Chapter 16

Natalie arrived to collect Olivia with sparkling energy. "Darling, let's try that new golf course in the south district! I just secured us VIP passes."

Olivia had often played golf with Liam in the past. The sunny weather and Natalie's infectious excitement made her nod in agreement.

After parking, they changed into sleek golf attire and rented premium clubs before heading to the lush green course.

"Wait here, sweetie. I need to dash to the ladies' room—drank way too much iced tea this morning!" Natalie chirped before hurrying off.

Olivia strolled toward the edge of the course while waiting. With only two small groups playing, the space felt serene and private. The nearest players were mere dots in the distance. She practiced a few swings, adjusting to the club's weight.

Then, footsteps crunched behind her. Assuming it was just another golfer, she didn’t turn until they stopped right at her back.

"Who’s keeping you company, gorgeous? Don’t see anyone around," a deep voice drawled.

Olivia spun to face a towering, muscular man with a gleaming bald head and a gold-capped tooth that glinted when he smirked.

She shook her head silently, signaling she couldn’t speak.

"A mute beauty? Even more intriguing," he mused, his grin widening. Ignoring her discomfort, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her closer.

Panic surged through Olivia. A golf course was the last place she expected harassment. She tried swinging her club at him, but he overpowered her effortlessly, tossing it aside.

"Those clothes scream 'outsider.' You here with some rich sugar daddy?" he taunted. "Doesn’t matter. Stick with me, and I’ll show you a real good time."

Olivia shook her head violently. With her hands trapped, she couldn’t even sign for help. Desperate, she drove her knee into his groin.

"Ahh!" he howled, momentarily releasing her. She bolted—but he recovered fast, snatching her hair and wrenching her back.

"You’ll regret that," he snarled, tearing at her collar. "No one’s stopping me now."

Olivia fought wildly, but his strength overwhelmed her. Just as despair set in—

Thud.

A heavy impact echoed. His grip slackened.

Olivia whirled to see him clutching his bleeding head.

Liam stood there, gripping a golf club like a weapon.

Once sure she was free, Liam swung relentlessly—each strike landing with brutal precision until blood splattered the grass.

"Mr. Blackwood! Please, it was a mistake!" the man begged between blows.

Liam’s voice was arctic. "You laid hands on my woman?"

"I didn’t know she was yours! I swear—"

Olivia hugged herself, trembling but relieved.

The beating only stopped when Liam’s club snapped. He turned to Olivia, his gaze icy. "Why are you here?"

She signed frantically, explaining Natalie had brought her. She gestured urgently toward the exit, desperate to avoid drama—Liam’s disdain for Natalie was no secret.

But his expression darkened further. Was she leaving because of him?

Staff and the manager rushed over as tension thickened.

Liam jabbed the broken club at the groaning man. "If he ever steps foot here again, I’ll finish what I started."

He tossed the splintered club onto the man’s chest.

"Of course, Mr. Blackwood," the manager stammered, bowing. "His membership is revoked immediately!"

As staff dragged the man away, a shrill voice cut through.

"Liam! What’s going on—oh, it’s her." Evelyn Hartley, clad in a crimson dress, latched onto Liam’s arm.

Olivia retreated, ready to slip away.

Liam noticed, his jaw tightening. "Weren’t you here to play?" he asked, ignoring Evelyn as he closed the distance.

Olivia hesitated, then nodded. Her abandoned club and attire confirmed it.

"You used to beg me for lessons," Liam remarked coolly, plucking a fresh club from the rack.

Olivia’s pulse spiked. Was he mocking her? She’d once feigned interest in golf to spend time with him. Now, she ducked her head, pretending not to recall.

"Lucky for you, I’m free today." His tone was indifferent as he slid an arm around her waist and guided her forward.

Positioning himself behind her, Liam cradled her hands on the club, his chest flush against her back. "Lesson one," he murmured, his breath warm on her neck.

Olivia’s breath hitched.

This wasn’t a rescue.

It was a trap.