Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 126

126 The Chase

Her lower lip was cracked and bleeding, the stark contrast between her pale skin and the bright red blood catching Jasper’s attention immediately once she was freed.

Jasper’s eyes darkened with concern. “Stay still.” He quickly called for a first-aid kit and some ice water. She winced in pain as she rinsed her mouth with the cold water, the sharp chill helping to slow the bleeding.

“Since when did you have claustrophobia?” Jasper asked quietly, his voice low but edged with curiosity. Her panicked reaction moments ago was a clear sign of the condition.

Tatiana said nothing. Originally, she hadn’t suffered from this fear. But during her four years inside the correctional facility, where she was often locked away in darkness and subjected to torment, she had gradually developed an intense dread of confined spaces. It hadn’t always been this bad, but the memories had left a deep mark.

“Tatiana,” Jasper said softly, trying to catch her gaze.

“I don’t remember,” she whispered, avoiding his eyes. A heavy silence settled between them. She felt exposed under his intense stare, as if he was trying to see through every layer she hid behind.

“I should go back,” she murmured, preparing to stand.

But just then, the lights flickered and went out once again—the blackout was happening repeatedly tonight. Tatiana’s frustration bubbled to the surface. Was this endless darkness ever going to stop? She nearly felt tears sting her eyes.

Before she could move, Jasper’s hand found hers, gripping it firmly. A sudden, strong pull dragged her forward. Reluctantly, she followed. He held her hand tightly as they maneuvered through the pitch-black space and descended the stairs. When they reached the crowd, he slowed down, pulled her close into a protective embrace, and half-carried her as they squeezed through the throng.

Once they reached an area bathed in bright light, Tatiana’s tense muscles began to relax. But the overwhelming noise around her made her uneasy. Looking up, she saw the chaotic scene unfolding—people lost all restraint, kissing deeply, touching each other openly, even performing provocatively. The anonymity of their masks seemed to strip away every semblance of order or decency.

Soon, they exited the club. A cool night breeze greeted them, instantly sobering Tatiana. She jerked her hand away sharply. Noticing her sudden defensiveness, Jasper held back his words. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.” He cut off her protest before it could form. “Get in the car, or I’ll have someone throw you in.”

She swallowed her objections and followed silently. Just as she reached the car door, a thought struck her. She glanced back at the empty champagne glass left on the table. “Did you drink?” she asked suddenly.

Jasper hesitated before nodding. “One glass.”

“You can’t drive like that. It’s too dangerous!” she said firmly.

He didn’t argue but smirked slightly, then strode directly to the driver’s side and slid in. “Then you drive.”

“I can’t, I…” she began.

“You know how,” he interrupted.

“I…” she faltered.

Tatiana’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the steering wheel tightly, anxiety prickling her skin. She kept stealing nervous glances at the cars closing in behind them. “Don’t look at them,” Jasper warned quietly.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself and pressed the accelerator further, but their speed hovered around forty miles per hour—a sluggish pace for such a powerful car.

The racers clearly thought the same. They rolled down their windows, stuck their heads out, and hurled insults. “Trash! Driving so slow! Are you brainless or handless? Damn it, if you can’t drive, get out of the way! Let me drive!” “Son of a bitch, why do you get to drive such a nice car? Get lost!” “Force them to stop! Force them to stop! Force them to stop!”

The barrage of curses only heightened her panic. Her hands clenched the wheel so tightly her fingers ached, especially as the cars behind them crept closer, nearly bumping their bumper.

Suddenly, a hand reached over and rested gently on top of hers, steadying her trembling fingers. “Don’t panic. Keep driving. They won’t hit you,” Jasper said calmly.

His touch grounded her, easing the shaking in her hands.

“Take a deep breath,” he advised.

She obeyed, inhaling slowly several times until the tight knot of fear loosened inside her.

“Don’t pay attention to them. Just keep driving.”