28

24. The Monster

A silent billionaire.

A woman trained to kill.

When power marries danger, love turns lethal.

The night had settled beautifully across the city.

Moonlight spilled over the mountains while thousands of distant lights glittered beneath the dark sky. The farmhouse stood silent except for the occasional sound of guards moving through the property.

I was ready.

A black tailored suit fit perfectly across my shoulders, the fabric sharp enough to match the mood I carried tonight. A black dress shirt rested beneath it, the first few buttons left open while a silver watch sat against my wrist.

The men attending Valentino Ravello's gathering party already knew each other. We were all playing the same game and were friendly rivals of each other, which was slightly better than being enemies.

We sat together, drank together, and still made plans behind each other's backs. Though we never crossed certain lines, we often helped remove one another's obstacles. How long these fake smiles would remain on our faces, nobody knew.

My eyes moved toward the clock again. It had already reached the prescribed time.

My jaw tightened.

Velvet Viper was supposed to be here ten minutes ago.

The woman possessed many talents, but punctuality was clearly not one of them.

Was she doing all this on purpose?

The irritation growing inside me had very little to do with the delay itself. It had everything to do with who was causing it.

Anybody else would have received consequences by now, but apparently, she believed schedules were merely suggestions.

I leaned back in my chair and laughed once.

The moment I saw her next time, I was going to teach her exactly what happened when someone ignored a direct instruction from Ranbir Singh Rathore.

I was forcefully taking her with me. She had ditched me at the last moment and I didn't have time because I never expected she would do something like that. If I had the time, I would find her even in hell.

She could not escape me.

Even if she hated me brutally, she would still have to come with me.

Finally deciding I had wasted enough time waiting, I walked outside and entered the car.

The convoy immediately began moving, but the anger inside me still hadn't settled.

The farmhouse gates opened.

The vehicles rolled through the restricted private roads before joining narrower mountain routes and eventually merging onto the main highway leading toward the city.

Streetlights flashed past the car window one after another.

I wasn't paying attention when something caught my eye.

My gaze shifted toward the roadside bus stop standing right beside the road leading toward the private property.

A woman stood beneath a streetlamp.

The moment the car moved closer, the moonlight and streetlights revealed the unmistakable figure standing beside the road.

Velvet Viper.

And suddenly, her delay made perfect sense.

The deep wine-red gown wrapped around her body with effortless elegance, the silk catching every trace of light as she moved.

The off-shoulder neckline exposed smooth skin while the fitted silhouette followed every curve before flowing down her legs. A daring slit climbed one side of the dress, revealing flashes of glittering red high heels each time she stepped forward.

The dress looked beautiful on her. The moment I saw that dress in the luxury boutique, my eyes had locked onto it and I purchased it for her. Her long black hair fell in soft curls at the ends, with blue highlights blending through the lower strands.

I ordered the driver to stop the car.

I had found the woman I was going to punish, but here her reason for being late completely made sense.

Because she was busy beating three grown men half to death.

One man lay unconscious several feet away in the bushes. The second was still conscious, but after experiencing one of her deadly moves, he was so terrified that he pretended to be unconscious. The third was begging for mercy, but unfortunately he had chosen the wrong woman to harass.

Her glittering heel slammed into his stomach again and again. Blood flowed from his mouth while his words became impossible to understand. He curled into himself desperately.

"Now suddenly you're quiet?" she snapped.

Her kicks refused to stop.

"Flirt with me more. Please."

Another kick.

"I'll show you what I give men at night."

Another kick.

The man immediately squeezed his eyes shut and went completely still.

After tonight, none of these men would ever harass another woman again. This would become a nightmare they carried for the rest of their lives. The third man looked close to death, but finally she stopped and stared down at him for several seconds.

Then she clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"Coward."

The man remained on the ground, crying in pain and begging for mercy.

Finally, she stepped back and took a slow breath.

It was as if brutally beating strangers by the roadside was merely a minor interruption to her evening. Though honestly, these men needed a woman like her to teach them a proper lesson.

She ran a hand through her hair, fixing the strands that had escaped during the fight before calmly reaching down toward the grass.

A black-and-white fur coat rested there. She picked it up along with her purse.

Then, because apparently attempted murder wasn't enough preparation for the evening, she pulled a small mirror from her purse.

I watched in complete disbelief as she examined her reflection.

Satisfied with nothing except her own standards, she produced her signature dark red lipstick.

She carefully applied another layer despite the fact that her lips already looked perfectly fine.

Then she closed the mirror, adjusted the coat over one arm, and casually stepped over one of the unconscious men lying on the ground.

Like she hadn't just committed a violent crime.

I leaned back against the seat and laughed quietly.

So that was why she was late. She had been stuck in some unavoidable situation.

She was busy making society a little more beautiful by removing three idiots from it tonight.

As if sensing my gaze, she finally looked up. Her eyes immediately found the car. For one brief second, she froze. Then she started walking toward it.

Toward me.

The moonlight followed her with every step.

The deep wine-red gown moved like liquid around her body, the fabric hugging her figure and flowing elegantly around her legs.

The high slit revealed flashes of red glittering heels with each step while the cool night breeze played with the loose curls of her dark hair, blue highlights blending beautifully into the black strands.

The combination should not have existed in one woman. Yet somehow, it did.

Her makeup remained flawless despite the fight she'd apparently finished minutes earlier. Dark lashes framed eyes that could seduce or kill with equal ease. Her dark red lipstick was untouched, and her confidence was even more dangerous.

The driver immediately stepped out and opened the rear door for her.

She entered and settled into the seat beside me.

The scent of her perfume instantly filled the car.

My eyes drifted toward her hands.

Her nails were painted a dark glittering red that matched both her dress and lipstick.

Then my gaze moved higher.

Black ink decorated her skin like carefully crafted armor. A lace-winged butterfly extended from the outer corner of each eye, accented with delicate dot work and dripping details.

Lilies connected by curling vines stretched across her collarbone and shoulder, while a slender snake coiled along the opposite side in elegant curves.

A large flower spread across the back of one hand, surrounded by thorn-like patterns and flowing black lines, while floral vines and blossoms climbed the other hand and forearm in an intricate black work design.

The tattoos somehow made her look even more dangerous and impossible to ignore.

Silver earrings brushed her neck with every movement. The exposed line of her shoulders gave her a regal air, while the fur coat over one arm made her look more predator than person.

The city lights continued passing outside the windows while silence settled inside the car.

She sat staring out the window, personally attacking my patience without saying a word.

I glanced toward her.

"Stop staring at me. You're very creepy."

Her voice broke the silence.

"I am. You should be used to it by now."

A smirk tugged at my lips.

"I'm actually waiting for the day that handsome face turns pale and stops breathing."

"Oh? So you consider me handsome."

My reply earned an immediate look of irritation.

I placed my hand on her thigh, fully aware it would irritate her even more.

Her eyes flashed with annoyance as my hand slowly slid higher.

Without a second of hesitation, she brought the pointed heel of her stiletto down onto my shoe.

The pressure made the polished leather crease beneath her heel. Then she pressed harder and harder.

A sharp sting shot through my foot as the heel dug through the expensive shoe and reached my toes.

"Take your hand off my thigh," she said through gritted teeth.

I looked down at the heel currently trying to crush my foot, then back at her furious face. A slow smirk tugged at my lips, and I simply shook my head.

"Make me."

Her jaw tightened.

The pressure increased again, and the pain was becoming very real.

Unfortunately, my determination to keep my hand exactly where I wanted it was even stronger.

Her anger grew worse, and she attacked me with both hands, her sharp nails aimed directly at me.

I moved my hand from her thigh and caught both of her wrists with one hand.

"What is your problem? Can you let me enjoy this?" I said.

"That is exactly the problem, and you know it. Can't you stay still for five minutes?" she said through gritted teeth, twisting in an attempt to free her hands.

But my grip only tightened.

For the rest of the journey, my position remained exactly the same.

The city lights gradually gave way to private roads as the convoy moved deeper into one of the most heavily guarded areas in the city. Luxury estates appeared beyond iron gates while security checkpoints stood every few kilometers. Armed men monitored every entrance and exit.

The closer we came, the more extravagant everything became.

Rows of imported cars lined the private roadway leading toward the venue. Valets moved efficiently between arriving guests while security teams discreetly observed every face entering the property.

Nobody was allowed to carry even their personal safety weapons, but I hoped my woman hadn't decided to bring hers.

The estate itself looked less like a residence and more like a palace built for kings who preferred power over crowns. Golden lights illuminated the massive structure while fountains reflected moonlight across polished stone pathways. Music drifted through the night air, elegant enough to suit the wealthy crowd gathering inside.

The convoy finally stopped, and one of the guards opened the door.

I stepped out, and a moment later she joined me. If she kept appearing in front of my eyes like this, I wouldn't be able to focus on my work. Everything she did made me forget my own world. She carried some strange power over me, and lately I found myself unable to resist it.

The wine-red gown shimmered beneath the lights, while the black fur coat draped over her shoulders softened none of the danger hidden beneath her beauty.

She looked perfectly suited for the evening.

Which was ironic.

Because she was probably the most dangerous person present here.

She wrapped her hand around my arm, and together we moved toward the entrance like any powerful couple arriving at a royal ball.

For the briefest second, the movement around us slowed. Every eye remained fixed on her.

Together we climbed the wide staircase leading toward the entrance.

Inside, the ballroom stretched beneath enormous crystal chandeliers. Marble pillars rose toward painted ceilings while live musicians performed from an elevated stage overlooking the gathering. Waiters moved through the crowd carrying expensive wine and champagne.

Politicians, businessmen, and investors. All gathered beneath one roof with fake smiles on their faces and jealousy for one another hidden in their hearts.

The women glittered in designer gowns and priceless jewelry while the men wore perfectly tailored suits.

Every handshake appeared friendly, but it was all a performance of politeness. Nothing here was real. Nothing here was honest.

It was a gathering of predators.

And tonight, for the first time, I had arrived with one standing beside me.

The moment we entered the ballroom, dozens of conversations seemed to pause for a fraction of a second before continuing again.

Not because of me.

Because of her.

I could see every eye on her.

She adjusted the black-and-white coat resting over her shoulders and shifted her handbag slightly against her arm. The gown moved like liquid around her as she walked beside me, ignoring every stare that followed her. Her fingers remained tightly wrapped around her purse.

"I hope you didn't come here with a weapon, did you?" I asked quietly enough for only her to hear.

"Then how would I kill you tonight?" she replied arrogantly.

This was exactly what I expected from her.

Expensive perfume mixed with the scent of aged wine. The room was filled with powerful people whose wealth couldn't be explained on paper.

And every one of them knew how to recognize power.

"Ranbir Singh Rathore."

A deep voice interrupted my thoughts.

Valentino Ravello approached us with a smile.

The older man carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to commanding rooms without raising his voice. His green eyes always seemed to find whatever was beneficial for him. He was in his late forties, but there was no sign of aging on him.

"It's been a long time."

"It has," I said politely.

Our hands met briefly.

His gaze immediately shifted toward the woman beside me. Interest appeared in his eyes, and I was instantly irritated.

"Well," Valentino said, "this is certainly a surprise."

Velvet smiled politely.

The kind of smile that made intelligent men reconsider their decisions.

"Valentino Ravello," I said, "meet Velvet Viper."

For the first time, genuine surprise crossed his face.

"So the rumors are true."

Velvet tilted her head with interest.

"Which rumors?"

Valentino laughed.

"The ones saying you're far more beautiful than people claim."

"That's not good. People have been discussing me behind my back."

His laughter grew louder.

"You both are very welcome here, and I am truly glad to meet you."

He looked between us while laughing uncontrollably.

Several nearby guests glanced in our direction.

Velvet seemed entirely irritated by every eye on her. Her fake smile and polite words told me she wanted to snatch out the eyes of everyone looking at her.

"Enjoy the evening," Valentino said before stepping aside. "There are several people here interested in meeting both of you."

I immediately disliked that sentence.

Within minutes, people began approaching us.

Most wanted to speak to me, but unfortunately, most ended up staring at Velvet instead.

She handled every conversation effortlessly. The woman could lie to someone's face while making them believe they were the clever one, but something about everyone surrounding her was making me increasingly annoyed.

I watched her exchange a few polite remarks with some people. Each conversation lasted only a few minutes. Yet somehow every person walked away looking impressed.

I felt jealous.

Like a teenage boy who had recently found his forever love.

"I think they're more interested in you than me."

Her voice appeared beside me.

I looked down at her.

"They're interested in causing me problems, that's all because of you."

"But still, don't get jealous," she said with a smirk.

A small smile touched her lips.

I tightened my grip around her waist and pulled her closer to me.

"Possessive," she said.

"I am. And that's all because of you. So don't get annoyed."

The orchestra shifted to another piece while more guests filled the ballroom.

For a while, we simply moved through the crowd together.

People were whispering about us, but no matter where I looked, I kept finding my attention returning to her.

Then a group of women started moving toward her, so I left and walked toward Valentino Ravello. He led me toward a private section of the estate.

Unlike the main gathering, this area was heavily restricted. Security stood at every entrance while the noise of the party faded with each step.

Velvet wasn't invited. I had left her outside intentionally. She was under contract with me, and I trusted her not to put a bullet in my head. That didn't mean I trusted her with sensitive business information.

In my world, information could be more dangerous than a weapon.

The private room opened into a quiet courtyard overlooking the sea. Expensive whiskey rested on a nearby table while armed guards remained far enough away to provide privacy. Only three people sat there.

Valentino Ravello, Dominic Ravello, and me.

The discussion moved straight to business.

"As you know, I need exclusive weapons," I said.

Valentino nodded once and smiled slightly.

"Exclusive stock?"

"Yes."

For a moment, neither Ravello spoke. Then Valentino leaned forward.

"That's becoming difficult now."

Silence settled briefly before he poured himself a drink.

"As you know," Valentino replied calmly, "about our losses."

I already knew what he meant. Several shipments had disappeared during the past months. Someone had been targeting Ravello operations.

"Our main seaport was attacked a month ago," Valentino continued. "The damage was worse than expected."

The information was never made public, and I was genuinely surprised that someone had managed to dig that deeply into Ravello business and was still breathing.

"It will be rebuilt," Dominic said. "But rebuilding takes time. It will take months."

I leaned back in my chair.

This was not good news for me.

Valentino continued.

"But we still have stock."

My attention returned immediately.

"I'll give it to you. But if anything happens during transportation," Valentino said, his voice turning colder, "you'll wait until imports resume."

I understood the meaning.

I had to protect this shipment at any cost, or I would be waiting several months for another opportunity.

Silence filled the room before I asked the question that mattered most.

I had a feeling they probably knew something.

"What do you know about the person responsible?"

The atmosphere changed immediately.

Valentino exchanged a glance with Dominic. Neither of the two men looked pleased, but finally, Valentino answered.

"Very little."

That response irritated me, and I leaned forward.

"Then tell me something useful."

A long silence followed.

Finally, Dominic exhaled.

"He's a clever young man."

My attention sharpened instantly, which immediately removed several possibilities from my mind.

Valentino looked annoyed before Dominic finally spoke again. Anger was clearly visible in his eyes.

"I met him six months ago."

The hesitation in his voice didn't escape me.

"I was drunk. He looked like every other rich brat in the club, so we drank, talked, and partied the whole night."

Valentino cursed under his breath. Apparently, I wasn't the only one hearing it.

"What did you talk about?"

This time, Dominic didn't answer immediately. That silence told me more than any words could.

Valentino slammed his glass onto the table. His expression darkened further.

"Tell him what bullshit you did there."

Dominic rubbed his jaw.

"I talked too much."

Valentino looked ready to strangle him, or at least punch him himself.

"He kept flaunting his money and showing me his wealthy lifestyle," Dominic admitted. "So in impulse, I started showing off my own wealth. I told him about the seaport, our alliances, wealthy partners, and our exclusive weapons."

My expression hardened.

That was one of the dumbest things a man could do in this business.

Guilt was written all over his face, but it was too late now. The damage had already been done.

"He seemed very impressed and said he wanted to build something similar one day, so I kept talking."

The courtyard fell silent.

The bastard had already been collecting information.

Valentino's voice turned dangerous.

"He practically educated him. And I beat his ass for it, but as you can see, it was too late. We've lost too much already."

I stared out toward the dark sea while the pieces slowly connected inside my head.

A young man smart enough to manipulate people. Dangerous enough to steal from the Ravellos. Powerful enough to attack the Rathores.

Now I stopped thinking about who he was and started thinking about what he would do next. He had been planning this for months. He was already ahead, with all the information he needed for his victory.

"Transport the weapons to me. I'll take full responsibility for their security. And if you learn anything else, let me know," I said to them as I stood up.

"Yes, I will," Valentino replied.

We shook hands.

A few moments later, I made my way back outside with far more questions than answers.

My investigation had just taken an entirely new direction, and now I had to start it all over again.

The discussion with the Ravellos lingered in my mind as I stepped back into the ballroom. Music drifted through the hall while conversations and laughter blended beneath the crystal chandeliers. My eyes immediately found Velvet.

She stood near one of the marble pillars, speaking with an older woman who appeared completely enchanted by her. The woman was complimenting her dress, her beauty, and probably half a dozen other things.

Velvet smiled politely, handling the conversation with the same effortless confidence she seemed to carry everywhere.

I crossed the room without thinking and settled a hand around her waist.

Her gaze shifted toward me briefly.

The woman noticed immediately.

"Ah, there he is," she said with a knowing smile before leaving us.

Suddenly, a familiar voice that always irritated me sounded behind us.

"Ranbir Singh Rathore."

I turned toward the voice.

Ekansh Shekhawat.

Beside him stood Karina, elegant as always and a master manipulator.

My mood worsened instantly.

I had not forgotten our last meeting and the indirect threat he had given me about stealing my assassin. As far as I knew him, he hadn't abandoned the idea.

His eyes moved toward Velvet.

For a second, genuine surprise crossed his face.

"Well," he said, "so this is the famous woman everyone has been talking about."

I forced a fake smile onto my face.

"Velvet Viper."

His interest immediately doubled. He extended his hand toward her, and she accepted the handshake politely.

"I've heard a great deal about you," Ekansh continued. "Though I must admit, the rumors failed to do you justice."

Velvet offered a diplomatic smile.

"That's very kind of you."

"No," he said. "That's very honest of me."

I already regretted this conversation.

Ekansh continued without the slightest concern for my existence. He lifted her hand toward his lips and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.

My heart burned with irritation, and my grip tightened, but I remained calm.

"I've wanted to meet you for a while. Anyone capable of building your reputation earns my respect."

Velvet didn't respond. She simply smiled politely.

His grin widened.

"If Rathore ever decides to share, I'd happily offer you work."

There it was.

His filthy games had begun, but what he failed to understand was that she wasn't property to be shared.

She was my woman.

And if he kept talking this rubbish, I would probably forget where we were, forget our fake friendship, and punch him right here in front of everyone.

His eyes shifted toward me for half a second, clearly checking my reaction. Then he placed both hands around hers and tightened his grip slightly.

Karina looked completely unsurprised. Apparently, she had witnessed this behavior before.

Velvet slowly withdrew her hand from his and placed it against my chest.

For a second, my soul practically left my body. My attention immediately abandoned the rest of the room, and I could only see her.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," she said pleasantly.

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, and disappointment was clearly visible on his face.

"I'm under contract, and I honor my contracts."

Her fingers remained resting against my chest.

I remained perfectly calm, but internally, I was already planning our future together.

My heart was beating far too fast, and now I knew she was at least somewhat interested in me. Perhaps it was a complete delusion, but there was still a possibility.

Ekansh sighed dramatically.

"What a tragedy."

"Life is full of disappointments. What else can we do?" she replied.

The response was delivered with such effortless politeness that I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

Even Karina smiled.

Ekansh placed a hand over his heart.

"You wound me."

"I'm sure you'll recover," she said.

He sounded like a teenage boy suffering through a breakup and confronting his lover about it.

I was unable to take it anymore. I wanted to take my girl away from him.

Still, I kept my patience.

The conversation continued for several more minutes, with Ekansh flirting and Velvet rejecting him with a smile.

Every attempt he made to impress her failed completely, and somehow, she managed to reject him without offending him.

Honestly, it was impressive.

The more they spoke, the more obvious it became that she had absolutely no interest in him.

Meanwhile, her hand remained resting lightly against my chest.

A detail I found significantly more important than the conversation itself.

"It was lovely meeting you," he finally said before moving on.

I was suddenly feeling considerably better about life.

Velvet glanced up at me.

"What are you looking at?"

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

I looked away before she realized how satisfied I was because, as far as I was concerned, the entire interaction had confirmed only one thing.

Ekansh Shekhawat never had a chance.

I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and started cleaning the spot on her hand where he had kissed it.

She immediately pulled her hand away and spoke in a low voice filled with irritation.

"Stop this bullshit. You know every man around you is a creep, just like you. I don't know how much more of this I have to deal with."

"You only have to deal with my creepiness. The others around you will have to deal with me," I replied with a smirk.

She glared at me and walked toward the drinks counter.

I simply followed her.

The ballroom had become louder as the night progressed.

Velvet and I remained near one of the marble pillars, each holding a glass while people moved around us.

Then the music changed. The orchestra shifted into something slower and softer.

Almost immediately, couples began moving toward the center of the ballroom and started dancing. It looked like an incredibly boring activity.

My interest lasted approximately two seconds. Hers lasted considerably longer.

I noticed her watching the dance floor, and then she looked at me.

Whatever was going through her mind, I wasn't even slightly interested in it.

A smile appeared on her lips, and with her controlled, seductive voice, she gave an order.

"Come dance."

"No. I'm not interested in it."

Her jaw dropped, and her expectations shattered instantly. She had clearly been excited about going onto the floor.

"Or is it because you can't?" she asked.

I narrowed my eyes.

She immediately looked pleased with herself. Her smile widened even further.

"Oh my God. Ranbir Singh Rathore can't dance."

She stared at me with exaggerated shock, openly mocking me.

"That's not what I said."

She started laughing and placed her glass onto a passing waiter's tray, then she turned and walked away from me.

I assumed she was finally giving up, but unfortunately, I underestimated her.

A few moments later, a young businessman approached her and offered his hand.

She accepted immediately without hesitation and glanced back at me with a smirk on her face.

The next thing I knew, she was on the dance floor dancing with him.

My mood deteriorated rapidly. Suddenly, the entire ballroom felt suffocating.

His hand rested on her waist, and she smiled at something he said.

I couldn't watch the two of them together anymore.

Suddenly, her eyes found mine across the ballroom. The smile on her face changed, and it became smug.

She tilted her head slightly as if saying: See? This is what happens when you refuse my offer. You're not the only man who wants me.

Somewhere inside, I already knew that, but she should know something too. No other man could have her because my eyes were already on her.

I tightened my grip around my glass.

The businessman continued smiling, and I continued imagining his funeral.

Finally, I set my drink down.

They had enjoyed enough dancing together.

I crossed the ballroom. Guests moved aside automatically. The businessman noticed me approaching, and his smile disappeared instantly.

Velvet noticed me too, and her eyes immediately sparkled with amusement. Then she thanked the man for the dance and stepped away from him.

He wisely disappeared from my sight before I reached them.

She started walking toward me, and I walked toward her.

The music continued around us. The crowd blurred from my vision. Even the ballroom seemed to disappear. Everything around me faded into darkness.

Only she remained visible. I could only see her.

I stopped in front of her and extended my hand.

"May I have this dance?"

Her smile softened, and she bit her lower lip. Her dark eyes sparkled with unmistakable happiness, and without looking away from me, she placed her hand in mine.

The moment our fingers touched, I pulled her closer. One hand settled against her waist while the other held hers, and then we moved together across the dance floor.

I had attended countless gatherings. Countless parties. Yet none of them had ever made me feel like this.

Because for the first time that night, I wasn't paying attention to the danger surrounding us. I was paying attention only to her.

The woman in my arms.

The woman whose perfume I recognized instantly.

The woman capable of destroying my patience with a single smile.

The woman who somehow managed to occupy every thought in my head.

As we moved across the ballroom, the world around us faded into nothing, and for several stolen moments, all I could see was her face.

Then the music changed again, and everyone started leaving the dance floor, so we did too.

The crowd gradually faded into the background as we moved away from the center of the ballroom.

We stopped near one of the enormous glass windows overlooking the estate grounds.

The wind brushed against her skin as the night stretched endlessly beneath a sky full of stars. Moonlight spilled across the gardens below, while distant fountains reflected silver light back toward the mansion.

And somehow...

Even the moonlight seemed drawn to her.

It settled against her skin, turning her soft and luminous. The wine-red dress deepened in shade beneath the night sky, while strands of hair slipped free behind her ears, moving gently every time the breeze touched her.

I found myself jealous of the wind for it, as if it had no right to touch her so freely, as if it was stealing something that belonged to me.

I didn't care if she thought about me for even a second or not. I didn't care if she wanted me or didn't.

And still... I knew I would never leave her.

I stopped thinking about everything around me and started thinking only one thing-what I would do if I lost her.

She finally turned her head slightly. Just enough for her eyes to meet mine.

And for the first time since the moment I saw her and became obsessed... I realized something.

I wasn't looking at my obsession anymore.

I was looking at my downfall.

And I didn't want to step away.

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