Trouble in paradise

Raymond’s POV

“Wear this.”

Two days had passed since I moved in with the CEO, and during that time he was away on a trip. Or so he said, and I was confined to his apartment with a strict order to stay put.

I could barely sleep, and I considered running away a dozen times, but the memory of those vampires that attacked me was still fresh in my mind. I couldn’t risk it, and even the CEO was threatening enough.

But now he was here, and as intimidating as ever.

I looked down at the bracelet he handed me. It was slim and elegant, with the band a sleek, lustrous gold. In the center, a single ruby was embedded. It was blood-red and oval-shaped, its surface catching the light like it held a flame inside.

The gem pulsed faintly as I stared at it, a shimmer that didn’t feel entirely natural. At that moment, I had the distinct feeling it wasn’t just for decoration.

“What is this?” I asked, frowning.

Jude didn’t answer immediately. He slipped the bracelet around my wrist himself, snapping the clasp shut before I could resist.

“To protect you against rogue vampires when I’m away,” he explained, his gaze turning sharp. “But that doesn’t mean you have the liberty to walk freely”

“What?” I gaped. “But I have my own life.”

Jude chuckled as if I had cracked a funny joke, his arms crossed against his chest.

“So?”

Irritation bubbled in my chest, but I knew better than to raise my voice.

“Are you saying I can’t leave without your permission?” I asked carefully and he snapped his fingers in response.

“You’re already catching on.” He mused, his tone playful.

“But—”

“Your life depends on it.” He cut him off, his words piercing through me. “Just follow my orders from now on. I don’t like to repeat myself.”

A dull glint flashed in his pupils, and I flinched, lowering my head. Our roles had already been established, he had control, while I had no choice but to obey.

“I’m heading out.” I heard him say, his back turned to me as he walked towards the exit. “Go through the files on the desk before I come back.”

With that said, he left the apartment, leaving me to the eerie silence and the echo of my heartbeat drumming in my ears.

I stared at the door long after it closed, then with a heavy sigh, I made my way toward the desk. There was only one file and I hesitated before opening it.

It was a legal contract, and as my eyes skimmed over the clauses, I half expected some twisted blood pact or soul-binding clause. But what I saw next made me freeze.

Annual Salary: $2,500,000

Monthly Allowance: $30,000

Private Healthcare: Premium

Living Arrangements: Provided

“Holy shit…” I whispered, blinking rapidly.

Was this… real?

I scanned through the pages again, my hand trembling slightly as disbelief set in.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table, jolting me out of my daze.

My eyes widened at the name on the screen. It was Sylvia.

We hadn’t spoken much since I’d been hauled away into this madness, and now she was calling?

I swiped the screen. “H-Hello?”

“Raymond?” Her voice was like sunlight, warm and familiar. “I wasn’t sure if this was still your number… I just saw your lights on. You’re back?”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, I, uh… moved into a new place. Kinda complicated.”

“Oh okay…”

A beat of silence passed before she spoke again.

“I was wondering…” she hesitated, then chuckled softly. “This is so random, but do you want to grab dinner tonight?”

My lips parted in awe.

“I…yeah,” I said before I could overthink it. “Yes. That would be nice.”

“Great! Meet me at Bistro Luna at seven?”

“Sounds perfect.”

The call ended, and I stood there, the phone still in my hand, heart thundering in my chest.

This was the moment I had been waiting for. But why now off all times? Jude’s threat lingered…and yet…the image of her bright smile flashed in my mind.

I couldn’t miss the chance.

Jude would be furious if he found out. But I just have to get back before he does, right?

Right?

****

I went on the date, ignoring the obvious risks. But thanks to the bracelet, I didn’t have to worry about vampires. I was more shocked at the fact that the apartment wasn’t under lock and key, it was strange.

“You look really good tonight Raymond.”

I flinched as Sylvia took my arm, her large bosoms pressing against me as she leaned in with a smile.

“I..uh…thanks.” I sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck, my cheeks heating up.

We had a nice meal at the restaurant, but I think Sylvia might have had too much to drink, considering that she couldn’t walk straight.

“I’m a bit tired.” She drawled, leaning further into me. “Can we get a motel?”

I hesitated, before finally giving in. I supported her weight as I led her to a nearby motel just a few blocks down. She clung to me the entire walk, swaying, and giggling at things I couldn’t see.

By the time we checked in and stepped into the dimly lit room, Sylvia was barely keeping her eyes open. I guided her to the bed, gently lowering her onto the edge.

“You should lie down,” I said quietly, brushing her hair out of her face. But then she pulled me down with her, and my breath caught in my throat as she suddenly straddled me.

“Sylvia….wait, you’re drunk—”

“I’m not,” she cut me off, eyes half-lidded but sharp with intent. “I lied. I wasn’t drunk. I just wanted an excuse to be close to you.”

I blinked. “What?”

“I see how you look at me, Raymond. Ever since we became neighbors.” Her hands slid up my chest, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. “I look at you the same way.”

The hell?

“But when you moved away…” she continued. “ I regretted not telling how I felt. But now… here you are.”

Before I could comprehend what she was saying, her lips crashed against mine. As we kissed, her hips rocked, grinding against my crotch.

This was the moment I always fantasized about….the moment I had been so eager to experience…

But…

I felt nothing.

My body didn’t respond. My hands stayed at my sides.  And I couldn’t bring myself to kiss her back.

Sylvia was quick to notice, and she pulled back slowly, her brow furrowed. “You don’t want me?”

I panicked.

“I’m sorry, I…I just need a second,” I muttered, pushing her off as I stumbled toward the bathroom.

I slammed the door behind me, gripping the edges of the sink as I hunched over. My reflection stared back—confused, pale, unrecognizable.

“What the hell is happening to me?” I whispered.

Why wasn’t I turned on?

I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to snap out of whatever haze I was caught in.

I raised my gaze with a huff.

And nearly screamed.

Because standing behind me in the mirror… was Jude.

He leaned casually against the bathroom doorframe, his expression giving nothing away. His presence filled the small space, suffocating me.

“Trouble in paradise?”