3 A Desperate Escape.

The discomfort was so unbearable that Elena felt as though her blood vessels were about to bust.

How cruel Vivan had been! Elena had only taken a sip of the coffee,and yet the drug effect were already so potent.

She hated to think what would have happened if she'd drunk more.

Elena felt as though her head wa going to explode.At the same time,there was a strange numbness along with an overwhelming, unquenchable thirst,as though she had been wandering through a dry desert for ages.

U

Water..... I need some water..,.....

She managed to croak out the words,her throat dry and her body burning with feverish heat,desperate for relief.

I'll take you to the hospital."

The man in the front seat had already recognized what was happening to Elena.

" Help me, please . I'll do anything for you...."

Elena clinched the man's hand in desperation.He was her last hope in this desolate, lonely place.

"Just hold on a little longer."

The man frowned.he wasn't someone who usually meddled in other people's problems.

On any other day, he would've thrown her out of the car.

However,for some reason,when he saw the fear and desperation in her eyes, something stirred inside him.

" Thank you"...

His voice became hoarse." I'm Damian Blackwell.you owe me."

Elena ,too weak to comprehend,had already lost consciousness.the pain and exhaustion had taken over.

Damian slammed his foot on the accelerator and sped toward the nearest hospital affiliated with the Blackwell group.Minutes later,he was handing Elena over to the waiting doctor.

When she woke up,it was already past noon the next day.

The memories of the night before rushed back into her mind.when she realized where she was,a heavy lump formed in her throat.

Her life had been saved but Elena realized that she couldn't stay with Ethan Caldwell any longer.she glanced around and noticed a man lying on the edge of the bed,sound asleep.He was incredibly handsome,and even she,a woman , couldn't help but admire his appearance.

His features were strong and angular,

With defined brows and a high nose that gave him an almost regal look.

Her eyes travelled down to his upper body,where his lean toned muscles were clearly defined.He excused a quiet strength.

Noticing the man still asleep, Elena quietly sat up.The movement made him stir.

" So ,you are just going to slip away after I saved you?

Damian stretched lazily and fixed his gaze on Elena with a teasing smile.

He'd already been awake, and if he hadn't stirred she likely would have slipped away unnoticed.

" You owe me for last night .were you really going to leave just like that?"

"Huh? No, I didn't....."

Elena stuttered, momentarily at a loss for words.This man had,after all ,been her saviour in her darkest hour, and his pointed remark made her feel guilty.

" Thank you"..., she said,her voice soft.......