Sweet Revenge

chapter 3

Noah's POV

"Hey, HEY!" I called out as Yona's playful defiance stirred a grin on my lips.

She had that infuriatingly charming giggle, the kind that somehow made every frustration feel like a bad joke. "What??" she replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "You actually thought I was going to shove the knife in your heart? How pathetic."

Her defiant laughter was like a melody, but I couldn't help the irritation creeping in. The girl was a bundle of contradictions—frightened and fierce, vulnerable and audacious. The blade wasn't intended as a weapon against me, but the way she wielded it was a different story. It was a thrill to see her challenge me, even if it was infuriating.

"Oh, really now?" I said, closing the gap between us. Our faces were mere inches apart. Her breath was warm against my skin, and I could see the confusion and defiance warring in her eyes. "Pathetic, am I?"

She barely had time to react before I yanked the plate from her hands. She squealed in surprise as the plate clattered onto the bed beside her, food spilling onto the blanket. "Hey!!" she shouted, clearly annoyed.

I couldn't help but laugh. It was a genuine laugh, the kind that bubbled up when you're caught off guard. "You're something else, Yona. A real handful," I said, trying to stifle the amusement.

She glared at me with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "You're unbelievable! First, you kidnap me, then you make me eat food that's probably drugged, and now you're just messing with me?"

"You're not entirely wrong," I said, feigning a thoughtful look. "But, you know, I don't drug my blood slaves. I like to keep my food fresh and clean."

Her eyes widened, and she shifted uncomfortably. "I don't want to be your 'blood slave' or whatever. I don't even know what that means!"

"Fair point," I conceded, stepping back a bit to give her some space. "You're right to question it. A blood slave is not as glamorous as it sounds. It's not about power or control—it's more... complicated."

Yona's gaze softened slightly, and I could see curiosity mixing with her fear. "Complicated how?"

I took a seat beside her on the bed, leaning back and crossing my arms. "It means you're bound to me, but it's not a lifetime sentence. You'll have your freedom once our business is concluded. But the nature of our bond means you're also a part of my existence."

Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Business? What business?"

I sighed. "You know what I do for a living. I'm the CEO of a very influential company. It's not just business; it's politics, power, and influence. My enemies, well, they've been trying to use you as leverage against me."

Her eyes widened in realization. "So, they knew about me?"

"Yes," I said, nodding. "They've been looking for ways to destabilize me, and they thought capturing you would be a key to that. But now that you're here, they'll have to find another way. I don't deal with threats lightly."

Yona's expression softened, though I could see the fear still lurking behind her eyes. "So, what happens now?"

"Now," I said, "you stay here until I can assure your safety. Once that's done, you'll be free to go. I'll make sure you have everything you need until then."

She hesitated before finally nodding. "Fine. But if I'm stuck here, at least tell me why you were so interested in me. I mean, aside from the whole 'vampire' thing."

I chuckled, though it was more to hide my discomfort than amusement. "I was drawn to you because you're not like most people I meet. There's something about you, Yona. It's more than just your birthmark, though that's part of it. There's a strength in you that's rare and intriguing."

Yona blushed slightly but tried to maintain her composure. "Well, thanks, I guess. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm stuck here."

"No," I said, standing up. "It doesn't. But it does mean that I'll be here to help you adjust. I'm not entirely heartless, despite what you might think."

She watched me with a mixture of suspicion and something else—maybe trust? "Okay, but if you're going to keep me here, at least tell me about yourself. I'd like to know who I'm stuck with."

I nodded, appreciating her willingness to at least engage. "Alright. I'll tell you what you want to know. But first, let's get you cleaned up and settled. We'll start with a shower and some fresh clothes. You look like you've had a rough time."

Yona's eyes softened, and for a moment, I saw the vulnerability she was trying to hide. "Okay. Thanks."

I walked to the door, gesturing for her to follow. "Let's get started then. We have a lot to discuss."

As she followed me, I couldn't help but feel that this unexpected turn of events was not just a challenge but an opportunity. And I had a feeling that Yona would be more than just a temporary fixture in my life.

Yona's POV

Noah's room was luxurious, a stark contrast to the harsh reality I'd been thrown into. As he showed me to the bathroom, the plush surroundings seemed almost surreal. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the confusion and fear.

Noah left me alone to get cleaned up, and I took the opportunity to let the warm water wash away the grime and despair. My mind was racing, trying to piece together the fragmented information Noah had given me.

I emerged from the bathroom in a fresh set of clothes Noah had provided. He waited outside, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Feeling better?" he asked, his tone softer now.

I nodded, feeling more refreshed and less like a victim. "A bit. What happens next?"

He led me to a comfortable sitting area where he had set up a small table with refreshments. "Next, we have a conversation. I want you to know what you're involved in, and we'll discuss how we can ensure your safety."

I took a seat at the table, feeling a mix of trepidation and curiosity. "Alright. I'm ready to listen."

As Noah began to explain the complexities of his world and the dangers, we both faced, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was irrevocably changed. But despite the chaos, there was something oddly comforting about Noah's presence. It was as if, in the midst of turmoil, a strange sort of partnership was forming—one that could redefine everything I thought I knew.

The future was uncertain, but for now, I had a chance to understand my new reality. And maybe, just maybe, find a way to navigate this bizarre, unsettling new chapter of my life.