go, Ian. No harm will come to you if you just release me unharmed." I lied trying to bargain for my freedom but he laughed again. The sound pushing my heart beat faster within my chest. 

"No one will ever see you again so I have nothing to fear and don't think I didn't consider the risk of your Mr Pearson finding me. I'm sure he's tasted and tired of you now. I'm merely doing him a favour. After all, he doesn't stick to woman that long." I just gawked at him not caring if I seemed like an i***t with the shock displayed on my face. How could he even think such a think. Mr Pearson and I didn't even give of the impression to others at all but Ian was adamant from day one that something was going on. 

"It isn't even like that. Nothing has ever happened-" the car jerked abruptly, almost sending me flying into the front but I held the back of the seat and steadied myself taking a quick moment to regain from the flash of movement. The car had stopped just at the exit. 

Ian looked furiously at the car that was blocking him way and then assessed it's driver. His jaw clenched and he seemed uneasy by his breathing, the adrenaline probably reaching a peak in his body.

"f*****g hell." He growled then pressed on the hooter for the car to move. I sat up and saw the shiny black vehicle. It was a new shape, black Porshe. Was the driver of this car insane, risking his expensive vehicle. 

My gaze narrowed in at the driver and all my tension melting away but the fear rose more in its place. Ian was armed and I doubted Mr Pearson was. He didn't seem like the type who carried around weapons for defence.

When Ian noticed he wasn't getting anywhere he swerved the car to the right, trying to find a loop hole but the car in front followed his movement. Ian swore again and jumped out of the car, grabbing his g*n. When he took a few steps away from the car I got in the front of the car, jumping out of the driver side door. 

Mr Pearson got out of the car and so did another figure from the back seat. It was a man, not really tall but he seemed to be on the elderly side. My eyes darted to Ian looking for his g*n but it was at the back of his jeans hidden by his worn out denim jacket. The jacket covered it perfectly and no one would even have the slightest inkling that he was armed let alone Mr Pearson. 

Mr Pearson's' gaze ran over me almost as if he was assessing me making sure I was okay. I let out a sly nod and he got the message and turned his attention back to Ian. 

"Ahh if it isn't the famous billionaire." Ian said in a distasteful tone. Mr Pearson shot the elderly guy a look then looked back at Ian. They seemed to have had a short conversation in their two second moment.

"Listen, we mean no harm. Just let her go and we can be on our way." He said narrowing his eyes at Ian who just shrugged obviously not willing to budge. 

"You know, I'm actually surprised that you're here, risking your life for her. You experienced her body now let me have a taste." Ian said suggestively throwing me a lustful look. Mr Pearson's' fists raised forward the moment he ended his sentence. I jumped back when his fist connected with Ian's jaw. s**t! He needed to know that Ian had a g*n. I couldn't let him get hurt just for coming to my aid. 

Ian, who was done groaning from the pain, stood straight. "I will let that slide but I'm warning you. Move from my way and save yourself." Ian cautioned seriously like he wasn't going to tolerate any more. 

Ian was giving him a warming to scram before he used his g*n. Mr Pearson didn't move an inch and Ian's' hand reached secretly for his g*n, the movement was slow so no one would suspect. Ian was going shoot and someone was going to get hurt and I wasn't going to let that happen.

It wouldn't be fair for anyone to get hurt because of my horrible choice of guy.

"Y-you know it's okay, Mr Pearson. Just go. I'll be fine." I said hoping he would understand the urgency in my voice and take the hint. Ian shot me a look then raised an eyebrow then relaxed it when he knew what I was up to. He shot me a malicious smirk the pulled his g*n out of his jeans band. 

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. He straightened his arm, the g*n in his firm grasp as he aimed it at Mr Pearson. His finger was inching towards the trigger so I did the one thing I possibly could. 

I ran then lunged towards Mr Pearson, my body hitting him with an unexpected force that pushed him to the ground. The gunshot sounded followed by another one. I scooted of and away from Mr Pearson giving him some space since I practically landed on him then assessed his strong body on the paved floor scanning him to see if he was fine. When my eyes met his they held something I really couldn't comprehend, a mix between slight anger and something else, but I turned away and at the scene in front. 

Ian's g*n was on the roughly paved floor while he leaned against the hood of his Jeep for support with his forearm clasped by his hand as he nursed the bleeding wound. "Officer McKenna. You're under arrest for attempted murder, r**e and abuse." The elderly man who accompanied Mr Pearson said while he walked towards Ian with his hand cuffs out. "You have the right to remain silent. Everything you say can and will be held against you in the court of law." He pulled Ian's wrists roughly making him let out a painfully defeated whimper then secured the shiny metal circles around his wrists. 

I stood up, dusting the back of my jeans then feeling a little sting I looked down at my palm and saw it was bruised, the skin all grazed showing the smallest hint of red. The same time Mr Pearson tried to pick himself up onto his elbows he winced. He, too, had been bruised but it seemed a lot more worse. The back of his forearm was grazed from the pokey paving.

"I'll live, doctor." He said when he noticed me analysing his arm. He then got onto his feet and his entire demeanour changed when he saw Ian. His stance became much more strong making him seem taller, his eyes narrowed with distaste and his jaw tightly clenched. He approached Ian slowly and it was as if the three of us were counting the seconds until Mr Pearson did whatever his mind was telling him to. 

His humourless gaze ran the length of Ian in mocking disgust, his head tilted while his brows furrowed together then he let out a dry laugh that was full of ridiculing. "I don't understand what she saw in you." He said and Ian shot me a glare then let that glare turn into distress and an attempt to ask me for help to which I just raise an eyebrow. Ian was about to say something but he didn't get the chance to. 

"This is for Liana." Mr Pearson said, his voice harder than rock. His hand balled into fists before they went at him until the police said it was enough but he kept going. It didn't seem like he intended to stop but rather like he'd prefer to serve Ian the punishment he deemed fit but that would probably get him into to trouble so I approached him until I stood at his side then placed a hand on his shoulder which was rapidly moving from his fists mercilessly having a go at Ian. 

He seized when my hand touched him shoulder and swung his head to look at me. "I think that's enough. Leave some of him for the authority, Mr Pearson." His bloodied hands dropped to his side's then he looked at the man who I assumed was the person he told Liana and I about earlier. The one who was an old family friend. 

"Take good care of him, Wilson." He said then without a word he marched into the medical centre. I figured I should let him be to calm himself for a few minutes before I got to see to and dress those wounds he incurred. I exhaled feeling all the built up tension and adrenaline from the situation depart. 

"He'll never make you happy, Scarlett. These rich men don't have hearts." Ian's weakly said just as I was about to leave. I closed my eyes for a brief moment trying to stay calm. I didn't know whether to take that as a warning or as advice for future possibilities which there were none of so his words were futile. 

I didn't spare him a glance. "I doubt you would either." I spat at him coldly then left the scene behind and made my way to the second floor. 

The evening shift nurses started to hurry in just after I reached the second floor. "Scarlett, what are you doing here?" Jenna's confused voice sounded for my attention. Her brows were knit together before they relaxed and one of them raised questioningly. 

I needed to tell her how right she was about Ian but now really wasn't the time. Maybe tomorrow I'd catch up with her after hours. "Mrs Pearson has been discharged. I'm just here seeing that she leaves well." I explained and she nodded but a curious gleam still lingered in her expressive eyes. 

It was always hard hiding anything from her especially when she knew right away when something was out of place. "I'll fill you in tomorrow, Jen. All I want to do is call it day already." She smiled then said that she understood. 

"I'm holding you to a coffee date tomorrow." Just as she finished speaking a few feminine giggles were heard. 

Jenna rolled her eyes but then smirked. "Some hot guy is sitting in room at the end." She pointed to the direction and I craned my head only to see four young nurses all secretly peaking through the little glass window on the door of Mrs Pearson's room. 

"They're fangirling over Mr Pearson." I said and Jenna's eyes widened the size of saucers. 

"That hot guy is Mr Pearson?! Like the Mr Pearson you're staying with?" She questioned me with this naughty smirk and I so knew where she was heading with this but I nodded answering her question. 

She smacked my arm. "Girl, that's the type of man you need. A man not a boy like Ian. Snatch him up already!" She squealed and I couldn't hold back my laugh. The elderly sister shot us a disapproving look so I calmed down and so did Jenna. Her mention of Ian made me tense slightly and she didn't miss it. 

"Oh honey, what has he done?" Her face dropped to a serious expression and her hand held my arm comfortingly. It was getting late and Mrs Pearson probably wanted to be out of here so I just gave her a tid bit. 

"Let's just say he's behind bars for who knows how long." The shock expression on her face was so intense, the anger flaring around her eyes. She opened her mouth to ask me more about the matter but I told her that I would tomorrow. 

I got to the door were two nurses still remained peaking in at the Adonis of a man. They stood up straight when I got near and when they saw the disapproval in my stare they scurried of with a faint sorry doctor. I entered the room and saw Mrs Pearson was all dressed and neatly set while she waited sitting at the edge of her bed. 

A picture of elegance and grace so different from the distressed patient that arrived here. Her son stood beside her, his dress shirt sleeves drawn down and I didn't know if it was to hide the bruise in general or from his mother. His forearm graze he could hide but he couldn't really conceal the knuckle bruises. 

"Good evening, ma'am. You all really to get out of here?" I greeted her and then she laughed at the jousting tone of leaving this place. Her face wasn't ghostly pale but had so much radiant colouring to it and when she smile you couldn't quiet miss the beauty that she was still at this age. 

"It wasn't so bad in here but home is home." She said to which I totally agreed. The comfort you find in your space really couldn't be easily sought elsewhere. 

Her pills were all dispatched and we ready to leave when she said she needed to use the ladies room before we could exit her private ward. Mr Pearson was oddly silent the entire time. I got around to the little cabinet mounted on the wall and opened it retrieving a first aid kit.

He stood at the side of the bed and watched me near him with the see-through box in my hand. "Please sit onto the bed." He was going to say something and from the way he shook his head it was clear that he was going to protest. He seemed rather angry and I couldn't help but feel that it was because of me. I shot him a glare and he sighed easing his shoulders he did as I said.

"Hands out front please." I said when he still kept them behind his back. 

Opening the box and getting out the cotton wool and antiseptic I quickly ran a look over him and saw his hands were still hidden. I shut my eyes for a second, inhaling deeply. It really wouldn't do him any harm to co-operate and at least let me dress his wounds. 

"Mr Pearson, would you-" I started but was cut off. 

"Justin." He said, urging me to call him by his first name and if that's what it took to get some cooperation then so be it. 

"Justin, hands in front." He hesitantly put them forward and I assessed them. The blood was gone and it seemed that he had rinsed it off but a little red still remained. Slowly folding his sleeve up so as to not hurt his forearm, I got the cotton pad and poured a generous amount of antiseptic on it. 

"You know this really isn't necessary." I rolled my eyes at him, ignoring his harsh tone of voice and he raised a brow. 

"Just shush. It'll be done in no time." He was quiet again which gave me the silence I needed to get him cleaned up. 

He winced when the antiseptic touched his bruises and that was expected however just not by him. We were silent as I wrapped a thin layer of gauze around his forearm then cleaning his knuckles up. Little giggles ruined the silence. The nurse ducked down when Justin and I turned to look in her direction. I let out a laugh and he looked at me curiously for an explanation. 

"You're sort of causing a scurry on the second floor." He smirked, the tinge of anger he seemed to have a few moments ago all but gone, knowing exactly what I was talking about. His chocolatey brown eyes turned playful surprising me for a moment. The smirk made his face more appealing if that was even possibly. 

"Would be hilarious having you secretly watch me like those nurses." He said with a breathy laugh. I rolled my eyes again. "In the short time you know me I'm sure you picked up that I don't get distracted by good looking faces." The moment I said that I regretted it. 

The gleam in his eye turned curious but filled with humour. The air felt thick almost electric even though I knew he was just teasing. "So you admit I'm good looking." He leaned forward, the engorged laughter showing on his face. He obviously knew he looked like damn s*x on legs as well as the female attention he got because of it. 

"Oh look, we're all done dressing your hands." I faked sweetness and he laughed again, the sound resonating through me. I shook my head furiously.

 Get a damn grip, Scarlett. I admonished myself just as I caught the sight of the black blouse his mother had on. 

I didn't know how long she was standing there or how much she had heard. Justin followed my gaze and got off the bed. The look that she had on her face was a cross between wonder and surprise but also delight which made me feel like she stood there longer than we were aware of.