Ch. 101..105: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 101-105
Chapter 101 Who set Lint Corporation on Fire?
The door opened up and Ian saw Detective Chad and Derrick at the entrance. Chad said few words to the men behind him before stepping in with Derrick.
“Good evening, Ian.”
Ian acknowledge their presences by nodding his head.
“How are you feeling?” Detective Chad asked Ian.
“I am fine. Thanks.”
“I am glad that you are fine.” Detective Derrick said to him.
Ian nodded. “So what’s up with Frederick?” He requested.
“We are yet to find him. But we are trying our best to find him. We have issued a warrant of arrest and even place surveillance everywhere just to find him.” Detective Chad replied.
“He can’t hide for long. I am sure he will reveal himself to Ria soon.” Ian said.
“You need to tell us what exactly happened at the factory.” Detective Derrick requested politely.
“I received a call from the manager that morning that I should come around and check out the new machines they purchased. Though it was Piper’s job to inspect it but she was busy at the office and she doesn’t know much about machines too. I was just at the factory to inspect things as usual.” Ian explained.
“And did you suspect any unusual movement when you got to the factory?” Detective Chad asked.
“Everything was fine. I didn’t suspect any unusual movement.” Ian responded.
“Are you sure? Ian, try to think about it.” Detective Chad.
Ian closed his eyes and memories of that day flooded his mind.
********
FLASHBACK
“Good Morning, Mr Ian.” Sam the manager of the textile factory greeted cheerfully.
“Good morning, Mr Sam.” Ian replied glancing around the factory. Everyone was busy. “Where are the machines?” He asked.
“We haven’t installed the machines yet.” Mr Sam replied.
“So where are the engineers that will build them together? I was expecting that everything would be set by now.”
“The engineers are on their way.”
“Alright. Let me have a look at the machines.” Ian sighed.
“Please come with me.” Mr Sam led Ian to the room where the machines are kept.
“Mr Sam, are you sure everything is okay around here?” Ian asked as he checked out the machines.
“Yes sir. Everything is okay. We have been able to-” Mr Sam was interrupted by a loud spark in the corridor and then everywhere went black.
“What’s wrong?” Ian asked.
“Power outage I guess…” Mr Sam replied.
Ian muttered profanity as he brought of his phone and switched on the flashlight. “Does this happen more often?”
“No sir. I will check out what’s going on?” Mr Sam said and stepped out of the room.
Minutes clicked by and he didn’t return. Ian stepped out of the room too. He heard noises close by and he also caught a glimpse of a figure at the corridor leading to the main factory. Everywhere was still dark as the figure made a sharp corner to the factory.
“Mr Sam.” He called but no one responded.
Ian coughed when he inhaled smoke after he came out to the opening. Workers were running helter skelter in the factory. He was confused. “What’s going on?” He murmured.
Ian placed his palms on his nose. Someone bumped into him and his phone fell to the ground. Everyone screamed loudly at another spark ripped through in the air!
“Fire! Fire! Fire! Everyone exit the building!”
Ian heard Mr Sam’s voice. He wanted to know what had caused the fire. He moved closer and noticed a cable was disconnected from a machine nearby. It sparked but he managed to turned away. He didn’t know what to do amidst the chaos!
“Everyone move out!” Mr Sam barked out orders to the workers.
Ian coughed continuously. His chest tightened and his breathe cut in his chest and he couldn’t breathe well. He searched for his inhaler but he couldn’t find it and then he recalled that it was in the car. He held the big box close by and he tightened his grip on it.
“Sir Ian! Please watch out!”
He heard Sam’s voice. He looked up and saw the box almost falling but he couldn’t move off from that spot. The two loaded box fell down before he could dodge them. His eyes rolled to his head as the box hit his head and he hit the ground hard.
“Sir Ian! Somebody help!” Mr Sam screamed out.
Two out of the security men guiding the workers out of the building came around. They placed Ian on the man’s back and then rushed out of the building. Firemen made their way into the building to put out the fire. The medical teams were attending tooInjured workers when they carried Ian out of the building. They helped Ian on a stretcher into the ambulance as they tried to resuscitate him.
*******
FLASH FORWARD
“So you saw a figure when you came out of the room where the new set of machines were kept?” Detective Chad asked.
“Yes… and I thought it was Mr Sam.”
Detective Chad and Derrick exchanged glances. “But Mr Sam would have responded.” Derrick said.
Ian nodded in agreement. “Can you give a quick description of the figure you saw.” Detective Chad requested.
“Everywhere was dark.”
“But you had a flashlight with you.” Detective Chad added.
“Yes.”
“Try to remember what he had looked like at that moment. And you can help with the direction of where you saw the figure.” Detective Chad persisted.
Ria squeezed Ian hands gently. “It was obviously a man since I assumed him to be Mr Sam.” Ian said as he closed his eyes. He thought deeply. “He was tall… about the same height with me-” He paused.
Ian remember vividly that the figure he saw had a face cap on. “And is Mr Sam about your height?” Detective Derrick asked.
He reopened his eyes. “No. it wasn’t Mr Sam. The figure I saw was on a face cap.”
Derrick and Chad exchanged glances. “And it was like he was coming from the cable room… the room that powers the factory. But he could be one of the operators in charge of power supply.”
“Well I don’t think so.” Detective Chad brought out his phone and showed Ian an image of a man. It matched Ian’s description of the figure.
“It could be him… I don’t know. I mean, I am not sure about what I saw because everywhere was dark.”
“We checked the CCTV at the factory and we found this man. He was in the cable room around the time the fire started.” Detective Chad said. He collected his phone and played a muted video for Ian.
Ian saw himself talking to Sam. Workers were working but his eyes caught a worker looking around also on face cap.
“And this is another one totally different from the one who was in the power room.” Detective Derrick said as he paused the video.
“What are you trying to say?” Ian queried.
“Two men were sent to destroy the factory.” Detective Chad played the video again.
The man was close to a machine and slowly he dropped something on the ground. Ian wasn’t around at that time. The camera showed the man in the power room where he was checking some cables before everywhere became dark.
“One pulled out a cable and the other one started the fire.” Detective Chad added.
They were both dressed in workers uniform but their faces hidden under the face caps. “Killers under disguise.” Ian muttered.
“The question now is who sent them?” Detective Derrick said.
“Frederick Robert.” Ian spat as he clenched his fists.
Ria rubbed his hands gently to calm him. “We are not sure yet. This video is not enough evidence to decide that this is Frederick’s doing or maybe Drake. We are looking for the culprits and also Frederick too.” Detective Chad replied.
“Make sure you find them.” Ian grimaced.
“Sure. And you guys have to be careful from now on. I don’t mean to scare you, Ria, but you have to be prepared that Frederick might reveal himself to you soon.” Detective Chad said with a serious look on his face.
“Thank you very much.” Ria replied.
“Her bodyguards will always be around to protect her. Please make sure to find Frederick Robert as soon as possible.” Ian gritted.
“I will give you a call if we find anything.” Detective Derrick said again before they stepped out of the private ward.
Chapter 102 The lies he tells each time
Frederick sat on the couch sipping champagne as he watched Lint Corporation textile factory on fire. He laughed wickedly when he saw Ian being pushed into the ambulance on a stretcher. The news was all over the internet especially the video of Ian Bryant being carried out of the factory in an unconscious state. Well Frederick didn’t know Ian was going to be at the factory that day but his plans had ruined him too.
“What a good luck for me. Two stones on a bird.” He laughed wickedly.
“Sir.”
Frederick heard Biggy’s voice. “What is it?”
“The newspapers you requested.” Biggy replied.
Frederick dropped the wine glass on the table and collected the papers only to find out that he was on the front page of every news papers in Chicago. He has been declared wanted which means that he couldn’t move around freely! Now he is a fugitive!
“They want to cease my freedom and limit me from getting my plans done.” He murmured. But soon he grinned because Biggy would still be the one helping out with his plans.
“Any news about Ian Bryant?” Frederick asked.
“No news boss.” Biggy answered.
Frederick was desperate to know if Ian survived in that fire. The men he had sent did a good job at ruining the textile factory. They worked according to his mapped out plans. “And when I am done with my plans, Ian Bryant would be left with nothing. Let us see if Ria Robert will be able to fight me in court without Ian by her side.” He thought deeply.
Frederick cleared his throat. “Biggy work on the next plan.” He instructed. “I want to end everything at once.” He added.
“Okay boss.” Biggy acknowledged.
“And be careful.” Frederick said before he walked out of the room.
He picked up the small family portrait on the table. They couldn’t reach him because he had changed his phone line.
“Vivian must be very worried about me.” Frederick mumbled as he dialed his wife’s number and she picked on the second ring.
‘Hello.’ Mrs Vivian’s voice sounded tired.
‘Honey, it is me.’
“Frederick?!” She gasped out in shock. ‘Where are you?! Where have you been?!’ She demanded.
Frederick was sure that his wife must have heard the news back home too.
‘The police came around to find you.’
‘I know. Vivian, you need to-‘
Mrs Vivian interrupted him. ‘Is.. it true? I mean… everything on the news.’ She asked shakily.
Frederick couldn’t admit to his wife that he had killed Nathan and his wife. Confessing the truth would hurt his wife’s weak heart. He wanted his wife to stay alive not for him though but for their unborn grandchild.
‘No Vivian.’ Frederick closed his eyes. ‘It is not true. Ria Robert is only trying to frame me up. She and Ian Bryant conspired against me because I threatened him to sign the deal he canceled. I don’t know anything about it. You know Ria died a long time ago and I have no idea what went wrong. The cops confirmed her dead right? It must have been a mistake on their path.’ He lied.
‘Frederick, please tell me the truth. The news says that you were involved in the case.’ She said in a tight whisper.
‘I am being framed for a crime I didn’t commit.’ Frederick countered.
“‘f you aren’t guilty of the crimes then come back home and defend yourself. We can go to court and win this case if you are innocent.’ Mrs Vivian said in a persuasive tone.
‘No I can’t do that. I can’t come back to Idaho because I have been declared wanted. And no one will believe any of my words if I show up now.’
‘But we can-‘
Frederick cuts into ‘Listen.. I’ll return home soon okay? I just need to settle some things and then everything will be fine again.’
‘At least tell me where you are Frederick I want to see you.’
‘No. You can’t see me. No… I mean… you will see me but not now, Vivian.’ He stuttered.
‘Then when?’ Mrs Vivian demanded.
‘I don’t know, Vivian.’ Frederick replied.
She was silent.
‘Don’t go to Chicago or ever visit Ria Robert Couture.’ He warned sternly.
‘You know Frederick I don’t want to believe that you murdered your brother and his wife or that Ria Robert is the same Ria that died years ago. I don’t want to believe everything they said on the news about you.’ She cried over the phone.
‘Don’t believe it my dear because it is not true. And I promise you that I will definitely clear my name and make them pay for ruining my reputation.’ Frederick seethe his teeth.
‘I will hold on to your promise.’ Mrs Vivian sniffed.
‘How is Bay and our grandchild?’
‘They are both fine.’
‘And Drake? Perhaps is he aware of everything?’ Frederick asked again.
‘I don’t know, Frederick. I haven’t heard from Drake since he left home the other day.’ She answered.
‘Try calling him. He is probably angry because Ian Bryant cut off the deal with our company.’
‘He is not picking up his calls and he is not at his apartment too.’
‘Okay, I will try to reach out to him. And Vivian don’t tell the police I called you and don’t give this number to anyone if you still want to see me. Okay?’
She was silent.
“Okay?” He repeated.
‘Okay.’ Mrs Vivian muttered.
‘I love you dear.’ Frederick said.
‘Alright. I love you too.’ Mrs Vivian heaved a sigh and then he disconnected the call.
Frederick switched off the phone immediately.
Chapter 103 Tuck me into bed
AT RIA APARTMENT
“Mr Ian!” Phoebe and Phoenix screamed when Ian and Ria stepped into the house.
Phoenix threw his arms around Ian’s waist.
“Hey little man.” Ian greeted giving him a high five.
“Hello, Mr Ian. It is so good to see you again.” Phoenix flashed him a grin.
“Likewise.”
“Mr Ian, how are you feeling now?” Phoebe asked.
“I am fine, Phoebe. Thank you.” Ian answered.
“Where is your Nanny?” Ria questioned as her eyes scanned the area.
“She is in the kitchen preparing dinner.” Phoebe replied.
Ria already informed the kids that Ian would be moving in with them for sometime and they were so excited about it.
“Welcome Ma’am.” Dorris came into view when she heard the children voices.
Ria looked straight at her. “How are you, Dorris?”
“I am fine.” Dorris responded with a smile on her face. “How are you doing now sir Ian?”
“I am very much okay now. Thanks for taking care of the kids.”
“It’s nothing.” Dorris waved it off.
“Are you done cooking dinner?” Ria asked.
“Almost done with it.”
“It is getting late, Dorris. You can leave I will finish up in the kitchen.” Ria said.
“No ma’am. I will finish-”
Ria interrupted her. “Don’t worry I will finish the rest of the cooking.”
“Okay ma’am. Let me just do the necessary things and I will get going.” Dorris walked back into the kitchen.
“Mommy, nanny Dorris packed our bags.” Phoenix said soberly.
“She said that we are going to stay at ma’am Elise place.” Phoebe added.
They didn’t want to leave because of Ian. He wanted to stay and spend more time with him. “Yes. You will be staying there for sometime.” Ria affirmed.
“But why mom? I am really going to miss home.” Phoenix said with sadness clouding his features.
Detective Chad suggested that Ria move the kids to ma’am Elise place for their safety. He said Frederick might come for them just to get her. But Ria can’t tell the kids what is going on. They are too little to understand anything and she already warned Dorris not to let them watch the news.
“I will be very busy in the next few days. So ma’am Elise and Dorris will take care of you.” Ria said the perfect words that she could think of at that moment.
“Don’t worry you will move back home very soon.” Ian assured them.
Dorris came back to the living room. “I will go ahead now. Goodbye children.” She waved.
“Bye nanny Dorris.” They chorused.
“Be careful.” Ria mumbled before Dorris walked out of the house.
“Mom, can I go with my video games?” Phoenix grumbled.
“Sure. You can take anything you would be needing.” Ria replied as she motioned towards the kitchen. The food was ready but she just needed to dish it. Ian and the children joined her in the kitchen.
Ria settled beside Ian while Phoenix and Phoebe sat together. And sitting around a table laden with food with Ian, Phoebe and Phoenix, it gave Ria a glimpse of what a family could be. And her hands jerked at the thought of having a family with Ian Bryant.
“This is good.” Phoebe complimented.
“Not as good as mom’s cooking.” Phoenix countered.
“Yeah. You are right.” Phoebe agreed.
“Your mom’s cooking is the best.” Ian added with a thumbs up.
Ria felt her cheeks heat up a bit. “Yes!” Phoebe and Phoenix said in unison.
“Well keep down the praise.” Ria managed to say as she looked at Ian. “You done?” She asked when he dropped the spoon.
Ian had eaten only half of what he had on his plate. “Yeah I am done… and it was good.” Ian murmured and looked down into his cup of orange juice.
“And I think I am done too.” Phoenix said.
“Same here.” Phoebe added.
“Okay.” Ria stood up and picked up the dishes.
“Let me help you.” Ian offered.
“No don’t worry I can-”
He picked up some dishes and took it to the sink. “Just show me where to get the detergent and I will get the dishes started.” He said with a smile on his lips.
“Are you sure?” Ria looked down at the bandage on his left wrist.
Ian hummed a positive response. “Phoebe help your brother to have his bathe and I will join you very soon.” She instructed.
“Okay mom.” Phoebe and Phoenix rushed out of the kitchen.
“I still don’t think it is a good idea to do the dishes.” Ria pointed to his wrist. “So why don’t you just go and take a shower and rest in bed while-”
“While you stay out here and do the dishes.” Ian completed her intended statement.
Ria nodded. “Ian, I am sure you are tired. So go and get ready for bed.” She moved his hand away from the sink.
Ian moved closer and touched her cheeks, just one finger and one light touch and they could feel the electricity of feelings that jolted between them. She looked up at him. “What were you saying?” He raised an eyebrow.
Ria stepped away just enough to break the contact with him. “I told you to get ready for bed.” She said in low voice.
“Okay.” Ian smirked and pushed his hands behind his back. “I will just get my bag.” He started to walk away but soon stopped at the door and turned to face her. “Which of the rooms should I settle in?”
Ria looked at him. “My room.”
Ian looked absolutely stricken by her response and her stomach knotted. They are going to share the same room for the first time. He could settle in the room initially meant for ma’am Elise but Ria doesn’t don’t want him to be alone thinking that Ian might need her help in the middle of the night.
“Are you sure you want us to sleep in the same room?” Ian teased.
“Yes.” Ria shrugged. “People in relationship share the same room and bed right?” She asked him.
“Yes. People in a relationship share the same room and bed. Practically they do things together. Okay. I will settle in your room.” Ian said.
And he was gone. Ria had the plates washed and rinsed. She worked to clean up the evidence of meal on the dinning table and then the whole area.
“Mom.” Phoenix trotted back into the kitchen.
Ria turned to him. “Yes baby.” She said softly as she wiped her hands on the clean towel.
“We are ready to go to bed.” Phoenix yawned.
“Okay.” Ria put the towel on a side rack before following him to their bedroom.
“Get in your bed.” Ria said to Phoenix before pulling the blanket over his body and she placed a kiss on his curls.
“Good night, mom.” He whispered.
Ria hummed a response and went to Phoebe’s bed and did the same. “Sweet dreams my princess.” Ria said as she pulled the blanket over her body too and switched on the bed side lamp.
Ria turned and Ian was there at the door. She found him watching her with a smile touching his lips. She smiled back at him.
“Good night.” Ian waved at the kids.
“Good night, mr Ian.” They replied before Ria turned of the light and closed the door.
“Sorry I wanted to see if you are done with the dishes.”
“I am done.” Ria said barely covering a yawn. “Do you need anything?” She asked as they made their way back to bedroom.
“No thanks.” Ian was dressed in a black short and white top. He went straight to the bed and sat on it.
“Won’t you tuck me to bed too?” He pouted.
Ria giggled at the childish look on his face and she went to him. “Of course.”
He lay on the bed and she pulled the bed cover over his body. “Goodnight.” She whispered.
And Ria was almost leaving when he held her wrist. “Don’t… don’t do that to me.” He pouted.
“Don’t do what?”
“Saying good night without a kiss. I want a goodnight kiss too like the one you gave to the children.”
Ria giggled. “Alright.” She turned to him and kissed him quickly on his lips. “Better?”
Ian grinned sheepishly. “Better.” He muttered.
“Go to sleep.” Ria cupped his face in her small hands.
“Goodnight my love.” Ian closed his eyes.
Ria hummed a response before walking to the bathroom. She couldn’t stop smiling as she stood in front of the large mirror in the bathroom. She wondered about Ian.
He was in her bed and they are going to share the same bed tonight and in the next few days! And then Ria found herself picturing Ian in her bedroom with just a towel around his waist, his chest and muscular shoulders bare, his flat stomach and maybe a line of hair from his navel downward-“Oh! That’s not good! Stop it, Ria!” She scolded herself.
Ria closed her eyes as if that would block the mental picture. She opened them again and came out of her clothes. But even in the shower she couldn’t stop thinking about him. It was her first time sharing the same bed with a man decently. The first time she ever anticipated seeing a man close to her in bed.
Her words struck her hard! A first for so much and it all centered on Ian. Especially the part of falling in love and wanting someone so badly. God knew she had never done that before. She loves Ian and could hardly breathe without thinking of him. She had even imagined them having a family together. And never in her life had she thought that she would ever wish to have a family with the kind she loathed the most. But she really wish to have a family with Ian Bryant. There was still a lot to do with him.
He was right. They would spend this time of staying together on getting to know each other better.
Chapter 104 Can true love heal her completely?
FEW DAYS LATER
Ian woke up from a deep and wonderful sleep to the rays of sunlight in the room and with Ria by his side. He never looked away from Ria each morning he wake up to see her by his side. They were alone in her home since the kids already moved in with ma’am Elise home two days ago.
They haven’t heard anything about Frederick but the police are on the look out for him. Ria and Ian lived like a married couple. Having a quick kiss before getting out of bed in the morning, taking coffee and breakfast together and then driving to her store.
Ian didn’t want it to end. He wanted her all to himself. He wanted them to live together for the rest of their lives.
He felt each breathe she took, her heart beating against his side and with her hand laying on his chest. Ian haven’t had a good sleep in a while now but four nights with Ria laying next to him gave him a good one. He could feel himself smiling in his sleep every night.
And it struck him right then that finding Ria had brought him something he hadn’t had with other women; peace and he felt a sense of completeness. He exhaled. And it was because of Ria Robert. It was simple and remarkable. Even though he haven’t had her yet but Ria’s way of touching his heart gave it life.
Ria sighed softly and settled again.
She was the first woman who could make him smile, she could make him feel lonelier than he ever thought if she left. The reason why he can’t live without her and why he loves her so much. He felt complete.
Ria looked lovely as she lay next to him. Ian pressed a kiss in her hair and he felt her stir in his embrace.
“Are you awake?” Ian asked in a whisper.
“Hmm.” Ria shifted and moved slightly away from him. She raised herself on elbow, rubbed her eyes to get a clear vision as she look at him.
“I didn’t know you were awake.” Ian mouthed as he touched her cheeks with the tips of his fingers.
“Good morning.” Ria greeted.
“Morning my love.” Ian slipped his hand to the nape of her neck and laced his fingers in her hair. He pulled her gently closer to him, found her lips and kissed her with as much need as passion.
“Did you get a good sleep?” Ian nibbled on her lips.
“Yes.” Ria muttered. “What about-”
Ian kissed her again to keep her words at bay. He trailed his touch along her cheeks. He caressed her cheeks with his thumb. He felt her heat mixing with his own heat as his tongue darted out to touch her lips.
Ian didn’t allow himself to think about anything except kissing her and this time he was doing it thoroughly. There was fire all around and a need that came out of nowhere. He wanted her badly.
He left her lips with kisses trailing to her throat and to a sensitive hollow by her ear. Ria let out a soft moan as he bit on her neck making sure to leave behind hickeys. Slowly his fingers trailed down her belly and lowered between her thighs to push her legs higher and all of a sudden Ria trembled at his touch.
“Ian! No!” She pushed at his shoulder gently and that stopped him immediately. “Please… no… no…” She whispered unsteadily.
And Ian drew back to look into her eyes. “Please… I can’t… do…” Her voice trailed off as she took in shuddering breathe with her chest rising and falling.
Then Ian saw it again; fear. It was clear in her eyes and her hands were also trembling. He sat up on the bed and stared at her. He couldn’t hurt her not in anyway.
“Ian… Ian… I am… sorry.” Ria apologized as a tear slid down her cheek.
No Ian didn’t want that! He didn’t want her to cry! He understands that she was still getting over what Lucas did to her. “Damn it! Why didn’t I remember it before trying to make a move on her?!” Ian scolded himself internally. He wanted her but he totally forgot that she was trying to deal with her body.
“Ian… I am really… sorry.” She sobbed.
Ian didn’t want her to apologize either! It was all his fault because he started it.
“Ria.” He moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms.
Ria was trembling. “I am… so… sorry, Ian.” She said.
“No. Please don’t apologize. It is my fault. I am sorry.” Ian murmured.
“Stay with me. Ian, please stay with me.” Ria held on to him tightly.
“I am right here with you. I don’t have plans to leave.”
Ria clung to Ian as he whispered soothing words into her ear.
**********
“Ma’am, do you want to drop by at the mall?” Brian asked. He sat next to Bert in the front seat. Bert was driving.
“No. To the store please.” Ria replied.
The time was 6:00 p. m. Ria just finished classes at the institution. She had planned to call at the mall on her way back home but she changed her mind. Ria was tired. Her phone buzzed. A message from Ian.
‘Are you done with classes now? I am on my way to the store so I can drive you home.’
Ian was at the textile factory. His friend Harvey Wesley was helping him with a new construction plan.
‘Alright. I am heading to the store too. I will be there soon.’ Ria sent a text back to him.
And as she expected a response from him, Ria recalled how she and Ian were living like a newlywed couple. They are so good together! Although they argued at some point because Ian always want to help with the dishes and cleaning the house and also doing the laundry while Ria didn’t want him to do anything.
Ian was getting better now no more lump on his head but just his wrist still a bit swollen. Mrs Perla was happy that Ria had offered to take care of her son personally and she insisted that he shouldn’t show up at work. He stayed at the store with her but Ian had to go to factory because today was the meeting with Harvey.
‘Okay. How are you?’ Ian responded.
‘Cool. What about you?’
His message came in almost immediately. ‘I am not fine.’
Ria became worried and was about calling him when her phone buzzed again.
‘I miss you.’ He added a love emoji.
‘I miss you too sooooooooo much. I will be at the store soon.’ Ria typed with a broad smile on her lips.
‘I will wait a few minutes. I love you.’
‘I love you too.’ Ria sent it back to him.
Ria let out a sigh as she remembered the morning incident. She felt really bad for what she did to him this morning. Ian had never made any advances, no pressure about sex from him since he moved in. She had expected him to crawl his hands into her night dress in the middle of the night like Lucas would do but he didn’t make such advance. In fact they have never talked about having sex. But still, Ria couldn’t bring herself to give in this morning.
Though Ian touch was gentle but at that moment he slid his hands between her legs, it came back. The mental pictures from Lucas den crashed over her in seconds and she couldn’t bear it. Her cries, pleads and the pains came flooding her mind, it was too much for her to bear and it made her stop Ian. She wasn’t ready for it.
Ria knew she has to work on herself and get over those fears. She should let go of her past even if she can’t forget it all.
Ma’am Elise words echoed in her head. “It is time to let go of the past.”
Ria had texted ma’am Elise about what happened and she suggested that Ria sees a psychologist or a therapist who can help her get over those fears.
But Ria doesn’t want to see a therapist. She never want to share that aspect of her life with anyone again.
After she calmed down from crying so much, Ian had said that he was willing to wait till she was ready. But she can’t keep him waiting for too long, it has to be soon. She thought deeply.
“Come on, Ria, Ian is totally different and you know it.” She bantered internally.
Ria knows that everything Ian has done for her is enough reason to convince her that he is so different from Lucas. She has so much believe in their love. And she hopes that the true love she has for him would take away those fears with time and she would heal completely.
Ria concluded.
Chapter 105 The chase
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Ria noticed Brian whispering and exchanging glances with Bert. She didn’t know what they were discussing but somehow it bothered her. Brian looked up into the rear mirror and he saw the red car that had been following them from the institution.
All of a sudden, Brian brought out a gun from the car safe and loaded it with bullets. Ria was confused.
“Brian, why are you with a gun? And the bullets? What’s wrong?” Ria demanded.
“We are being followed ma’am.” Brian answered.
“Followed?” She repeated.
“Yes ma’am.”
Ria looked around. “By who?” She asked again.
Bert connected with detective Chad on phone to inform him about the situation.
Ria shifted uncomfortably in her seat after she noticed the car behind. Bert sped up the car. “Don’t worry, we have gat you covered, Miss Ria.” Brian said.
Ria was scared and his words weren’t comforting her. Then it was like a fast motion something hit the car behind. Ria screamed when she heard the sound of gunshots in the air.
“Get down!” Brian barked out.
And she did as he ordered while her heart beats rapidly. A name echoed in her head. “Frederick.” He had come for her.
The red car hit their car again from the side, flinging Ria against the car door. She yelped in pain.
“Step on it Bert!” Brian screamed.
Bert stepped on the gas petal to increase the speed. “You can do better!” Brian pressed a button and the top of the car opened.
Another shot hit the glass. Ria screamed again as shattered glasses cut through her skin. She felt the blood tickling down her upper arm and the pain was sharp. Brian fired at back bringing down the main shooter in the red car.
“Damn it!” Bert muttered. He saw an oncoming truck heading straight at them.
“Darn it!” Brian fell back in the car. He was bleeding from his shoulder.
“Brian!” Bert screamed.
“Don’t worry… I am fine… keep going…”
Bert tried to maneuver to the other side of the road but they were trapped. Breathing heavily Ria reached for Brian. “Miss Ria, are you okay?.”
“I… will be fine.” She groaned in pain.
She didn’t want this to happen. This is the reason why she didn’t want a bodyguard. She saw the truck and the cars next to them. Suddenly Bert let out a loud cry as he held his neck still trying to control the wheel.
“Oh no… no…” Ria sobbed.
He pressed the brake sharply and the car stopped. They have bee double crossed. A man in black outfit and mask came out of the red car.
“Let go of me!” Ria kicked at her captor when he opened the door and grabbed her.
Bert was unconscious while Brian lazily reached for his gun that fell in the car.
“Come on my lady.” The deep voice said.
“No!” She screamed when another fired at Brian. It was chaos. They heard the distant sirens.
“Let us go! The cops are close!” The man barked at his men as he carried Ria into the limousine that came around.
The glasses was tinted. “Somebody help! Let go of me!” She screamed.
“Keep it down!” He did his best not to hit Ria to make her stay quiet. He had been given the order not to hurt her but bring her alive.
“Let me go! You monster!” She clawed at his face with her nails and he screamed in pain. She opened the door in motion but he was quick to hold her. He tightened his hold on her and placed a white handkerchief on her nose.
Ria fought him as she inhaled it and sound of sirens reached her ears. They won’t know she was in this car with the tinted glasses and no one would suspect it. She knew her end has come.
Frederick was going to put an end to everything today. She thought of Ian, ma’am Elise and her kids and everything. How she had struggled in life, what she went through because of Frederick’s greed and that was the last thing she thought before she blacked out.
*********
The man in black walked into the small sized house with Ria in his hands. “Here she is Boss.” The captor said.
The man referred to as boss stood up from the couch and went to him. A smile formed on his lips when he saw Ria in his arms. She laid unconsciously as if she was sleeping peacefully. He knew that he shouldn’t be happy at the sight of her but he couldn’t help it. He found himself smiling and caressing her cheeks with his knuckles.
His gaze dropped to her upper arm. A white handkerchief was tied on it. It was bloody. Then he turned serious. “What did you do to her?! I stated that she shouldn’t get hurt!”
“She wouldn’t stop fighting me so I made her inhale some stuff.” He gestured to the handkerchief.
Immediately he collected Ria from him and placed her gently on the couch. “I am not talking about her being unconscious! Didn’t you see the wound?” He panicked.
“Boss, I saw it and that’s why I tied that stuff on it.”
He looked up at him. “What happened to her?”
“I don’t know too much but I guess it is from the shattered glasses of her car.” The captor explained.
“I told you to be careful.” He gritted. He hated the fact that she was hurt. “You better pray that nothing happens to her or else I will end your life. Now get me a nurse!” He snarled.
The man rushed out of the house. He went back to Ria and gathered her up in his arms again and carried her to the bedroom. He smiled. Finally. He had her for himself. He watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling gently. She looked beautiful even in her sleep.
He was tempted to kiss her in that unconscious state or even do more than just kissing her but he held back. Ever since he met her again, he had imagined them sleeping naked in bed, with Ria drawing circles on his chest and begging for his touch. He could bring his imagination to reality right now by just taking her. He thought.
Then he leaned in to kiss her lips but he stopped. No this shouldn’t be happening. He couldn’t hurt her! And it isn’t right for him to take a woman against her will. He drew back from Ria and moved away from the bed.
He would wait for her to regain unconscious. There was a lot of talking to do. He needed to know the truth. He pulled the blanket over her body and waited patiently for the nurse.