Page 13 of Hunted By the Cartel

He closed the distance between us, his eyes burning into mine. "You are a prisoner, Rowan," he said, his voice low and rough. "But it's for your own protection. I won't let anything happen to you while you're under my roof." Which meant that, if someone was going to hurt me, it was going to be him.

I nodded, my heart torn between fear and a strange, thrilling desire. I knew he was dangerous, that he could turn on me in an instant, and yet, here he was, protecting me, keeping me safe. What was this I was feeling? Stockholm syndrome? I felt sick just thinking about that.

At the end of the day, It was a confusing mix of emotions, and I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards him. And the worst thing about it was that it just kept on getting worse. It kept on growing stronger within me. I wished I could do something about it, but nothing came up.

We finished breakfast in silence, the tension thick between us. As I cleared the dishes, my eyes landed on the PS5 console in the living room. Something sparkled within me, something I hadn't felt in a long time.

"Do you mind if I play?" I asked, my voice hesitant. After our most recent exchange, I didn't know what he still thought about me. Maybe he didn't like me anymore. Maybe he hated me so much that he didn't want me to play his PS5. "I could use some distraction."

I actually needed more than just some distraction, but I didn't say it. Why would I say that, anyway? It wasn't like he needed to know.

Diego waved a hand, his eyes softening slightly. Given the way he was looking at me, it appeared he was going to say something positive.

"Go ahead," he said, his voice gruff. "I'll join you in a bit. I have some things to take care of."

I nodded, my heart lightening at the prospect of losing myself in a game. On top of that, he said he was going to play with me. I didn't know what to feel about that. I wished I could feel only positivity, but I didn't.

I turned on the console, the familiar boot-up screen bringing a sense of comfort and normalcy to the strange situation I found myself in. I needed that so much. Really, really needed it.

As I settled on the couch, controller in hand, I felt Diego's presence behind me, his eyes fixed on the screen. "What are you playing?" He asked, sounding curious. I didn't think he was going to act casually towards me so soon after what happened. I thought it was going to take more time.

I glanced over my shoulder, meeting his intense gaze. "Cyberpunk 2077," I said, my voice soft. "It's one of my favorites. If you haven't played it yet, you are going to fall in love with it."

He grunted in acknowledgment, taking a seat beside me, his presence filling the space between us. "Show me what you've got, omega," he said. "I've heard about that game, but never played it."

I smirked, my fingers tightening around the controller as I dove into the game, the familiar world of Night City surrounding me. As I played, I felt Diego's eyes on me, his presence both comforting and unnerving all at once.

I felt that, at any moment, he could snap at me and hurt me.

Chapter 8

Diego

As the night deepened, I found myself once again facing the dilemma of where to sleep. We slept together last time. I thought I could sleep on the couch and he could sleep in my bed, but I didn't want to do that, in the end. Given what I was feeling at the moment, I thought I was going to reach the same conclusion again.

I couldn't help but think about the good moment we shared together, playing PlayStation. I knew that his opinion of me changed after that. It still wasn't enough of course. I had to do more so he was more malleable.

I rose from the couch, my eyes fixed on Rowan's sleeping form. He looked peaceful, his breath soft and even, and I knew that I should let him rest. But a needy part of me, the alpha, wanted to claim what was mine.

I had never felt such an obsession. I couldn't help but wonder if he was the one meant to be with me. We met our fated mates by accident. At least, for us here shifters in the big city, it was like that.

With deliberate steps, I approached the bed, my eyes never leaving his face. His eyelashes fluttered as he stirred, his eyes opening to meet mine. He must have smelled me and immediately woke up. That was exactly the kind of reaction I was hoping to provoke. I didn’t feel at all bad about it.

"What are you doing?" He whispered, sounding groggy. He was already in deep sleep.

I smirked, my gaze raking over his form, taking in the way the moonlight caressed his skin. He was a cute rabbit shifter, making my cock stir slightly.

"I'm sleeping with you again. Just changed my mind," I said, my voice low and commanding. "Move over. I know you want that to happen as much as I do."

He bit his lip, his eyes flicking to the door as if searching for an escape route. None existed, of course. He already knew that, but still couldn't help but try to get out of here.

"I-I don't think that's a good idea," he stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly. Given his reaction, I could tell he wasn't a good liar. He wanted me to tuck myself under the blanket with him, allowing him to feel the warmth emanating from my body.

I took a menacing step toward the bed, my eyes flashing with warning. "You don't get a choice, omega," I growled. "After all, I know you want to do this with me. Why deny yourself something you want so much?"

His breath hitched, his eyes widening as he took in my intense gaze. "Y-you can't just say something like that," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

He thought that saying that was going to make me change my mind? What a ridiculous notion.

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