Don't toy with me: sexiest man of the year

FURIOUS FOX

Antonio's fists flew with a fury that left the guards staggering and disoriented, their bodies crumpling under his relentless blows. None of them fought back. They wouldn't dare. The maids, witnessing the terrifying scene, huddled together in fear, their faces pale and eyes wide, praying that his rage wouldn't be directed at them. As Courtney and the maids who had informed her about Antonio approached the scene, the sounds of Antonio's rage against the helpless guards grew louder. The sickening thud of fists meeting flesh, the loud grunts of pain from the guards, coupled with the harsh, ragged breathing of the angry fox consumed by grief and anger. Finally, they reached the place; the other maids in the room wore expressions of relief as soon as they saw her. “Lady Courtney!” They ran behind her, using her as a shield. “Antonio…”. Courtney whispered, her eyes glistening, seeing him like that was more heartbreaking. She had always judged him whenever he went wild but this time she couldn't really blame him. Grandma was lying there lifeless in the cold hands of death. Antonio paused for a moment after noticing her presence. His chest heaved with exertion, his hands stained with the blood of the brutally disfigured guard’s face, who lay beneath him, gripped by the collar. However, without saying a word to her, he resumed hitting the guards mercilessly again. “Antonio!” Courtney called out, her voice almost near tears, cutting through the chaos. “Stop this. Please, stop.” Antonio completely ignored her. “It's okay, I understand how you feel,” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. “You still have me.” Antonio paused again, but this time he snapped his head up and met her gaze. The room seemed to hold its breath as Antonio stood, panting heavily, on the brink of either further violence or surrender. “Leave this mansion. Who the hell do you think you are, to interfere in my business?” His voice carried a sudden darkness that sent chills down Courtney's spine. However, that statement offended her; she clenched her fists tightly with a frown. This brat acting like he is the only grandchild of Mama Elizabeth or that he has no other family. She is as hurt as he is! When will he grow up and consider another person's feelings? “I am your cousin Antonio, enough with the tantrums, you are an adult; control your fucking emotions. This place is a fucking mess…look at all the blood all over, they are fucking human beings, not some rag dolls for your fists! Ask yourself, will Grandma be proud of you? Look at how you hit this innocent gua…” She was interrupted immediately. “Shut your fucking mouth, bitch, or I will!” His voice thundered, a network of veins popping around his head and his eyes went darker. Courtney opened her mouth, but feared what might come next… the next action behind those dark eyes of his frightened her. No words escaped her lips. At this point, the guards wouldn't save her, no Grandma to calm him down; he was going to hurt her if she proceeded to disobey his orders. He would hurt her real bad. “You have said a lot and I have been kind enough to ignore.” His voice cut into her thoughts, and he started walking towards her. Courtney's heart raced, but she summoned the courage to stay put. The maids depended on her; she couldn't just run and leave them… or him. Look at him! He is a danger to himself at this moment; who knows what he will do if she leaves. Antonio stopped in front of her; she swallowed convulsively. “I… I… also care about you, Anto..” “Leave this mansion! That's an order.” He snapped at her, cutting her off. Courtney closed her eyes tightly, her lips pressed together, fighting back tears. Antonio brushed past her as if she were a mere specter and walked out of the hall. The maids and guards, still recovering from the violent scene, watched in silence as he strode through the hall with a terrifying aura. As soon as he was gone, the maids ran to Courtney. “Lady Courtney, are you alright?” one terrified voice asked. “I want to go home, I don't want to work anymore,” another sobbed. **** Antonio pushed open the doors to the Montero hospital ward, the hinges squealing in protest. The doctors, huddled around his grandmother's bed, looked up in alarm. Their faces were pale, eyes wide with fear as they took in the bloodied and disheveled figure before them. “Did you save her?” Antonio demanded, his voice a growl that echoed in the sterile room. He stood there, chest heaving, eyes blazing with an intensity that made the doctors flinch. One of the doctors, an older man—the eldest of them all and most experienced—stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “Young master Antonio, please, you must calm down. We did everything we could, but—” “Did you save her?” Antonio roared, cutting him off. The sheer force of his voice made the instruments on the nearby tray rattle. The doctor swallowed hard, his composure faltering under Antonio's fierce and deadly glare. “I… I…” He looked back at the other doctors, each of them terrified for their future, and the female nurses had tears already on their cheeks.