Narrator-
"What do you want?" Liliana asked, her tone clipped as a result of the limited amount of air intake, due to the suffocating tension which held her lungs captive, beneath her non-expanding chest.
"Nothing much, just want what rightfully belongs to me." Carlos explained, his tone making Liliana's skin crawl with unwelcomed goosebumps, as she felt the bile rise up her throat, while an uncomfortable slither crawled over her spine, which caused her to shudder uncomfortably from head to toe.
"I don't have anything that belongs to you." Liliana stated, confused, as she tried to breathe, in hope the effort would slow her racing heart.
"Oh but you do," Carlos confirmed, then he added, "yeah, I had marked my territory, and there's no way I'm letting another dog slobber all over what belongs to me." Carlos declared, his tone sadistic, if not insane.
"You're a disgusting pig Carlos. A pervert." Liliana fired before she could stop herself. She belonged to no one, and she wanted to make that clear.
"Oh keep the insults coming sweetheart, just don't forget who's at my mercy." Carlos reminded Liliana, making a notion about her parents, and once again her blood ran cold, and her bravado cracked away quicker than dry ice in water, as she gulped, her throat feeling cold with fear while she pleaded meekly "don't hurt them. Please."
"I don't think you're in the position to ask me for any favors Liliana." Carlos stated, his light tone quickly morphing and shifting to a dark and dangerous octave.
"What do you want from me Carlos? What do you want me to do?" Liliana hated that she begged, but her parents had more worth than her pride ever would. All she cared about was saving them. It's all that mattered right now, she could nurse her pride another time.
"How about you meet me in that fancy hotel, Luxury, thirty minutes away from your parents' home, let's say, in two hours?" Carlos instructed, and Liliana blinked quickly shaking her head as she said, "H-how am I supposed to make it there so quickly? I live in another state!"
"Well you've got the smarts, figure it out!" Carlos suddenly boomed, urging Liliana to pull the phone away from her ear as she winced, then he ended the call without another word.
"Hello? Hello? CARLOS!" Liliana yelled into the empty phone, knowing quite well her efforts were futile. Liliana smashed the phone into the cushion next to her with a grunt, then she groaned and screamed. Liliana found herself surrounded by a blanket of worry, anger, fear, and dread. She had two hours to make it to the hotel Carlos had instructed, and she had no idea what to do. Lost in a sea of confusion, with a sweaty forehead, a heavy mind, and a racing heart, it never came to Lili's mind to contact the one man who could actually get her there that quickly.
And when Mr. Cavalier eventually did come to mind, Liliana couldn't bring herself to pick up the phone and dial his number. She was trying to swallow her pride, but she began to doubt that he would ever want to help her. Why would he? She hasn't been the nicest person towards Frantz, even though he's tolerated her mood swings and constant changes in behavior. But another doubt that held Lili back was the idea that he would want something in return after helping her. Liliana didn't want to owe Frantz anything. He already had such an effect on her that she feared what would happen if she ended up owing him a favor. The idea of being indebted to Frantz did not sit well with her either.
Liliana absentmindedly began to pace her living room floor, trying to keep a clear head, even though she felt seconds away from running out of her house like a madwoman, and head to the nearest airport, demanding to jump on the next flight to Atlanta Georgia. Living just outside of Orlando Florida, the airport wasn't too far, but even then, there was no guarantee that she would be on a flight within the next two hours.
Liliana found herself between a wall and a hard place. She ran her fingers through her hair, hoping the unintentional scalp massage would help clear her mind, but when she couldn't think of any feasible solutions, she rushed to her bedroom where she filled her purse with her passport, and necessary documents, then she threw on the closest pair of jeans she could find, as well as a long sleeve cotton top, then she tied her hair up into a ponytail, and headed for the door. The best plan she had thought of would be to head to the airport and buy a last minute seat for a flight.
Just as Liliana opened her front door, her eyes widened when she noticed Frantz with his fist raised, seconds from knocking on the door. Liliana blinked confused for a moment as she realized that she had forgotten just how well sculpted his face was. But the moment was cut short because Lili was instantly reminded her parents being held captive by the maniac named Carlos, and in a haste she said, "not right now Mr. Cavalier. Excuse me." With those words Liliana tried to sidestep Frantz, but setting his lips in a straight line, he grabbed her arm and directed her back into her house, making sure to block the door in order to stop her from going anywhere.
"What are you doing? Get out of my way!" Liliana snapped, as she tried to push Frantz away from the door. She didn't need this right now. Of all the times Frantz could make an appearance in all his handsome glory, now was not that time.
Liliana wasn't sure what caused her sudden upset, in addition to Carlos holing her parents captive, but seeing Frantz, she hated that she had a moment of weakness where all she wanted to do was seek comfort in his arms. She had missed him more than she thought. And she hated the idea that he was suddenly here, coming to her rescue. She hated the circumstances in which they were brought together, and now here they stood, both silent yet breathing heavily.
Liliana looked into Frantz's dark eyes, his pink lips set in a straight line, with a stern gaze set on his facial features. It was definitely not the time or place, but she had definitely hoped he would do that thing where he kissed her out of nowhere, catching her by surprise, only to leave her breathless. Then came the shame. Liliana wondered what the heck was she thinking? And why was she still standing there like a lost puppy. Her parents were in danger, and now was definitely not the time to fantasize about the adventures she could embark on with Mr. Cavalier inside her home.
"I need to go." Liliana stated, as she tried to bypass Frantz and open the door again, but just like before he barely budged, as he simply kept her from reaching the door. After a third and failed attempt, Liliana had lost her patience.
"I said, let me go!" She growled, and began acting aggressive, as she punched and slapped her hands into his torso and shoulders. Frantz was quick to pin restrain her arms as he ordered "calm down, I'm here to help."
"I don't need your help." Liliana declared in a loud rage, feeling close to tears. This was all too much. The tension and the pressure were cracking down on Lili's mind, and she wouldn't hold out for long, but she did not want to let Frantz see her cry. She was stronger than this. She had to be. She had allowed herself to be vulnerable around Frantz once before, and the fear that followed, pushed her to jump out of his car, and distance herself from him, for an entire month. Lili did not want to go through that again.
"Well I'm going to help you anyway." Frantz pushed back, and Liliana shook her head and frowned as she asked, "why won't you leave me alone? How many times do I have to turn you down, for you to get the message that I don't want anything to do with you?"
"As many times as it takes for you to stop saying one thing with your mouth, and another with your eyes and body. I am taken by you Liliana, and I would never forgive myself if I let anything happen to you, knowing that I walked away, when I could've helped. Just allow me to help." Frantz replied, his tone begging, and convincing, as he admitted his feelings for her without realizing.
"Frantz, he has my parents, and the more time I waste here with you, the less time I have to make it to my destination, so please just let me go. I have a flight to catch." Liliana stated, needing to get away from him. His arms were still restraining hers, and the more she breathed in his cologne, the more intoxicated her mind became with images that were not appropriate for the current situation they were in.
"Forget the flight, I'll take you there on the Jet." Frantz offered, and Liliana's eyes widened out of shock before she shook her head and declined "Frantz that's really not necessary. I don't-"
"Need my help, I know. But I'm offering it anyways. Let’s go." Frantz replied, in a final tone, then grabbing Liliana's hand, he led her out of her home, and walked her to the limo which had been waiting outside. Liliana thought to protest before entering the car, but one sharp glare from Frantz, and she swallowed her pride, and sat in the limousine.
Frantz entered after her but made sure to keep as much distance between their bodies as possible. During the car ride, Frantz made a phone call to ensure that Paul had arrived at the airport and getting the jet ready to travel. Meanwhile, his eyes remained on Liliana, who made great efforts to avoid looking his way. He had forgotten just how much he loved studying her.