I stepped closer as I spoke.
“Help! Stay away!” Claire backed up quickly until she hit the wall.
With a thud, I placed one hand against the wall beside her, trapping her.
Her face turned scarlet instantly.
Outside, the men cursed louder.
“Kid, if you touch Claire, I’ll kill your whole family!”
“Find his parents and drag them here!”
They could indeed do that, and I couldn’t let her go just yet.
I looked at Claire. She squeezed her eyes shut in fear, then angrily shoved me.
I staggered back, making a show of it.
After all, I only wanted to make headlines and create witnesses for my alibi. I had no intention of harming her.
“Miss Hamilton, you might as well agree.”
I leered at her deliberately, letting my eyes rove over her figure.
Her full chest and long legs beneath her gown were tempting sights.
“If you try anything, I’ll—I’ll hit you!” she stammered, grabbing a high heel.
I snatched it away.
Outside, her admirers groaned in despair at her cry. They rammed the door furiously.
“Kid, I’ll kill you!”
“Do you know who Miss Hamilton is? If you don’t open this door, her father will send a sniper to shoot you dead!”
At that, my heart sank.
The room had two open windows. If there really was a sniper outside, I’d be done for.
I pulled Claire with me, shut the bulletproof windows, and drew the curtains.
“Please, Mr. Miller, don’t hurt me,” she sobbed helplessly, struggling in vain.
A pang of guilt struck me.
“Stop crying!” I barked.
“O-okay, I won’t cry. But please let me go. I won’t cause you trouble.”
She stopped crying, then looked at me pitifully after a while.
I shook my head. “Miss Hamilton, if you agree to marry me, I’ll release you immediately.”
I actually feared she might say yes, since that wouldn’t buy me enough time.
Claire made a bitter face. “Mr. Miller, where did you even get this marriage contract? It must be fake.”
“Even if it’s real, I’d have to check with my parents. How could I agree right away?”
“If I let you go now, I’ll never see you again.” I refused firmly.
At that moment, pounding shook the door again.
“Listen up! This is the police—you’re surrounded!”
“Come to your senses immediately. Release Miss Hamilton and put your hands on your head!”
I peered through the peephole. Outside stood dozens of armed officers.
Though I had expected this, my nerves tightened.
I had to explain myself, or they’d treat me like a rapist.
I opened the inner door, speaking through the metal gate.