Chapter 146
The women before her had sallow complexions, their exposed arms covered in scattered red spots. Seline stood frozen at the doorway, feeling as though she had been struck by lightning. Terror filled her face at the sight before her. They were insane! To dare go against the Lloyd family, they were either incredibly powerful or reckless tools who would do anything for money, even risking their lives. But these days, even those with real influence preferred more refined methods. The man who had taken Suzanne away had to be some pretty boy she had found. That wretched Suzanne! There was no way a powerful man would ever take an interest in someone like her.
Seline’s heart pounded in panic as her hands trembled uncontrollably. She pulled out her phone and dialed Mandy, her voice shaking as she said, “Mom, something’s happened.”
The parking garage was completely empty. It was silent except for the soft hum of the elevator. The elevator doors slid open. In the next instant, Austin strode out carrying Suzanne in his arms. The driver, Victor Harlan, immediately opened the rear door. Austin hurriedly placed Suzanne onto the seat before sliding in himself. As soon as the door shut, the driver swiftly moved to the front and started the engine.
Suzanne squirmed restlessly in Austin’s embrace. The space between them was barely half an inch. The faint fragrance of her breath brushed against him, causing Austin’s breathing to falter. His gaze darkened as he looked at her and said in a hoarse voice, “Sit tight. We’re going to the hospital.”
Something was definitely wrong. She had to have been drugged. Her body was burning with unbearable heat, and her vision was hazy as she looked at Austin. She was panting softly. Her delicate fingers traced his chiseled face before she slowly lifted herself up and wrapped her arms around him, murmuring, “I feel so hot.” The heat surging through her was beyond her control, and all reason had long since abandoned her.
Feeling her lean closer, Austin stiffened. The woman in his arms was alluringly dressed, her flushed face radiating an intoxicating charm. She was like a siren tempting one to sin. Austin clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth to suppress his reaction. His voice was low and coaxing as he said, “Suzanne, be good. Once we get to the hospital, you’ll feel better.”
Suzanne shook her head, cupping his face with both hands before pressing her lips against his. Like finding the cure to her torment, she instinctively sought more, intoxicated by the softness of his lips. Austin’s entire body went rigid, every nerve centered on that single touch. Her lips were so soft, so sweet. A shudder ran through him, deep and uncontrollable. He wanted to push her away, but his hands betrayed him. His rationality crumbled in an instant, and instead, his fingers gently brushed against her skin.
Victor, who was in front, inhaled sharply but said nothing and quietly lowered the partition. Suzanne, overwhelmed by his fervent kiss, whimpered instinctively. Austin suddenly snapped back to his senses. Taking advantage of her unguarded moment, he pushed her away. If this continued, things would spiral beyond his control.
He looked at her with restraint, his voice tinged with frustration. “Just hold on. We’re almost there!” He had promised himself that he would wait for her. He would never take advantage of her in this state. Not to mention, they were still in the car with others present. Austin moved his gaze away from her.
Suzanne, weak and trembling, curled upon the seat, struggling against the unbearable heat. She was usually so distant and composed, but now, her tear-filled eyes shimmered with distress. “Austin… I feel terrible.”
Austin’s body went rigid. When he had first carried her out, she had nearly lost all sense of reality, yet she had still resisted fiercely. But now, even in her feverish state, she was calling his name. His expression grew even more conflicted. “We’re almost there,” he said gently, holding her tightly in his arms, comforting her. “Suzanne, hang in there.”