Page 62 of Venomous Desires

Staying alone at the university until this fest was over suddenly felt too risky. My thoughts turned to the dorms. They had security, and there would be people around. It was the safest place I could think of right now.

I quickly wiped my cheeks, not wanting to waste any time.My heart pounded as I left the bathroom, double-checking that no one was following me. The cool Russian air hit my face as I hurried down the street, my eyes darting around nervously.

When I arrived at the dorm, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I’d explain my absence to Alina when she came into the room, and no teacher would look for me since I had already submitted my Fest report. There was no way I was going back to that crowded place where that devil was.

Just thinking about him made my skin crawl.

He wasn’t just dangerous; he was a hunter.

Even though he couldn’t see, it felt like he could sense my every move. His presence was dark and menacing, making the air heavy and suffocating.

Whenever he was near, I felt a cold dread. His voice was low and harsh, and his aura made everyone around him feel small and scared. People probably avoided him, taking his ugly personality and trembling in his presence.

The few times he had spoken to me, I could feel his eyes, though unseeing, piercing into my soul. His smile was more of a snarl, promising pain. I hated how there was so much less about him on the internet, though he was a billionaire.

Being in the same room as him felt like standing on the edge of a cliff; one wrong move, and I would be lost.

I shuddered at the flash of his face, grateful to be in the safety of the dorms, far away from his reach. For now, I could finally breathe a little easier.

I pulled out my phone before changing out of my dress and texted Alina.

Seraphina: Hey, I am back at the dorm.

I put my phone down and took a deep breath.

I was still scared, but being in the dorms made me feel a little more in control. I lay down on the bed, hoping I could finally get some rest.

As I closed my eyes, I reminded myself that I wasn’t alone and that I was stronger than this fear.

When I finally woke up, the room was bathed in the soft light of late afternoon. I blinked, disoriented. My phone’s screen flashed with notifications, and I realized with shock that I had slept through the entire evening and the next day.

I had basically hibernated.

Not that I minded; I felt refreshed. Moreover, it wasn’t like I had any classes today.

“Well, there goes my productivity,” I muttered. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten. My heart raced as I grabbed my phone. I had missed several messages and calls from Ivan and Alina. Among them was a text from Kyle.

Kyle: 5 in the evening. Be ready. I’ll pick you up.

To my relief, there was no text from the unknown sender.

I felt a wave of reluctance wash over me. The thought of going back to that mansion, of facing the demon again, made my stomach churn. But then I recalled the contract I had signed. He practically forced me to work for him, and I had no choice but to comply.

I checked the time. It was already 4:00 PM. I had an hour to get ready and make my way to the mansion. Just two more days, I reminded myself. Two more days, and then I could go back to Texas for a few weeks. Maybe that was what I needed to clear my head and regain my strength.

With a heavy sigh, I got up and started to prepare. Despite my fear and reluctance, I had to face him one last time before my break. I just had to make it through these next two days by any means.

Grabbing my jacket and almost tripping over my own boots, I huffed and puffed out of the room and jogged down the stairs. When I reached the entrance, the warden called me over.

She was a beautiful lady in her mid-thirties, holding a box inher hands. I frowned, utterly confused.

“Hi,” she greeted me, extending the box toward me. “This is for you.”

I took the box, weighing it in my hands and frowning deeper. “I didn’t order anything.”

I read the receipt and saw my name written clearly on it. “Oh, well, I’m going out. I’ll take it when I come back.”

She nodded, understanding. “Sure, no problem.”