Alluring Remedy

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⚠ Content Warning ⚠
This chapter contains themes of drugging, restraint, non-consensual touching and violence. Reader discretion is advised.

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11.

I kept my posture relaxed as I followed Lucian down the stairs. The soft hum of distant chatter and the muted jazz music gradually grew louder as we made our way back toward the crowd.

Hindi ko alam kung ako lang pero mas mabigat ang nararamdaman ko ngayon kumpara kanina. Pakiramdam ko may mangyayaring hindi maganda.

"You know, I don't usually approach people like this," he murmured, his voice smooth despite the growing energy of the party around us.

"Then I must be lucky," I replied, keeping my tone easy. If this is what he wants, then I'll play my part.

Lucian smirked. "Or unlucky, depending on how you see it."

I tilted my head slightly. "Should I be worried?"

Dapat nga ba? Kasi kanina ko pa talaga nararamdaman na may kakaiba sa kinikilos ng isang 'to. Alam ko namang nakikinig at nagmamasid lang 'yung anim sa amin, pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasang hindi mag-alala sa puwedeng mangyari.

He let out a quiet laugh. "No. But let's just say... I don't waste my time on people who don't interest me."

Tangina. Kailan ba ako nito titigilan? Kung hindi lang talaga siya ang target namin, baka sinapak ko na siya kanina pa.

"And what makes you interested in me?"

"Everything," mabilis na sagot niya saka ngumiti nang may ibig sabihin. "Everything about you interests me."

A sharp chill crawled up my spine. Pasimple kong ikinuyom ang kanang kamay ko. Gago 'to ah.

I forced a chuckle, tilting my head slightly. "That's a bold claim. You don't even know me."

He smirked. "Don't I?"

And there it is again. I don't know if it's just me, but there was really something in his gaze. It wasn't admiration. It wasn't curiosity.

It was... possession.

Iyon ang kanina ko pa napapansin sa kaniya pero hindi ko lang mawari kung ano. At ngayon, sure na ako.

Lucian tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You look tense, Zeke. Relax."

I forced a smirk. "I didn't realize I was supposed to be enjoying myself."

He let out a quiet chuckle. "Of course you are. Parties like these? They're all about pleasure. Connections, opportunities... and the right company."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you think I'm the right company?"

Lucian's smirk deepened. "You tell me."

Putangina. Wala na ba siyang ibang naiisip na gawin kundi ang gaguhin ako?

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

"Persistence gets me what I want."