That same slow, sideways smile.
My breath caught in my throat.
I looked away immediately.
Fox gave my shoulder a light tap, breaking the tension.
“Well, the show’s over. Let’s get back to work. This time, you wash the dishes, I’ll handle the kitchen.”
I nodded, still distracted, and walked to the sink.
My eyes widened. The mountain of dirty plates was overwhelming.
“Shit… I’m screwed.”
I grabbed a pair of gloves and started washing. I had barely begun when a brutal shove knocked me aside.
The impact was so strong that I lost my balance, hitting my elbow against the cold floor.
Pain shot up my arm.
“What the fuck-!” I tried to speak, but when I looked up, there was a boy standing in front of me. Behind him, three more.
My stomach churned.
The leader smiled with mockery, arms crossed, eyes glinting with malice.
“Look who it is–the newbie. His foot nudged my leg, more to humiliate than to hurt. “You won’t last long in here.”
I tried to stand, but the others snickered like hyenas waiting to strike.
“If I were you, I’d be careful,” the leader said, his voice dropping into a threatening tone. “The Reaper might be playing nice now, but once he gets bored… no one’s going to protect you.”
My muscles tensed.
I didn’t want to be here.
‘Get out of my way.” My voice was low, but firm.
More laughter. One of them tapped the back of my head, mocking me.
“Aww, he’s got some nerve.”
The leader leaned in, his lips nearly brushing my ear.
“The Reaper likes to play. But when he’s done with you…” His hand gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. “We’ll be here. To show you your real place.”
I swallowed hard, sweat sliding down my neck.
“Back off, Viper.”
Fox’s voice cut through the air, sharp and irritated, drawing everyone’s attention.
1/3
21:54 Tue, 29 Jul
Chapter 22
28%
“You know damn well the Reaper doesn’t like people touching what’s his. You’re living proof of that. If you don’t want to feel the consequences again, you
better stop now.”
Viper chuckled–a low, spiteful sound.
“Stay out of it, Fox.
He responded with contempt, not even bothering to look at him.
I’m just giving the rookie a warning. When my dear Reaper gets bored of him… then the real fun begins.”
His gaze was cold, eyes gleaming with cruelty.
“Watch yourself.
With that, he turned on his heel and walked off, followed by his group, laughing like a pack of wild dogs.
My heart was still pounding as I looked at Fox, confused.
He sighed and ran a hand over his face, like he was already tired of this whole thing.
“Viper was the Reaper’s last toy.” Same goes for the rest of his little gang.” He scoffed, clearly irritated. “They always try to get rid of whoever catches his attention.”
A knot formed in my stomach.
“Is he… going to try to kill me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it out loud would make the danger more real.
Fox messed up his hair and let out a long sigh.
“Maybe.” His tone was dry and direct. “That’s why it’s best not to stray from the Reaper if you want that little gang to stay off your back.” Or… you can talk to him about it.”
My eyes widened in shock.
“What? No way I’m talking to that man!” My voice came out louder than it should’ve.
Fox scoffed, rolling his eyes, clearly done with my stubbornness.
“I won’t say another word. Just don’t come crying to me when you get your ass beat for being too proud.”
He crossed his arms and stared at me seriously.
“Wake up, Elijah.” This isn’t a fairy tale. You’re in a prison. Pride has no place in your life anymore. Either drop it and do what you have to to survive–or you’ll end up dead.”
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
He took a deep breath, his voice filled with frustration and something dangerously close to concern.
‘I’d rather see you alive than dead.” I’ve watched too many rookies fall because they held onto the same stupid pride. Your survival depends on the Reaper’s mood. He’s the only thing stopping this place from swallowing you whole.”
His expression hardened even more, his eyes reflecting exhaustion.
“I’m done caring about someone only to watch them die because they didn’t listen.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving me there in shock, the crushing weight of reality pressing down on me.
2/3
ue,
Chapter 22
1 let out a heavy sigh and turned back to the dishes, but my mind wandered to distant places, lost in everything that had happened.
Before all this, my life was simple. Just a regular college student, predictable routine, dreams that felt within reach.
And now?
28
Now I was locked in this hell, surrounded by criminals, reduced to a mere object in the hands of one of them.
I’d been condemned without a chance to defend myself, accused of a crime I never committed.
I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of the water through my gloves. The rhythmic sound of drops hitting the dishes was the only thing anchoring me to the present.
None of this should have happened.
But Fox was right.
Clinging to useless pride would only lead me to a worse fate.
What waited for me if I kept resisting?
Death? Or something even crueler?
The thought tightened my throat, choking out any remaining hope.
The Reaper was a monster.
A man with no limits.
But at the same time… he was the only one who could keep me alive in here.
I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the dish in my hands.
There was no choice.
I’d have to give in.
I let out a tired sigh.
I should focus on the work for now. I’ll deal with these messed–up feelings later.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
