Crystal hesitated, her mind racing again with questions and suspicions. Something about Jarrod's demeanor really set her on edge, but her curiosity and concern for her father's well-being outweighed her better judgment.
"Alright," she conceded, " Anyway, I promised my father I'd give you a chance, so I owe it to him to stick to it. But we'll talk at the pub down the street. I'm not going anywhere else with you."
Jarrod nodded, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'll have you spanked if you don't behave yourself. Lead the way, Miss Kyle."
Crystal didn't know how to take this sentence. And coming from him, it was all the more disturbing.
In the end, she'd rather not reply.
As they walked side by side toward the pub, Crystal couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into something far more complicated and dangerous than she had anticipated. The air crackled with an undercurrent of tension, and Crystal found herself acutely aware of Jarrod's presence beside her.
Once inside the dimly lit pub, they settled into a secluded booth in the corner. Crystal ordered a glass of wine, needing the calming effect of alcohol to steady her nerves. Jarrod, on the other hand, remained cool and composed, his gaze never wavering from her face.
"Alright, Jarrod," Crystal began, her voice laced with trepidation. "What is this all about?"
Jarrod leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "Miss Kyle, your father has become aware of a threat to your safety. There is a dangerous criminal named Brad who has been targeting your family, and he's not going to stop until he's eliminated both you and your father."
Crystal's eyes widened in shock. "What? Are you serious?" Her mind raced, trying to process the gravity of Jarrod's words. "Why would this Brad character want to hurt us?"
Jarrod's expression darkened. "It's a long and complicated story, one that I'm afraid your father has not fully shared with you. All you need to know is that Brad is determined to settle an old score, and he sees you and your father as the key to his revenge."
Crystal felt a chill run down her spine. "And what does my father want you to do about it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"He's asked me to keep you safe, to protect you from Brad's wrath," Jarrod replied, his gaze unwavering. "He believes that with my resources and expertise, I can ensure your security until this threat has been neutralized."
Crystal's mind raced as she considered Jarrod's words. She had never imagined her life would be in danger, let alone that her father would be involved in some sort of dangerous criminal conflict.
"I..." Crystal hesitated, her grip tightening on the stem of her wine glass. "I don't know what to say. This is all so sudden, so unexpected."
Jarrod reached across the table, his hand hovering just above hers, almost as if he wanted to touch her. "I understand your hesitation, Miss Kyle. But please, for your own safety, I urge you to consider my offer. You're aware that your father is deeply concerned, and he believes this is the only way to keep you out of harm's way."
The idea of being under the protection of this enigmatic stranger was both unsettling and intriguing, but above all unbearable, given her reactions to his presence, his desire, everything he arouses in her.
Crystal felt the weight of Jarrod's gaze, the intensity of his presence, and the vulnerability of her situation. She knew she should be wary, that accepting the assistance of this stranger could come with untold consequences. Yet, the thought of putting her father's mind at ease and ensuring her own safety was compelling…
"No." she finally realized, she wouldn't stand for it, just as she wouldn't stand for this protection. She would be careful. She would worry her dear father, but she would go on living her life as she saw fit.
With this resolution, and despite her growing desire, she stood up. He guessed at once what she was about to say. Her gaze was eloquent enough, with that familiar, revealing, incandescent glint in her glassy eyes.
Swallowing hard, Crystal made her decision. "Alright, Jarrod. I've listened to you, and as promised, I've done my best, but that's about it. I thank you for your concern, and I'm sorry about my father, but I'll manage."
"You won't be able to."
"I'm not a fanatical feminist but to hear that from a man..."
"A man who will know how to protect you from real monsters. That's not for everyone."
"I've heard that a lot in my life, and I've always gotten away with it."
She gathered up her things.
"Well, it's been interesting, but I'm off. Farewell, Jarrod."
"You know you haven't. You really have to understand the full extent of this threat…and above all the strength of my will to get what I want."
Crystal didn't know whether the man had actually spoken his words or not. yes, he did, considering who he was.
***
The next evening, more to ease her mind than for any real need, Crystal went out for a road. Crystal decided to stop by the grocery store on her way home, hoping the mundane task would help settle her nerves. As she strolled through the fluorescent-lit aisles, selecting her usual items, Crystal couldn't shake the persistent feeling of being followed. She quickened her pace, her grip tightening on her shopping basket.
Hurrying through the checkout, Crystal rushed out to the nearly empty parking lot, her eyes scanning the rows of cars. She clutched her keys tightly as she approached her vehicle, constantly checking over her shoulder. Just as she reached her car, a gloved hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her startled cry.
Panic surging through her, Crystal struggled against the iron grip, her shopping bag tumbling to the ground as she was yanked backwards. She caught a glimpse of dark hair and nearly translucent gray eyes before a cloth was pressed against her face, the pungent scent of chloroform overwhelming her senses.
As the world began to spin, Crystal's limbs grew heavy, her movements sluggish. Her terrified gaze locked with Jarrod's, his expression coldly impassive as consciousness slipped away. Crystal's last thought before succumbing to the darkness was a angry plea – you fucking bastard.
***
When Crystal opened her eyes, a sense of disorientation washed over her. The familiar surroundings of her apartment had vanished, replaced by a dimly lit, unfamiliar room. She struggled to sit up, only to find her wrists and ankles chained to the sturdy metal frame of the bed.
Panic started to set in as the events in the parking lot came rushing back. Jarrod had abducted her, and now she was trapped in this unknown location. Crystal pulled desperately at the unyielding restraints, her heart pounding in her ears.
"I see you're awake." Jarrod's cool voice cut through the silence, and Crystal whipped her head around to find him standing in the shadows.
"First : Welcome to my hideout, Crystal," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I apologize for the rather unconventional way of bringing you here, but I'm afraid it was necessary."
"What the hell is going on?" she demanded, trying to sit up again and looking around frantically.
" And a little tip : don't bother trying to escape. Those chains are quite secure."
"Why are you doing this?" Crystal demanded, her voice trembling with fury but also with fear. "Let me go!"