Chapter Six

**SHOCK**

*Jane's POV*

My breath came in ragged gaps, each step pounding in a desperate rhythm. My heart thundered in my chest as Mr. Austin dragged me to a hidden area.

“Stay here and don't come out. This is for your best. Dennis is not someone to play with. He wouldn't dare touch you while I'm here,” he said with a pleading face.

“No, I want to come with you! What if he harms you because of me?”

“He wouldn't dare. Just remain quiet here,” he replied.

“I know you are in there, Austin! I need my property, Mister!” I heard Dennis's voice, and a chill crept down my spine.

“Where do you think you are going with my property? You think you can save the day like you always do? I obviously won the bid, so what's all this for?” he said. “But I'm interested in her, and I want her at all costs,” Mr. Austin replied.

Dennis pushed Austin, making him fall on a plank. They continued fighting, and all I wanted to do was leap out and help save Austin.

Panic twisted in my stomach as I watched Austin fall. I wanted to jump in and help, but what if I made it worse? Was I brave or foolish?

Their conversation and fighting got intense, and my body reeked of fear. What if I stayed hidden and something happened to Austin? The thought hit me as I pushed toward the exit.

I gripped the doorframe in fear as I faced the dreadful scene—blood flowed from Austin's nose.

“Go back, Jane,” Austin pleaded, his voice laced with fear.

“No, I can't watch you get hurt!”

“You definitely are bold, aren't you?” Dennis asked, looking at me with anger.

“No, I feel I have a business with you. Let's sort this out. You want me, right? Come get me like I'm a piece of material in the mail put on discount.”

The area grew crowded, and the sound of police sirens increased as officers began to enter the vicinity.

“Let's leave here, Jane,” Austin said, pulling my hand as we slipped out through the back exit.

Finally, we got into a car parked outside with three men.

“Hey buddy, Dennis got you into trouble?” one guy said without noticing my presence. Then he looked in my direction.

“Jane, meet my friends,” Austin finally said. “About her, I will talk about it later, man. Just drive,” he instructed.

As we pulled away in the car, our hands brushed briefly. A spark ignited, and I felt my heart's thud sound ringing in my ears. He stared at me, and my mouth opened in awe as I gently looked at the handsome man before me, whom I hadn't really noticed before.

“You good?” he asked, brushing my hair back behind my ear.

“Yeah, I am,” I responded as the car moved.

The calmness in the car sent chills down my spine. The experience of what I had just endured was overwhelming. I couldn't help but listen to the best silent AIMON song, “Amber Road,” which made me sober.

“Are you okay?” Austin asked, glancing toward me.

“Yes, I'm fine,” I said, forcing a smile.

The surroundings of his mansion were all about nature; it seemed he was a lover of the outdoors. “Woah,” escaped my mouth as we entered and saw the magnificent building. My sister and I were used to locked homes daily; our movements were always from school to the house. I was glad to adjust to a new phase of life and hoped for a better ending.

In that moment, I realized my life had been more of a cage series: first at home, then at the auction with Dennis, and now with Austin. Would I eventually be fine someday?

“Hello, ma'am,” the maids echoed as we got down, and I responded with a smile.

“Meet Jane. Show her to a room and make her feel comfortable,” Austin said, leaving me with the maids as we headed upstairs.

“Hello, ma'am. I'm the maid assigned today. My name is Lora. I will assist you with anything you need. Let me gladly show you to your room,” she said.

I felt so comfortable with Lora and began to share many things with her.

The room was spacious, and the designs were detailed.

“Ummm, I don't have clothes to change into. Do you have any?” I asked.

“Yes, we have a lot,” she said, rummaging through the wardrobe and finding me a nice nightwear that made my fair legs glow as I packed my hair into a bonnet.

“Please come downstairs for dinner.”

I went down for dinner but unfortunately didn't see Austin.

“Oh, he eats dinner alone and loves his privacy,” Lora whispered in my ear.

“Oh, I see,” I said, continuing to dig into my plate as I savored the food.

“Thanks for the food,” I said after eating.

“You seem pretty hungry,” Lora observed.

“Yes, I am,” I replied with a calm smile as I made my way back to the room and rested on the bed.

My body struggled to adjust to the new environment. It began to rain; the cold droplets tapped against the window, making me shiver as the rain intensified.

“Help!” I screamed, my voice trembling. “Someone please help me!” My voice deepened with fear.

“I'm here, Jane. You are safe,” I looked up and found Austin seated beside me. “You had a bad dream,” he said, reaching out to me. I felt his warmth. “I'm here; you are safe,” he murmured. “What's wrong?” he asked, staring deeply into my eyes.

The sensation of my body pressing down and his intense gaze made me feel an unexpected pleasure. I looked at how soft his lips would feel on mine, and a surge of warmth coursed through me as I realized I was beginning to crave his presence.

“Jane, um, I think you need rest,” he said, pulling me back to the bed. “I will do whatever it takes to protect you,” he murmured, embracing me as I drifted to sleep.