In His Dark World

Episode 3

"No!" Talia jerked up from her sleep, heart pounding. She had just dreamt about kissing Xavier—passionately. Worse, they were about to have s*x.

"What the hell?" she muttered, running a hand through her hair. I can't believe I dreamt about that jerk. And s*x? Seriously?

Then it hit her. Arnold.

"Oh no!" she gasped, grabbing her phone. I have a date with Arnold! Her eyes darted to the time.

Panic set in. Then another realization struck her.

"That bastard better not be watching me on this date." She groaned in frustration. I wish I knew where he planted that stupid tracker.

Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, she rushed into the bathroom.

Arnold’s House

"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice laced with sleep as she rubbed her eyes.

"Out on a date," Arnold replied, running a brush through his hair.

She sat up, disbelief flashing in her eyes. "You can't be serious, Arnold. We just had the best s*x, and you're leaving me for another lady?"

Arnold sighed, turning to face her. "I told you from the beginning, Megan, we’re just s*x partners. I love Talia. I also love s*x, but she’ll only have it with me after marriage."

Megan's lips trembled. "So you don’t have even a tiny feeling for me?" She stepped closer, searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

Arnold smirked. "You’re just my slut, Megan. Nothing more."

Her breath hitched.

"And be gone before my parents see you," Arnold added coldly before walking out, leaving her standing there, humiliated.

Tears welled in Megan's eyes as she clenched her fists. You were mine from the very beginning.

Her lips curled into a twisted smile. I hate you, Talia.

*****

The Restaurant

"I’m so sorry I’m late," Arnold said as he approached Talia, who was already seated at their table.

"It’s nothing, as long as you’re here," Talia replied with a smile.

Arnold sat down, his gaze softening. "You look beautiful."

Talia blushed. "I did it for you.

"Or for me?" a deep voice cut in from behind her.

Her heart stopped.

She knew that voice.

Slowly, she turned to see Xaiver Montenegro standing behind her.

"Hey, kid, bounce off. I want to have a date with my woman," Xaiver said, slipping his hands into his pockets.

Arnold frowned. "Who are you calling a kid? Who are you? And who the hell is your woman?"

Xaiver smirked. "I ask the questions. Little one, haven't you told him yet?" He turned to Talia.

"Told me what?" Arnold asked, his brows knitting together.

Talia swallowed. "Let’s just go eat somewhere else," she said, standing up.

But Xaiver pushed her back into her seat—then kissed her.

Her breath hitched.

Arnold sprang to his feet. "Get away from my girlfriend!"

Before he could charge, two of Xaiver’s men grabbed him, throwing him out of the restaurant like a rag doll.

Xaiver finally pulled away and took Arnold’s seat.

Talia’s chest heaved as she stared at him, her cheeks burning. "Why did you kiss me in front of my boyfriend?" she hissed.

Xaiver leaned back lazily. "You enjoyed it. Now stop questioning me, little one."

"Stop calling me that!" she snapped. Then her eyes widened in realization. "Wait... how did you even know I was here?"

Xaiver’s smirk deepened.

"Oh… the tracker. Are you watching my every move?" Her voice dropped into a whisper. "Don't tell me you even watch me when I take a bath."

He chuckled. "What do you think? I even know the color of panties you’re wearing."

Her face turned red. "You pervert!" she shouted, drawing attention from other diners. But the moment they saw Xaiver, they all turned away, pretending nothing happened.

"You have to tell me where that tracker is and stop monitoring me," she demanded.

Xaiver’s expression darkened. "You don’t command me, little one. I warned you to break up with that guy. Seems like you’re testing my patience, and let me tell you—it’s running low."

"Can’t I just have one peaceful moment with my boyfriend without you interfering?" she asked, exasperated.

Xaiver’s jaw tightened. In a swift move, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her close.

She winced at the painful grip.

"Calling him your boyfriend pisses me off. I could shoot him right in front of you, so watch your words." His voice was dangerously low. "Your time is ticking. I won’t remind you again. If you don’t end it with him soon, I’ll take you by force, and you won’t escape me."

Talia’s throat went dry. "I... I’ll break up with him. I just need to find the right moment."

"Then do it quickly." Xaiver released her wrist, standing up. "Manager!"

The restaurant manager rushed out, bowing. "Yes, sir."

"Every meal and drink in this restaurant is on me," Xaiver said, handing over a black card before walking away.

Meanwhile, Clarissa and Manuel watched from a distance, hidden in the shadows.

"So this is why he couldn't come for the goods testing?" Clarissa muttered, arms crossed tightly. "This is what he was busy with?"

Manuel sighed. "Let's just go back to the clan, Clarissa. We've already tested the goods, and everything checked out."

But Clarissa wasn’t listening. Her eyes locked onto Talia, who had just stepped out of the restaurant. Without a second thought, she marched toward her, heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

Talia barely had time to react before Clarissa stood in front of her, her expression cold.

"I want you to stay away from him," Clarissa said, voice low but threatening.

Talia blinked, confused. "Who are you? And who exactly is him?"

"Xaiver Montenegro," Clarissa hissed. "He is mine and mine alone."

Talia scoffed. "Oh, so you’re the girlfriend of that jerk? Good. Then let me send you to him with a message—tell your boyfriend to stay away from me. I already have a boyfriend, but he wants me to break up with him. So maybe you should be telling him to back off, not me."

Clarissa’s eyes darkened with fury. She took a threatening step closer. "Listen to me, you little nobody. I don’t care what excuses you make—Xaiver has never looked at another woman before. Now suddenly, you show up, and he’s breaking his own rules? If you think you can take him from me, I will make your life a living hell."

Talia didn’t flinch. Instead, she smirked. "Go ahead and try. But here’s the thing—I never wanted him. He’s the one chasing me. So if you have a problem, take it up with him."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Clarissa fuming.

"I hate that girl," Clarissa spat, fists clenched.

"You don’t even know her," Manuel said, watching her with amusement.

Clarissa shot him a glare. "I don’t need to. As long as Xaiver is interested in her, I hate her."

Manuel chuckled. "You really think Xaiver belongs to you?"

Clarissa’s jaw clenched. "Stay out of this, Manuel."

Manuel tilted his head, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "I could give you everything you want, Clarissa. You’d never have to fight for my attention."

Clarissa turned to him sharply. "You think I want you?" she sneered.

Manuel smirked. "You will… once Xaiver crushes your little fantasy."

She glared at him before storming off.

Manuel let out a low chuckle, watching her leave. "Talia Montenegro," he mused under his breath. "Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think, Clarissa?"