~ Immortality unveiled ~Tom Riddle x Reader 🐍🌶

Chapter 8 ~ Miss ~

*UPDATED Sep. 13th. 2024*

~Eva's POV~

Theodore stumbles backward, his face a twisted mix of shock and fear. I watch as he scrambles, trying to regain the last shreds of dignity, but the effort is pathetic. Tom stands tall, his presence commanding the room. The tension between them is like a blade, sharp and cutting, yet it brings me a strange sense of satisfaction. Theo knows now, I think. He knows his reign over me is ending.

"Leave now, Mr. Orlov," Tom says, his voice smooth and precise, each word carrying weight. "This is not a battle you want to fight. Take what dignity you have left and go."

I can't tear my eyes away from Tom, from the strength that radiates from him. There's something utterly mesmerizing about him in this moment. His control. His dominance. The way he speaks with absolute certainty. A flutter of something dangerous stirs inside me. What am I thinking?

Theodore throws one final glare in my direction, but he's already lost. Defeated, he turns, retreating down the hallway, his footsteps echoing until they fade into silence.

As the door closes, a wave of relief crashes over me. Finally, I think, at least for now, there will be peace.

I glance at Tom, feeling the weight of what happened earlier—the kiss, the tension. My heart pounds in my chest, the memory of our lips still burning on mine. I open my mouth to speak, but my words feel inadequate. "I—Thank you, Tom."

His eyes meet mine, darker now, more intense. There's fury there, simmering just beneath the surface, barely contained. I know that if I hadn't been here, if I hadn't intervened, this wouldn't have ended with Theodore walking away. Tom would've ensured it ended his way. A small part of me—the part I'm ashamed of—finds that thought thrilling. Did he do it for me? Or was it his pride? Either way, I can't deny the attraction it ignites. But it shouldn't be this way. It can't be.

Lost in thought, I don't notice him approaching until he's standing directly in front of me. His voice is low, a soft promise laced with something more. "If he comes again, tell me. I'll sort things out for good."

My breath catches. "What do you mean, for good?"

Tom's lips curl into a smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "In a way he'll never bother you again."

A chill runs down my spine, and for a moment, I wonder how far Tom would go. Would he...? No, I shouldn't think about that. But part of me—deep down—doesn't want to know the answer. I nod instead, lowering my gaze, my fingers unconsciously brushing against my wedding ring. Even now, after everything, the idea of this marriage ending feels surreal.

I catch my reflection in the dark glass of the window. I look lost. And standing beside me is Tom, his presence like a shadow cast over my life. The emotions swirling inside me are too much—relief, fear, guilt... desire.

It's overwhelming. My head feels light, the room spinning. I reach out instinctively, my hand touching my forehead as I stumble slightly. Tom's arm is there before I can fall, steady and firm. He leads me to the couch, his touch sending a strange, electrifying sensation through me. It should feel comforting, but instead, it's unsettling—too much, too close.

As I sit, my thoughts race. I should distance myself. Protect myself from whatever this is. But the way he looks at me... I can't deny the pull. His presence is intoxicating, a magnetic force that draws me in despite every warning bell ringing in my mind.

His hand brushes mine again, startling me. I look up, meeting his gaze. There's something there, something I can't decipher. For a brief moment, I think I see a flicker of vulnerability, but it vanishes almost instantly.