An offer from a stranger

Chapter 5

Ariel

My stomach grumbled the moment I stepped into the café. I didn't bother to look at the name because I wouldn't be staying for long.

Grabbing a bite of any burger they sold and gulping down a cup of strong black coffee to keep me energized was my goal and as soon as I achieved that, I'd take a train that would take me to another state.

My heart thumped hard against my chest with panic. I kept passing glances, hoping that no one was trailing me.

It was past noon and if my calculations were right, the wedding should be over already. Though Guilia had asked me not to worry about her safety, I couldn't help the fear that sprang up each time I thought about her.

Turning back and going home looked like a good option, but that would make me a coward and make all of my efforts to escape look like a joke.

After ascertaining that I wasn't being followed, I walked to the stand and ordered a cup of coffee and a plate of hamburger. Fortunately, the café was quite empty save for the staff who worked there and a few customers littered around.

Most of them had their attention glued to their laptop screens, probably working and here I was wishing to disappear from the surface of the earth.

The waiter winked, flashing a flirty smile in my direction. "Please, be patient, Miss. The burger is been heated up." He informed me even when I didn't ask for it.

I ignored his flirtatious gaze and tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Oh, thank you. I guess I'll have to wait," I mouthed, searching for a table at the secluded part of the café where I could hide and enjoy my meal.

His fingers brushed against mine when I made to leave and I narrowed my eyes, fixing a puzzled look at him.

It was obvious he didn't know who he was dealing with. If he did this in Chicago where I came from, he'd have lost his hand; however, this state wasn't under my father's jurisdiction and he could do as he pleased.

He quickly put on an innocent smile and giggled. His weird acts were irritating and I couldn't wait to leave.

"You could sit here and wait until your burger is ready, besides, I'd love to know the name of the beautiful lady standing before me."

I chuckled, angrily, but he didn't seem to notice because he still had the fake sweet smile on his face. This was the point where I wished everyone knew who I truly was so that they could avoid me.

Not wanting to sound rude, I patted the back of his hand and snatched the plate and cup of coffee. "Don't worry, I'll tell you my name the next time we meet."

I scurried towards the empty table I'd found and settled down.

Getting sick with worry, I reached for my burner phone which was in the pocket of my baggy shorts and boom! I was greeted with a message.

My stomach churned and my heart did a double flip when I saw Guilia's terrifying message.

I froze in my seat, almost hyperventilating, but this wasn't the time to have a panic attack. The necklace... I should have known that my father wouldn't act so sweet in this situation without an ulterior motive and once again, I was disappointed in him.

Without thinking twice, I yanked off the silver necklace, tossed it towards another table and turned off my phone. And then I took my bag from the floor and wore it, ready to leave but it was at that same moment my fear turned into reality.

Two young men, clad in black suits strode directly to the stand. I ducked my head and slid under the table, watching them converse with the waiter who had attended to me earlier.

I palmed my hands, praying earnestly that the young man wouldn't rat me out. Even if he did, I wouldn't hold it against him as I'd turned him down when he requested my name.

'If this man helps me out I'll do whatever he wants,' I muttered under my breath with my heart in my mouth.

Luckily for me, my prayers were answered. The men went away after throwing a glance at my direction and when they found nothing they shut the door.

I stayed put in my corner, panicking until I heard a tap on the table which caused me to flinch and crawl out quickly from the spot.

"You don't have to keep hiding like a common criminal. They have left already," He said, his tone filled with suspicion and nonchalance.

I let out a sigh of relief and crashed onto the chair, gulping the coffee which had already turned cold.

After a moment of trying to catch my breath, I asked. "What did you say to them?"

He pulled out a chair opposite me and settled down as well. "I'd only answer that if you tell me your name and give me a good reason why I shouldn't turn you over to the police."

"Huh?" My eyes widened.

If there was anyone who had to be arrested, it should be those men who came in there, but I couldn't tell him that and risk jeopardizing the safety of my family.

Somehow, he had put me in a fix and I had to give him something to hold onto. At least, to make him feel comfortable around me.

"I'm running away from my ex. He's an abuser and he wanted to force me to marry him but I decided that I couldn't so I took off..." My voice cracked and I blinked hard, faking a sob.

"Hey, don't cry. I'm here for you," He said softly and placed my head on the crook of his neck.

I dabbed my eyes with the back of my hand and sniffed, feeling uncomfortable at the closeness. My body cringed at his touch and it had nothing to do with his scent because he had a good perfume on, but I just couldn't explain the strong desire to be away from him even though he promised security.

"Thank you, this means a lot to me. I'd like to be on my way now before the sun sets," I informed him and gently moved away from him.

He looked embarrassed but he masked it with a smile. "You don't have to go anywhere. You can come and stay in my place until the heat dies down." He offered with a note of sincerity.