The Handsome Devil

Chapter 22 - Torture

Once Thomas turned around to the source of the disruption, Deya got a view of her saviour.

Andrew.

They haven't really talked much since the day he warned her about Max, but she wasn't in a situation to refuse his help. It felt heartwarming that he had her back nonetheless. Yet, a small part of her felt disappointed that it wasn't Max trying to protect her honour.

"Mind your own fucking business" Thomas barked before turning back to her and continued his assault.

"That's the thing.." Andrew chuckled lowly without hesitation. "She IS my business"

Without addressing Thomas's confused expression, the bulldog closed the distance between them and sent a powerful blow towards the hoodlum, one that made him stumble to the ground.

From there, it all went fast. Fists and kicks were flying in the air and it soon became obvious that Thomas doesn't stand a chance against Andrew's animosity. The bulldog sent him another punch before wrapping his fingers around his neck and squeezing it mercilessly. The girl felt her body shivered once she realised he's smiling like a madman the whole time.

When the crook lost his consciousness, Andrew mumbled something into his phone and went to check on the girl, which was now sitting on the ground, back pressed against the brick wall and hands covering her eyes.

"You're alright?" He asked in neutral tone as he crouched down next to her. But she didn't reply. Instead, her arms wrapped around his body tightly as she broke into sobs.

It took several minutes for her to calm down at least a bit, but once she did, the rest of the gang was already there pushing Thomas's limp body into the trunk of a car.

Deya shivered at the sight, finally releasing Andrew from her tight grip. How can they deal with so much violence?

Relief washed over her when she noticed Thomas's chest is still heaving.

He's alive.

However, as she took in the scene, her eyes fell on Max. He was leaning against the car's hood casually while starring daggers in her direction and it certainly wasn't a pleasant sight.

Oh-Oh.

Her first thought was that it had something to do with how she screwed up the mission. That is, until it occurred to her that she did no such thing. They wanted her to lure him outside so they can take him. And that's exactly what happened, isn't it? Then what the hell is his problem?

Is it because they took the back exit? But how was she supposed to manipulate her way out of that?

Andrew took advantage of the newly regained freedom and walked away for a bit, whispering something to the rest of the gang. Once he returned, he helped Deya to get to her feet and led her to the back of the car.

During the time and for the whole ride, no one dared to say a word, except Mateo who discreetly mouthed "good job" to her. But somehow, his praise did nothing to make her feel better.

. . .

Thomas woke up with a headache, tied to a chair in a foreign room. It didn't take a lot to determine he was in a basement. But who's basement was it?

He tried to get rid of his restraints but to no avail. Whoever tied him did a great job.

"Well, well, well... Seems like the sleeping beauty woke up already" A voice resounded from somewhere behind him making the man flinch.