The loud noise naturally startled Lionel Faulkner outside. His pounding on the door instantly grew more frantic. "Phoebe! Phoebe, open the door! Phoebe, hurry and open up! Did that big bad guy hit you?"
Phoebe Faulkner was pinned by Jace Lennox, completely unable to move. Her mouth was covered, and she couldn't utter a single word.
When she sensed Jace's intentions, a storm of emotions surged through her. She summoned every ounce of strength she had and managed to shove him away.
If Jace hadn't been injured, Phoebe's meager strength would have been no match for him.
Even injured, he only stumbled back a single step.
He stared at the woman before him, and she stared right back. Her initial glare of shame and anger gave way to tears that streamed endlessly down her face. She cried silently, the tears just kept falling. The sight made Jace Lennox's heart feel as if it were being crushed by a great stone.
He straightened his clothes and walked toward Phoebe Faulkner.
