Chapter 271
A suffocating sensation washed over her like a tide.
Her vision blurred into darkness.
Her fingernails dug deep into her palms.
But it was nothing compared to the increasing pressure around her neck.
The man's sinister gaze locked onto her face.
He admired her gradually dilating pupils.
Only when her breathing grew so faint it nearly stopped did he finally release his grip, satisfied.
"Much more beautiful like this."
His rough fingers stroked her chin.
He let out a disgusting laugh.
His heavy body pressed down on her once more.
Anna Ross turned her head away with great difficulty.
Tears mixed with cold sweat soaked her collar.
She struggled with her last ounce of strength.
Her wrists were already covered in dark bruises.
Why her?
Why did she always have to endure this?
......
Lucas Evans checked his watch for the third time.
The minute hand had moved a full twenty minutes.
A sense of unease grew stronger within him.
He grabbed his jacket and rushed out of the room.
The front desk phone went unanswered.
He barged directly into the security room.
The pair of terrified eyes on the screen made his heart stop.
Room 8808's door was being pounded with thunderous force.
"Open up!"
Bloodshot veins appeared in his eyes.
He wished he could kick the door down.
Anna heard the familiar voice.
A desperate will to survive made her kick over a vase with all her might.
The sound of shattering glass exploded through the room.
The man pinning her down panicked.
The door crashed inward.
Lucas charged in like an enraged lion.
He punched the overweight man, sending him sprawling to the floor.
"You're asking for death!"
Every punch carried lethal intent.
He didn't stop until the man lay limp as a rag.
Then he turned and gathered the trembling woman into his arms.
His jacket enveloped her icy body.
He carefully wiped the tear stains from her face.
When he saw the red handprint, his fist slammed heavily onto the coffee table.
"I'm sorry..."
His voice was hoarse with emotion.
He wished he could have endured this in her place.
A phone ringtone cut through the tension.
Julian Garnache's anxious voice came through.
"Anna, where are you?"
She opened her mouth but no sound emerged.
Lucas took the phone and provided the address.
After hanging up, he gently held her hand.
"Don't be afraid."
His voice was so soft, as if afraid of startling her.
Anna curled up in the corner of the sofa.
Her long eyelashes trembled uncontrollably.
Those terrifying sensations lingered.
They followed her like a shadow.