Chapter 152
*Trigger Warning: Sexual violence.*
KATE
*It's a good idea to drink before an important meeting, Kate.* My head was still throbbing even after taking medicine. I could hardly remember anything except for the crying and calling Nathan. At least he didn't answer.
The Russian director we were going to discuss the Vancouver Media deal with was named Victor Pavlovich. He was in his forties, and had a strong accent, but seemed amiable.
I assisted Harry whenever possible during the long morning meeting. After the events of Saturday, I had even more time to study everything being discussed.
Later, we ended up having lunch at a fancy restaurant with Victor and two other Vancouver Media executives. At least business was managing to distract me, even if only a little. We had a pleasant conversation.
"We should celebrate," Victor said. The man had a prominent nose, slightly large, and blue eyes that made his face charming. But his friendliness stood out. "It's almost a sure deal." He winked at me.
"Well, Katherine and I are leaving only tomorrow."
I hoped Harry would decline. I just wanted to go back home.
"Great, send me the address where you're staying, and we can have a drink at the hotel bar tonight."
"Sure," Harry agreed.
Damn, formalities. We said goodbye and returned to the hotel. At least Harry seemed excited about the meeting's outcome.
I got ready to go down to the bar when, in reality, I just wanted to lie down on the bed. Harry knocked on my door around eight, and we went down together. My boss was quite a pleasant man when he wasn't delegating most of his work to me.
Victor was already waiting when we arrived at the hotel bar, and one of the executives, Daniel, was with him. A man with blond hair and a cold but polite appearance.
For the first half hour, I just listened to their conversation filled with frivolities, merely agreeing or nodding. Then I started to notice and feel uncomfortable with Victor's glances.
He was leering at me most of the time, looking at my legs while continuing to smile. He must be getting drunk. Honestly, I had had enough of work formalities and politeness.
I squeezed Harry's arm.
"Well, I think it's my time."
"Already?" Victor said. "Stay a little longer and bless us with your company and your beauty."
"I'm a little tired. I think I'll leave the men to have fun on their own tonight."
"Alright, Katherine, you can go rest. Good night; we'll see you tomorrow." Harry agreed.
"Thank you." I got up, and Victor did the same, holding my hand.
"It was a pleasure meeting you; I hope we have the opportunity to meet again." He caressed my hand with his thumb.
"Of course." I forced a smile, pulling my hand away, and waving to Daniel before leaving.
I returned to my room. I just wanted the morning to come, so I could go back home. Even if my life was turned upside down in New York, being home was better than anything.
I put on my nightgown and lay down, trying not to think about anything or cry. It seemed like I had been crying too much lately.
I woke up to a knock on the door. I picked up my cell phone on the nightstand to check the time; it was a little past eleven at night. I got up and walked to the door, opening it. I thought it would be Harry, but I was wrong.
I was startled by the man standing outside.
"Mr. Pavlovich? Is there something wrong?"
He looked me up and down, and my body shivered, making me very aware that I was wearing a nightgown. How did he know which room was mine?
"I love your accent when you say my name." He smiled. Okay. He was drunk.
"Would you like me to call Harry to help you get home?"
"Call me Victor, my dear."
Very drunk. Damn it. Where was my boss to deal with this?
"Alright. Uh... where is Harry? I mean, if you're looking for him, he must be on the floor above. Maybe I should call him and let him know you're here. Give me a minute to get my phone."
I closed the door and went in to get my phone, feeling uncomfortable. I couldn't be rude because it would fucked up my work.
I almost dropped the phone when I turned and saw that Victor was standing inside my room. My heart raced. What the hell?
"God! You scared me. I'm just going to call Harry. We can wait outside." My hands were shaking as I searched for the contact.
"We don't need your boss," he said with a smile. "We can have fun on our own."
A chill ran down my spine.
"I think we'd better wait outside." I started walking towards the door with my body on alert, following my instinct.
But as I tried to pass by him, I felt his hands grabbing my hips. I screamed. Fear and anguish consumed me. He pulled my body against his.
My phone fell to the floor when he grabbed my arms and pinned them behind my back. This couldn't be happening. I panicked.
"Let go of me! Let go of me, damn it! What are you doing?" I struggled, trying to get him to release me. "Let go of me, you pig!"
"You're going to play hard to get?" The son of a bitch said as I tried to kick him with my legs.
He dragged me to a table in the corner, still holding my arms, and bent me over it. I tried with all my strength to free myself, but he was gripping my wrists tightly. I kept struggling. Fighting. "Let go of me, you fucking asshole!" I screamed.
I couldn't believe this was happening. No. No. No. I panicked, and tears started rolling down my face. My heart was pounding, and I was short of breath. "Please, no! Help, someone... please!" I screamed.
One of his hands released my wrists to pull my nightgown up. I felt his hip pressing against me. No. No. My God... Please. No.
I pulled my arms with all the strength I could muster. I managed to free one and grabbed the first thing big enough I saw on the table, a ceramic vase. Turning my body, I hit him in the face.
He stepped back, the blow making him lose his balance. I ran, picking up my phone from the floor, and leaving the room.
I ran frantically down the hallway until I reached the elevator. My legs were trembling, my heart was in my mouth, and all I could do was cry while pressing the button to call the elevator.
"Please, God! Please!" I pleaded, afraid he would leave the room.
The doors opened. My chest hurt, my legs were weak, and I felt a terrible cramp. My hands trembled as I dialed. Please. Please answer. Please, God.
He picked up after two rings.
"Nathan?"
I couldn't stop crying.
"What happened?" His tone was cold, but there was concern.
Hearing his voice made me cry even more. I tried to breathe.
"He... He..."
Oh, my God... The abdominal pain intensified, making me moan.
"Kate, what's going on?"
"He tried..."
I couldn't say it. Why did it hurt so much?
"Please, Kate, calm down and tell me what happened." He demanded.
"He tried to touch me..." I said, between sobs. "He tried to force me." My face was drenched; I could hardly see through the tears.
"Where are you? Who did this, damn it?" He raised his voice.
The elevator doors opened in the hotel lobby.
"Kate, answer me! Tell me where you are right now!"
Looking at the floor, I noticed a drop of blood between my feet.
"Blood?"
My gaze moved to my legs. I dropped the phone when I saw the blood. It was trickling down a little between my thighs and legs. I felt weak.
What was happening? Fear and panic took over me. I managed to take a step out of the elevator, feeling my legs give way.
"Help, please!" I screamed before my vision darkened.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
