POPPY ELLISON
✥
It's my twenty-sixth birthday. My third birthday in this hell hole. I almost forgot but Sanger remembered. He even gave me a hug when Rexx wasn't looking which I really appreciated. I don't care about presents or cards, all I want is my freedom.
I'd give up anything for it.
After a shower and heading into the kitchen I spot a bunch of pastries sitting on the side with a note. I pause and glance over my shoulder but no one is anywhere to be seen. My fingers gingerly pick up the card and I flick it over.
Happy birthday, Poppy. You better enjoy these. For all we know... it might be your last.
R
My blood turns cold inside my body, a shiver running straight down my spine uncomfortably. It might be my last? Any day in this shit show of a house might be my last, I've always been prepared for that possibility.
I close my eyes and let my fingers curl over the edge of the counter. The ways I'd kill Rexx. I always said I have no strength to kill another human but I'd do it in a heartbeat if he was on the receiving end.
God. I'd slit his throat and dance in his blood.
My eyes narrow at the pastries on the side, taunting me. A message. Fuck him.
A birthday is like any other day. There's no point celebrating. We're getting older, we're dying. Who fucking cares? Maybe I'm bitter because I haven't had anyone close enough to me to care in the last five years.
I go on. I survive. It's not the end of the world.
When I head back to my bedroom my phone buzzes. I grab it to find Zane's name on the screen. My brows crease, I hope he's not shutting the club tonight. I don't want to be sitting in on my birthday, I'd rather be out and distracted.
I click on the notification and see the message.
Zane: Hi, Poppy. Please could you come into work two hours early? It's important. Thanks.
A hum falls from my lips. It's much better than being alone all night. I love dancing, it's what I do best and now I'm going to be dancing the night away without a care in the world–for now anyway.
✥
As soon as I get to Dark Suite I head upstairs to Zane's office. The club is empty apart from bartenders and workers fixing the decorations for tonight. I knock on the door but no one answers. I frown. "Zane?" I call out.
When no one responds I press onto the handle and step inside to find the room empty. I walk towards the desk to find papers sitting there but Zane is nowhere to be seen. I huff out a breath and turn around, pulling my phone out of my pocket.
My eyes collide with someone standing in the doorway and I blink when I find Gabriel standing there looking beautiful as ever. He's wearing a navy suit with the top buttons of his crisp white shirt undone. He always looks amazing in a suit–stupidly sexy that my thighs clench together.
"Hi," I squeak.
Gabriel's dark eyes focus on my face so intently that I shiver. "Happy birthday, Red."
My mouth falls open. "How did yo–"
"I have my ways," he says, taking a few agonisingly slow steps towards me. I watch his every move until he's inches from me and towering over my stature. His hand raises to cup my cheek and he tilts it to his gaze. "Tonight you're not working. Tonight you're going to be in safe hands, treated like a damn Goddess."
YOU ARE READING
𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝟏𝟖+
Roman d'amour"Remember how wet you were when you decide to start avoiding me again. Remember how you came all over me. Remember how you felt in this exact moment because I know you'll deny it." - She knew falling in love with him was wrong. She still fell anywa...
