Chapter 5: Danger Zone

I slowly allowed myself to feel any changes in my body, but nothing strange happened—just my heart pounding loudly as I kept staring at the clock. He smiled and took the glass from me, placing both glasses on the glass table.

He untied his robe, a smile spreading across his face, and walked slowly toward me. I climbed onto the bed and moved to the edge; he dragged both my legs toward him, forcing me to lie flat. He pulled off the robe and tossed it on the floor. I tried to stand upright, but he hovered over me.

“Wait, Mr. Felix… wait,” I said, my voice breaking, my heart thundering fast as fear crept into my entire body. Why isn’t the incense taking any effect on him? Am I getting trapped in my own game? I tried to break free from him, but my strength was no match for his.

My heart sank as I noticed myself feeling the effects of the drugs. I bit my tongue hard. No, no, Sophie, I can’t blank out here. Suddenly, he shook his head violently, his eyes blinking several times. A wave of relief washed through my body, and I used my last strength to push him down. He lay on the bed weakly. I quickly stepped down, picked up my phone, and called Mia right away.

My breath came fast as I felt the urge to be with a man right now. Mia wasn’t picking up. I called again—nothing.

I quickly called Laura. She picked up right away.

“Hey girl, what’s up?” she asked lazily. Is she drunk? Is she at the club again? The loud music made it difficult to hear her clearly.

I tossed the phone on the bed and quickly made my way to the bathroom. I knelt beside the WC, trying to vomit everything up.

My heart raced wildly, my head spun, and my whole body trembled as panic and fear washed over me.

Oh my God, what else can I do? So I turned on the shower. The cold water crashed over my skin, shocking me back to reality. I leaned against the wall, breathing hard, trying to calm the storm inside me, my chest rising and falling as I fought to steady myself.

That was close. Felix is indeed dangerous and smart. Would I really be able to get that file? I made my way to the wardrobe, changed into black pajamas, and walked out. Felix still lay on the bed, breathing hard, his lips kissing the air. He should hallucinate everything he planned to do with me tonight.

I chuckled as the storm inside me finally settled. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

My heart dropped at the figure standing outside—Sebastian, a cigarette between his lips, smoke curling around his face. I swallowed hard and shut my eyes, trying to steady the fear tightening in my chest. Thank goodness I didn’t meet him in my earlier state; I would have used that moment to beg him to bend me to my knees and fuck the hell out of me—and that would have been the end of my well-planned mission.

I slowly tried to walk past him. He chuckled, and my steps faltered.

“That was quite a show from both of you, little stepmother,” he said. My heart quickened. Oh my God… Did he know something?

I swallowed hard and turned to him. “What are you talking about, Sebastian?” I asked gently, acting unconcerned.

He dropped the cigarette, stepped on it, and slowly walked toward me. I stepped back until my back hit the wall lightly. He swiftly closed the distance. His scent wrapped around me, and I felt my body betray me again. I slowly looked at him, his eyes piercing into mine, dangerously pulling me in. I bit my lower lip and looked away.

“Little stepmother, why are you nervous?” he asked softly.

“I… I’m not nervous,” I defended, raising my chin.

He chuckled and shook his head, then slowly leaned in. My breath seized as every cell in my body awakened, his breath tangling near my ear, my chest rising and falling, causing my heart to pound so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

“Little stepmother, I knew about the incense,” he whispered.

My eyes widened in shock. I quickly pushed him away. He only chuckled and shook his head before walking down the stairs. Fear mixed with something else I couldn’t place crept into me. How did he find out about the incense? I paced back and forth, confusion and frustration racing through me.

This house is more complicated than I thought. Are there hidden cameras inside this house?

Suddenly, my phone rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. It was my assistant. I quickly picked up.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I went downstairs to a convenience store and didn’t take my phone with me,” she explained.

“It’s fine. I’ve already sorted everything out,” I replied.

Silence.

“All right, ma’am. Have a great time,” she said, her voice clearly unsure if she was supposed to say that.

“Listen to me, Mia,” I whispered, my voice low as I looked around. “I need you to investigate Sebastian Miller for me—everything about him.”

“Sure, ma’am,” she replied immediately.

I hung up, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. I need to remain calm... I can't let fear determine my fate... This is a survival game, and I must succeed. That is a pledge.