Strange

RAYNA

My life froze at that instant.

I gulped, feeling every single hair on my body prick upwards. I tried to pull away. I could swear I did try my best to pull away, but it felt magnetic.

Like there was a force pulling us towards each other, something I couldn’t deny…something I shouldn’t deny.

But I did.

Without sending a single signal, I head-butted him.

“Argh!!” The gasp slipped out of his mouth unexpectedly as he stepped away from me sharply, his fingers rubbing his head. This was the first solid reaction I’d gotten from him ever since I saw him.

I was glad I could wipe off that grin of amusement that laid on his lips whenever he saw me.

“Rayn–“

I didn’t let him finish. My hand swiped across his cheek, giving him a dirty slap. Xavian didn’t flinch.

But his brows moved. Ever so slightly like he had expected that coming.

“Psychopath.” I spat, walking off.

“Should I go after her?” I heard the guy who came in ask.

I didn’t waste my time trying to get his response, instead, I walked off.

The moment I got into Marcus’s house, I threw the shoes back to their corner and stomped into my room. I grabbed the pillow, covered the entirety of my face and screamed! Literally screamed out my lungs.

How dare he just place his lips on mine?

And call himself my man in front of Cassian?

I grabbed my phone, staring at it for a long moment.

Should I call Cassian and explain?

The thought flew out of my mind as fast as it had come in. He’s with Taliah. He didn’t even bother to call me or check up on me, and he dared to show up with Taliah causing a scene in front of everyone.

If Xavian hadn’t been there…I sighed. I would have been a hot walking mess leaving that place. At least, he saved me from some embarrassment.

Hopefully, Cassian doesn’t get the free house. I literally don’t want to point out my feelings, but would it be bad if I said I wished to get it instead of Cassian? If he did, he would just mock it up in my face and insult me with it.

I woke up the next day with my heart in my throat.

“Good morning.” Marcus waved at me as I walked out of the room, into the living space.

“Good morning.” I sighed, hanging my weight on one foot as I stared at him. Somehow, he seems to love doing chores. Waking up early, making breakfast…that seemed to be his kind of thing.

“Why are you staring?” He asked midday, washing the vegetables as his eyes stopped on mine.

I cleared my throat instantly, folding my hands. “Thank you for letting me stay here for the whole day yesterday. It was homely.”

“You think so?” He chuckled lightly. “I’ve never heard anyone say that.”

“I didn’t think you would have brought someone here.” I muttered.

He paused, staring at me. “You are right. You are the first person I’m bringing here. And I even let you stay the whole day by yourself.” He scoffed lightly, nodding his head, “I must be out of my mind if you ask me.”

“You just did it to help me out. And I’m sorry for invading your space. But like you said, I’m not going to overstay my welcome.” I pressed my lips tightly against each other as I waited for the right beat. It might never come so it was better for me to ask right now. “Do you think the results for the house lottery have come out yet?”

Marcus chuckled, glancing at me. “You thought it was a bribe, how come you are serious with it now?”

“Well,” I ran my tongue over my lower lip, “you convinced me otherwise.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” He raised his brow.

I stared at him for a minute. Does he know about Cassian?

“You don’t have to feel bad about it, Rayna.”

My heart flipped.

“Many people want a house in obsidian heights. I mean, there are more people who want one in Varkos Estate. Sometimes, you just have to let the greed slip out.”

That was what he thought?

Better.

I smiled lightly. “Exactly. Having a house in obsidian height should have been one of the things on my bucket list. I think I have been living the wrong life all along.”

Marcus paused. “Living somewhere like this…isn’t always the best.”

I blinked, watching him as he looked away without another word. It’s not possible he doesn’t like staying here, is it? Obsidian heights was like–

Ping!

Marcus turned to look at me.

Our eyes met.

“Check your phone.” He said instantly.

“Ah, right!” I grabbed my phone out of my pajamas pocket and tapped the screen.

Obsidian…the screen blurred.

What on earth am I seeing?

“Is it something I should know?” Marcus asked, raising his brow.

“Marcus….” I breathed.

“Yes?”

“The third name.” My stomach twisted, “He lives in obsidian heights.”

“What?” Marcus gasped.

Another message dropped into my phone, making my heart beat faster.

CONGRATULATIONS, RAYNA VALECREST.

LUXURY APARTMENT WINNER, OBSIDIAN HEIGHTS.

I won.

I won an apartment in the building where the next victim would die.

How…what do I do?