Page 46 of Stalked
“I came back for a job opportunity, not for you.”
“A job I made possible.” His thumb traces my jawline, feather-light. “And now you've signed up for my Hunt. There's nowhere to run this time.”
I bat his hand away, irritation flaring. “Why do you assume I'd want to run? Maybe I'm looking forward to the Hunt.” I lean in closer, my lips almost brushing his ear. “Maybe I'm curious to see if anyone can actually catch me.”
I swear his pupils dilate at my challenge. Something dark and primal flashes across Vane's face as he presses closer, eliminating what little space remains between us. His breath fans hot against my cheek.
“You think this is a game?” His voice drops to a dangerous whisper. “You think I'm going to let some other man put his hands on you?”
The intensity in his eyes makes my breath catch. This isn't just desire or lust—it's pure, unfiltered possession.
“The Hunt has rules, Vane. Fifteen hunters, five women usually, six this time. The odds aren't exactly in your favor.” I try to keep my voice steady despite the hammering of my heart.
His hand slides up to curl around my throat, not squeezing, just resting there—a reminder of his strength, of how easily he could take what he wants. “No one else will fucking touch you.” The words come out as a growl. “If they do, I'll strangle them to death.”
A chill runs down my spine, not entirely from fear. “I saw the rules. No violence between hunters. You'd be disqualified.”
“Fuck the rules.”
He says it so simply, so matter-of-factly, that I believe him completely. Vane Blackwood would break every rule just to keep me to himself. The realization floods me with an unexpected sense of power.
Fifteen years, countless achievements, a successful career—and still, I'm the one thing he'd risk everything for.
“You'd really do that?” I ask, my voice barely audible over the muffled bass from the club. “Break your own rules?”
His thumb traces my bottom lip, eyes never leaving mine. “For you? I'd burn this whole fucking place to the ground.”
I straighten my spine and force a laugh that sounds more confident than I feel. His hand rests against my throat, but I refuse to show how it affects me.
“Burn Purgatory to the ground? That's a bit dramatic, even for you.” I push his hand away, creating space between us. “Besides, I'm not some prize to be fought over. I signed up for the Hunt knowing exactly what it entails.”
Vane's jaw tightens, but I continue before he can speak.
“Fifteen hunters, normally five women, but this year six, and no guarantees. That's what makes it exciting, doesn't it?”I smooth down my dress, casually stepping sideways out of his cage. “Maybe your brother Landon will find me first. He always did have that quiet charm about him.”
Vane's eyes flash dangerously. “You wouldn't?—”
“Or Xavier,” I cut in, enjoying the way his face darkens. “He's certainly grown into his confidence. We were just having such a nice chat before you interrupted.”
“Lia.” My name sounds like a warning on his lips.
I shrug, taking another deliberate step back. “May the best hunter win, Vane. That's how your game works, right?”
With a smile, I turn and walk away, my heels clicking steadily against the polished floor.
Behind me, I hear it—a low, animalistic growl that sends shivers racing down my spine. It takes everything in me not to look back, not to see the expression on his face. I keep walking, shoulders back, hips swaying just enough to make a point.
He doesn't follow. I don't hear footsteps behind me, just that primal sound of frustration fading as I increase the distance between us.
18
VANE
Icheck another dead end in the maze, marking it on the blueprint Xavier handed me. The black walls rise fifteen feet on either side, creating a claustrophobic corridor that will disorient even the most level-headed participants tomorrow. Good. We want them all at a disadvantage.
“This section's perfect,” I call over to X, who's testing the hidden cameras.
My brother nods without looking up, focused on the tablet in his hands. “Make sure the panic buttons are working in section four. We had issues with them yesterday.”
