Page 4 of Hunted By Valentine

Disinterest and a strong dislike from people like me isn’t the real danger. The worst thing to one’s health is to pique my curiosity, and that’s exactly what Ruby Simmons has unknowingly done.

Now, she’s no longer just a job. I don’t yet know what she is, only that it’s more.

Later, I meet Michael in the same dark, discreet location where we had our first meeting. He arrives with the same air of arrogance, though I sense the undercurrent of anxiety in his stance. He’s confident in his control over Ruby, but there’s a desperation there, simmering beneath the surface.

“You’ve been watching her for almost a week now,” Michael states, his voice steady but thin. “What’s your assessment?”

I pause, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him uncomfortable. “She’s fragile,” I finally say. Despite the voice distorter, my voice comes across as low and measured. “But you’ve made her difficult to reach.”

Michael frowns, not understanding. “Difficult?”

I take a step forward, my form still shrouded in shadow. “Too much control can backfire. You’ve kept her under lock and key, but all that does is make her more unpredictable. You need to loosen the leash.”

He shifts, his confidence faltering. “Loosen it? Why? Can’t you just kill her, and—”

“No.” My growl is a low and menacing sound.

Huffing, he cracks his neck. “So, what do you suggest?”

“A small taste of freedom,” I say, my tone smooth, persuasive. “Something that will make her feel like she has a choice. It’ll make her more complacent, and the situation easier to manage.”

Michael’s silent for a moment, considering.

He’s hesitant, but I press on, my voice calm, commanding. “Enrolling her in a class, perhaps. There are some excellent self-defense classes. Or maybe even something legal—”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Michael barks, his face turning red.

That’s it; dance puppet, dance for me.

Of course, Michael doesn’t want Ruby knowing how to defend herself, or what her rights are. I only made those suggestions to get him to agree to what’s behind door number three. “Maybe criminology, then. It’s useless for people like her who don’t have a future. But it engages the mind. It will keep her busy.”

He hesitates, but his desire for control blinds him to the manipulation in my words. “Criminology?”

I take a step closer, making sure I’m still in the shadows. “Yes. Enroll her at Holloway University after the holidays. It’s a small concession, but it’ll give her a sense of normalcy.”

The lies fall easily from my lips. Sure, I could shoot her with my bow and arrow, throw a knife, or slam her to the ground and end her life with my own two hands. But… I’m curious.

Michael’s eyes narrow, but he nods slowly, convincing himself that this is the right move. “Alright,” he agrees. “I’ll consider it.”

I smirk behind the mask of darkness, knowing I’ve won. “Good. Then we’re in agreement,” I say, deliberately ignoring his comment about considering it.

I state my fee—half to be paid upfront, the rest upon completion. Michael doesn’t argue. He’s desperate to rid himself of Ruby, and he’s willing to pay whatever it takes. I hand him a contract, a simple document that ensures my protection should he try to double-cross me. He signs it without hesitation, arrogance clouding his judgment.

“Oh, and Michael,” I call out.

“Yes?”

“Don’t touch her anymore.”

“W-what?” he sputters, his face turning red in anger.

“If you injure her too severely, she might need an unscheduled bathroom break or medical attention. Both could ruin any plans I might have.”

“So you mean… you mean I can’t touch her in February?” He narrows his eyes as though he doesn’t believe me, which I applaud him for becausehe really shouldn’t. Yet, I need him to.

I shake my head. “From now on would be best. Otherwise it could backfire on both of us,” I reason, keeping my tone calm. “Besides, if she’s too banged up, her professor won’t have any interest in her. And he needs a little something to make it worth his time.”

He lets out a boisterous laugh. “You want me to whore out my wife for an education she doesn’t need?”

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