Page 108 of Once A Villain

He’s going to kill me.

I force myself to move closer, my body shaking. His gaze remains hard as I reach the top step. He steps aside just enough for me to pass, his voice slicing through the silence.

“Get inside.”

I don’t dare meet his gaze as I enter. My soaked clothes leave a trail of water on the floor. I shiver uncontrollably, teeth chattering.

“Rory,” he says, low and menacing. “Why did you ignore my calls?”

I try to speak, but my throat seizes, the words stuck. Before I can gather myself, his hand shoots out, gripping my throat and slamming me against the wall. Pain erupts sharply, squeezing the air from my lungs.

“Answer me,” he growls, his face inches from mine. The heat of his anger radiates off him.

“I’m sorry,” I rasp, barely able to get the words out. His grip tightens, pinning me harder against the wall.

“I asked you a question. You will answer it. Don’t make me ask again.”

“I—” My voice breaks, and tears streak down my face. “Axel, I’m so sorry.” His fingers dig in harder, taking more of my air.

“Not as sorry as you’re going to be,” he snarls.

“Please,” I beg, desperation clawing at me.

“You had your chance. You didn’t want to talk then. Now it’s too late.” He painfully yanks me away from the wall, dragging me toward the basement. Panic surges as I try to resist.

“Axe!” I cry, fighting against him. “Please, don’t do this!” He doesn’t respond. “I’m sorry!” I sob, clutching at his arm.

“You should be. You broke the rules. You will pay the price.”

“Axel, please—stop! I know you care about me. You don’t have to do this. I’m sorry! Please!” I beg, as he drags me toward the basement stairs.

He stops abruptly, spinning to face me—his eyes pitch-black. “You think I care about you?” His breath is hot against my face as he leans in. “Why the fuck would I care about you?”

“But you...” He roughly grips my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“What? Held you? Touched you? Made you come?”

My mouth quivers as I nod.

“I can do that with any fucking cunt. You are nothing but a hole to fuck.”

My heart shatters under the weight of his cruelty. He stares at me with cold, unfeeling eyes.

“I don’t believe you,” I choke out. “You’re lying. Why would you buy that car for me if you didn’t care?”

His grip on my arm tightens, and his face twists in anger.

“I bought you a car because you are a possession. An object. A toy. Just like the car. Something I own, something to play with. Not because I fuckingcareabout you.”

I try to mask the hurt, but it feels like a dagger twisting in my chest. I never wanted him to have feelings for me, but hearing him confirm I’m nothing to him is still excruciating.

He yanks me toward the basement stairs, and I know fighting is pointless. I’ve broken the rules, his and the Sovereign’s.

At the bottom, he unlocks a heavy wooden door and shoves me inside. The cold concrete, dampness, and mustiness hit me like a wall. I stumble, catching myself as he slams the door behind me. The click of the lock seals my fate, and I’m swallowed by total darkness.

Alone.

Empty.

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