Chapter 64: Silent Screams
***This Chapter contains explicit language, sexual assault, and depictions of drug-induced incapacitation, which may be distressing or triggering to some readers. Reader discretion is strongly advised***
Under the warm golden glow of the hotel’s private dining room, laughter echoed. The wrap party was near the end, everyone was relaxed and happy except one. Leo McKay’s jaw was clenched so tightly it felt it might shatter. He sat rigid in his chair, the room spinning as the faint remnants of perfume overwhelmed his senses. Beneath the table, he discreetly kicked his manager’s shin with a sharp jab. The polished tie of his shoe made an impact, jolting Manager Hurt from his phone screen.
Hurt blinked at Leo, confused.
Then he got a good look at Leo, his pale face was now unnaturally flushing, beads of sweat forming along his temple, his pupils dilated as if he had run a marathon...
"Leo?"
Leo didn’t speak. He simply shot him a sharp look, one that screamed do something now.
He was at his wit’s end. All of the blood had rushed to one place. He couldn’t breathe properly. And above all, he couldn’t let himself be the subject of mocking and laughing.
Finally, the manager realised something was amiss. Without a word, Hurt stood up, with a polite smile and said loudly. "Oh God! When did you get this drunk? Come, let’s get you some fresh air."
He put a hand around Leo’s shoulder and guided him, half dragging, out of event space and down to the elevator. He found the reserved suite at the end of the corridor and used the keycard to unlock it.
As soon as the door was opened, Leo pushed him away, stumbling forward with unsteady steps. He breathed rapidly.
Manager Hurt asked awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.