Page 93 of Venomous Desires

“That’s none of your con—”

“It was Judas, right?”

“How do you know…” I whispered, my heart pounding.

“How wouldn’t I? That’s his haunting mansion you work in. Do you think I’m stupid? I observe everything, and that man never had a reputation.” His eyes bore into mine, searching for something.

Ivan was not a let-go type of person. I noticed a faint wound on his forehead, hidden under his brown hair.

“Why do you think it’s him who bailed me out and not someone else?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but the fear was creeping in. I couldn’t trust Ivan, too.

I didn’t know what, but there was a pattern I noticed. I believed it was Judas who was stalking me, but the thing was, was he the one sending me texts too? Of course, he was, but…that day at the fest, I was in the washroom when the stalker texted me. And there was no way Judas would take out his phone in front of the whole college to send me a threatening text.

That was questionable to his pretending blindness.

He wouldn’t risk it.

Or maybe I was imagining it all.

He smiled, and I automatically shifted as red alarms blared loudly in my head. “Only Judas Romanovski can bend the law to get a murder suspect out of jail in less than an hour. And he is the only one you’re in contact with. It’s obvious.”

“Yes, he did. So what? It shouldn’t concern you or anyone. If anything,youshouldn’t be seen with a suspect.”

“You don’t understand. This isn’t about you being a suspect. This is about you being in danger. Judas Romanovski is not a man you want to owe anything to. He’s dangerous.”

Never before had he seemed so out of control. And it scared me.

“Why do you care so much?” I spat, trying to mask my growing unease with boldness. “What’s it to you?”

“I care because I don’t want to see you get hurt.” His voice softened again, his eyes pleading. The green dilating slightly. “Sera, please. Let me help you. Let me protect you from him.”

I felt a chill crawling up my spine, but I couldn’t let him see that. “I don’t need your protection, Ivan. I can handle myself.”

“You’re wrong.” He stepped closer, his face inches from mine. “You’re in over your head, and you don’t even realize it. Just… let me help you.”

For a moment, I was tempted. But then I remembered the look in Judas’s eyes when he bailed me out, and the power dynamics of this world. If not Judas, then Ivan would prey on me.

“I don’t need your help,” I repeated, my voice firmer this time. “Now let go of me.”

Ivan’s eyes narrowed, anger flickered, and then a sly smile curved his lips. “I can help with anything. Remember when I said my family is influential? I wasn’t lying. Just say it, and it’s done. My brother is one of the top politicians in the country. We have connections and resources. Whatever you need, Sera.”

His words confused me, and I shook my head. “Why are you so insistent? What do you really want?”

“I… like you.” His tone was almost gentle. “Is that so hard to believe?”

“Yes,” I snapped, my voice trembling. “It is.”

I didn’t know what to believe anymore. Could I trust him? Could I trust anyone?

I looked into his eyes; I saw something beyond anger—a glimmer of sincerity. But I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. Not now. Not with everything at stake.

Why did he care so much? What did he really want from me? His sudden concern and willingness to help felt too convenient, too manipulative. My instincts screamed at me to stay cautious.

And then there was Judas. I would not trade one monster for another.

No, I had to stay strong. I couldn’t let myself become a pawn in their games. I had to find a way to protect myself without relying on anyone else. Trust was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and ripped my arm from his hold, few gasps fell upon my ears, and I knew I was creating a scene, and this was the only place I could do this. I didn’t trust myself to be this brave alone with him. In the crowd, I didn’t think he’d try to force me to go somewhere with him.