Finally Free?

Lillian's POV.

My eyes widened as his lips pressed against mine. My mind froze for a second before I wondered why he was kissing me.

I thought that he wanted to save me. Did he stop Dustin just so he could take advantage of my situation? Why was everyone trying to exploit my vulnerability?

Instinctively, I put my bound hands forward, “Get off me!” I screamed and tried to push him away. His warm hands, however, held my face more firmly, though without hurting me. He continued kissing me, ignoring my feeble attempts at protest. 

“You bastard!” I cussed. It seemed like all men were nothing but scumbags. A surge of anger filled my veins, and I was about to push him again when I noticed his eyes were closed and tears were visible on his cheeks. 

Why was he crying? Everything felt so confusing. It wasn't my business what he was doing, though. I just needed to stop him. 

With renewed strength, I succeeded in pushing him away. His body banged on the edge of the car seat.

"Stop it!" I snapped, my voice sharp and hoarse from all the crying.

He looked stunned by my reaction.

"Why are you kissing me?" I demanded, my hand reaching to wipe my lips.

His eyes dilated as he watched my hand swiped across my lips.

"Jessica..." He called me by that name again.

"Can you stop calling me that? I am not Jessica" I corrected him, exasperated. "My name is—"

"What do you mean by that?" He interrupted softly, his thumb stroking my cheek gently. "Jessica, I know that you've been through a lot of trauma all these years. But please don't act this way..."

His words perplexed me more. What trauma was he referring to too? Why was he staring at me with such tenderness in those captivating green eyes?

I swatted his hand off my cheek and I parted my lips to speak again, but he interrupted.

"I understand that you hate me for not saving you sooner from that monster and avenging you. But I swear I'll protect you with my life.”

There was so much passion in his voice that, for a moment, I stopped questioning his intentions. His words were soothing, almost enchanting. 

"You'll never get hurt again." He vowed. "I'll keep you safe even if it costs me my life. Jessica, I'll never fail you again." 

A gasp escaped my lips at his promise. No one had ever vowed to protect me like this, apart from my father. But I had to remind myself that this wasn't about me. He was speaking about someone else. I wasn't Jessica, and there was something seriously wrong with him.

"I'm so glad to see you again, my love," He whispered, his lips curving into a smile filled with relief. "I've missed you so much. Not a single day has gone by that I haven't thought of you, especially your beautiful hazel eyes. You're perfect."

Perfect?

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said firmly. "I am not Jessica. Please stop calling me that." I was tired of this back and forth. 

His face contorted in confusion, and he squinted at me.

"Jessica, what is wrong with you? Do you feel sick?" He questioned, his voice laced with worry. His hand moved to my neck, likely checking my temperature.

"You're burning up!" He exclaimed. "I need to get you out of here. I can't imagine the horrible things you've endured. I'm so sorry, my love..."

Hastily, he reached for my wrists, carefully removing the tape that had been biding them.

"Sorry..." He apologized again, though he hadn't caused me any harm.

Why was this man treating me as if I were fragile and...important? 

"I will call my doctor once we get home," He muttered, placing my arm around his neck.

Home? What did he mean by that? 

Before I could ask, he gently but firmly grabbed my waist. The sudden grasp sent a shiver down my spine.

What the fuck was that feeling just now? But then I didn't dwell on that. I quickly weighed my options as I realized that this man might be my only option for getting away from Dustin now. 

I decided that once I got away, I would get away from this unknown man as well. I decided to be selfish for my own good. 

I let him lift me out of the car, scooping me into his muscular arms. My breath hitched as I lifted my gaze to his face.

Despite his strange behavior, he wanted to save me. I watched him talk down on Dustin and choke him a while ago. For a moment, I thought he was going to kill Dustin and it was satisfying to watch. He was someone who could subdue Dustin so easily. 

As I stared at his face, I realized how handsome he was... he was almost unreal. He looked like a walking piece of art. That monster, Dustin, who I once thought was attractive is nothing compared to this man's beauty.

"What's your—"

Before I could finish my question, I heard grunting sounds. I looked towards the direction they came from and gasped at the sight of Dustin rising to his feet with the help of that bitch.

"You are not taking her anywhere!" He spat, rubbing his reddened neck with his fingers. 

He looked so messed up. 

"Says who?" The man asked with his voice void of emotion. "Who are you to stop me?"

"I am Dustin Stone and you're going to let her go whether you like it or not. I don't care what you've done with her. But you better put her back into that car and go to hell!" Dustin growled, his angry eyes glaring at me.

However, this unknown man wasn't unfazed by that threat. 

"I am more concerned about her and that's why I haven't shown you the consequences of touching what's mine!" The man growled back, emanating a cold aura.

Did he just call me his? Again! My mind was racing.

"Yours? Are you out of your mind? Do you think this is a fucking joke?!" Dustin shouted. "If you know what is good for you, you'll let her go now! You were just able to choke me because you caught me off guard. You won't get so lucky again..."

Knowing how evil Dustin was, I feared for this man's life. But instead of him showing any fear, he simply laughed. A dark laugh. 

Without responding to Dustin, he ignored him and stepped forward with me in his arms. As we passed that monster, I breathed a sigh of relief.

I thought I was finally free until a gunshot sound echoed in my ears.