𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 [18+]

- 26 -

The car ride has been silent since Val said those words.

I'm at a loss for words.

Trying to find a crack in Val's wall is like hitting thick steel; it's hard, painful, and maddening.

The car rolls to a stop in front of an antique-looking coffee shop. I blink, coming out of my haze.

I glance at the secluded location. Although it has an ancient feel, the coffee shop isn't on the main street. Only a few houses are nearby. This isn't a poor neighbourhood, but it isn't high-end either.

"Why have we stopped here?" I face Val, but he's already out of the car. He reaches my side and opens the door.

I gawk at him.

Did he just open the door for me?

Do demons do that?

Wait. Maybe he has a storage house around the corner to which he lures his victims and kills them in cold blood before he dissolves them with acid.

"Are you going to sit there all day?" He raises an eyebrow. "Would you rather I carry you inside, baby girl?"

I stare at him, "You tricked me."

"What?"

"You drive me half a mile away from my home saying I'll be late but you knew you wouldn't drive me to school and you brought me to a bloody cafe?"

"You were going to be late."

"For what?"

"You skipped breakfast today morning. So we need to get food inside your stomach."

Laser-sharp focus.

"What makes you think I want to go anywhere with you?"

His poker face slips and the chilling, cold voice takes its place. "I could've kidnapped you to a place where no one would find you. But I'm being kind enough to offer you a choice today to have breakfast with me in a place full of people so you're more comfortable."

"Since when do you care about me being comfortable?"

Val smirked, leaning closer. "Since I decided you were mine, Zara. And I take care of what's mine."

I finger the strap of my backpack with sweaty fingers. I can now see past it to what Val is actually saying.

Kidnapping me is his first choice and nature. He wants to rob me of my will, he wants the thrill of seeing me at his mercy. I just didn't know why I found it so surprising. After everything he's done.

However, he's forcing himself to make me comfortable.

Why?

I know for certain he doesn't care about my moral line.