Against the clock

44.

But before I could respond, another knock sounded on the door, this time more urgent, more forceful. 'Meredith? Are you in there?' It was Derek's voice, his tone tinged with concern and confusion. My heart pounded even harder in my chest, torn between relief at Derek's arrival and fear of what Finn might do next.

Finn's grip on my shoulders tightened, his fingers digging into my skin with a painful intensity. 'You're just going to run back to him, aren't you?' Finn growled, his voice barely contained anger. 'After everything I've said, you still choose him.'

'Finn, he's innocent' I pleaded, my voice quivering with fear and desperation. 'Let me go. Derek's here now. Just let me go.' With a sudden surge of anger, he shoved me harder against the wall, his grip on my shoulders bordering on painful. 'Innocent?' Finn spat, his voice dripping with contempt. 'You think he's innocent? Meredith, you're so fucking blind!'

I winced as Finn's words pierced through me, his grip becoming more punishing with each passing moment. 'Please, Finn, you're hurting me,' I gasped, my voice trembling with both physical and emotional pain. Derek's voice echoed through the door, sharp and urgent. 'He's what?!' he exclaimed, his tone laced with disbelief and anger. Without waiting for a response, Derek pounded on the door with a force that made the wood rattle.

The sound of Derek's furious knocking grew louder, accompanied by his booming voice. 'Open this fucking door, Finn!' he demanded, his tone brooking no argument. Finn's grip on me tightened even further, his nails digging into my skin like sharp claws, 'Meredith I just need you to see the truth.'

As Derek's rage reached its peak, he unleashed a furious vow. 'Fine,' he growled, his voice low and dangerous. 'If you don't open this damn door right now, I'll rip it off its hinges and come in there myself. And when I do, you'll wish you were never born. I'll fucking kill you.' Finn's lips curled into a mocking sneer as he scoffed at Derek's threat. 'Right, because you're so good at that!' he spat back. Derek's brows furrowed in confusion at Finn's retort. 'What?' he exclaimed, his voice betraying his bewilderment. Before he could demand an explanation, a loud thud reverberated through the room, followed by the unmistakable sound of splintering wood. Both Finn and I froze, our eyes widening in shock as the door shook under the force of the impact.

Then, another crash, louder this time, and the door flew open with a resounding bang. Through the now gaping entrance burst Derek, his eyes blazing with fury as he stormed into the room like a force of nature. Without hesitation, Derek lunged towards Finn, his movements swift and purposeful. With a fierce roar, he tackled Finn to the ground, their bodies colliding with a loud thud. The force of the impact knocked the breath out of Finn, who grunted in pain as he hit the floor.

Fueled by adrenaline and rage, Derek rained down blows upon Finn, his fists hammering into Finn's body with relentless fury. Each strike was fueled by pent-up anger and frustration, unleashed in a torrent of violence. Driven by a primal instinct to protect, I lunged forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I reached out to grab Derek's arm. 'Derek!' I shouted, my voice trembling with emotion. 'That's enough!'

With a startled gasp, he turned towards me, his eyes wide with shock and remorse. For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath as we locked gazes, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the air. Slowly, Derek's expression softened, the fire in his eyes giving way to a tender concern. With a gentle touch, he reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek in a gesture of reassurance. 'Meredith,' he whispered, his voice soft and filled with worry. 'Are you okay?'

He scanned my form, searching for any signs of distress or injury, while keeping his hands on my cheeks. 'I'm okay,' I managed to respond, my voice shaky yet determined. In a tender gesture, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering for a moment in a silent vow of protection and love. But before the moment could fully settle, Finn's voice shattered the fragile tranquility. 'He's a kidnapper,' Finn declared, his words cutting through the air like a knife.