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What are you doing here? How did you get in?

2
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It's a stupid question. I know it is.

3
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Matthias is Matthias, but it still rattles me because my door has three dead bolts and two

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latches. And unless he suddenly developed the ability to scale a 16-story building,

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there's no way he came in through the window. God, who am I kidding? He probably has a key.

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After all, he's the one paying for this apartment. But still, Matthias is lounging on my shades,

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looking utterly bored. My eyes flick to his hand, moving, rolling something between his fingers.

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My stomach drops. He's holding my underwear, twisting it in his palm like it's a goddamn

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stress ball. Aren't you glad to see me? I narrow my eyes. He's the last person I want to see.

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And why the hell is he still playing with my underwear?

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Matthias smirks when my gaze drops to the delicate lace tangled in his fingers.

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No. His face shifts. Serious. Unreadable. Where were you? I scoff.

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I'm sorry. How is that any of your business? His jaw tightens. I like poking the bear.

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It's fun. Until it's not. But seeing Matthias pissed over something besides his money?

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That? I relish. He rises from the shades, closing the space between us in an instant.

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My pulse kicks up. This man is unpredictable as hell. I barely have time to react before he

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grabs my wrist and yanks me off the bed. Matthias! He drags me to my feet, his hand

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snapping to my throat. Not squeezing, not hurting, just holding. He leans in and breathes me in.

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What the fuck is wrong with you? I shove at him, but he doesn't budge an inch.

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I stumble back onto the bed, my silk nightgown riding up. My traitorous body responds before

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my brain catches up. Nipples tightening, heat pooling low. Matthias cocks his head, gazed dark,

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unreadable. Did you fuck him? Yes, and it was fucking good. His nostrils flare. Before I can

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blink, he yanks me forward, his hand sliding beneath my nightgown. I don't think you have

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the slightest idea what good even feels like. His palm cups my breast, kneading slowly, deliberately.

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I grasp his wrist, but he pulls me in closer, his fingers rolling my nipple between them.

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Harder. Matthias brushes his thumb over the peak. Ah, this man is everything I shouldn't want.

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I arch, body betraying me, melting into his touch. Then he leans in, his breath hot against my ear.

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Did it feel like this?

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Reality slams back into me like a freight train. I rip myself away, chest heaving.

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Fuck you.

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He laughs, low, dark, amused, as he saunters to my dressing table, picking up my perfume like he

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owns the place. Then he turns, smirking. Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?

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I roll my eyes. The last I checked, I quit. And last I checked, I gave you what you wanted.

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That was part of the deal, to get you back to work. Deal? We never discussed anything.

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You just kissed me and said, get back to work. I'm a grown woman, Matthias. I don't take orders

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from you. Is he really this delusional? Maybe he thinks the world revolves around him.

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Interesting. His voice is calm, but there's something lurking beneath it. Then with a tilt of his head,

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he says, it's a shame you're this ungrateful. Ungrateful? I echo, eyes narrowing. Forget about it.

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Why are you here, Matthias? He leans against the dresser, completely at ease.

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I came to remind you about work, but since you don't want it, I've given it to someone else.

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Something in my stomach twists. Come again? Your job. His voice is maddeningly indifferent.

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The one you absolutely don't want? It's no longer yours.

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I lift my chin, forcing indifference I don't feel. Good.

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But in reality, I was counting on holding that over his head. I would have gone back eventually.

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But now that I'm being replaced? What the fuck? Matthias picks up my perfume, uncaps it, takes a slow inhale.

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Yeah, your friend and I had a lovely chat.

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My stomach drops. Who? He snaps his fingers, pretending to search his memory.

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Ah. Oh, right. Fens. My heart lodges in my throat. Oh god. Fens. My voice barely comes out.

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Matthias, what did you do? He shrugs. Nothing much really.

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I study him. There are fresh bruises on his face along his knuckles. I'd noticed them earlier,

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but figured they were from his job. But now that I think about it, he didn't have them at the club.

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Shit. Is he dead? Did he kill Fens? I swallow hard.

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What do you mean by nothing much? Fens is a really good friend of mine.

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Matthias' smirk is razor sharp. So good you had to fuck him? No, god no Matthias. I did not fuck him.

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My voice is frantic now. Where is Fens? I whip around, yanking open my nightstand drawer.

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Where the hell is my fucking phone? Shit. I left it at the club. God damn it.

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Matthias dangles it in front of me, smug as ever. Looking for this? My entire body locks up.

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Where is Fens, Matthias? He twirls my phone between his fingers. Where you should have been, at work?

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My blood turns ice cold. Don't you dare ruin him.

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Matthias strides across the room, his laughter low and mocking. Me? Ruin? How well do you really know your little friend?

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If you heard a hair on him. Shouldn't you be more worried about me, princess?

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Go fuck yourself. He laughs. Loud. Like I just told the best joke he's ever heard.

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After all. He gestures to the red marks on his face.

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He did this to me. My breath catches. Fens? Never.

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Matthias doesn't let people get close enough to land a hit. Not unless he allows it.

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And if Fens actually managed to strike him, that means my heart hammers.

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Where is Fens, Matthias? Matthias doesn't answer.

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Instead, he strolls to my walk-in closet and opens the door. A distraction. I grip my teeth.

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Don't you ever listen? Sometimes I wonder if your brain is even yours to begin with.

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All that education and you still ask ridiculous questions. I told you he's at work.

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My nails dig into my palms. He may be at work, but that doesn't mean he's okay.

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Your guy is quite admirable.

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Knocked out two of my men, even managed to land a hit on me.

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He exhales. Almost impressed.

75
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To be honest, I was surprised. So surprised that I started having fun with it.

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I shoot to my feet.

77
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He what?

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The words barely register. Fens? The Fens?

79
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If he took down two of Matthias's men, that meant he could have a good life.

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He took down two of Matthias's men. That meant he could have knocked out the guy at the bar too.

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But he doesn't seem like the type. Is he? Matthias watches me, reading every flicker of

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doubt across my face. Fens would never. Matthias smirks.

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You really are clueless about the company you keep.

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Why would Fens take a job with the likes of you?

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He shrugs. Money. Power.

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Power? Who knows. It was rather easy, actually. I told him there was an opening, asked if he wanted it.

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Matthias leans in slightly, watching my reaction.

88
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Told him it was your old job and that fucker didn't even hesitate. Not even after I gave him the specifics.

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I grind my teeth.

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You're lying. When would you even have time for that?

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A ridiculous question. Matthias can get whatever he wants in under an hour.

92
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Right after you pretend fucked him.

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My eyes narrow. Matthias reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

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His touch burns, familiar and infuriating.

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You really thought you could get away with that lie, princess?

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His breath is warm against my skin.

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Had you actually fucked him, he'd be in a body bag in my basement.

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Then he walks away, leaving me dazed. Not just by his scent, but by the unshakable pull of him.

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I despise him. I despise him for always being one step ahead. But worst of all, I still want him.

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I really don't get you. You hate me. You act like I'm the goddamn plague.

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But the second a man gets within five feet of me, you're ready to kill.

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If that's your way of showing affection, you suck at it.

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Matthias moves so fast, I barely see it. One second he's across the room.

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The next he's right in front of me, towering, suffocating.

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You think I'm showing you affection?

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God, you really are delusional.

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I exhale through my nose.

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I'm not going to stand here and argue with you, Matthias. I know what this is.

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His jaw ticks.

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Might I remind you that...

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Yeah, yeah.

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I roll my eyes, feigning a yawn.

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I'm indebted to you. Blah, blah, blah.

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I stretch, making a point to sound bored.

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I'm so tired from last night and thanks to you I'm up earlier than expected.

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But since you've graced me with your presence and, oh, stolen my job,

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I think I'll use this as an opportunity to get back in bed and sleep.

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I drop onto my mattress, yanking the sheets over me.

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Matthias stands over me, waiting, expecting me to react, to push back.

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Not today.

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I fluff my pillow, reach for my eye mask and slip it on.

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He can stand there all morning if he wants.

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I'm going back to sleep.

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Footsteps move around my room, slow and deliberate.

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Then his voice cuts through the silence.

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When you're done with your beauty nap, princess,

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make sure you have enough time to get ready for dinner with me.

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Six o'clock.

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My body goes rigid beneath the covers.

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Wait.

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What?

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I rip off the eye mask, sitting upright.

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He's gone.

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I rush outside, but Matthias is nowhere to be found.

135
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Like a fucking ninja.

136
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Dinner?

137
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He wants us to have dinner?

138
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What is wrong with this man?

139
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Why is he suddenly doing everything I've been asking him for?

140
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And then he has the audacity to say he doesn't have any affection for me.

141
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So then what the fuck is this?

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Truth be told, I didn't get any beauty sleep.

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I've been up all day getting ready for tonight.

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For him.

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Hair dresser.

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Nails.

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Designer mall.

148
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The perfect dress.

149
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That alone took me a while to get ready.

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That alone took me three hours, leaving me with only two to get ready.

151
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I should be putting up a fight about this date.

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I should be tearing him apart for demanding it.

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But the truth?

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I've wanted this for a very long time.

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I'll be damned if I let my pride ruin it.

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Matthias may be an asshole, but he's my asshole.

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And I happen to be obsessed with this prick.

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At 10 minutes to six, I get a call from one of his men.

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We're outside waiting for you.

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I open the door and there stands Matthias.

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A navy blue velvet suit clings to his body like sin.

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He looks fucking delicious.

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And that beard?

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How can one man be dangerous in both looks and spirit?

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He extends his hand and I take it.

166
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But that's not what he wants.

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What? I frown. Matthias curls his fingers impatiently.

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Need I ask?

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I blink.

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I'm not a psychic, you know.

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Underwear?

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I scoff.

173
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What are you? A panty snatcher or something?

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You still haven't returned the one from last night.

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Matthias doesn't respond.

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He just waits, fingers flexing as if I'm wasting his time.

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Prick. Fine.

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I slip them off and slap them onto his palm.

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He smirks, squeezes them, then casually tucks them into his

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pant pocket like some fucking trophy.

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The restaurant is far more elaborate than I expected.

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Chandeliers, dim lighting, expensive decor.

183
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I don't know why, but I thought he'd take me somewhere else.

184
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I don't even know. Just not this.

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We're seated in a secluded section, away from prying eyes.

186
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It's not completely closed off, but it's private. Intimate.

187
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Fancy.

188
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I murmur as he pulls out my chair.

189
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Matthias smirks.

190
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I forgot your standards are below ground.

191
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My face drops.

192
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His face is a little bit like a baby.

193
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I'm not sure if it's a real smile, but it's not.

194
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I'm just a little bit down.

195
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My face drops.

196
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His smile widens.

197
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A real, genuine smile.

198
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The first I've ever seen from him.

199
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It's nice to see you take pleasure in my demise.

200
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I take pleasure in anything that aligns with my state of mind.

201
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Well, that explains the darkness.

202
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I quip.

203
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You should probably clean out the attic once in a while.

204
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I'm not sure if it's a real smile, but it's nice.

205
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He muses.

206
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When you're the same woman who went on a cheap date

207
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and drank boxed wine at a bar table.

208
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I glare at him.

209
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He leers at me.

210
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We stare, unblinking, until the waiter interrupts.

211
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Thank God.

212
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Because staring into those devilish brown eyes was unraveling me bit by bit.

213
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And I hate losing, especially to Matthias Ford.

214
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I feel like I'm in a real, we eat in silence, but it's not uncomfortable.

215
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Somehow his company is pleasant.

216
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Not once does he touch his phone.

217
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Aside from our brief conversation about Fenns and whatever plans Matthias has for him,

218
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the night is surprisingly smooth.

219
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Almost like a real date.

220
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When the waiter clears our table, Matthias orders dessert.

221
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Dessert.

222
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I thought this would be the worst date ever, but it seems like he's actually trying to be nice.

223
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I excuse myself from the table, and the second I stand,

224
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I'm painfully reminded that I'm not wearing underwear.

225
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Shit.

226
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I need to be careful.

227
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Anything Matthias does sets me off, and the last thing I need is to be walking around with a soiled red dress.

228
00:16:33,280 --> 00:16:36,080
When I return, Matthias tucks his phone away.

229
00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:40,480
That's...considerate. Almost sweet.

230
00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:46,960
The ice cream and cake arrive, and I'm just about to dig in when Matthias leans back and pulls out

231
00:16:46,960 --> 00:16:49,040
two velvet boxes from his suit jacket.

232
00:16:49,920 --> 00:16:51,600
He places them next to my hand.

233
00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:53,440
Take your pick.

234
00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:56,560
I smile, but it doesn't reach my ears.

235
00:16:57,440 --> 00:16:58,000
A gift?

236
00:16:59,040 --> 00:16:59,360
For me?

237
00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:02,080
Sarcasm drips from my voice.

238
00:17:02,080 --> 00:17:08,080
I take a spoonful of ice cream, savoring the cold sweetness on my tongue before setting the spoon down

239
00:17:08,080 --> 00:17:09,280
and picking up one of the boxes.

240
00:17:10,400 --> 00:17:11,200
I open it.

241
00:17:11,840 --> 00:17:12,560
I swallow.

242
00:17:13,440 --> 00:17:14,480
I glance at him.

243
00:17:15,120 --> 00:17:16,160
Then at the box.

244
00:17:16,800 --> 00:17:17,920
Then at the next box.

245
00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:20,000
I open that one too.

246
00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:23,440
My fingers tremble slightly as I eye the rings.

247
00:17:24,080 --> 00:17:25,040
Two rings.

248
00:17:25,760 --> 00:17:27,280
Matthias is expressionless.

249
00:17:28,080 --> 00:17:29,200
Fucking blank.

250
00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:32,560
He would make an excellent poker player because what the fuck is this?

251
00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:36,800
Matthias unbuttons the top of his shirt and takes a bite of his cake.

252
00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,280
Uh, what is this?

253
00:17:40,320 --> 00:17:43,920
My voice is low, controlled, but my pulse pounds.

254
00:17:44,800 --> 00:17:46,000
Matthias doesn't look up.

255
00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:48,720
I think you very well know what that is.

256
00:17:49,920 --> 00:17:54,560
He takes another forkful of cake, chewing like we're discussing the fucking weather.

257
00:17:55,360 --> 00:17:56,080
A ring?

258
00:17:56,880 --> 00:17:57,840
My chest.

259
00:17:57,840 --> 00:17:59,600
My chest tightens.

260
00:18:00,640 --> 00:18:02,800
Is this supposed to be an engagement or something?

261
00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:04,880
No, of course not.

262
00:18:04,880 --> 00:18:06,240
This is a gift, right?

263
00:18:07,360 --> 00:18:09,760
He sets his fork down and sits back in his chair.

264
00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:11,920
You will become my wife.

265
00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:19,760
His voice is calm, steady, like he's discussing business, like this is already decided.

266
00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:22,640
I hadn't planned on doing it this early.

267
00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:23,440
He continues.

268
00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:25,120
But you forced my hand.

269
00:18:25,120 --> 00:18:26,720
Forced his hand?

270
00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:28,560
My stomach drops.

271
00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,440
What exactly did I force, Matthias?

272
00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:34,160
I want to lower my voice.

273
00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:36,720
I want to stifle my rage.

274
00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:40,240
But the words pour out of me like a broken dam.

275
00:18:41,440 --> 00:18:43,040
I am not going to marry you.

276
00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:46,080
I hiss, my hands curling into fists.

277
00:18:46,880 --> 00:18:48,800
And I sure as hell will not be your wife.

278
00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:51,360
Matthias exhales slowly.

279
00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:53,760
I wasn't asking Katia.

280
00:18:53,760 --> 00:18:55,360
It was a statement.

281
00:18:55,360 --> 00:18:58,480
I laugh, a dry, humorless sound.

282
00:18:59,360 --> 00:19:01,120
I don't give a fuck what you call it.

283
00:19:01,120 --> 00:19:02,240
I snap.

284
00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:05,280
You don't have the right to dictate my life.

285
00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:09,120
Matthias tilts his head, smirks.

286
00:19:10,080 --> 00:19:11,920
Actually, he says smoothly.

287
00:19:12,720 --> 00:19:13,520
I do.

288
00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:15,760
I bite down hard.

289
00:19:16,400 --> 00:19:17,840
I don't want to make a scene.

290
00:19:17,840 --> 00:19:19,120
I really don't.

291
00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,400
But this man is pushing all my buttons.

292
00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:24,400
I want to be free, Matthias.

293
00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:27,680
My voice trembles with barely restrained fury.

294
00:19:28,320 --> 00:19:31,840
Free from you, free from this, free from everything you've roped me into.

295
00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:34,960
I push my bowl of ice cream away.

296
00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:37,280
I've lost my fucking appetite.

297
00:19:38,320 --> 00:19:40,640
If I have to pay you back every cent, I will.

298
00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:43,680
My fingers dig into the table.

299
00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:47,520
Because the last thing I'm going to do is become your wife.

300
00:19:48,720 --> 00:19:50,720
How are you going to do that with me?

301
00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:53,520
How are you going to do that without a job, Katia?

302
00:19:55,040 --> 00:19:57,680
Matthias' voice is smooth, taunting.

303
00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:01,280
You walked away from the only thing you had going for you.

304
00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:04,240
I do not want to be your mistress.

305
00:20:05,360 --> 00:20:06,480
I don't think you have a choice.

306
00:20:08,400 --> 00:20:09,760
God, you are fucking crazy.

307
00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:12,160
Lower your voice.

308
00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:12,800
He warns.

309
00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:14,240
We are in public.

310
00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:16,240
Don't tell me what to do.

311
00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:19,680
You act like a child, yet you want your freedom.

312
00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:21,520
I shove my chair back, standing abruptly.

313
00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:23,200
His gaze darkens.

314
00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:23,760
Sit.

315
00:20:23,760 --> 00:20:24,560
He scolds.

316
00:20:24,560 --> 00:20:25,920
I glare at him.

317
00:20:25,920 --> 00:20:28,720
I will lay you out before you can make a scene.

318
00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:30,000
Now sit down, Katia.

319
00:20:31,280 --> 00:20:32,160
Do not embarrass me.

320
00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:35,280
I slowly lower myself back into my chair,

321
00:20:36,480 --> 00:20:38,080
rage simmering under my skin.

322
00:20:39,360 --> 00:20:39,840
How much?

323
00:20:39,840 --> 00:20:40,880
I bite out.

324
00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:43,120
How much to be free from you?

325
00:20:43,120 --> 00:20:45,120
I'm not going to be free from you.

326
00:20:45,120 --> 00:20:50,560
Matthias smirks, takes another bite of his cake and sets his fork down.

327
00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:52,960
Do you really want to go there?

328
00:20:53,760 --> 00:20:54,080
Yes.

329
00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:55,280
I see.

330
00:20:56,240 --> 00:20:58,640
He exhales through his nose like he's humoring me.

331
00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:02,240
Your father owed us just over half a million dollars.

332
00:21:03,120 --> 00:21:08,960
Then I took you in, bathed, clothed, fed you, even paid for your education.

333
00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:10,640
I'd say...

334
00:21:10,640 --> 00:21:13,760
He tilts his head toward the ceiling as if calculating...

335
00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:15,200
1.5 million.

336
00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:16,320
Give or take.

337
00:21:16,320 --> 00:21:17,520
Liar.

338
00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:20,640
Matthias' expression doesn't flicker.

339
00:21:20,640 --> 00:21:22,480
Not even a muscle moves.

340
00:21:23,280 --> 00:21:26,160
Don't accuse me of what you don't know, he says.

341
00:21:26,160 --> 00:21:30,560
So unless you have that money to buy your freedom, stop wasting my time.

342
00:21:30,560 --> 00:21:33,520
My hands curl into fists under the table.

343
00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:35,120
I hate him.

344
00:21:35,120 --> 00:21:37,120
I hate that he has me trapped.

345
00:21:37,120 --> 00:21:40,240
I hate that I ever thought he was my father.

346
00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:41,280
I never thought he could love me.

347
00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:43,120
Now.

348
00:21:43,120 --> 00:21:43,920
He continues...

349
00:21:44,640 --> 00:21:46,880
Finish your ice cream and be a good girl and pick a ring.

350
00:21:48,480 --> 00:21:51,120
I shove a random box toward him and pick up my spoon.

351
00:21:52,240 --> 00:21:57,120
Matthias watches me with amusement, his lips twitching as if holding back a laugh.

352
00:21:58,000 --> 00:21:59,280
Is that your final answer?

353
00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:01,440
Fuck you.

354
00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:02,720
I whisper.

355
00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:07,600
He chuckles, slow and deep, before spearing another bite of cake.

356
00:22:07,600 --> 00:22:09,600
I bet you do.

357
00:22:09,600 --> 00:22:11,600
This man is a demon.

358
00:22:11,600 --> 00:22:17,120
How could I ever have been so stupid to think I could love him despite his faults?

359
00:22:17,120 --> 00:22:20,080
Matthias Ford doesn't care about me.

360
00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:21,600
He never did.

361
00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:23,600
He only cares about himself.

362
00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:24,720
His power.

363
00:22:24,720 --> 00:22:26,240
His reputation.

364
00:22:26,240 --> 00:22:30,560
The moment I let him see how much I adored him, I lost.

365
00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:34,720
Because now he's using it as a weapon against me.

366
00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,720
I finish my ice cream quickly.

367
00:22:36,720 --> 00:22:38,720
Forcing every bite down like it's poison.

368
00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:40,720
Then I set my napkin on the table.

369
00:22:44,720 --> 00:22:46,720
Take me home.

370
00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:48,720
Matthias leans back, taking his time finishing his drink.

371
00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:52,720
The night isn't over until I say it's over, Princess.

372
00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:54,720
I keep my face blank.

373
00:22:54,720 --> 00:22:56,720
I refuse to marry this monster.

374
00:22:58,720 --> 00:23:02,720
And if he thinks he can trap me in this fucking nightmare, he's a damn fool.

375
00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:10,720
Tonight, after dinner, after he drops me off at home, I am going to run.

376
00:23:10,720 --> 00:23:14,720
Run so far and fast that he will never find me.

377
00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:16,720
And that will be my revenge.

378
00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:18,720
That will be my retribution.

379
00:23:22,720 --> 00:23:26,720
You have met the end of Toxic Obsession, Part 3.

380
00:23:26,720 --> 00:23:30,720
So I had said Part 3 would have been the last,

381
00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:33,720
but I found that this episode needed some fleshing out.

382
00:23:33,720 --> 00:23:35,720
Stay tuned for Part 4.

383
00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:40,720
I would also like you to know that Kamaya's Closet is on TikTok and Instagram.

384
00:23:40,720 --> 00:23:44,720
You can search Kamaya Sloan on Instagram and Kamaya's Closet on TikTok.

385
00:23:44,720 --> 00:23:48,720
Your follow would mean a lot to me and help grow my community.

386
00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:49,720
Thanks.

387
00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:51,720
See you in the next episode.

388
00:23:51,720 --> 00:24:01,720
Bye.