Chapter 5

~Maya~

Walking down the street, I delved deep in my thoughts. I had just booked a flight to California, luckily there was one more seat available.

I wanted to forget everything, I was tired of the hurt I had to endure. Deep down, I hoped it was unreal. I hoped I’d wake up from this nightmare, but reality had other plans for me.

Reminiscing on past events, I couldn’t help but wonder, what pictures Andrew talked about earlier. What really happened last night. I was sure as hell I was with Katherine until she left to use the bathroom.

I tasted something off in my drink and after that, everything went blank. The only thing I could remember was darkness and the stranger’s deep voice.

Not watching my surrounding, I walked into the street as I remained lost in thought.

Honk!

Crash!

The bonnet of a speeding limousine collided with my stomach knocking me to the ground. As my vision blurred, a familiar scent engulfed my senses as I succumbed to the darkness.

…***…

The strong scent of medicine engulfed my senses as I squinted my eyes open weakly. A gnawing ache resided at the side of my head as I rose from the bed. As my blurred vision became vivid, my eyes widened when I realized I was in a hospital.

“What happened?” I muttered, rubbing my forehead softly.

“Miss Brooks, you’re finally awake,” the female doctor remarked as she entered the ward.

“How long was I out?” I asked.

“Just an hour. Luckily that kind gentleman brought you in on time. It could’ve been worse,” the doctor stated, glancing through her clipboard.

“You’re free to go. Your injuries are minor. Since you were brought in on time, you were saved from having a head trauma,” she continued as she scribbled onto her clipboard.

“You get dressed and I’ll see you shortly,” the doctor added before leaving the room.

Turning to my side, I picked my bag from the table, sliding my hands in as I reached for my phone. My eyes widened as I saw the time displayed on my lock screen.

“S*it! I’m going to miss my flight!”

Getting out of bed swiftly, I picked up my clothes as I slid them on quickly. Putting my things in order, I rushed towards the counter.

“Hello ma’am, how may I help you?” the receptionist asked, a warm smile playing on her lips as she fixed her gaze on me.

“Yes, I want to pay the bill.”

“Bill?” the receptionist asked, confused.

“Yes, I was in ward twenty-nine,” I stated, rummaging through my bag in search of my card.

“Just a moment,” the receptionist said, clicking the keypads as she narrowed her eyes at the monitor.

“Your bill is cleared.”

Hearing her words, I stopped in my tracks as I looked at her with widened eyes. Cleared? I couldn’t have misheard her, right?

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Yes ma’am, that tall, delicious, sexy-looking man paid your bill,” the receptionist said, licking her lips hungrily as she moaned softly.

I stared at her awkwardly as I scratched my head. In a bid to avoid another awkward scene, I chuckled nervously and asked, “Did this strange man leave a name?”

“Unfortunately he didn’t, cause of that damn b*tch that clung to him like a fly. But I wish he left something more than a name on me,” she said, biting her lips as she stared at the empty space.

Pursing my lips, I gave a slight nod and departed from the hospital swiftly. Walking into the streets, I hailed a cab. Getting in, I instructed the driver to drop me off at the airport as I had to catch my flight.

Running my hands through my hair, I delved deep into my thoughts as I tried remembering what could’ve led me to the hospital. My eyes widened as I muttered, “I was hit.”

Hitting my forehead softly, I cursed inwardly. How could I be so careless? What if he wasn’t kind enough to take me to the hospital? He even cleared my bill. What a good man!

I wished he left a name or a number so I could thank him for his care. After a half an hour drive, we finally arrived at the airport. Paying the fare, I carried my bags towards the entrance.

“Welcome the New York lines ma’am, what flight are you scheduled for?” The attendant asked as I approached the desk.

“Flight three-zero-eight-five, California.”

“Sorry ma’am, the flight has been delayed for at least six hours.”

“Six hours?!”

“Yes ma’am, we apologize for the inconvenience.

If you can wait, you can reschedule ma’am,” She said, a smile tugging on the corner of her lips.

I didn’t want to stay here any longer. I needed to leave. Six hours wait or another full day of pain. I obviously knew which one I was going for.

“I’ll wait, thanks,” I responded softly.

A male attendant strode towards me, giving me a card, he carried my bags with him. Watching his departing figure, I scanned the surrounding area for a nearby restaurant as my stomach growled hungrily.

“Incompetent!”

“Mr Steele, please understand…”

“I paid in advance and what?! It’s delayed for another six hours?! The audacity!”

The argument between a customer and an attendant caught my attention as I drifted my gaze towards them. My eyes widened as I looked at him.

His chiseled face was to die for especially his thin pink lips. His masculine physique was exuded from the three-piece suit he had on. Each strand of his hair arranged meticulously as the aura around him was fierce. Seeing his back, a sense of familiarity engulfed me. I couldn’t help but feel I had met this man somewhere before.

“To hell with this!” He yelled, running his hands through his hair as he walked away.

Aye! There goes another hot one! Rolling my eyes, I shook my head slightly in disappointment.

Stretching my hands slightly, I stopped a girl passing by, “Excuse me,” I said softly.

“Yes?”

“Please do you have any idea where the closest restaurant is?”

“Over there,” she said, pointing towards the the direction of the handsome stranger.

“Thank you.”

Giggling, I walked behind him as I admired his features. Damn! What are you doing Maya! Get a hold of yourself! Watching the tall stranger, I caught sight of the speeding vehicle that headed in his direction. He was distracted by his phone and didn’t pay attention.

“Hey!” I yelled, in a bid to get his attention. It was a failed effort as he continued on his way.

Running towards him, I grabbed his hand as I pulled him away from the road forcefully. Throwing him to the floor, I lost balance as I landed on top of him leading to the involuntary intertwining of our lips.