Chapter Twenty

Philip POV:

"What?" I sprang up from the couch in shock. "What do you mean Zoe was kidnapped? By who?" My heart began to pound erratically.

"By that son of a bitch!" Aunt Emilia wailed on the other end.

"Who?"

"Rocky, her stepfather," Aunt Emilia replied amidst tears.

"Oh my God!" I paced the floors of my living room. I couldn't believe anything that was happening. Zoe had talked about her stepfather a few times and from what I knew, Rocky was a monster. I would kill that bastard with my bare hands if anything happened to Zoe.

"Where are you?" I asked Aunt Emilia.

"Home," she replied as she sobbed.

"I'll be there In a few minutes," I told her and ended the call. I didn't care that it was almost midnight. I dialed Mark. "Mark, are you busy?" I asked him.

"Not really, is there a problem?" Mark asked and I heard his girlfriend's voice. I didn't want to disturb them. Mark worked throughout the day and didn't want to ruin his alone time with his girlfriend.

"I can't explain in detail right now. Meet me at Zoe's house tomorrow morning."

"What's the problem?" Mark asked.

"I'll tell you tomorrow." I ended the call before he would ask any more questions. I packed a few clothes and other necessary things and headed over to Zoe's house.

"Why did you come here in the middle of the night? What if you got attacked?" Aunt Emilia asked as I went into the house. She looked like she had been crying all evening.

I checked the windows if they were broken. No single scratch was on them, the sensors were still in place. "How did Rocky kidnap Zoe if he didn't break into the house?"

"He disguised himself as a pizza delivery man. I didn't order pizza, but one was right in front of me. I recognized him and before I could close the door, he took out his gun and demanded I let him in. He held me hostage till Zoe returned home. He needs money and he's trying to get it from you by kidnapping Zoe. I think the police are after him. Rocky has been a wanted criminal ever since he killed my sister. I don't know how he snuck into the county," Aunt Emilia explained.

I sighed and plopped down on the couch. How did things get out of hand? Was Rocky the man following us that day? He had to be. "He was the one following us that day."

"He said so.

"We need to call the police." I brought out my phone from the pocket of my black jeans.

"No. He told me not to call the police. One wrong move and he'll kill Zoe. That man is a psycho."

"They have to know. They're the only ones who can help us. I'll pay him whatever he wants but they have to catch him after that or he'll do it again whenever he needs money," I told her.

"You're right. But you need to go to bed right now. It's almost 1 a.m." Aunt Emilia stood up. "I hope Zoe is fine."

"She'll be fine," I said, assuring myself even more. "Can I sleep in Zoe's room?"

"Sure," Aunt Emilia replied.

I went to Zoe's room and her scent filled the entire place. I hoped she was fine wherever that bastard took her. I would not be able to forgive myself if anything happened to her.

***

The following day, Mark was here before the sun rose. "I came here as fast as I could. Did something happen to Zoe? You sounded frantic yesterday, and I knew something was up."

"Zoe got kidnapped," I told him.

Mark's eyes widened. "How? Do you know who kidnapped her?"

"Her stepfather, Rocky," I replied.

"He had to be the one following us the other day. He must have found out Zoe has a rich boyfriend, so he's trying to get money from you, and the only way he can do that is to kidnap Zoe, right?" Mark asked.

"Exactly!"

"How did he kidnap her? Did he break into the house?" Mark asked as he checked the windows.

"No, he didn't. He used Aunt Emilia as bait," I replied.

"Have you called the police?" Mark asked.

"I was about to do that yesterday, but I got carried away," I replied. "We need to head to the police station right now. Rocky will call anytime soon, and I need them to track him down."

"Okay, boss."

Aunt Emilia came downstairs, and we informed her where we were going. "Be safe, boys," she said.

Mark and I headed over to the nearest police station we could find. We explained everything to them, and they set to work. Aunt Emilia came in later and explained everything to the police. An hour later, my phone rang, it was an unknown number, and I knew who it was. The police connected my phone to the tracking system.

"Rocky."

"Wow! Do you know my name? I feel important. You already know why I'm calling, so let's skip that part. Five million dollars, or I kill Zoe."

The police began to track his location.

"Are you insane?" I asked him.

"What? You're a billionaire! That's a piece of cake for you."

"Can I speak to Zoe?" I asked.

"You have one minute. Talk to him," I heard him say.

"Philip," Zoe called calmly. My heart skipped a beat.

"Babe, are you okay? Did he hurt you? Are they starving you?" I asked frantically.

"I'm fine. Please, get me out of here. This place stinks."

"One more stink from your mouth, and I'll hit your fucking head!" I heard Rocky say.

"Don't you dare hurt her! I'll give you whatever you want, don't lay a finger on her!"

"Listen up, rich boy. I make the threats here. I'll send you an address, bring the money there. No police." Rocky ended the call before I could say anything.

"Did you get anything?" I asked.

"He used a burner," the guy replied. "We can trace it but it's going to take a while."

"We don't have that much time!" I told him.

"Wait!" Aunt Emilia startled everyone. "I saw Zoe take her phone with her when she asked to pee. She must have hidden it in her clothes."

"Can you track that?" I turned to the guy.

"Sure."

They set to work immediately, and soon, they found the location. I was more than relieved. Rocky had sent the address where I should take the money.

"Wait till the time he asked you to come," a police officer advised.

We all sat down and waited for 9 p.m. to go rescue the love of my life.

***

I stood in the middle of God knows where and waited for Rocky to emerge from wherever he was.

I held a duffel bag in one hand and my phone in the other.

It was so dark, and I feared anything, or anyone could jump out of anywhere. The police stayed hidden in the bushes.

Rocky texted me to walk forward into an unfinished building. The place was empty.

Soon, I heard footsteps, and I knew Rocky and his men were coming.

"Hey, rich boy!" A tall, lanky man appeared with a pipe in his hand. "I'm so glad you came. I hope you didn't come with the police, or Zoe gets it."

"Where's Zoe?" I asked.

"Relax." Rocky signaled to someone. "Check him for any tracking device."

The man did as he was told. "He's clean."

"Good boy," Rocky grinned. "Where's the money?"

I placed the duffel bag down, and someone came to pick it and examined it.

"Real money?" Rocky asked, and the man nodded. He grinned. "Good. Bring the girl."

The men brought Zoe, and I was more than happy to see her. They untied her and shoved her towards me. "Don't push her like that," I warned.

Zoe hugged me tightly, and I wrapped my hands around her, glad that I could finally hug her again. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I examined her body.

"I'm fine," she replied. "Let's get out of here," she whispered.

Soon, red dots appeared on Rocky and his men, and they were startled. "You son of a bitch! I told you not to bring the police!"

"This is the police!" A police officer said from a megaphone. "Put your weapons down. I repeat, put your weapons down!"

Some policemen began to troop in. Rocky's men did as they were told in fear, except Rocky.

"Put your weapons down, Rocky!" The policeman warned.

Rocky sighed and put his gun down.

"Hands where I can see them!" The policeman ordered.

Some policemen picked up the dropped guns and put them in a bag. They began to handcuff Rocky's men, one by one.

Zoe and I began to walk out of the uncompleted building.

"There's someone up there!" Zoe shouted, and before I knew what was going on, Zoe hugged me, and I heard a gunshot. They hadn't handcuffed Rocky yet and he reached for his back pocket.

The policemen began to fire at Rocky and the man Zoe saw. A body dropped down to the floor, covered in blood and lifeless.

"Zoe!" I called in fear as she began to slip away from my hands. I caught her before she fell. She was bleeding from her back. "Zoe!"

Her eyes began to close slowly until she blacked out.

***

I paced the floors of the hallway, waiting for the doctor to come out and tell me that Zoe was fine. They were taking too long, and curiosity and fear were eating me up. I was scared that I might lose Zoe forever, just like I lost my mum. I couldn't handle another loss.

"Take a seat, Philip. You've been pacing the entire time. You might get dizzy," Mark advised.

Aunt Emilia sat there sobbing. She too had lost her sister and she wouldn't be able to bare it if she lost her niece too. I couldn't console her. I was in worse shape.

"I can't. I can't sit knowing that Zoe is in there fighting for her life."

"Zoe is a fighter and you know that. She'll be fine," Mark assured.

Dad arrived at the hospital. "What happened?" He asked. "How did Zoe get shot?"

"She was kidnapped by her stepfather," I replied.

"When did this happen? Why didn't anybody tell me?" Dad asked.

I sighed and then it struck me that I had forgotten to inform him until when we rushed Zoe to the hospital. "It happened so fast."

"Did they demand for ransom? How did you raise the money in such short notice?"

"He demanded two million dollars, but I got the money back when the police came in," I replied.

"Were they able to catch him?" Dad asked.

"The police shot him dead," I replied and plopped down on the metal seat. The doctor came out of the theatre. I stood up and rushed to him. "How's Zoe? Is she okay? Is she alive?"

"Yes, she's alive. We were able to get the bullet out of her and she's stable," Dr. Alonso replied. "Let's wait for her to wake up."

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you," I told him.

"You're welcome. Please, excuse me."

A week had passed had Zoe still hadn't woken up. The doctor said she had slid into a coma.

I sat by her bed waiting for her to wake up so she could be in my arms again.

Dad advised me to take a break from work and relax. But how could I relax when the woman I love was in a coma and I had no idea when she was going to wake up?

I held Zoe's hand and looked at her as her chest rose and fell slowly. When was she going to wake up? I missed her witty mouth. I missed her touch and her hug. I missed her laughter. I missed her so much and I wanted so badly to have in my arms again.

"Please, wake up, baby. I miss you so much. I'm a complete mess without you."

My eyes began to water. Zoe looked so vulnerable lying down on the bed. The sight broke my heart.

The door opened and Aunt Emilia walked in. "Good morning."

'"Good morning," I replied.

I had spent the night at the hospital with Zoe and refused to leave her side even when everyone advised me to go home. My mind wasn't going to be at rest if I left.

"Did you sleep at all?" Aunt Emilia with worry.

"Barely," I replied. My eyes were heavy, and my head was aching badly but all that didn't matter. All that mattered to me at that moment was Zoe.

"You need to get some sleep before you end up on a hospital bed. Look at how tired you look. Look at how swollen your eyes are. You can't keep doing this to yourself, Philip. Go home and rest. I'll stay here with her till you're well rested. You haven't even eaten!"

"Food isn't important right now."

"Do you want Zoe to wake up and see you like this? Don't you think it's going to break her heart seeing you like this?" Aunt Emilia asked.

I realized she wasn't right. I didn't want Zoe to wake up and see me like this, I was a complete mess, emotionally and physically.

"Fine. I'll be back very soon."

"Come back tomorrow, Philip. You look like you need twenty-four hours sleep."

I stood up and kissed Zoe on her forehead. Zoe's index finger twitched, and I paused. "Did you see that?" I asked Aunt Emilia.

"See what?" She asked, confused.

"Zoe's finger moved. Did you see it?" I asked again.

"Maybe it's your imagination. Go get some rest, Philip," Aunt Emilia asked.

I knew I saw Zoe's finger move and I didn't want to drag the topic. I went home and took a long bath. I made breakfast and took some painkillers. My head felt a bit better afterwards.

I laid on my bed and stared up at the ceiling. It took me a while before I could fall asleep. An image of Zoe smiling popped into my head before I drifted off to sleep.

***

The buzzing of my phone on the bedside table pulled me out of my sleep. I opened my eyes and guessed it was already noon. I reached for my phone with sleepy eyes and stared at the caller ID. I sat up immediately after I saw who it was. Zoe? I picked the call and waited to hear her voice. I felt a bit disappointed when I heard Aunt Emilia’s voice.

“Philip, you were right yesterday! Zoe moved a finger this morning!” Aunt Emilia said excitedly.

“See? I told you. Has she woken up?’ I asked.

“Not yet. The doctor said she would wake up anytime soon,” she replied. “Did you get enough sleep?” She asked.

“I did. I’ll be there right there in a few minutes. Do I need to get anything for you on my way?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you. Take your time and don’t come in a hurry,” Aunt Emilia advised.

We ended the call. I stood up from the bed and stretched my arms. I felt well rested and alive, my body badly needed that much sleep. I brushed my teeth and dipped myself in my jacuzzi, all my nerves came alive. After what felt like forever, I finally got out of the jacuzzi feeling energetic. I went downstairs to make a cup of coffee, but it didn’t taste half as good as Zoe’s. I made lunch and settled down to eat. I went through my social media apps, I hadn’t done this in days, I was too busy worrying about Zoe.

I dropped my phone to focus on my food, it rang a few minutes later. It was a call from Clinton. ‘’Hey, man.”

“How’s my favorite cousin doing?” Clinton asked.

“I’m better than before,” I replied. The past few days had been very tough for me, and everybody knew how broken I was.

“How’s Zoe? Has she woken up already?” He asked.

“Not yet but she’ll wake up very soon,” I said, assuring myself more than I was assuring him.

“I’ll drop by the hospital very soon. I’ve been very busy with a movie. I have to be on set every day,” he explained.

“I understand,” I told him.

We talked for a while before we finally ended the call. I had never felt this relaxed in a long time. I didn't have to worry about work, and I didn't have to worry about Zoe anymore because I was so sure that she would wake up anytime soon.

Dad took my place in the office and hired a temporary general secretary to fill in for Zoe until she was fully recovered. I finished up my food and went outside to take a swim. Swimming always cleared my head back in the day, but I hadn't swum in a very long time. All this made me realize that I needed a vacation, and I was going to take Zoe with me once she recovered.

I changed into a pair of black jeans, white T-shirt, and a pair of black sneakers. I headed to the hospital and took over from Aunt Emilia. She had to go home and relax too.

I sat beside Zoe's bed and held her hands. I felt a bit sleepy and rested my head on the bed.

"Philip." I heard Zoe's voice and my head shot up. Behold, Zoe was awake!

"Zoe. Oh my God, you're awake!" I said excitedly. "How do you feel? Don't try to move, okay?"

"I'm fine. I just feel so weak," she said.

"Hold on. Let me call them.” I pressed the button to signal the nurse. Soon, Dr. Alonso came in and a nurse followed behind him.

They did the necessary check and left later, leaving me and Zoe alone.

I held her hands and smiled at her. "I'm so glad you're awake. I thought I was going to lose you."

Zoe smiled and as small as her smile was, it still brightened up my mood. "If I leave you, nobody is going to date your annoying ass. Where's Aunt Emilia?" She asked.

"She went home not quite long," I replied.

"How about Rocky?"

"The police shot him dead," I told her.

Zoe let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God he's out of our lives for good. That man has caused me so much pain. Did you get your money back?"

"Yes. We're using that money to go on a vacation once you recover. I'm not taking no for an answer this time. Before you ask about work, Dad has it covered.

Zoe laughed lightly. "How did you know I was going to ask that? Did you learn to read minds while I was asleep?"

"The question was already on the tip of your tongue. I heard it loud and clear. Do you need anything?"

"I need to get out of here. I hate the smell of hospitals," she pouted.

I chuckled. The love of my life was back, and I wasn't going to let anything bad happen to her ever again.

The hospital discharged Zoe a week later and I could not contain my joy.

I asked Aunt Emilia for permission to take her with me to my house and she agreed. Throughout her recovery process, I never let her lift a finger.

"You're spoiling me too much," she said as I placed the tray of food on the table.

"Come on, have your breakfast," I told her. "You need all the strength you can get because when you recover, we'll be very busy," I smirked.

Zoe narrowed her eyes at me. "Busy doing what?"

"Eat up," I told her.

"I'm not hungry yet," she pouted.

"Eat your breakfast now and I'll let you have ice cream later," I said.

"Deal!" She picked up the spoon and began to stuff her face with food.

I threw my head back in laughter. "You're so adorable. Where do you want us to go for our vacation?"

"Anywhere you choose, honestly," she replied.

"Don't you have anywhere in my mind?" I asked.

She stopped to think. "I've always wanted a vacation in Miami, Maldives, Monaco, Santorini and Seychelles."

"I'll take you anywhere you want, baby. Just say the words and you'll have it. I have a beach house in Maldives."

"Let's go there, then."

"Your wish is my command, your highness." I kissed her forehead and stood up from the bed. "Make sure you finish your food before I come back or no ice cream."

Zoe rolled her eyes. "Okay, daddy."

"Fuck, Zoe. You'll pay for that when you're fully recovered."

She smiled sweetly. "Well, then I can't wait to fully recover so you can make me pay."

***

Zoe and I got down from the private jet and put on our shades. We had touched down the Maldives safely.

"Welcome to the Maldives," our chauffeur said.

"Thank you," Zoe and I said simultaneously.

The chauffeur opened the door of the Rolls Royce for us.

"Thank you," Zoe smiled sweetly at him.

He bowed his head. "You're welcome, ma'am."

The chauffeur got into the car and roared the engine to life. He hit the road and headed to my beach house.

Zoe stared out the window in awe. "Oh my God, this place is so beautiful. Can we roll the windows down, please?" She asked like a little girl.

I chuckled. "Sure. Do whatever you want, baby."

Zoe rolled down the window and closed her eyes and she basked in the fresh air.

"The sky is so beautiful. Look at the trees! Gosh, this place is heaven!" She beamed with excitement.

I had been here a thousand times, but I still could not get over the beauty of this place.

The breeze blew her hair as she stared at the window. The smile and excitement on her face made my heart flutter. She looked like a child that was in Disneyland for the first time. As I stared at her, I fell in love with her all over again. I promised myself to always keep that smile on her face.

We arrived at my beach house and Zoe couldn't contain her excitement. She ran up the stairs to check the rooms. "Oh my God! The view is nice from here!" She hollered.

I thanked the chauffeur before he left, and I went to join Zoe in the room.

I held her waist and hugged her from behind as she stared at the window. "You like it?" I asked.

"I love it! Imagine waking up to this every morning. Ah," she exhaled. The big smile stayed plastered to her face. I loved seeing her like this and I would do anything to keep seeing her like this.

"That's exactly how I feel waking up next to you." I kissed her neck and she giggled like a child. The sound made my heart flutter.

"You're so cheesy," she said.

"Only for you. Let's go take a bath."

"You have other plans aside from bathing," she turned around and held my face. "Let's go take a bath, then."

I took off everything she was wearing until she was butt naked. "I prefer you this way." I kissed her neck and fondled her perky breasts. I played with her nipples before my mouth enveloped them and she moaned softly. She began to undress me while I kneaded her bum.

I lifted her and wrapped her legs around my waist, and I took us to the bathroom.

"Shower or jacuzzi?" I asked.

"Shower," she replied.

"Your wish is my command."

I placed her down gently and turned on the shower. She arched her neck and I kissed her. My lips returned to her lips and bit them. The water slid down our bodies, forming droplets on our skins.

Zoe's hands began to slide down until she reached my dick and wrapped her hands around it. She slid her hand up and down my length and I moaned softly. She went on her knees and took me in her mouth.

"Fuck," I moaned as my eyes rolled back in extreme pleasure. She coupled her mouth with hands as they slipped up and down my dick and I almost lost it. Her tongue swirled around the tip, and I grunted.

"Zoe," I moaned.

Zoe continued to do wonders with her hand and mouth until I emptied into her mouth.

I held the walls to regain balance and I heard Zoe giggle.

"What's so funny?" I asked her.

She smirked. "Nothing."

I turned her around and bent her over. Put your hands on the wall," I instructed.

I slowly entered her, and she moaned loudly. I began to slide in and out of her wet and heated core.

"Philip," she moaned.

My hand reached for her breasts, and I cupped them and played with her nipples. The bathroom walls intensified her moans. It was music to my ears.

I held her waist with both hands and thrust hard into her. I heard a moan and realized it was mine.

"Oh my God," Zoe moaned.

I slid out and turned her around. I lifted her so that her legs wrapped around my waist. She held my face and kissed my lips passionately while I entered her again. We moaned into our kiss.

"Fuck," we moaned simultaneously and smiled, aware of our effect on each other.

I fastened my thrust and Zoe's moans got louder. "Oh my God! Philip, I'm going to cum!" she cried.

Her walls begin to tighten, squeezing me tightly until we both climaxed at the same time. I moaned loudly into Zoe's ears.

Zoe began to shake vigorously, and I wondered how we didn't fall.

"Fuck, that orgasm was amazing," she said as I placed her down. She was barely able to stand on her own. "My legs are still shaking," she giggled.

"I think I just fell in love with you over again."

"Me too."

I bent my head and sealed her lips with mine.