Chapter 31: Chapter 31

JONEA

Hunter's hand caught in the air. I saw someone come and grab him.

Everyone who was there gasped, including me. He appeared and prevented Hunter from touching me.

"You don't see how uncomfortable she is? Watch your attitude and don't carelessly touch other people, especially without asking permission first."

"Owen?" I snapped out of the shock.

"Who are you? What business do you have with us?" Hunter gave Owen a look of hostility and hissed.

I could see Owen gripping Hunter's hand very tightly. It seemed Hunter was also enduring the pain but trying to keep a straight face in front of us all.

I put my hand on Owen's arm and asked him to stop.

Owen let go of his grip. The two men now acted as if nothing had happened.

Owen immediately turned to me and spoke softly. "You are okay? I'm looking for you everywhere. It seems you are here."

Owen's appearance was like a saviour god. I am curious to know how he got here. Now he even bowed and became a separator between me and Hunter.

I thought Hunter would touch me, then bewitch me, and I was helpless. Now I feel relieved after Owen came and saved me. But when should I continue to depend on Owen?

"Shall we go home now?" he asked.

I was like a statue–I couldn't move from the shock.

I glanced alternately between Owen and Hunter. Owen's face was severe. Even though he was being so gentle with me, he harboured anger.

"Yes, I will indeed go! Come on…."

"I told you earlier to leave immediately, didn't I?" grunted Marilyn.

I glanced at Marilyn for help, but she pretended not to understand. I'm sick of her.

"Jonea, what handsome man is your lover?" Marilyn was overjoyed to see Owen coming for me. "Next time, introduce us."

Hunter looked furious. I need to be more clumsy. My friends and seniors in the art department looked at me enviously. They were waiting for an explanation from me.

"Sorry guys, I have to go. Thank you for the banquet." I waved at them. "Marilyn, see you tomorrow on campus."

I dragged Owen by force and left from there. I could feel my back being so cold – as if showered with glares from all my colleagues at the bar. I'm just relieved that it didn't end up in a fight.

Outside the bar, I let go of Owen's hand. I'm out of breath. I stood while bowing.

"Thank you," I muttered. "If you don't come..."

Owen grabbed me and hugged me. I need some clarification. I just stood stiff and didn't know how to respond. He was still hugging me and heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness you're okay. The next time you get into trouble, run immediately and ask for help. Why do you keep standing there like a fool? What if I don't come?"

I do not know what to say.

"Forgive me." That's all that comes to my mind.

Owen let go of his hug. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude to you. I was just too panicked–"

Owen first walked to his car, which was parked near the club. I also followed behind him.

As we were driving home, my cell rang. Marilyn sent a message.

'You owe me so much, Jonea! Explain everything to me tomorrow. But most importantly, for now, have fun! He is handsome. You guys are perfect together!'

Uh, my head feels so dizzy. I turn off the phone and put it back in the bag. I pushed the back of my seat and started lying down while closing my eyes. I'm not in the mood to do anything right now. Sleep is the thing I want most right now.

"How did you know–" I muttered.

At first, I didn't want to disturb Owen, who was focused on driving. The road in front of us is congested. But I can't stand it if I keep quiet and keep curious. Owen also pretended not to hear my question.

"You're stalking me?" I asked louder.

"I'm just doing my job…" Owen shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Watching and ensuring your safety. I don't care what method I should use. My goal must be achieved. If something bad happens to you, I will have to accept the consequences from Daran. I don't want bad luck. If I had to choose, I'd prefer you to stay home and not go anywhere. You… are so troublesome!"

I am annoyed. It would have been better if I didn't ask. Good grief!

"I want us to make a deal!" I protested while sitting up straight.

Owen immediately pulled over to his car roughly. I fell over and quickly held on.

"That is dangerous!" I screamed. "You can get us into trouble."

"What difference does it make to die now or later? You're still going to die in six months. That's why you keep on being reckless!"

"What?" I can't believe he was rude to me. "I don't want to die!"

Owen hit the wheel. I scrunched up in my place. I thought he couldn't be mad.

"Okay, tell me what you want, Jonea?"

"I…" I swallowed hard. "Tell me how to deal with people with red forehead marks. So that I don't keep bothering you."

Owen looked at me intently. Suddenly he unbuckled his seat belt and leaned closer to me. Is he going to attack me?

Owen pushed me back against the back of the chair. He sat on top of me aggressively.

"No! O-Owen, what are you doing?" I was shaking with fear. I'm stuck here.

His right hand touched my thigh and uncovered my short skirt. I screamed in fear.

"You pervert!" I crossed my arms and kicked my knee against him.

However, Owen's movements are faster, and his strength is more muscular. I closed my eyes tightly.

He raised his hand– feeling my thigh higher. Everything happened so fast. I tried to sit up straight and fight it. When I opened my eyes, my black bone dagger had already moved before my face.

Does he want to kill me? When did he take it from the belt on my thigh?

Owen stares at me intensely. We are only inches apart. He still locked me under his body. Owen gripped the black bone dagger very firmly in front of me.

"You… have a gun, Jonea," Owen hissed. "Use your weapons to protect yourself and fight them!"

I'm still gasping for breath from shock and fear. Owen dismounted from me and pulled the back of my chair back up. He slipped the hilt of the black bone dagger into the grip of my right hand.

"Stab them in the heart before they touch you. You understand?"

I was just stunned while holding my dagger.

"That is if you can. I doubt you'd even put this dagger through that man's heart. He seems to have a special place in your heart."

"What?" I was angry at Owen's accusations about my feelings for Hunter.

Owen ignored me and returned to his seat behind the wheel. He combed his messy hair with his fingers and looked straight ahead.

I sat huddled and turned to the left side. I kept my eyes on the busy street. I'm like a sulking child. I don't even want to turn to Owen and talk to him.

I am annoyed. I was angry with myself and the weakness of my heart. Owen wasn't wrong. I was indeed too weak when facing Hunter. I don't know what happened to me.

I should have easily pulled out the dagger and pointed it at Hunter. But, I instead chose to remain silent and look like a stupid girl.

"What do you mean by saying that? You don't know anything," I shouted desperately.

"I don't care who that man is and your past relationship. I only care about my duty!"

"I don't…"

"Shut up!" Owen snapped harshly. "You just broke my concentration driving."

Owen took off his coat and threw it over my thighs.

"Cover your feet, or you will catch a cold. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened. Because I'm going to speed." Owen glanced in the rearview mirror and started driving at top speed. "Something is chasing us!"

That's when I looked back. I see everything so clearly. My face paled instantly. I gripped my seat belt tightly and looked for a grip.