The hotel was a grand, sprawling structure with gleaming floors and lavish decor that screamed luxury. As the team filed in, eager chatter filled the air, but the atmosphere around me felt decidedly colder. The closer I got to executing my plan, the more intense my emotions became.
We all gathered in the main hall, waiting for Coach Willis to distribute the room keys. I had already ensured that Sam and I would be roommates, manipulating the room assignments with a cunning that left no room for suspicion. When Coach finally called out the assignments, I watched Sam's face drop, her eyes widening in horror as she realized her fate.
"Sam and Scarlett, room 207," Coach announced. I could feel the stares, the slight tension from some of the other girls, but none of that mattered. All I could focus on was the look of sheer terror in Sam's eyes.
As the team dispersed, I grabbed our key and approached Sam. Her body tensed as I neared, a silent plea evident in her posture. She tried to keep her composure, but I could see the cracks in her facade.
"Let's go, St. Onge. Our room awaits," I said, my voice low and menacing. I didn't miss the way her hands shook as she followed me, her steps hesitant.
Once we were inside the room, the door shut behind us with a click that sounded far too final. I could see Sam's shoulders heave as she took in a deep breath, bracing herself.
"Sam," I began, my tone deceptively calm. "I know you're scared. You should be."
She flinched at my words, and I couldn't help the smirk that played on my lips. Moving closer, I saw her step back until her knees hit the edge of the bed. With nowhere else to go, she sat down, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Sam, I hate you. I really do," I whispered, leaning in so close I could smell the fear mingling with her shampoo. "But, God, I love how afraid you are of me. It's... exhilarating."
Her eyes filled with tears, her lips parting as if to say something, but no words came out. I reached out, tracing a finger down her cheek, relishing the shiver that coursed through her body.
"You see, Sam, your fear-it's pure, it's beautiful. It makes me feel alive. And I can't get enough of it."
Her breathing hitched, and I could see the conflict in her eyes-fear, confusion, desperation. It was all there, and it was intoxicating.
Without warning, I slapped her. The sound echoed in the room, a sharp crack that seemed to split the very air between us. Her head turned with the force of my hand, a red mark blooming on her cheek. Tears spilled over, tracing clean lines down her face.
"Shhh," I cooed, pulling her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her. She trembled, her body rigid against mine. "I love you, Sam. I love you and I hate you, and you're going to learn to love me back."
Her sobs filled the room, each one a melody to my ears. I kissed her tears, my lips brushing against her skin softly.
"You're mine, Sam. Only mine. And soon, you'll see just how good it can be to be loved by someone like me."
I held her tighter, feeling her body eventually go limp in my arms. The fight was going out of her, and I knew it was only a matter of time before she was completely mine.
Outside, the night carried on, oblivious to the storm brewing inside room 207. But for me, the world had narrowed down to the girl in my arms-the girl who I would never let go, no matter what
