Love Me Harder

Ivanna’s PoV

I stepped out of a building filled with frenetic, thumping music, tightly wrapping my coat around my body to shield myself from the cold night wind. The clothes I wore tonight were more revealing than usual, resulting from a party at an old friend’s house.

Despite not being late at night, an eerie silence engulfed the surroundings. It was no surprise that some residents near the club chose to stay indoors after eight o’clock. Rumors had spread about gangs of criminals who didn’t hesitate to commit heinous acts of violence, including rape and murder. Mere robberies were no longer enough.

Recent news reports have highlighted the criminals’ brutal tendencies, emphasizing how they would kill their victims after assaulting them. This knowledge sent a shiver down my spine as I walked through the deserted streets, fearing for my safety.

Attending the nightclub had been a mistake, especially considering I had already informed my friends, Bri and Damon, that I was leaving early and heading home. Getting in touch with them now seemed impossible, given the late hour and their likely preoccupation with the party.

“Don’t move, beautiful. Take off everything on your body right now!” a man I didn’t recognize commanded, his voice filled with menace. I dared not turn around to face him, knowing an object was pointed at my head. It was undoubtedly a gun, and the thought of dying young terrified me.

I complied, removing my jewelry and handing it over to him, my body frozen. “The contents of your wallet!” he snapped, demanding more.

“What? No, sir. I need to get home, and I don’t have anything except—” I began to protest, but before I could finish, he fired his gun. I stumbled backward, shocked, and had no choice but to surrender everything in my wallet.

To my dismay, it wasn’t just one robber; there were three. And even after taking all they wanted, I foolishly believed they would leave. But they didn’t. One of them approached me, his eyes fixated on my revealing attire. I cursed David for being late to pick me up, blaming him for this predicament. My palms grew sweaty, and my body trembled with fear.

“What are you going to do? You’ve already taken everything; please let me go. I won’t report you to the police,” I pleaded, my voice quivering.

SLAP!

“Ah! Let go of me!” I cried out as they grabbed me forcefully and threw me onto the street. Their laughter echoed through the empty and desolate surroundings, forever etching that chilling sound in my memory. In the next moment, they mocked and taunted me, leaving me utterly defenseless.

I could only surrender as one man held my arms, another gripped my legs, and a third mercilessly beat and slapped me. My dress was torn, and the man prepared to rape me while I screamed for help. Yet, my cries fell on deaf ears. What time was it? The residents nearby must have been safely tucked in their beds, unaware of the horrors happening outside the club’s chaotic atmosphere.

“Damon, help me,” I whimpered, my desperation reaching its peak. It seemed like I would become a victim of their lust if not for the arrival of a man who swiftly incapacitated the three thugs, beating them to a pulp.

The events unfolded In a blur like time had slowed for me. When I regained consciousness, the three assailants lay helpless on the ground. I mustered the courage to open my eyes and found myself gazing into the mesmerizing, intense gray eyes of the man who had come to my rescue. His rugged features and chiseled jawline gave him an undeniable air of attractiveness. He exuded a captivating aura that left me momentarily stunned.

Without averting his gaze, he removed his coat and gently draped it over my trembling form. The fabric felt warm and comforting against my chilled body. His strong yet gentle presence provided solace during the chaos, and I couldn’t deny the undeniable beauty emanating from him.

“Are you okay?” he asked in a deep, resonant baritone voice filled with concern. I could sense the genuine care and empathy in his words. I nodded slowly, still captivated by his arresting presence. The man then guided me towards a parked motorcycle, the engine humming softly.

“Hop on; I’ll take you home,” he offered, his voice carrying a soothing reassurance. I nodded again, silently acknowledging his offer, and followed his lead. As he revved the engine, the motorcycle surged forward, carrying us swiftly through the night.

During the ride, it felt as though I was caught in a daydream, lost in the mix of emotions and the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The man’s enigmatic aura never wavered, leaving me to wonder about his identity and the depth of his character.

Finally, the motorcycle stopped outside my mansion, the journey passing by in a blink of an eye. As I slowly regained my bearings, I realized I hadn’t even mustered the courage to ask for his name or express my gratitude. How foolish of me!

“I hope you’re doing well. Make sure to have someone attend to your wounds and provide the necessary care. And next time, never wander alone, especially at night, as not everyone knows who you are, Miss Sanchez,” he said with concern and sternness.

I sighed heavily, acknowledging his advice and regretting my inability to thank him properly. The man’s vehicle soon moved away, disappearing into the night, leaving me to contemplate the events unfolding and the mysterious stranger who had saved me.

***

“Oh my God, Ivanna! What happened to you?” Brianna exclaimed with concern, her eyes widening at seeing my bruised face. I quickly tried to cover up the marks with makeup, desperate to hide the evidence of the ordeal.

Brianna, not only my trusted assistant but also one of my closest friends, had always been reliable and dedicated in her role. Over the years, she had proven her competence and unwavering support.

However, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of Tatiana, whom I had asked to join us at the same time as Brianna. Her delay puzzled me, adding to the turmoil of the previous night’s events.

“I’m alright now, thank you for worrying,” I replied, trying to downplay the severity of the situation and alleviate Brianna’s concern.