Chapter 101

Knowing Elyse was married, the girl nodded. "Alright," she said, "I'll fill Elyse in when she gets back." After hanging up, she replayed Jayden's frosty voice and shivered.

"Thanks a bunch, Mr. Reed," Kai said, blushing slightly from the wine. He raised his glass. "Hey, everybody, let's toast Mr. Reed! Thank him for this opportunity!"

The orchestra members raised their glasses to Barnes Reed, a television station director. A little tipsy, Barnes waved his hand. "I chose you because you're sharp and efficient. I like your attitude. Otherwise, why would I choose you over all the other orchestras?"

Kai was taken aback. Hadn't the TV station approached them? They hadn't initiated this deal. Too drunk to think clearly, Kai forced a smile and continued drinking.

Suddenly, Barnes stood. "I'm feeling a little woozy. I have to go."

"Sure thing," Kai replied, oblivious. A few minutes later, four bouncers burst through the door.

Jayden wheeled himself in, anxiously scanning the room for Elyse, but she wasn't there. The orchestra members were baffled until the one who had taken Jayden's call on Elyse's phone jolted upright. "Elyse hasn't come back from the bathroom!" she blurted.

Jayden frowned. "How long has she been gone? Why hasn't she returned?" The girl realized Elyse had been missing for a considerable time.

A bodyguard approached Jayden, whispering in his ear. Jayden's expression changed, and he left the room. "Check the surveillance," he ordered.

He soon had the footage. It showed two men carrying Elyse into an elevator, heading for room 1608. Her limp appearance proved she'd been drugged.

"The video was tampered with, but we salvaged it," the bodyguard added.

"Good. Keep digging," Jayden commanded, nodding. The bodyguard handed him a master keycard he'd obtained from the hotel manager.

As Jayden ascended, Elyse fought for survival. Her phone was in the dining room; she couldn't call for help. Sensing the rising temperature and numbness in her abdomen, she knew she was in grave danger.

With her last ounce of strength, she crawled into the bathroom, turned on the cold water, and locked the door. She wouldn't let any man touch her.

Barnes reached the floor and heard the running water. He grinned. "Hey, pretty girl, waiting for me in there? You sure know how to play." He approached the bathroom.

Hearing his leering laughter, Elyse bit her lip, her mind racing. Jayden had survived a similar ordeal; she believed she could too. Still, she hoped he wouldn't be too angry. If he called again and couldn't reach her, he might assume she was in danger.

Lost in thought, Elyse heard footsteps approaching. She collapsed, terrified and tense. After a brief attempt at flirting, Barnes noticed Elyse's lack of response. Losing patience, he tried the door; it was locked. Elyse had barricaded herself in.

Barnes began kicking the door repeatedly. The bathroom door was flimsy. Curled in a corner, Elyse trembled, fearing it would break. But the drug was overwhelming her, and her consciousness was fading.

Finally, the door burst open. Elyse was helpless.

At the sight of her cowering, Barnes was ecstatic, about to attack when he yelled, "What the heck are you…" The next second, he was on the floor.

Elyse was slipping into unconsciousness and didn't hear the commotion. Soon, she was enveloped in a warm embrace. In a daze, she saw Jayden's face.

"Jayden…"

Jayden lifted her face, realizing her condition was worse than he'd thought. Flushed and with affectionate eyes, she looked captivating. Her wet clothes clung to her, accentuating her figure.

Seeing Jayden, her last defenses crumbled. She threw herself into his arms, seeking comfort.

Feeling her warmth and passion, Jayden was aroused. He glanced at the bodyguards by the bathroom door and ordered, "Out. Take that guy with you."

The bodyguards complied, dragging the unconscious Barnes out and closing the door.

"Hang in there, Elyse. I'll get you to the hospital," Jayden said, removing his coat and draping it over her.

Elyse weakly pushed it away, moaning, "It's too hot."

Jayden hesitated, wanting to cover her but also wanting to prevent anyone else from seeing her like this. His desire for her, however, won out.

…