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“-And if we happened to run into another succubus, imagine how they would expect a human to be if they were under our seduction,” Oliver interjected.
Dustin’s right hand eased off the wall, gliding gently across my cheek as Oliver spoke—a petting gesture that felt oddly comforting, like I was some animal needing solace. Despite his attempt at reassurance, I resisted showing any response. I was determined not to let him see how his touch affected me. I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction. Or perhaps, somewhere within, I was trying to convince myself.
Dustin continued for Oliver. “Now imagine them realizing that you’re not seduced. Something that a succubus is not used to by any means.” Those eyes of his searched mine as if reminding me that I wasn’t seduced by him at first either.
Perhaps that was why he had this sudden intrigue with me. That was probably all it was- a fascination.
I wasn’t sure if he could discern the expression on my face—a blend of confusion and a subtle undertone of “Why does everyone insist on making me feel abnormal?”
“They will want to try for themselves. Do you understand what we’re trying to say to you?” Oliver urged carefully, trying to formulate his words. Though the message was clear, they would try to seduce me and keep trying until it worked. I didn’t need an explanation to understand that.
Dustin leaned down to my eye level, lifting my chin withhis hand as if to grab my attention further. “I won’t let that happen, but I need you to play pretend. Please.” His eyes pleaded. “I know today has been a lot, and after, I swear I will tell you everything I know. Everything that we believe you to be.”
While I sensed sincerity in his voice, it was challenging to focus. His proximity made it difficult to listen, caught between arousal and anger flooding my senses. Add to that the lingering shock of my life spiraling into this chaotic mess—whatever you wanted to label it.
Logic wasn’t exactly my ally in this situation. I could deny everything he said, and refuse to believe in any of it, but where would that leave me? What if he was right? What if this was real?
I only had one way to find out, which would only work if I tried to convince myself that everything he said was true. Despite my inner voice screaming that this was utterly insane, I closed my eyes. As they reopened, I inhaled deeply, the air feeling thin in my throat as I spoke. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
He smiled. “Perfect.”
He and Oliver took the lead, exiting through the door. As I moved to follow, Dustin stopped in the doorway, practically pushing me out of the way. His hand rested on my chest, probably feeling my heart racing against his touch. I nearly scoffed at myself for letting my heart fasten so noticeably rapid.
“Stay here for now. I’m going to see if they even saw you. If they did, they’ll ask about you and I will return for you. Do you understand?” His eyes searched mine for an answer, and I merely nodded as he left with the door closed rather tightly as if he was trying to lock it from the outside.
Two trains of thought went through me in this moment.
On one track, I could wait and do as I was told, uncovering what was really going on. And on the other, I could run. And that thought tempted me dangerously.
I could go back through the front door, run like hell to the nearest building, wait until I was safe, and call Tina for help. I could forget this day ever existed and go on about my daily life. If only it were that simple.
I knew I was wasting valuable time pondering the possibilities. It just felt so hard, like the curiosity of finding out was tugging at my brain, begging me to stay even if it was just for one measly hour.
But as the nerves began to bubble up inside me and the reality that I was growing too fond of the proximity to Dustin, I felt like the best thing I could do for myself in that moment was run.
And that’s what I did.
Chapter 9
Freya
I bolted out the door before I could regret my decision.
I retreated to the foyer of the building, cautiously tiptoeing past the rooms to ensure I wouldn’t encounter any of the models from earlier, particularly the one with viper-like eyes who instilled a genuine fear in me. However, my steps came to an abrupt halt just before the door swung open, revealing two people entering. My heart sank at the thought of who it might be this time.
They both had near-white hair, an apparent similarity with everyone here thus far, though they had more of a mud pie brown instead of blue eyes. However, their gaze felt too unnervingly familiar to the Ellisario’s once they set on me.
“Are you new, girl?” The lady frowned and then looked at who I could assume was her husband as he cordially roped his arm around her.
They both wore silver bands on their ring fingers, standing rigidly side by side. She was notably tall for a woman, while he appeared somewhat short for a man.
“Uh, yes. Here with the Ellisario’s.” I said on the fly, my eyes bouncing desperately at the door behind them as I tried toplot my escape. I could run past them, maybe?
“Where are they, Darling? I would very much like to see them..” My eyes widened at the word “Darling,” thinking of how different it sounded from her rather than Dustin.
“They left for a meeting with some old friends.” Was all I could formulate on the spot.
“Ah, I see.” She pursed her lips, her finger plucking at her bottom lip, which seemed to pout suddenly. “Well, you sure do look yummy. How do you know the Ellisario’s dear?”
