Page 85 of Hunted By Valentine

Trembling, I open my eyes, only to find Valentine staring back at me, his expression unreadable. “You’re so brave, Ruby,” he says softly, as if he’s afraid I’ll shatter at the slightest touch.

I nod, tears streaming down my face.

“You did so good,” he croons.

His arms are outstretched as he slowly takes one step toward me. I’m confused, not understanding why he’s talking to me like I’m a wounded animal.

“Why don’t you put down the gun, Ruby?”

Oh! It’s not until his words penetrate the fog in my brain that I realize it’s still pressed against my temple. My hand trembles so much it’s hard to keep my grip on the revolver, but I force myself not to let it drop as I lower my arm, pointing it at the ground.

Why am I feeling like this? Sluggish and as though I’m in shock. It makes no sense when I fully believed he wouldn’t hurt me.

“You were never in any danger,” he admits. “I would never gamble with your life, Ruby. You’re too important for that.”

I don’t know why the revelation that he cares makes my legs tremble, or why black spots dance around my peripheral. “Y-you…” With no dignity or grace, I fall to the floor, my legs giving out from the weight of his confession.

What am I missing here? Why am I suddenly acting like a victim when I willingly pulled the trigger?

“Ruby! Hey, let me help you.” Valentine reaches for me, but my body acts on its own accord, flinching away from him.

“Don’t touch me,” I hiss.

He crouches down in front of me. “Are you okay?” he asks. His eyes bore into mine as if he’s looking for something.

I stare up at him through eyes that are quickly filling with tears. “You did gamble with me,” I whisper. My brain feels as though it’s half a step behind as I belatedly reply to what he said before I fell to the floor.

It might not have been my life he gambled with, it was my psyche and my feelings. My… love for him.

Pulling my legs up, I rest my head on my knees. A sob breaks free, and I make no attempt at stopping it. My head hurts, a pulsing headache has settled in my temples. I’m tired, exhausted, obviously either overwhelmed or in shock.

“Why?” Swallowing, I lift my head and meet his gaze. “At least tell me why.” My voice sounds all wrong, like I’m deep underwater.

Valentine places a finger under my chin so I have no choice but to continue looking at him. “Because I needed to know you trust me completely,” he replies.

As my eyes scan his face, I try to find any trace of remorse for what he made me do. I no longer care that I did it willingly, he still made me. When I find none, anger roars to life, pumping through my veins like poison.

“And now I know you’re not worth trusting,” I seethe.

I’m propelled into movement as he lets out an arrogant huff. “Pet—”

“No!” I scream as I stagger to my feet. “Don’t call me that right now.”

I’ve always lovedhis nickname for me, but right now it sounds more like a cruel taunt than an endearment.

Filled with rage, I do the unthinkable; I aim the weapon at him, at Valentine. It feels like a sacrilegious act, and it hurts me to do it. “No.” I repeat the word several more times as I back away, putting some distance between us.

He doesn’t cower or plead with me. He fucking smirks, not even looking at the metal in my hands. “Are you going to shoot me? Do you think you have what it takes to end me, Pet?”

“I told you not to call me that,” I screech. “I’m not your pet. I’m notyouranything.”

He chuckles, a dark sound that makes the hairs on my neck stand at attention. “That’s where you’re wrong. You’re whatever I want you to be, and that includes being mine.”

My hand trembles so much it’s hard to keep my grip on the revolver, but I force myself not to let it drop. As I continue moving backward, I realize my mistake when my back connects with the wall. I’ve trapped myself. I’m freaking naked and trapped.

“Come on. What’s it going to be? Are you going to kill me?” His tone is smooth as velvet, and I know he’s pitching his voice that way on purpose. To lure me into a false sense of security.

“I have to,” I cry. “I know what you are.Whoyou are.”

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