Chapter 144
Suzanne wanted to run, but her body was weak. Overwhelming weakness, an unbearable sensation. There was no way… Would Austin make it in time to save her?
As she watched Todd inch closer, her hope slipped away, replaced by despair. Down the hallway, the elevator doors slid open. Austin stepped out first, his expression as dark as a brewing storm. Gabriel followed closely behind.
A suffocating chill radiated from Austin, as if the very air around him had dropped to freezing temperatures. His entire presence screamed danger, the kind that made people instinctively shrink back in fear.
At the door, Seline looked up, and her breath caught in her throat. It was him. That man from the bar, the one Suzanne had been with. Why was he here?
Seline’s gaze flickered over Austin’s chiseled features, his imposing presence, and the air of power that surrounded him. Her fingers tightened around her phone as a hint of nervousness flickered in her heart. If she could get close to a man like that…
But a second later, realization hit her like a slap. He was here for Suzanne. Immediately, her features contorted. By then, Austin and Gabriel had already reached the room. The two guards standing at the door moved to block their path, their expressions fierce.
“You don’t belong here,” one of them growled.
Austin’s expression remained almost deathly cold. When he spoke, his voice cut through the air like ice. Before the guards could react, Gabriel was already in motion, his fist smashing into one man’s face. The guard cried out, staggering back. The other, eyes blazing with desperation, lunged. “Get him! Quick!” They knew; if they failed their job, the money they were about to receive would slip right through their fingers. Both men attacked from opposite sides.
Seeing this, Seline’s stomach dropped. How on earth did Suzanne manage to call for help? She had taken her phone. There was no way she could have. Gabriel’s eyes were sharp, his usual calm completely gone.
Without hesitation, he launched forward, his fists striking like lightning. Each blow landed with brutal precision. The guards didn’t stand a chance. Their pained grunts and cries filled the hallway.
Seline felt panic creep up her spine. No way. She couldn’t let them ruin everything! Taking a deep breath, she reached up and pulled the pin from her hair. Long, silky strands cascaded over her shoulder. With a sultry smile, she took a step forward.
“Oh my,” she purred, tilting her head flirtatiously. “Did you boys get the wrong room?” She gestured toward the door behind her, keeping her voice light and teasing. “This is my sister’s room. Maybe you…”
Before she could finish, Austin kicked the door open. The deafening crash sent a shockwave through the hallway. Seline’s breath hitched, and her eyes widened in terror. This was bad. She couldn’t let Austin in and ruin her plan. She lunged forward, trying to block Austin’s path, but in the next second, his hand clamped around her throat. A suffocating pressure crashed over her, draining all the color from her face. Panic surged through her as she struggled. She slapped at his hand in desperation.
Austin’s expression was as menacing as a demon’s, his voice cold and merciless. “Lay a finger on her and you’re dead.” Without hesitation, he threw Seline aside. She collapsed onto the floor, clutching her throat as violent coughs wracked her body. Yet, despite the pain, her eyes burned with resentment. Suzanne—that wretched bitch! Why did she get to be so lucky?
Austin stormed inside, and his gaze instantly locked on Suzanne, who was pinned beneath Todd. Todd had clearly heard the commotion. He turned his head, his eyes meeting Austin’s. Suzanne was fighting desperately, struggling to stay conscious even as her lip bled from biting down too hard. She looked like she was on the verge of breaking.
Rage exploded in Austin’s chest at the sight of her like this. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked. “You’re dead!” He lunged forward, yanking Todd off of her and slamming two brutal punches straight into his head.