His Lioness (Alan Rickman FF) ENGLISH VERSION

Chapter 48

"What are you doing here with the picture of our boss!" she shouted at Harry.

Harry stared at Saskia in bewilderment, not knowing what to say.

In the meantime, Puznowski ran to Shahbandar to bring him into the gallery: "Lionel, I must ask you to come with me. Mister Deane has put himself in danger and I had to subdue the lion so he wouldn't eat him."

Lionel didn't have time to think at all, as the blonde was already dragging him by the hand into the inner area.

Saskia was still standing in front of Harry, waiting for an answer. When she heard PJ's chatter, she looked in the direction and saw her and Lionel entering the room hand in hand.

Her heart gave a final leap and the feeling that it was about to burst became unbearable. With the last of her strength, she pulled herself together and called out to her boss, "Lord Shahbandar, Harry's up to something with your painting of Monet!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she took her eyes off him and looked at Leonardo, who was still lying injured on the floor.

Immediately she knelt down to the lion and stroked his fur reassuringly while she held back her tears with all her might.

So that was how it was.

He had lost no time at all and was already holding hands with the future millionaire. Of course, she couldn't compete with her. She had neither the money nor the looks of her.

As sorry as she felt for Leonardo now, she had to leave the scene before she embarrassed herself even more and truly started crying.

Only now did Lionel notice that PJ was still holding his hand and he tore it away from her. "What is this all about?" he commanded into the room, "and why the hell are you holding my most precious painting in your hands, Mister Deane?"

Shahbandar was so enraged that he didn't notice at all that Saskia was quietly moving away from the scene.

Saskia ran as fast as her fitness would allow to the guest room. With shaky hands she took her cell phone and called Mihai with it. As soon as he answered the call, she said to him, "Please Mihai, I need your help. Can you please take me away from here right now?"

Mihai listened up and wanted to help her immediately, he responded by saying, "Come to the back entrance, no one will see us if we leave!"

Saskia grabbed what little luggage she had and put on sneakers. She could replace the shoes she had left in the hall. She certainly wouldn't go back for those. Far too great was the danger that the lord would see her.

Fortunately, the way to the back exit was not too far, because the suitcase and the bag prevented her from moving quickly.

Mihai was already waiting in front of the door and immediately took the luggage from her and stowed it in the trunk of the car.

"A miracle, you really chose an inconspicuous car for once," Saskia tried to joke as she looked at the black SUV that seemed to join the night.

The driver gave her a small smile, which he didn't really want to do. Because he saw the somewhat smeared mascara and the clear tear tracks.

Silently, the two got in and the chauffeur drove off. "What has he done now?" he inquired and his underlying anger was clearly audible.

Saskia rummaged around in her bag, pulled out a pack of tissues, grabbed one and blew her nose. "H-he came into the picture gallery hand in hand with Mrs. Puznowski. I guess that's all I need to say about that," Sia briefly summarized what had happened.

Mihai gritted his teeth. He simply didn't understand why his boss reacted so strangely. He would have liked to punch him in the face, but luckily he was out of reach at the moment. "Where do you want me to take you anyway?" he inquired.

"Please take me to the next bigger train station, I'm going to my cousin's," she replied.

"Is it far? Otherwise I could take you there directly. Besides, it's already very late, who knows is there even a train going there," Mihai tried to argue.

Saskia nervously kneaded her fingers and thought back and forth. Mihai was right. If she couldn't get a train anymore, she would have to spend the night at the station, which didn't sound too thrilling either. Plus, she would have to call Sam to pick her up at King's Lynn station. "It's far though, because my cousin lives in Wolferton," Sia told him.

"Sure it's farther, but I also don't want you to get stranded and stuck somewhere. At all with your outfit, if I may say so," the driver spoke and headed north on the expressway.

Mihai was right. She was still wearing her black dress. It would probably only attract unnecessary attention, which wouldn't be beneficial at night. "Thank you, I will never forget this," Saskia said to him, leaning even deeper into the passenger seat. The steady sound of the engine almost lulled her to sleep if her thoughts hadn't gone their own ways.

After Saskia relayed Sam's exact address, the rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence.

When they arrived at the farm, Sia became terribly nervous again. Sam and his family would surely wonder why she arrived here so late at night. There was some clarification needed. Fortunately, the house was not yet shrouded in darkness and there were still a few lights burning. So at least she didn't wake anyone up.

Mihai got out as well and helped her with the luggage again, carrying it to the front door while Saskia rang the bell. A short time later, the front door was yanked open and Sam stood in the doorway. "Sia!" he exclaimed in amazement, looking her up and down, puzzled by her get-up. His gaze wandered behind her after a moment, however, and he saw the black, expensive car, complete with driver. "What's this all about?" he inquired in wonder.

"Sam I..., can I explain later and may I stay a few nights?" she spoke in a broken voice.

"But of course Sia. You are always welcome here anytime!", he quickly replied when he saw that she was about to burst into tears. "Come inside first, we'll make some tea and you'll tell us everything," he added graciously.

"That would be wonderful, I'll just say goodbye to Mihai. Because it wasn't a given that he would still bring me here at this hour," Saskia said to Sam and went back to the car once again, thanking the driver.