The party buzzed with life, but Maya couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in her own skin. Dressed in a figure-hugging red designer dress, she was a vision of beauty, the kind of beauty that had always gotten her attention—and tonight was no different. The glances, the whispers, the admiration; it felt intoxicating, but there was something else beneath the surface. She couldn't ignore the eyes that seemed to burn with more than just lust.
Her eyes met Eddie's across the room, and as usual, he was watching her, his gaze full of admiration and longing. But tonight, it wasn't Eddie she was interested in. Tonight, she was going to prove a point. She was untouchable, irresistible, and no one—no one—could have her unless she allowed it.
As she made her way through the crowd, her gaze drifted to her mother standing at the bar, laughing with a group of men. She felt a pull to approach her, to try to finally get some attention from her mother, who had been so distant lately. But as she walked toward her, something caught her eye.
Vic.
He was standing in the corner, eyes locked on her with an unsettling intensity. A grin spread across his face as she drew closer. He stepped toward her with that same predatory confidence he always had, his hand brushing lightly across her back.
"Still looking as stunning as ever, Maya," he said, his voice low, almost too smooth.
Maya didn't even look at him, her voice sharp and cold. "What do you want, Vic?"
He stepped closer, a smirk forming on his lips. "Oh, come on, you know what I want," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "You've been teasing me for too long, haven't you? Playing hard to get."
She tried to ignore him, pushing through the crowd. But his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. "You're not going anywhere, Maya," he said, his voice thick with something darker. "Not until you realize that you're mine."
"Let go of me," she snapped, her pulse racing as she tried to twist her wrist free.
But he didn't let go. Instead, he pulled her closer, until their bodies were nearly flush against each other. His lips brushed the side of her neck, and she shuddered with disgust. "You can't keep running from me. I know you want this," he whispered, his hand sliding down her back and resting too low on her waist.
Her heart pounded, and panic began to creep into her chest. "Vic, stop it," she said, trying to shove him away, but he was relentless, his grip tightening.
Without warning, she jerked her elbow back into his chest, forcing him to stumble back slightly. Her eyes blazed with anger, her breath coming fast. "I said stop. I'm not playing your game anymore."
Vic's eyes darkened, and a malicious smile twisted his lips. "You think you can escape me? You've been asking for this, Maya. You think I didn't notice how you flirt with every guy in here? You think I don't see you pretending not to care? But I see through you. You want me."
Maya's stomach churned as she realized just how far he was willing to go. Her pulse hammered in her ears, and a cold dread settled over her.
"No," she snapped, her voice shaking with fury. "I don't want you. I never did."
His smirk only deepened, a twisted gleam in his eyes. "Liar. You want me, and tonight, I'm going to make you admit it."
Before she could react, Vic's hand shot out, gripping her wrist and dragging her through the crowd. She struggled, but his strength was too much. Her heart raced as they approached the bathroom, a dark feeling settling in her gut.
When they reached the door, Vic shoved it open with a force that made it slam against the wall. He didn't give her a chance to protest before he was inside, pulling her with him. The bathroom was dimly lit, the faint hum of the music from the party still audible but distant.
Maya's heart was hammering in her chest. She stepped back, desperate to create distance between them. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Vic?" she spat, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.
Vic shut the door behind them with a menacing grin, his gaze never leaving her. "What I should've done a long time ago," he said, his voice rough. "I've been patient, Maya, but now… now it's time for you to realize that you belong to me."
Her body went cold, her instincts screaming for her to get out, but the bathroom was small, and she was trapped. She tried to move toward the door, but he was faster. He grabbed her by the arm and slammed her against the counter, the impact knocking the breath out of her.
"I'm not going to let you get away this time," Vic growled, his hand sliding up her side.
Terror coursed through her veins as she shoved at his chest with all her might. "Vic, don't touch me!" Her voice was frantic, but he didn't listen. He only laughed, the sound cruel and mocking.
"You've been running from me for too long, Maya. All this time, acting like you're untouchable, like you don't want me. But I can see the way you look at me," he said, his face dangerously close to hers. "You want this, even if you're too proud to admit it."
"Stop," Maya pleaded, her breath shallow. She could feel the tears threatening to spill, but she wouldn't let him see her cry. Not now.
Vic moved in closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Admit it, Maya," he whispered. "Say it. Say you want me."
"No!" Maya screamed, pushing him with every ounce of strength she had. Her hand found her purse, and she frantically searched through it, her fingers trembling until they found what she was looking for—a small bottle of perfume.
Without thinking, she sprayed it directly into his face, the mist stinging his eyes.
Vic recoiled, cursing and wiping his eyes, but it was just enough for her to break free. "Get away from me, Vic!" she screamed, pushing past him and stumbling toward the door. She had no idea where she was going, only that she needed to get out of this nightmare.
But just as she reached for the door handle, she saw something that froze her in place. Her mother.
She stood at the entrance of the bathroom, her face pale and her eyes wide in disbelief. The world seemed to slow as Maya's heart stopped.
Her mother didn't move. Didn't speak.
Maya's breath caught in her throat as her mother turned around and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.
Maya was left standing there, in shock, the sting of betrayal cutting deeper than anything Vic had done.
Her vision blurred as the tears finally came, but she refused to let them fall. She wouldn't let either of them see her break.