Forbidden Desires

17: HER PRESENCE

A/n: Purely authors imagination. None of these really happens in real life.

Risa Pov

As soon as I got a call from Alice, a wave of urgency washed over me. Without wasting a second, I knew I had to act fast. I quickly grabbed my laptop and forwarded the call details to her lawyer, hoping they could track her location.
While I was still on the line with Alice, I dashed to my car, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I heard her voice reacting from the sudden slapped. I knew she was hit because of the heavy fall from the floor. I fumbled with the keys, my mind racing with thoughts of her safety.
"Senator Risa, save me please." Her voice barely whispered above, I could feel her pain. My tears fell off my cheeks.

'Hold on, Alice, please!'

"I’m on my way, Alice. Just hold on!" I reassured her even though I knew she could no longer respond.

I jumped into the driver’s seat. I started the engine, the sound roaring to life, and I navigated through the streets, my focus solely on reaching Bamban. Every red light felt like an eternity, but I pushed the accelerator, determined to get to her as quickly as possible. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed me now more than ever.

'Wait for me, my love...'

After what felt like an eternity, I finally arrived at the warehouse in Bamban, my heart racing with urgency. Thanks to the call details I sent to Alice's lawyer, I had the exact location, and now I was here, ready to find her.

As I parked my car, I scanned the area, searching for any signs of Alice. The dimly lit building loomed ahead, and I could see shadows moving inside. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. Suddenly, I heard voices, angry and urgent. My stomach dropped as I realized I was just in time, the kidnappers were preparing to leave with Alice. I quickly ducked behind a stack of crates, peering around to get a better look. Inside, I saw Mr. Duterte and twelve men, all of them focused on securing the area. My heart sank as I noticed Alice, unconscious and vulnerable, lying on the floor nearby.

I couldn’t let them get away. Summoning every ounce of courage, I pulled out my phone and texted her lawyer, urging him to call the police. Then, I took a deep breath and stepped out from my hiding spot, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Mr. Duterte, sumuko ka na. Walang lugar ang mga tulad mo dito!" I shouted, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. The men turned to face me, surprise etched on their faces. I could see Alice’s unconscious form, and in that moment, I knew I had to fight for her, no matter what the cost is.

"Senator Risa, sabi na nga ba. Hindi mo matitiis ang babaitang ito." He shot back, a familiar expression made my blood boil.

"Give her to me. Ako ang totoo mong kalaban hindi ba?" I shouted back, my voice shaky but resolute.

"Ano ako tanga? Buti at napaaga ka. Magsama kayo nitong mahal m, Your Honor." He laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that echoed in the warehouse. But before I could gather my thoughts to respond, I felt a rough cloth being pressed firmly over my mouth and nose. The fabric was damp, and an overpowering, dizzying scent of chemicals invaded my senses, making my head spin. Panic surged through me as I struggled to breathe, my vision blurring as darkness began to close in.

The last thing I remembered was the cold, calculating look in Mr. Duterte's eyes as I fought to hold my ground. Then, everything faded to black.

When I finally regained consciousness, I was disoriented, my head pounding as if it were caught in a vice. I blinked against the harsh light above me, trying to make sense of my surroundings.