As I left the hall, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. Had I done enough to make it to the next round? I was lost in thought when someone tapped me on the shoulder, making me jump.
I turned around to see Shawn grinning at me. "You got scared, right?" he teased, chuckling.
I tried to look annoyed, but Shawn's infectious laughter made me giggle. "Don't be mischievous," I warned, playfully rolling my eyes.
Shawn suggested we grab lunch while we waited for the results. As we walked out, I spotted one of the judges, Griffin Gluck, approaching me. I recalled his introduction and assumed he wanted to discuss my talent.
I put on my best smile, ready to make a good impression. "Good day, Mr. Griffin," I greeted.
Griffin's eyes seemed to gleam with an unsettling intensity. "Hello, beauty. May I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
I gestured for Shawn to excuse us, and he nodded before walking away. I turned back to Griffin, curious about what he wanted to discuss.
Griffin's proposal caught me off guard. "In the next competition, before the last round, there will be an hour-long break. Spend that hour with me, and I'll ensure you come out on top." He handed me his card, his eyes glinting with an unspoken promise.
I felt a surge of anger and disgust. Who did he think he was? But before I could react, Master Adrian appeared out of nowhere, his eyes blazing with fury.
He grasped my hand, his grip like a vice, and pulled me away from Griffin. I tried to ask what was wrong, but Adrian remained silent, his anger radiating like a palpable force.
I was dragged along, helpless to resist Adrian's powerful grip. Where was he taking me? And what had just happened??...
Forever seemed to pass before Master Adrian finally stopped, his chest heaving with rage. I looked around, disoriented, and realized we were in a deserted alley. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by Adrian's labored breathing.
Before I could process what was happening, I was pinned against the wall, Adrian's hand grasping my hair, the other clenched in a fist. His eyes blazed with fury, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
"Why did you bring me here?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. "And in such a manner?"
Adrian's response was a thunderous "Shut up!" that made me jump. His anger was palpable, and I felt a jolt of fear.
"Do you think you can win the competition by selling your body?" he sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Answer me!"
I recoiled, outraged. "I'm not some cheap whore who sells her body! I'm here to showcase my talent!"
Adrian's face twisted in disgust. "Talent? Ha! You mean talent in bed? Why don't you sell yourself to me instead and win the competition? You'd rather beg that lowlife Griffin than me?"
His words were like a slap in the face. I struggled against his grip, but he held me fast. "Leave me alone! I'd rather beg anyone than you!" I spat, my anger matching his.
Adrian's eyes flashed with fury, and his hold on me tightened. "You'll regret your decision," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
And then, without warning, his lips crashed down on mine, kissing me with a hunger that left me breathless...