Playing the victim
1021 Words
Jace Winston P.O.V
Then suddenly, she walked towards me, bent down, and wrapped her arms around me. Her touch was gentle, she was careful like I might break.
Her hand softly patted my hair. For a second, I let myself feel it.
Then I grabbed her wrists and pushed her hands away.
“You should leave,” I said, my voice turning cold again as I looked straight into her eyes. “This isn’t a place for someone like you.”
“Go.”
But instead of stepping back, she leaned in. Before I could react, her lips pressed against mine.
I froze.
She pulled away slowly, her fingers brushing against my chest then she spoke, her voice soft but firm.
“Will you help me?”
I frowned, confused.
“I did drink the drugged glass of milk your brother gave me,” she continued quietly. “You’re my employer… so you’re responsible for keeping me alive.”
Her eyes locked onto mine.
“So will you give me the antidote?”
*********************
I woke up the next day and lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling as memories of last night replayed in my mind.
When I was sure that Daphne had gone out, I got out of bed and headed to the office.
Marcus was already there, waiting.
The moment I stepped in, he looked up at me with a smirk.
“Well,” he said slowly, “how did it feel… making someone else handle your business while you were off having fun for hours?”
I ignored him and took my seat behind the desk, adjusting my posture as Ethan Cornelius, CEO of Cornelius Construction.
Marcus walked closer and leaned slightly toward me, his eyes sharp.
“Jace… you’re really good at playing with women, aren’t you?” he teased. “Honestly, I might start envying you.”
I shot him a cold glare. “How can I measure up to you?”
He chuckled. “It must feel nice being r***d by a woman you like.”
My jaw tightened, but I said nothing.
Marcus’s expression shifted, turning more serious. He folded his arms.
“I’m just waiting for the day Daphne finds out who you really are,” he said. “That day… she’ll hate you.”
Silence filled the room.
“If it comes to that,” I finally said, my voice low, “I’ll deal with it.” I said as I poured myself a drink.
Marcus studied me carefully. “Why can't you chase her like a normal person?? ”
I leaned back in my chair, swirling my drink, my gaze dark.
“If she finds out my age… she might hate me. I know that.”
“Then why do it?” Marcus asked.
“This is called getting on the bus now and buying bus tickets later.” I replied without hesitation.
Marcus’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You do realize the Winston family is already dangerous enough… and now she’s involved.”
“I’ll protect her.”
He held my gaze for a moment longer, then sighed. “Just make sure,” he muttered, “that you don’t end up being the one she needs protection from.”
I didn’t respond, rather I sipped my drink.
But deep down… I knew he wasn’t entirely wrong.
Daphne P.O.V
I went in for my usual shift at the hotel. Like always, everyone wore masks. Here the waiters kept their faces hidden. It didn't matter to anyone if you were beautiful or not.
From a distance, I watched Noah Winston at the side entrance, limping his way into the club.
A faint smirk appeared at my lips.
This was only the beginning of his misery.
Then suddenly,everything shifted.
Bodyguards flooded the building. A voice spoke through the wire in my ear.
“A VIP has arrived.”
I stiffened.
Who could be powerful enough to shut down the entire club?
The answer came almost immediately.
“Ethan Cornelius is here.”
My breath hitched.
“Line up on the staircase. Face the wall.”
“Restrooms are out of use.”
“All customers are to remain locked in their private rooms.”
“No one goes in. No one comes out until Mr. Cornelius leaves.”
“Anyone who disobeys… will be dealt with.”
Then the line went dead.
Silently, I moved into position with the others, standing along the staircase, my back straight, my face turned away.
A fleet of black cars rolled in, smooth. In the center, a Rolls-Royce moved forward like it owned the night.
My hands curled into fists.
It’s him.
Would he recognize me?
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay still.
Another announcement came through.
“All rooms are temporarily closed for thirty minutes.”
“And whatever you do… do not look at him.”
A brief pause.
“The last girl who tried… had her eyes taken out.”
My entire body went rigid.
Silence swallowed the club, No music. No whispers. Nothing.
Just the sound of footsteps echoing the hallway.
It had to be him, Ethan Cornelius walking in with his men as they escorted him inside.
“Mr. Winston is in room 210.”
A pause.
Then I heard his voice.
“Good. Clear the surrounding rooms. I’d like to pay him a visit.”
My chest tightened as I heard his footsteps moving up the stairs closer and closer.
I held my breath.
Don’t recognize me.
It’s impossible for him to recognize me, I told myself. My hair is longer. I’m wearing a mask. There’s no way he’ll know.
His steps passed me.
For a second, I thought I was safe.
Then he stopped.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
Slowly… he stepped back.
No… it’s not possible.
I steadied my breathing, forcing it into a calm rhythm, praying my body should not betray me.
But then...
His scent.
It grew stronger as he leaned in.
I felt his breath brush against my collarbone. "Is this another test of my s****l orientation?"
My entire body became tensed.
- Writer
