Chapter 36
MONALISA P. O. VExclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
It felt like my world was crumbling right in front of my eyes because the more they communicated in Italian, the faster my heartbeat became.
I instantly began panicking because all hope seemed to be lost. “Somebody help…!!” I screamed out with a heavy and scared heart, hoping someone would at least hear my voice.
But the loud music booming everywhere drowned out my voice, shattering my expectations of being saved. My attempt only made them laugh mockingly as they all approached me at the same time.
“Don’t you dare come any—-” The thunderous slap that landed on my cheek silenced me. My vision was blurred for a few minutes, replaced by numerous stars.
“You don’t tell us what to do, bitch!” One of them roughly pushed me to the ground, and they quickly surrounded me, forcefully pulling at my dress.
I fought with all my strength to get their disgusting hands off me. “Please… don’t do this.” I cried and pleaded, but they ignored my pleas, continuing to yank my dress away.
No! I wouldn’t let what happened in the past repeat itself again. I admit I was young and fragile back then, but not anymore. I wouldn’t let anyone treat me the way Dominic did in the past.
_Fight it! Fight! _ My inner mind screamed at me when I finally realized I was only in my bra and panties. Just as I was about to fight back,
“Missing out on something?” I heard the calmest but coldest voice ever speak out. This made them pause and raise their gaze in the direction of the voice.
I did the same. He had his usual smile on his lips, furrowed eyebrows, and both hands resting on his waist. He began striding towards us. “Doven…?!” I whispered, tears uncontrollably streaming down my cheeks. The butterflies in my stomach rose and began dancing crazily, and my lips stretched into a smile. Finally, I’m safe at last.
“Get out of here. It’s none of your business!!” One of them challenged, stepping forward and standing in front of Doven, glaring at him.
Instantly, Doven’s strong fist flew through the air and landed powerfully on his nose. “Holy fuck!” He fell back, hissing in pain and holding his bleeding nose.
I stood up from the ground and wrapped my arms around my body to cover myself, feeling exposed. The rest of the thugs didn’t dare to fight Doven, using the first guy as a scapegoat.
Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t underestimate the smile on Doven’s face as a sign of weakness. Right before my eyes, they both dragged their injured brother away, threatening to come back for me. Their threats didn’t bother me, but I was ashamed of being half-naked in front of Doven, causing me to bow my head in embarrassment.
I don’t think I can face him or talk to him. After a few minutes of silence, “You can have this.” I heard him say. I slowly raised my gaze and was surprised to find him facing away from me, stretching out his long coat towards me.
Without thinking, I hastily took it from his grip and covered myself, my heart still pounding hard against my chest. “I’m done,” I muttered more like a whisper, averting my gaze to the ground.
He turned around, and at the same time, I raised my head and our eyes met. He sighed softly, his shoulders falling as his gaze scanned my body. I guess he understood that I was embarrassed.
“I never saw anything. I had my gaze fixed on your head. Let’s go.” He flashed me a smile and began walking away, with me trailing behind him, clutching my handbag. He led us in a different direction, and soon we arrived at a glass elevator. I was amazed by its beautiful design. He gestured for me to follow, which I did, and within ten minutes, we arrived in a room that looked more like an office.
Idris ran out from nowhere and hugged me tightly, “Where is Momma?” That was his first question. He released his arms from around me and looked behind me, disappointment evident on his face, causing him to step back. I crouched down to his level, smoothing his hair as I tried to put on a convincing smile.
I sighed, “Look here, baby. Your Momma is busy—-”
“Too busy to see me?” His eyes filled with tears.
“No, no… baby. Look here, Momma will see you when she’s done, believe me. Your Momma loves you so very much.” I wiped away a few tears that managed to stream down his cheek. “Be a good baby and wait for her.”
He obediently nodded his head and walked back to sit on the couch. I stood up and walked towards Doven, who was staring at the big screen in front of him, lost in his thoughts. He truly was a godsend to me today.
I wondered what I would have done if those thugs had managed to execute their evil plan on me. Gosh!! It would haunt me for the rest of my life but thank goodness Doven came to my rescue.
But wait a minute, how did he find me there? How did he come at the right time? My head was filled with curiosity. “Doven, how did you find me there?” I stood beside him and raised my gaze to his face while he kept his eyes fixed on the screen in silence.
“I saw everything here.” He answered almost immediately as if he was expecting my question, and he pointed at the screen in front of him. I turned towards the huge screen, and my jaw dropped at how everything happening in the club was being displayed on it. I mean, everything. I even saw Lily and the guys dancing, and I saw Candy dancing around the pole on stage. An idea struck me to show Idris his mother because of how worried he was to see her, but I quickly dismissed the thought.
Because perhaps Idris doesn’t know this was the kind of job or life his mother was involved in. I didn’t want to be the one to expose him to all of this, so I shut down the idea immediately.
“I will tell Mob about this. Those thugs need to be dealt with!” He groaned, clenching his fist and his face hardening. For the first time in months, I witnessed Doven so angry. Most of the time, he was always smiling and cheerful, but now he was furious.
Gosh! This is not good. I know that the moment Doven utters a single word to Derek, everything is done. I’m sure Derek won’t spare them, as I still remember vividly how he gouged out the eyes of a guy who was leering at me lustfully. But this time, I don’t want Derek to have his hands stained with the blood of those worthless thugs.
“Please, don’t tell him.” I lowered my head, playing with my fingers.
“Why?” He furrowed his eyebrows.
“I-I-I…” I stuttered because I couldn’t find the right words to explain. I raised my head and met his expectant gaze fixed on me.
He sighed and shook his head when he saw that I wasn’t making any attempt to say anything. “Mob will eventually find out anyway. Wait here, I’m coming.” He flashed me a smile and began walking away.
“You’re going to tell him?” I shrieked, trailing behind him.
“No, I promise.” He smiled. “Thank you,” I muttered and looked away shyly. “For saving my ass today.” I summoned up the courage to look at him.
He shook his head, “Friends have each other’s backs, you know.” He winked at me and entered the elevator, and the doors slid shut. My heart melted at his words, and I was stunned to realize that he considered me his friend all this time. Doven is just a sweet soul, and any girl he falls in love with is incredibly lucky. I waited for almost an hour before the doors slid open, revealing Doven.
He walked towards me and handed me a white designer bag, and I wondered what was inside.
“Dress up, we are leaving.” He said plainly.
“Why? Where is Derek?” I asked because he and Candy are the main reason why I’m here.
“I’ll bring you to him. That’s why I brought you a new dress to change into.” He walked towards Idris and sat beside him.
“Just go into the restroom on your left and help yourself out.” He instructed, resting his back on the sofa. I nodded and walked into the restroom to change. Within twenty minutes, I was done and I came out fully dressed.
“Woah! You look beautiful,” Idris complimented the moment he saw me, and I flashed him a smile.
“Let’s go.” Doven stood up, and we all entered the elevator, which took us outside. Different kinds of cars crowded the area as more people kept arriving at the club. Some were in a hurry as if they would miss an appointment inside.
Thank goodness the dress Doven bought had a long veil. I took it and wrapped it around my head, covering some parts of my face to avoid being recognized by anyone.
Doven held Idris by the hand while I trailed behind them. Suddenly, someone bumped into my shoulder along the way
I resisted the urge to find out who it was, but then a strong, familiar cologne erupted from his body, hitting my nose. It prompted my skin to be covered with goosebumps. Instantly, I knew who it belonged to because my body and soul were restless. This could only be caused by one person: Dominic!