章 43: Trapped with a stranger

Alastair, too, stood still staring at her gloves, unable to believe what he was seeing. He had barely touched her for a few moments, and her gloves were in this state. 'What would have happened...' He shook his head to clear his thoughts off.

"Are you alright, Lady?" Alastair had seen the way Samantha had gone into shock. Worry and concern took over him, and even before he could stop himself, the question slipped out of his tongue.

"What happened?" Samantha whispered, unable to comprehend anything that was happening to her. Strange things were ensuing with her since morning, and Samantha's mind was a mess, trying to fathom everything. "What is happening to me?" She held her head that had started to throb slightly.

Alastair did not have answers to her queries, for he too could not perceive anything. He just stared at the girl, who was turning pale as moments passed. Trepidation took over him when he noticed her swaying on her feet. Before she could drop to the ground, he held her by her waist, steadying her in his arms. Alastair forgot what had transpired a few moments ago, for he was overfilled with fear.

Although Samantha had not lost consciousness unlike the last time he had met her, she did not look any good either. Her face was just as pale, and her breaths were coming in short pants. Sweat covered her forehead. Not knowing what to do, Alastair pressed her head closer to him, making her lean against his shoulder before he lifted her.

'I cannot leave her alone in this state. But I cannot take her with me either, otherwise; her friends will be worried.' Alastair glanced at the three people who were still oblivious to her absence. 'What do I do? What should I do?' He pondered, looking around him. He then remembered the small room where the librarian took a nap daily in the afternoon during lunch hour.

Without wasting another moment, he closed his eyes, and within an instant, he had teleported to the small room. Although it was congested, it was still cozy, and there was a small bed towards his right, with a window on the wall beside it. Laying the girl on the bed gently, Alastair picked up the jug of water on the table and poured her a tumbler.

Alastair sat beside the girl who was observing his every move with a frown. Although the girl had her guards up against him, her eyes said otherwise. There was unconditional trust in them, and Alastair was stunned to see it. Yet, he did not comment about it and helped the girl to sit up. "Samantha, have some water." He coaxed, pushing her hair that was sticking to her forehead.

He pushed the copper tumbler close to her lips and smiled at her gently. To his pleasant surprise, Samantha shifted forward and drank all the water, emptying it at one go. She then licked her lips, unaware of the way Alastair's eyes darkened. The Lord had not missed the way her tongue had run over her lips, and his body heated up seeing her innocent, yet sensual action.

"May I ask who you are and how you know my name?" Her voice brought Alastair out of his stupor, and he cleared his thoughts, chiding himself for losing in the moment. 'Concentrate on the matter at hand. Alastair.' He raised his head, facing Samantha, who looked better than before. Although she was still pale, her face was gaining color slowly.

"Before I answer your question, please answer mine. How do you feel, Lady? Are you good?" Samantha did not miss the concern in his voice, and unknowingly a smile settled on her lips.

"I am fine, kind Sir, though I cannot stop wondering what had happened to me. Do you know what is wrong with me?" She queried, questioning him silently through her eyes. "Though she was still cautious around him, he was the only one who could answer her questions.

"Please forgive me, dear, for I do not have any reply to your questions. I am perplexed myself by the turn of events." Alastair frowned, remembering the way her gloves had burned after his touch.

"I see." Samantha bit her lip, arranging her thoughts as she recalled everything that had happened since the time she had walked into the library.

Alastair too did not say a word as he watched the girl furrowing her brows in confusion. They sat silently, basking in each other's presence. There was a weird peacefulness around them, and unknowingly, their hearts were at ease.

"How do you know my name, Sir?" Samantha put forth her question once again, a question which Alastair did not want to face. He pursed his lips, trying to come up with an explanation. However, his clever mind failed him, and for the first time, he was rendered speechless by a valid question.

Although he did not reply to her, he knew how to dodge her question. "I believe you have another important issue to deal with before that, my dear." He smirked, folding his hands.

Samantha was bewildered, and she tried to comprehend what issue he was talking about. However, she could not end up with any conclusion. Seeing the girl's perplexed expression, Alastair chuckled lightly. "Your friends must be waiting for you. You have been absent for long." He pointed out, and the girl gaped at him, anxiety lacing over her entire form.

"Oh no. I need to go back before they worry over my absence. I cannot allow Madam Lily to reprimand me." Samantha moved forward to get off the bed. But Alastair was blocking her, making it impossible for her to leave. "Kind Sir, could you please move? I have to leave. My friends must be agonizing over me."

With a devilish smile, Alastair got up, barely allowing her any space to move. However, Samantha was too lost in her anxiety to notice it, and she jumped out of the bed, trying to scurry away from the stranger. However, the small space made it impossible to move freely, and Samantha's chest touched Alastair's. But the girl was in a hurry to notice it, and she scuttled to the door, trying to open it.

Terror embraced her when the door did not budge, and Samantha's heart quickened its pace. She tried to open the door again but it was futile. She turned around only to find the mysterious man staring at her, with mirth dancing in his eyes.

Alastair raised his eyebrows, seeing Samantha's silent plead, his lips arching up slowly. "Is anything the problem, dear?" He queried, taking a step closer to her.

"Ye-Yes. I am unable to open the door."

"Do you want me to help you?" Alastair exhorted even though it came out as a question, and Samantha nodded at him absent-mindedly. She was desperate to leave the room and get back before they realized her absence.

Alastair smirked and approached her, lessening the distance between them. He found it amazing to have the beguiling girl in his arms, and the moment he had made her lie down in the bed, his arms felt empty. He wanted to embrace her once again, for it felt surreal but incredible to have her close to his heart.

"Before I help you, I have some questions, and I want you to answer them." He leaned forward, meeting the girl in the eye.

"But..."

"And I hope you will answer them honestly, for your truthfulness will decide if you will leave the room or not." Alastair was done playing the good man, and he was back to his intimidating form. 'I need to find the answers, and I cannot lose the opportunity I am provided with.'

"The choice is yours. Either you answer my questions, or we will stay here all day." With that, Alastair walked back to the bed, sitting on it with his legs crossed as he smiled evilly at his victim.