Elara’s POV

"Jack, you're going the wrong way." I told him as he made a U-turn at the end of the road.

"Is that so?" He asked and I nodded gently, my body aching from Mr. Wilson's beating, every move sending a sharp pain through my ribs. 

I was so grateful to Jack at this moment, if he hadn't come in on time, only God knows what would have happened.

'He also always snuck me food when no one was aware, but then why did something feel off?' I wondered, shivering due to the cold wind that blew by.

Jack turned immediately and pushed me to the ground, my behind scraping the hard surface. I screamed.

“Jack? What's going on with you?” But he just nodded lightly—responding with a whistle, that sent shivers down my spine.

'Was it a mistake?' I pondered feeling my heart race as there was silence for awhile before footsteps were heard, heavy and edging closer.

I looked back and my gaze met the notorious street, rich gang. Andre, and his little minions Drake and Austin. I looked back at Jack for an explanation, but he stood there like i was a ghost to him.

Fuck! He was in on this too? Andre and his minions had made it their job to ruin my life here, and the only friend I thought i had betrayed me? 

“You've done a good job. I guess you're useful after all,” Andre announced as he handed cash to Jack. 

“Leave, we'll handle it from here.” The trio licked their lips as they looked at me hungrily. 

“Jack,” I whispered but my friend turned his back to me and stormed off. 

"Well, well, well. Finally, the homeless, sexy chick is ours,” Andre laughed and the two joined in. 

Tears gathered at the brim of my eyelids. I won't cry, not here where they could see. I struggled to stand on my feet but it was difficult with my already twisted ankle. 

It hurt like shit. They grabbed me when they noticed my attempt. Andre's hands lunged at my throat as he squeezed vehemently. 

"Let me go!” I tried to scream, as I gasped for in between. 

No one came around to this side in the night. I was all fucking alone. 

"Boys,"

Justin came behind me and sealed my mouth, dragging me to lay down, while Drake grabbed my legs that I was trying to use to kick him away and spread them apart.

I let out a gasp, my heart pounding in fear as they tore my gown off my body, ripping my panties away and grabbing every part of my body roughly.

Andre hurriedly undid his belt and I cried, tears rolling down my cheeks, while still struggling and praying for some sort of miracle.

"No, no. Please, no." I yelled, pleading, but he refused to listen and just giggled before plugging himself into me hard.

I yelped, feeling like I was being sliced into two, and kept begging, screaming till my voice was hoarse, but neither of them flinched and just had their ways, each taking their turns on me.

Finally, they were done, but I was already gone, almost slipping into unconsciousness, death, laying there all battered and bloody in the face due to the slaps I took from Andre because I bit his hand hard when he tried covering my mouth again.

'Was this how cruel the world was? Trampling on the weak just because they were not fit enough to be protected?' I pondered, my vision blurring.

I was limp and my breathing became so quiet. I shut my eyes, prepared, but then felt something warm envelop me, a sweet scent lingering around my nose. 

Gentle hands wrapped themselves around my body as I gave in to whatever was calling.

...............

...............

"How severe are her injuries, doc?" I heard a deep, manly voice ask and flicked my eyelids open immediately. 

The blinding light from outside immediately entered my eyes, and I snapped them shut again, feeling my head ache.

I let out a groan, trying to lift my hand but then a huge amount of pain made me cry out as I hurriedly dropped my hand down, confused.

'What was going on? Why did my body feel like it was on a volcano?' I wondered and heard muffled whispers.

"Shit! She is awake. Inform the nurses!" someone snapped then hurried to my side and tapped me gently.

"Are you alright?" I flinched and opened my eyes again, only to see a man in his mid-thirties, with piercing grey eyes that had hints of silver and jet-black, neatly styled hair.

He looked harmless, but his cold, calculating gaze as he made to touch me again, made my palms sweaty.

I immediately jumped out of bed, trying to get away from him, and unknowingly tore the drip from my hand, causing me severe pain,, but I didn't care.

He noticed my swift movement and relaxed his features, raising his hands up.

"Whoa! It's okay, I am not going to hurt you". He told me but I refused to believe him.

Jack said the same thing and ended up selling me, so what worse would this stranger do?

"Who are you?" I asked, ignoring my aching body. It felt like I was about to break into two.

"Damien Blackwood." He responded, looking away from me briefly. I took that opportunity and dashed towards the door, but ended up crashing into the nurse coming in with stuff instead.

"I am so sorry!" She apologized immediately as my head hit hers, and I reared backward from the intensity of the force, feeling like a hammer was banged on my head.

I saw stars, my eyes blurry and my legs wobbling. 

I was about to collapse to the floor when someone caught me and I recognized the dark amber and leather scent. 

Rich and warm that I perceived earlier meaning he was the one who saved me.

'But why?' I wondered, watching as he dropped me slowly on the soft, comfy bed, being careful so as not to hurt me. 

I watched his actions and soon he noticed, then looked me in the eyes.

I felt a warm sensation fluttering in my stomach as he ran his gaze all over me, before smiling at me briefly. 

My fingers curled into my sheets as my heart thudded loudly in my ears, and warmth blossomed under my skin, creeping up to my cheeks. 

He took care of me and fed me, before making sure the doctor attached the drip back to my hand, treating my wounds.

I was amazed. Why was a stranger being nice to me? What did he want? 

At this rate, I forgot about my escape plans and just watched him in fascination.

"I am sure you have a lot of questions, but first, I would love to say something." He began, and I gave him the go-ahead.

"Would you be my daughter?". He questioned me, confirming my suspicions that he was insane.