Chapter 9: Safe In His Embrace
1096 Words
Cattleya’s POV
I gasped for breath, my chest heaving as I struggled to inhale.
Jaxon's hands gently massaged my upper back, his soothing murmurs a stark contrast to the panic clawing at my insides.
"We need to get you to a doctor," he said to his driver, his voice firm.
Minutes later, we arrived at Dr. Lamberto's. Jaxon cradled me in his arms, his touch both tender and protective.
His concern was evident, but a cold dread nibbled at me.
Why did I feel safe in his embrace?
I managed a weak smile. "I'm fine," I lied, my voice barely a whisper.
His eyes held a depth of worry I couldn't ignore. 'You're anything but fine,' he said, his tone gentle yet insistent, his hand tightening around mine.
The doctor emerged from his house, his brow furrowed in concern as he took in the situation. His wife stood beside him, her face etched with worry.
Despite his confusion, it was clear he recognized Jaxon's urgency.
Jaxon carefully carried me inside, placing me gently on the living room couch.
The doctor's wife offered a sympathetic glance before excusing herself.
"She looks so pale," the doctor remarked, his gaze fixed on me. "What happened?"
"I think she's having a panic attack," Jaxon replied, his voice filled with concern.
The doctor shook his head. "It doesn't seem like a panic attack. I suspect it might be asthma." He moved closer, his eyes examining my face. "Do you have a history of asthma?"
I nodded slowly, my throat tight. "A long time ago," I whispered.
"Okay, let me get an inhaler," he said, leaving the room.
Thirty minutes later, the inhaler had done its work. My breathing was steadier, and a sense of calm washed over me.
My eyes met his eyes across the room. His expression was a complex interplay of emotions, impossible to decipher.
Shame crept into my heart. I'd dragged him into this mess again. But this was the plan, wasn't it? Why did it feel so wrong?
I bit my lip, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm so sorry for bothering you again."
His response was blunt. "Yeah, princess, you really did bother me this time."
A mischievous glint appeared in my eyes. "I know. But you also know I won't stop until you agree to my terms."
His eyebrows rose in challenge. "So, you're trying to trap me in your wicked plan?"
I was about to respond when there was a knock at the door. The doctor handed me a prescription.
“Thank you, Doc.”
“Visit me in my clinic if you don’t feel better….”
I hadn't realized my asthma had flared up after the ordeal at the club.
Jaxon rose to his feet and extended a hand. "Let's go?"
I ignored his gesture and headed for the door, my mind racing. The dizziness lingered, but the haunting images from the club were far more potent.
Had Ariella been a regular there? Was that where she met her end?
I turned back to Jaxon, my voice firm. "I need copies of your club's security footage. I want to know what my sister was doing there. It might lead me to her killer."
His face hardened. "Start with the people closest to her. That club is a dangerous place. You don't want to end up like her."
“Do you really have to do this to me now?”
I know you are used to getting what you want in life, princess," he said while leaning closer and smiling. “But you'll have to work for it this time. You have to work for what you want; nothing is free."
Anger set me, and my smile quickly disappeared.
"You should know your place," he said, opening the car's door. "Because if I hadn't shown up, god knows what will happen to you."
I crossed my arms and sighed in irritation, "Yes, but you don't get me— "
"You're the one who doesn't get my point."
My mouth dropped open. I locked eyes with him, refusing to budge until I swore softly, "F*ck."
He dropped me off in front of the condo building, and I couldn't believe he actually knew where I lived.
Then I realized he'd sent people to watch me so I wouldn't tell anyone about his secret identity.
"You know I'm a woman of my word. I won't tell anyone about you, so stop spying on me," I snarled, my tone laced with disgust.
He reached for my hand, and I flinched in surprise. But he caught it again, stroking it gently as he stared at me. "I want to protect you from me, Cattleya Sullivan. So.... please stay away from me as much as possible."
"W-What?" I asked, my confusion evident in my voice.
"That's a request," he said.
"I thought you wanted to keep me..." I replied, sadness creeping into my voice at the thought of being away from him.
Was I already becoming accustomed to his presence? Oh, no!
He let go of my hand, “Are you seducing me again? Because…. it’s working.”
I was about to shake my head when he cupped my face, his touch startling me.
Suddenly, his lips were on mine, a searing kiss that promised eternity.
His eyes held a predatory gleam as he devoured my mouth with a hunger that took me by surprise.
His powerful tongue explored my mouth, and a soft moan escaped my lips when he gently bit my lower lip.
“S–Stop….”
“Why do you want me to stop?” he asked, catching his breath.
I pushed him away with trembling hands and fled from the car, but his long strides quickly caught up to me.
As I burst through the building's entrance, my heart sank at the sight of my parents waiting with worried expressions.
To my horror, Patrick was also there, his face etched with betrayal.
"Catt?!" he uttered, his voice filled with disbelief.
Analia, my b***h cousin, pointed a dramatic finger at me. "There she is! She's with a... man!"
Mom rushed towards me, "What is the meaning of this, Catt?!"
My eyes darted between Jaxon, who stood tall behind me, and my parents.
Dad's expression was a mix of surprise and a strange familiarity that sent shivers down my spine. It was as if he recognized the man beside me.
"Jaxon, you better leave—" I began, but Mom cut me off.
"So, is this the man you're replacing Patrick with?!" she demanded, her voice sharp.
- Writer
