Levi and Steven sped through the city, Steven's anxiety palpable. Levi sent a voicemail to their group, explaining the situation and asking his friends to contact the police immediately and meet them at the hotel. They reached the Garden Mitchell Hotel first, bursting through the doors and rushing to the reception desk. Steven, barely able to contain his panic, leaned over the counter, his eyes wild. "Do you know a woman checked in, named Maya Larson? Dark hair, 5'5'?"
The receptionist hesitated, her professional demeanor faltering. "I'm sorry, but I can't give out personal information."
Steven's patience snapped. "She's in danger!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the lobby.
Levi stepped in, trying to calm his friend. "Please, it's very urgent. We're afraid she might have been kidnapped by someone named Emmett Owen."
The receptionist's eyes widened, and she quickly checked her computer. "I'll see what I can find. Please, inform the police as well."
"We already did," Levi replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "They're on their way."
The receptionist nodded, then paused. "What's your name, sir?"
"Levi Thompson," he said. "I'm the CEO of VISHO."
Recognition flashed in the receptionist's eyes. VISHO is one of the hotel's shareholders. "I'll call the manager right away," she said.
Moments later, the manager arrived, and after a brief conversation with the receptionist, she informed Levi and Steven that Emmett was indeed at the hotel, in room 607. She handed them a key card. Steven snatched the card from her and sprinted towards the elevators, his heart pounding with fear and determination. Levi followed close behind, ready to support his friend and protect Maya at all costs.
As the elevator doors opened on the sixth floor, Steven and Levi rushed down the hallway, the key card clutched tightly in Steven's hand. They reached room 607, and Steven swiped the card, the door unlocking with a click.
Steven burst into the room, his eyes scanning for any sign of Maya. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her, sitting on the bed, hands tied, crying, mouth tapped, looking dazed and frightened. Emmett stood by the window, his face twisted in a cruel smile.
Steven grabbed Emmett by the collar and punched him hard, his knuckles colliding with Emmett's jaw with a sickening crunch. Emmett staggered back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Levi moved quickly, untying Maya. Her face was red, a clear mark from Emmett's slap. Levi felt rage boiling inside him as he saw it. Steven's teeth were gritted, his anger palpable.
"Did you touch her? Did you fucking touch the woman I love?" Steven's voice was a low, dangerous growl.
Emmett's bloody face twisted into a grin. "Seems like you came late, Steven."
"Fuck you, Emmett. I am going to fuck your face and make sure you die in jail. You dared to touch the woman I love!" Steven's rage surged as he lunged at Emmett again, but Levi held him back, knowing that killing Emmett would not help Maya.
"She was mine, Steven. You took her away. If you didn't come that night, I would've managed her. She would've stayed with me. But you ruined it all. Now you are dating her. I cannot just sit back watching you two happy, can I?" Emmett smirked, his eyes gleaming with madness.
"Are you crazy? I'm going to kill you." Steven growled, his fists clenched, ready to strike again.
Maya stood up, holding Steven's hand. His expression softened immediately. At that moment, the police arrived, along with Ethan, Liam, and Kevin. Emmett's smirk faded as he realized he was outnumbered and out of options.
The police quickly arrested Emmett, who struggled and screamed, his anger growing as the handcuffs clicked into place. "You can't do this to me! She's mine!" Emmett shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway.
Steven ignored Emmett's screams, focusing on Maya. He cupped her face gently, his hands trembling, voice shaking, his eyes searching hers for any sign of injury. "I am sorry, Maya. I am so sorry I couldn't protect you. I couldn't stand by your side. Tell me, where did he hurt you? Tell me, Maya." Tears welled up in his eyes, his voice breaking with guilt and sorrow.
Maya's hands trembled as she reached up to touch his face. "Steven, it's okay. I'm okay now. You're here." Her voice was soft, soothing his frayed nerves.
Levi excused himself, along with Ethan, Liam, and Kevin, giving Steven and Maya some privacy. "We'll be right outside if you need us," Levi said, leading the others out of the room.
Steven pulled Maya into his arms, holding her tightly. "I should have been there sooner, baby. I should have protected you."
Maya buried her face in his chest, feeling the warmth and safety of his embrace. "You're here now. That's all that matters."
Steven gently lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. "Did he hurt you badly? Let's go to the hospital."
Maya shook her head. "Just a few bruises. Nothing that won't heal. I want to go home, Steven." She tried to smile, but it was shaky, and Steven could see the pain behind her eyes.
"Come on, let's get you home, baby," Steven said softly. He wrapped his arm around her, guiding her out of the room.
As they walked down the hallway, the police were escorting Emmett out, his hands cuffed behind his back. He glared at Steven and Maya, his face twisted with hatred. Steven ignored him, focusing solely on Maya. They reached the lobby, where Levi, Ethan, Liam, and Kevin were waiting. "We're taking her home," Steven said, his voice firm.
Levi nodded. "We'll make sure Emmett is locked up for good."
"Thanks, Levi," Steven said, appreciating the support of his friends.
. . .
Back at the house, Sara paced nervously, her phone clutched in her hand. When it finally rang, she answered immediately, relief flooding her as she heard Steven's voice.
"Sara, we found her. Maya's safe," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Tears streamed down Sara's face. "Thank God. Is she okay?"
"She's shaken, but she's okay," Steven replied. "The police have Emmett. I am taking her home now."
Sara's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Steven. Thank you for bringing her back."
"We'll see you tomorrow," Steven said before hanging up.
. . .
They stepped outside into the cool night air. Steven led Maya to his car, opening the door for her. She slipped inside, and he quickly got into the driver's seat. As they drove home, Steven reached over, taking her hand in his. "I'm never letting you out of my sight again," he promised.
Maya squeezed his hand. "I know, Steven. I know."
When they arrived at their apartment, he helped her inside, guiding her to the couch. "Do you need anything? Water? Something to eat?"
"Steven, come, hug me," she said.
Steven gently sat down beside Maya on the couch, pulling her into his arms. She nestled against his chest, feeling the warmth and strength of his embrace. He held her tightly, his hand gently stroking her hair.
"I'm so sorry, Maya," Steven whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I should have been there to protect you. I can't believe I let this happen."
Maya lifted her head, her eyes meeting his. "Steven, it's not your fault. You saved me. I misunderstood you. I left you and you came for me when I needed you most."
Steven's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I was so scared, Maya. The thought of losing you…it broke me."
She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "But you didn't lose me. I'm right here, and I love you more than anything in this world."
His breath caught at her words, the depth of her love and strength astounding him. "I love you too, Maya. I love you so much." He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, lingering kiss, pouring all his love and relief into that moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Maya rested her forehead against his. "Promise me, Steven, that we'll get through this together. That no matter what, we'll always find our way back to each other."
Steven nodded, his heart swelling with determination. "I promise, Maya. We'll face everything together, and I'll never let anything come between us again."
They stayed like that for a long time, holding each other close, their hearts beating in sync. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in their own bubble of love and safety. Finally, Maya sighed, a small, contented smile on her lips. "Thank you for always being my rock, Steven. For never giving up on me."
He kissed her forehead, his voice soft and full of love. "And thank you for being my light, Maya. For giving me a reason to be strong. I'm so grateful for you, every single day."
. . .
Next day, Sara waited for their arrival, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief. The nightmare was finally over. When Steven, Levi, and Maya walked through the door, she rushed to embrace her sister, holding her tightly.
"Maya, I'm so glad you're safe," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Maya clung to her sister, her own tears flowing freely. "I'm so sorry, Sara. I was so scared."
Sara pulled back, looking into Maya's eyes. "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault. We're just glad you're safe."
Steven and Levi stood nearby, their faces etched with exhaustion and relief. They had faced down a nightmare and come out the other side, stronger for it.