One Night Stand With Alexander Blackwood-Chapter 9 — Nine

The moment her voice cracked through the phone, something inside me snapped cleanly in half.

"A-alexander... help me... please."

Then nothing. The line went dead.

For a second, I couldn’t breathe. Serena’s voice was soaked in fear — real fear — and since I met her, I never heard her sound that way.

Every thought vanished. Every limit shattered.

"Alexander Blackwood! If you take a step out the door, then consider severing ties with me!" My mother screamed.

But she stopped being a priority the moment Serena whispered my name.

I was already out the door. Serena mattered more... more than I could admit.

"Sir?" my driver called, startled when I yanked the front passenger door open instead of the back.

"Move," I barked. "I’m driving."

I didn’t wait for a reply. The engine roared as I sped out of the mansion gates. My mother shouted something behind me, but her voice was nothing more than useless background noise.

I didn’t care. Not now. Not ever, if anything happened to Serena. I didn’t know what I’d do. This was the first time I felt so lost. I’m going

My chest tightened painfully as her last words replayed in my head.

Help me.

God. Serena. I hope you are okay.

My fingers gripped the steering wheel so hard they ached. I pushed the car faster, running red lights without hesitation. My heart hammered against my ribs, fueled by pure adrenaline and rage.

Soon, I turned in on her street. I was grateful her place wasn’t a great distance from mine.

I drove to her apartment complex, and I spotted it instantly. Her apartment was hanging open and my eyes darkened.

My heart beat thudded violently, and I jumped out of the car without even parking properly. Did that even matter when she was in trouble?

I walked through the apartment complex, and I frowned. The hallway was too dim. Too quiet.

But then —

I heard it. It was low at first. But it became louder.

It was first a crash. Then a muffled scream. I dashed my way to her apartment instantly.

Serena.

I finally arrived in front of her apartment and I could see the door properly. Her door was kicked halfway off its hinges, wood scattered across the floor. My blood boiled instantly.

My vision darkened into something dangerous. Anyone who touched her... was already dead I shoved past it and walked into the living room —

And froze.

That bastard had her cornered against the wall, one hand gripping her wrist, the other fumbling to trap her in place. Serena struggled, her breath ragged, fear etched across her face with tears in her eyes.

Something primal and murderous tore up my spine.

"Get your hands off her," I roared. How dare he lay a finger on Serena? I wouldn’t even think if hurting her. And this — this bastard thinks he can get away with this?

He jerked around, eyes glazed, breath heavy with alcohol. "Who the hell are you?"

I stepped forward, closing the distance between us like a storm. I didn’t think. I didn’t need to.

My fist connected with his jaw before he could blink.

He stumbled backward and hit the floor with a thud.

Serena let out a small gasp, and I turned sharply toward her. But I wasn’t done with that man. He deserved more than a punch.

I held him up by his shirt and he reeked of alcohol. He reeked of alcohol—pathetic. And still, he thought he could touch her.

My fists connected with his face — his nose — this time. I continued punching him till his face was a bloody mess. This was what he deserved.

I finally turned to Serena who was shivering.

"Serena." I reached her in a heartbeat, gently taking her by the arms. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, but her hands were trembling violently. Tears gathered in her lashes.

That sound—her trembling breath—split something open inside me.

I pulled her into my chest without asking. She didn’t resist. She clutched the front of my shirt, her shaking fingers curling into the fabric like it was the only thing keeping her standing.

"I’ve got you," I muttered against her hair, my voice gentle. "You’re safe now. I promise you, no one will ever touch you again."

Behind me, the man groaned on the floor, trying to push himself up.

I turned slowly, rage simmering beneath my skin.

"Move one inch," I warned him, "and you won’t walk again."

He froze in place.

Good. I like that I could instill fear into him.

I held Serena closer, my hand sliding to the back of her head, anchoring her against me as she trembled.

She whispered my name again, barely audible. "Alexander..."

That was all it took for every line I had drawn, every restraint I had imposed on myself, to burn away completely.

I wasn’t letting her out of my sight. Not tonight. Not ever again.

Throwing one final glance at the man, I led Serena out the door. She would not be staying in such a dangerous place anymore.

"Can you walk?" I asked her. Her legs were trembling. Why wouldn’t they after the ordeal she passed through?

Before she could give me an answer, I lowered myself slightly, then swept her into my arms. I had one arm beneath her knees, the other against her back as I held her as if she were made of something delicate and breakable. She instinctively wrapped her arms around my neck.

I nodded in approval. This was her rightful spot.

With her in my arms, I walked out of the apartment complex and straight to my car.

"Alexander," she called out, and I looked down at her.

"Thank you." She said genuinely. Her eyelashes were wet but it looked like they had been kissed by pearls.

I nodded, opened the passenger seat and placed her there. I could see the confusion etched on her face. No way in hell would I leave her alone, not after this night.

I walked around the car and boarded it.

"Alexander. Sorry, Mr. Blackwood, where are we headed?"

My hands gripped the handle tightly. She had no problems calling me Alexander earlier. What changed?

"You didn’t seem to have any problems referring to me as Alexander." I started the car without sparing her a glance. "You’re coming with me. I’m not leaving you here again."