Chapter 6: Strip

"Way too dangerous," he had said? Ethan mocked his pathetic life. His instincts screamed at him that he was insane, crazy, and utterly preposterous for being here—at the doorstep of Professor Lucian.

This was the place he had fled in fear, yet here he was again. He pulled out his phone, staring at Professor Lucian's number, hesitating to call and announce his presence.

If the man killed him tonight, would it make any difference? Besides, life was all about taking risks.

Ethan wanted to run, to flee without looking back, but that wasn’t an option. His mother life was on the line. He had to save her.

"Yes?" Professor Lucian's deep, husky voice resonated on the other end of the line, sending a chill down Ethan's spine.

"I'm here," he announced, his voice barely a whisper. He could imagine the sly smile that Professor Lucian would surely have on his face right now.

"Get in."

Ethan ended the call and took a deep breath, gathering what little courage he had left as he advanced toward the exquisite building.

Before he could ring the doorbell, the door beeped and slid open, inviting him in. His eyes took in the barely familiar room, and he wondered what kind of person Professor Lucian was to own such an imposing domain.

His gaze landed on Lucian's tall, formidable figure in the kitchen, pouring himself a drink. Muscles rippled beneath his bare skin, strong enough to break a man's neck. Tattoos sprawled across his torso, dark and speaking of untold stories.

Even though his muscles were concealed beneath a red robe, Ethan could guess the details of his frame.

Lucian looked terrifying, especially with his piercing gaze that seemed to bore right through Ethan’s soul.

"Uhmm..." Ethan cleared his throat. "T-the money... you said you'd give me... ten thousand dollars if I came over?"

He watched as Professor Lucian picked up his phone from the table. His fingers danced over the screen, and in the next moment, Ethan's phone beeped.

Ten thousand dollars, right there, staring at him!

What?!

Wait, how did he even know his details? That's creepy.

"Amusing that the first thing on your mind is money. Are you that desperate?" Professor Lucian asked, turning to face him. Ethan's heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

The dim light in the room illuminated Lucian's features: flawless skin, a strikingly chiseled jaw, a sharp nose, and kissable lips.

Ethan didn’t realize how long he had been staring until Lucian’s voice snapped him back to reality. "Are you done staring?"

"Huh?" Ethan averted his gaze, scolding himself inwardly. He must be insane for admiring a man’s features, especially one who terrified him.

"I needed the money to pay for my mom's hospital bills," he replied, his voice barely audible.

"Weak humans," Lucian mumbled, and Ethan could only clench his fists at his sides.

"Thanks for the money," Ethan said reluctantly. Though he felt a twinge of offense at Lucian's words, he was still grateful. Not only had he saved his life, but he gave him money.

He could imagine what he could cover with this money: debts, his mother’s treatment, and overdue rent.

Yet... he feared and wondered what Professor Lucian truly wanted from him.

"Come with me," Professor Lucian demanded, striding into his lavish bedroom. The walls were seamless, polished gray. A floor-to-ceiling window dominated one side, revealing a breathtaking view of the city lights twinkling below, filtered through thick automated blackout curtains.

Ethan stood at the threshold, taking in the sight of Lucian sitting on his oversized, messy bed draped with charcoal gray silk sheets that nearly pooled on the floor. Ethan finally noticed just how disorganized the room was.

A pack of condoms, a red lace panty, and a white shirt lay scattered on the marble floor. Ethan swallowed hard, imagining what might have happened here; even the room's scent was different.

"Do you intend to stand there all night?" Lucian’s deep voice cut through the silence.

Ethan swallowed, forcing himself to step inside. He felt like prey entering a predator's den. The air thickened as Lucian's sharp gaze roamed over his body, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Goosebumps raced over his skin. It was disturbing how Lucian's gaze made his heart race, driving him to the brink of madness in the tense silence.

"What do you plan to... do with me?" Ethan asked, keeping his gaze averted.

Lucian's lips curled into a smirk as he stood and approached slowly, each step making Ethan tremble.

"Did you feel it?" Lucian questioned, and Ethan shot him a confused look. Feel what? "The unmistakable pull between us..." He leaned in, their faces inches apart.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Ethan stuttered, taking a step backward to create space, but Lucian crossed the distance.

"You've perhaps guessed what happened here. I attempted to satisfy my urges with a woman not long ago, but it didn’t work because you're occupying my mind."

What is he talking about?!...

Ethan breath hitched as his back pressed against the wall, anxiety coursing through him at their proximity.

Lucian placed both hands beside him, trapping him against the wall, gazing at him with an intensity that sent chills down Ethan’s spine.

'What is he going to do to me? Men shouldn’t stare at men like that. Why is my heart racing? This is crazy; I need to get out of here. He’s not human, he’s dangerous, and I don’t like this,' Ethan thought, trying to speak, but Lucian’s lips moved to his neck, brushing his tongue along his skin.

Ethan’s knees weakened, his fists clenched as he tried to prevent the moan that threatened to tear out of his throat. He felt Lucian’s fingers trail up to his brown hair, tilting his neck slightly to gain better access.

Ethan’s breathing grew heavier. His body ignited from just the kiss on his neck and Lucian’s hold on his torso. It stirred something in him. His lips parted as he tried to find the words to stop him. He tried to move, but his body betrayed him, wanting to give in—

He didn’t like this. He didn’t like this at all.

Using the last thread of sanity, Ethan managed to snap back to reality and push Lucian, though his force did nothing as the man didn’t even flinch.

His action angered him. Lucian took both of Ethan’s hands and slammed them against the wall above him, making Ethan wince at the pain that shot through his arms. A low, guttural growl tore out from Lucian’s throat—cold, menacing, and carrying a deadly warning.

For a fleeting moment, Ethan saw Lucian's eyes flash red, freezing him completely—his heart skipping a beat in terror as Lucian glared at him.

After a moment, paralyzed by Lucian's gaze, Ethan heard him order in a thick, demanding voice.

"Strip."