Manipulation….
Veronica~
The pain in my body was intense. I couldn’t believe that Simon and Lucas would take the bad guys to the party and leave me behind. It’s really scary. I sat at the bar and let out my anger and frustration. Looking at my phone, I thought I should swallow my pride and call them, hoping they could ask me to stay.
“What’s a pretty girl like you doing?” asked a loud voice. I turned around and saw a man sitting next to me. His unique eyes and beautiful tattoos caught my attention. I forced a smile and tried to be straight. He looked a lot like Simon, but darker and more mysterious.
“Why is a handsome man like you working alone?” I replied, and he laughed softly.
“I just wanted to take a break from work,” he said. I took it quietly; it was strong, maybe too strong.
“Mmm… I had a problem with the guy. He chose a bad girl over me!” I laughed, and he laughed evilly.
He testified: “The name is Tristan.”
I smiled and introduced myself. “Veronica,” I whispered, feeling my cheeks. Tristan was very handsome and looked like a gentleman. God, I wish Simon were here. I felt a strange feeling of need and despair, as if I needed something to calm my nerves.
Tristan poured another drink, his fingers brushing mine as he offered. “So, Veronica, who is this guy that’s giving you so much trouble?”
I took a sip and let the alcohol burn my throat before answering. “These are the Lycan Kings, Lucas and Simon.”
Tristan’s eyebrows furrowed. “Ah, twins. They have a good reputation. And you alone.”
I nodded, feeling the warmth of the drink spread through me. “Yes. I don’t think I want to bring it.”
Tristan laughed even more as he patted my head. “I think you’re very beautiful.”
I couldn’t help but blush at his admiration. “Thank you,” I said, a little self-conscious. “For a little competition, let’s see what happens. You can drink more. What are you talking about?”
I was confused for a moment, but then I jumped. “What?”
“I could use a distraction.”
He poured me more drinks, and I hurried downstairs. Under the influence of alcohol, the room began to spin. Tristan’s questions became more and more probing into my life and emotions.
“Now, Veronica, what do you see in these Lycan Kings? They’re special if you’ve made it this far.”
I laughed, though it sounded like a hiccup. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s the power or just… I don’t know. They just…”
“Just what?” Tristan leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. I couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying because my mind was clouded by alcohol.
“They’re just… begging. Strength. And sometimes… I feel like I’m going.”
Tristan’s hand landed on my back, and a good shiver went through me. “You deserve better. You, Veronica. You are a wonderful person and you deserve it.”
I looked at him and felt something strange. He moved easily, but still, I couldn’t say he was beautiful. “You’re so sweet, Tristan.”
He smiled, his gaze never leaving me. “I’m telling the truth. But you seem to be in trouble, so let’s have fun tonight. What do you say?”
“Sure,” I replied, my words few. “Let’s have fun.”
We continued to drink, and with each sip, my inhibitions slipped. Tristan became more animated and persuasive in his words. I found myself laughing at his jokes and enjoying his company more than I should have.
“You know, Veronica, you’re amazing,” Tristan said with a playful smile. “I don’t understand why anyone would leave you.”
I laughed, light and tired. “Thank you, Tristan. I’ll make you feel better.”
“This is what I do,” he said softly. “To make you feel better. And now I think you need it.”
The alcohol was getting worse, and my vision was starting to blur. Tristan’s face was clouded, but his voice was still clear. He continued to sneer and sneer at my hand.
“You know,” he said with a smile, “I think I should take you somewhere private. It’s not fair to let you get drunk and leave you here.”
I blinked and tried to focus on what he was saying. “Where should we go?”
“Naturally.” I was slightly confused but felt the breath differently than expected. “Okay.”
Tristan helped me to my feet, gently guiding me as I was shaking a little. I was too far gone to see his true feelings and his comforting touch. We left the bar, and Tristan put his arm around me.
As we walked, the world seemed to twist and turn around me. I couldn’t open my eyes, and the last thing I remember was Tristan’s warm and reassuring voice and the comforting embrace of his arm around me. Then everything went dark, and I blacked out.
The next day, I woke up with an excruciating headache and a deep ache radiating through my body. My vision was blurry at first, but as it cleared, I realized I was in an unfamiliar room. The walls were adorned with dark, rich colors, and the bed was large and opulent. I turned my head slowly and saw Tristan lying next to me, still asleep.
Panic surged through me. I tried to sit up, but my limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. My clothes from the night before were rumpled and disheveled. My heart raced as I reached out and shook Tristan’s shoulder.
“Tristan! Wake up!” I said, my voice trembling and breaking.
He stirred, his eyes fluttering open. The lazy smile on his face quickly turned into a smirk. He reached for his phone on the nightstand and took a quick picture of me. The flash startled me, and dread coursed through my veins.
“Tristan, please,” I begged, my voice breaking. “What’s going on? Why am I here? You have to help me.”
Tristan stretched and looked at me with a relaxed, almost mocking expression. “Morning, Veronica. I didn’t expect you to wake up so soon. You really had a wild night.”
“Please, I don’t remember much,” I pleaded, my eyes filling with tears. “Don’t do this to me. I’m begging you. Just tell me what you want.”
Tristan’s smirk widened as he leaned closer. “Oh, I’m afraid it’s a bit late for that. This picture”-he held up his phone-“could be very damaging for you. I’m sure you don’t want anyone to see this, do you?”
My face went pale, and I shook my head frantically. “No, please. I’ll do anything. Just don’t show anyone.”
Tristan leaned back, his expression contemplative. “Well, there is something you can do for me.”
“Anything,” I said urgently, my voice almost a whisper. “Just tell me.”
Tristan’s eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and menace. “I need you to do a little favor for me. There’s something I want you to take care of, something that will be beneficial for both of us. If you cooperate, I might just forget about this little mishap and keep the picture to myself.”
My heart sank, and I felt a wave of despair. “What do you want?”
Tristan’s smile turned cold. “I’ll let you know the details soon. But for now, let’s just say you owe me. And if you don’t deliver, well, I have ways of making sure everyone knows about your little indiscretion.”
I felt utterly broken. My mind raced with fear and confusion as tears streamed down my face. I nodded slowly, feeling completely powerless. “Okay,” I whispered. “Just… just tell me what you need.”
Tristan’s smirk softened slightly, but the gleam in his eyes remained. “Good. I’ll let you know soon enough. For now, try to get some rest. You’ll need your strength.”
As Tristan got up and began to dress, I lay back on the bed, feeling the weight of my situation pressing down on me. I closed my eyes, hoping against hope that there was some way out of this nightmare.