The Villain

"THE GUY WHO SOLD THE collar to Bucks..."

I'm not sure how much time has passed since I started crying like a baby. All I know is that my life has reached an all-time low, with how a shudder of relief rocks my body at the mere sound of his voice.

"I know him."

My former hostage comes into view, and he looms over me while I remain at his feet, shaken and exhausted.

"I can help you find him, too...if that's what you want."

He offers me his hand, and I take it because I have no one else.

Our gazes collide as he helps me to my feet. I'm desperate for help. Any kind of help. But I need to be sure this time, for Sunlight's sake.

"Give me his name."

I need to know that he really does know who we're dealing with here.

"Miguel Dantes."

And oh God, he actually does.

"Can you tell me what he has on you?"

"He called me while I was still in class, and he told me he has my dog, and he d-does. I came home, and Sunlight was gone."

"He abducted your dog ?"

"Sunlight is the only family I have, and he knows it."

"I see."

My nails dig into my palms. "I don't have much money, but whatever it costs—-"

"I don't need money."

"B-But..." How else am I supposed to pay him?

"I want something else."

Violet eyes lock with mine, and my mouth runs dry at what I see in his gaze.

For real?

A smirk slowly unfurls over his lips, and it's both the hottest and baddest thing I've ever seen.

"Why do you look so surprised?"

He's already drawing me close before I realize what he's doing, and the feel of his breath fanning against my skin sets my body on fire even in the dead of winter.

"Do we have a deal?"

All I care about is getting Sunlight back—-

"How do I know you can really help me?"

But I can't afford to make another stupid mistake.

"He gave me ten hours—-"

"Then the sooner you give me an answer, the better."

"H-How..."

I can't believe I'm considering this.

"How will this work exactly?"

"I accept all kinds of payment methods," he drawls.

What does that even mean?

"Four installments sound good to you?"

"I..."

"Perfect. I'll take the first payment now if you don't mind."

I don't under—-mmph.

My knees fold at the first touch of his lips, and my hands press against his chest...only to end up clutching his shirt when his kiss suddenly turns into a ruthless demand for submission.

The fierce pressure of his mouth steals the air from my lungs, leaving me dizzy. It’s relentless, a kiss that feels more like a battle for control, and yet my lips part with a whimper, betraying my resistance. His touch is fire, scorching away my doubt until I’m no longer sure if I’m giving in to him...or to the part of me that wants this just as much.

He cradles my face between his strong hands as his tongue sweeps into my mouth in a passionate stroke of possession. The lines between right and wrong blur into each other. I'm kissing him back instead of trying to escape. My tongue is dancing with his instead of shying away. And when he finally lifts his head, and his violet eyes glitter down on mine—-

Oh no.

All it takes is one kiss to reveal the horrifying truth.

I'm already his, with or without Sunlight.