caught in a web

I paced around the room, my mind racing with a single, shocking truth: I'd let Ryder kiss me. Twice. And the worst part? I'd loved every second of it.

"What is wrong with me?" I yelled at myself, still trying to process the kiss. Had I finally lost my mind?

Just then, a knock at the door shattered my thoughts. I quickly dropped my hand from my lips, where I'd been unconsciously tracing the shape of Ryder's kiss.

Fiona appeared at the door, a discreet smile on her face. "Miss, your clothes."

I took the clothes from her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

As I gazed at the feast before me - succulent meat, steaming spaghetti, and savory lasagna - my eyes widened in awe. I gulped down my saliva, my stomach growling with anticipation. Back at my apartment, meals were a luxury I rarely afforded myself. So, this spread was nothing short of a miracle.

I dug in with reckless abandon, the flavors exploding on my taste buds. But my enthusiasm was short-lived.

Ryder's voice cut through my gluttony, his tone laced with amusement. "You know, if you continue eating like that, you'll choke on your food."

I glanced up, my cheeks flushing, and caught him watching me with an air of superiority. His own eating habits were a stark contrast to mine - deliberate, refined, and infuriatingly calm.

I rolled my eyes, my pride wounded. "So, how is it any of your business?"

Ryder's smirk grew wider. "Well, it is my business, because I can't let a person who belongs to me die just yet."

My eyes snapped to his, my heart skipping a beat. Belongs to him? The words sent a shiver down my spine.

I choked on the meat, my throat constricting. Ryder's eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled.

"Be careful, darling," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.

Fiona bowed and left, her formal demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.

I locked the door, my heart racing at the thought of Ryder walking in on me again. I slipped into the black sleeveless pajama gown and wrapped myself in a robe, trying to shake off the feeling that I was in way over my head.

But Ryder's kiss still lingered on my lips, a constant reminder of the dangerous game I'd gotten myself into.

As I descended the stairs, Fiona's gentle reminder about dinner still lingered in my mind. But my attention was hijacked by a piercing gaze that seemed to strip me bare. I refused to meet his eyes, fearing the sparks that would fly.

Taking my seat beside Ryder, I felt his smirk like a whispered promise. "You look sexy in that robe," he whispered, his breath dancing across my earlobe.

I turned to face him, my eyes involuntarily drawn to his lips. The memory of our kiss still lingered, and I could feel the tension building.

"Fuck you," I hissed, trying to sound convincing despite the tremble in my voice.

Ryder's eyes glinted with amusement. "Well, if you don't mind, I can...but we won't get any sleep tonight," he drawled, his voice low and husky.

My cheeks flared with heat as I felt a shiver run down my spine. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken promises.

"Let's just eat," I muttered, trying to deflect the tension.

But Ryder's gaze lingered, his eyes burning with an intensity that left me breathless.

Ryder's hand lingered on my back, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Don't touch me," I warned, my voice firm.

He raised his hands in mock submission, a sly smile spreading across his face. I glared at him, my eyes flashing with annoyance.

After downing a glass of water to soothe my parched throat, I devoured the rest of my meal in silence. The tension between us was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words.

As soon as I finished eating, I pushed my chair back and stood up. "I'm done," I announced, my voice curt.

Ryder's eyes narrowed, his gaze following me as I strode out of the dining room. I could feel his eyes burning into my skin, making my heart race with anticipation.

I locked myself in my room, my mind reeling with thoughts of Ryder and his intoxicating touch. "Fuck, what was that?" I asked myself, my voice barely above a whisper.

I tried to clear my thoughts, but Ryder's face lingered in my mind, his eyes burning with desire. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I slipped into bed.

Just as I drifted off to sleep, I heard a faint scratching sound outside my door. It was soft at first, but grew louder, more insistent.

My heart racing, I threw off the covers and crept to the door. "Who's there?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

There was no answer. But the scratching grew louder, more urgent.

And then, everything went black.