His Innocent Sera novel Chapter 43

A bucket of ice water exploded across her face, shocking her senses awake. A startled gasp escaped her mouth, her eyes snapping open, wild and disoriented. She frantically scanned her surroundings, shrouded in pitch blackness, struggling to understand where she was. Just then, a chilly gust pierced right through her bones, sending a shiver down her spine. Whimpering, she wrapped her arms around herself, desperate for some warmth.

Still reeling, she had no time to react when another glacial wave crashed over her, freezing the breath in her lungs. Gasping, the girl huddled into herself, shivering uncontrollably.

"Don't..don't.." she begged, curling inwardly in a miserable attempt to protect herself. It was too cold, her legs and arms had grown numb. Fingers tangled in her hair, forcing her head up to meet his cold, unforgiving eyes.

"Don't what?" he seethed, inching closer. Her captive radiated menace in waves, taunting her instincts. A lone tear slipped past her fearful eye.

"Don't..don't hurt me," she pleaded in a trembling voice. The sheer intensity of his gaze made her want to hide somewhere. Her request caused his mouth to twist into a cruel smirk.

"You can hurt me, but I can't," he taunted venomously, cocking his head. The smirk disappeared, something dangerous clouded his expression, his eyes sharp as a cutting blade as he demanded, "What part of 'You Are Mine' didn't you understand, princess?"

She blinked, looking like vulnerable prey trapped in its predator's clutch.

"I..I didn't hurt you," she explained, drained and trembling. Her explanation only fueled his rage.

"You did," he gritted out, barely able to hold his anger. "You hurt me when you let him hold you. You hurt me when you lied about him. Too many lies. Too many deceptions," he fumed, nostrils flaring.

His countenance turned into a mask of disgust as he noted, "You reek of his touch. Even being near you turns my stomach." He released her with a jerk before stepping away. She dropped her gaze to the floor, sobbing.

In a moment, light flooded her surroundings. She realised she was in a bathroom. His cold voice echoed a moment later, "Wash yourself." After that, she heard his footsteps retreating—then the sharp bang of the door slamming shut.

Wiping away her tears, she braced her palms against the wall and pushed herself up on wobbly legs. Turning on the show, she stood under it and cried her heart out.

.......

Uneasiness stirred in his chest when she didn't answer his first call. He called her countless times after that only meet silence. He couldn't help but wonder if she had stumbled into danger. Not wasting a moment, he had set out, anxious to find her. He knew sending her alone in the woods was a bad idea. The woods were teeming with wild animals, and she was too fragile to protect herself. If something happened to her, he wouldn't hesitate to tear apart that NGO. He'll show them real hell for not taking care of her.

He kept dialing her number on his way, his insides twisting with each unattended call.