Felicia lacked the connections to seek protection from such powerful figures. Matthew barked, "Search elsewhere! You have another half hour to find her!"
"Yes, Mr. Lawson Senior!"
The bodyguards hurried off to continue their search.
In the pitch-black room, Felicia felt a sudden lurch. Her body lifted, then slammed onto a large bed. A strong, heated body pinned her, arms like iron. She raised her foot to kick, aiming for his most vulnerable areas. "Damn it! Go to hell!" she thought. But he effortlessly caught her ankle. He groaned, his hot hands tightening around her waist. "Help me," he rasped, "and I'll repay you."
Felicia realized he was drugged. "I'll help you! I can counteract the drug. Just wait!" She frantically searched for her silver needle, remembering it was with her phone, left behind earlier. Was this her fate, stumbling in the dark?
Desperate, she inhaled the intoxicating scent of fresh grass mingled with his heat as his kisses fell upon her. The familiar herbal aroma stopped her. It was the scent of the scar ointment she'd given Stephan days ago. But rationality ebbed, leaving only a thunderous heartbeat.
Outside, chaos reigned. Inside, the air thrummed with intoxicating fragrance. Time blurred until dawn broke, ending the tumultuous encounter.
The rain ceased, clouds parted, and Felicia awoke feeling ravaged. The night's events crashed over her, bringing a dreadful realization. She turned to see the morning light illuminate the handsome face beside her. His captivating eyes were closed, long lashes shadowing his cheeks, thin lips pressed tight. It was Stephan.
His voice had seemed familiar last night; the scent of the ointment confirmed it. But she never imagined anyone would tamper with her ointment, adding such potent drugs. And she had delivered it herself! His first reaction, she knew, would be to strangle her.
She had to escape. Ignoring the pain, she sat up, her dress torn. She wrapped herself in a tablecloth, slipped on Stephan's suit jacket, and hastily gathered the remnants of her red gown, leaving no trace. While he slept, she fled.
Twenty minutes later, Stephan stirred. His dark eyes opened slowly. Last night's events coalesced, the vivid splash of red on the sheets particularly striking. Shock gave way to a dangerous glint in his eyes. He remembered losing control… and being with a woman. His expression darkened. Damn it, he was no longer clean.