Chapter 44

Just as the burly man, D, was about to kiss her, Stella squeezed her eyes shut, crying out in desperation. Suddenly, she felt warm liquid splatter across her face and body, followed by a heavy weight pressing down on her, nearly crushing her. The burly man, D’s head, rested on her face. She dared not open her eyes. Then, her legs and arms were released, dropping onto the wooden floor with a painful thud, causing her to grit her teeth in agony. The noises around her were a chaotic jumble. Shouting, begging, crying, footsteps, the sound of machines smashing… So many noises. All blending into a blur. But then, there was a sudden stillness. The weight on her lightened, and someone pulled the burly man off her, zipped up her pants, and adjusted her clothes. She was then gently lifted into someone’s arms. A familiar embrace, a familiar scent, a familiar voice. She heard the man say, "I'm sorry, Stella, I was too late. But I’m here now." Shivering, she ga