Bounty Hunter

Zinnia

I woke with a gasp, sweat gathering on my forehead. I panted as though I had just run ten miles. I looked around frantically, trying to take in my surroundings.

In the corner of the room, stood room, arms folded and one leg crossed on the other. He had an amused smile on his face.

I put a hand over my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. I kept repeating in my brain, that it was all just a dream. A very terrible dream, until it finally registered with me and I began to calm down.

Reed, however, did not attempt to move an inch. He stood plastered against the wall, wearing his signature smirk.

“Reed, you’re here,” I murmured, still trying to calm my racing heart.

“Of course, I am, my little flower. I’ll always be here,” he answered. This time, he walked towards me, pocketing one of his hands as he approached me.

“Where am I?” I asked when he began to stroke my hair comfortably. Reed only smiled and kissed my forehead.

“In my room,” I got lost in the movement of his lips, his light purple and ocean-colored eyes warming my soul.

“Did you dream about me, little flower?” He asked randomly, as though he could read my mind. I sighed and tried to sit upright, pulling the covers over my exposed chest. Reed frowns at this, yanking it downwards.

Deciding to leave it at that, I said: “I did. But in my dream, you put me up for auction. You wanted them to use me however they please. You put me up for sale to be ruined,” I grumbled, more memories of the dream I had flashing before my eyes.

Reed, if he was upset, didn’t show. His expression remained as phantomless as possible. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ears and sealed my lips with his. When he pulled back, his mix coloured orbs were filled with something new, something I couldn’t quite comprehend, yet he still maintained his blank expression.

“Tell me, my little flower. Are you able to recognise anyone amongst the potential buyers at that auction?” He asked softly.

I frowned, shaking my head. He seemed to sigh in relief. He leaned in and placed another kiss on my lips.

“Okay, my princess. It was all just a dream. I would never, ever put you up for sale. You belong to me, and only me,”

Alleviated at his response, I gave him a smile that didn’t reach my lips. This time, it was me who leaned in for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him further into me. Fierce arousal gathered in the pit of my stomach like angry clouds during a storm.

Reed grumbled as he reluctantly pulled away. A pang of pain shot in my heart at his silent rejection. Not wanting to give up, I leaned in for another kiss, both his hands tugging at my bare chest.

I tried to mask the pain in my voice when I spoke up. “Do you not want me? Are you still mad at me because I compared you to them?” I asked, my voice sounding like that of a nine-year-old experiencing her first heartbreak while tears slowly brimmed my eyes.

“Zinnia,” Reed sighed, taking both my hands in his and sitting next to me in bed.

“I promise you, baby, I want you. With every iota of life in me. My cock aches from not filling all three of your holes. That’s how bad I want you. And I am not mad at you. There’s not a single thing you would say that would make me upset, for the simple reason that you’re wrong about me. I am not like them. I am way, way worse,”

I sucked in a breath at his words. At least, he did want me, and that did a lot to lift my mood and boost my confidence. But for some reason, just not now.

“But, you just pushed me away,” I pouted.

“Oh, baby. Trust me, I am in severe pain because of that. I have some errands to run and sadly, I can’t fuck you to oblivion. Just focus on regaining your energy for me, okay?” He asked, and I nodded like an excited little girl, eager for her crush to keep a promise made.

********

Parting ways with Reed proved to be more painful than I had expected. As soon as the door closed, I felt a heavy void in my chest that couldn’t seem to be filled irrespective of what I did.

I tried reading a book, but sadly, the choice of book I’d chosen to read reminded me of Reed.

I closed the book and decided to look for Alex since it had been a while since I had spoken to her.

On walking down the stairs, I bumped into Hermine. She’d teased me about ditching her yesterday and while my cheeks flustered, I lied, unable to tell her the real reason why I left.

“By any chance, is Alex still locked in her room?” I asked. Hermine smiled.

“Is she still ignoring you?” I nodded and she gave me a sympathetic look.

“Well, she should be in her room,” said Hermine. Again, I nodded and turned on my heels for Alex’s room.

On my way up the stairs, my phone dinged. I took it out. Weirdly, it was a message from Alex asking that I meet with her in the gazebo. I frowned at this message, one because I had no fucking idea Reed had a gazebo. But then again, this estate was huge, almost covering ten hectares of land. Okay, that was a little exaggeration.

Secondly, Hermine mentioned that Alex had been locked up in her room, and she confirmed that a few minutes ago.

I decided against thinking so hard about it and headed for the said gazebo. I had no idea where I was going as I had never bothered to take a look around Reed’s estate.

Thankfully, I made it to what I assumed was the backyard as it had a huge scape of green grass. I spotted the gazebo, and I could see why Reed had chosen to build one in the backyard instead.

The scenery was out of this world. It was amazing, showing off the crescent skies at sunset and sunrise. A part of me wanted to experience sunset with Reed. Sitting in silence, sipping a glass of wine and just enjoying each other’s company.

Another part of me wanted more than just enjoying the silence. That part of me wanted Reed to fuck me here at sunset, so much so that I’d be confused about which stars I loved most. The ones in the sky or the ones he would make me see as I scream his name and come all over his dick.

My phone dinged again, taking me off my thoughts and making me realise why I had come here in the first place. I took out my phone and Alex’s name popped on my screen. I sent her a quick reply before walking towards the gazebo.

However, Alex was nowhere in plain sight the closer I got. I now stood next to the gazebo, and she was still nowhere to be found.

“Alex!” I called out and after a while of no reply, I took out my phone, ready to send her another message when she suddenly appeared before me.

“Alex,” I squealed, excited over seeing her after a long while. I threw my arms around her, squeezing her tight. When I pulled away from the embrace, Alex wore a straight face, not giving away any expression.

My shoulders slumped. Perhaps she was still not over our conversation

“Look, Alex,” I began, pausing to take a deep breath. “I’m sorry about our argument. I’m sorry about the things I said, and I am sorry that my love for Reed has put you in danger,” I added.

When Alex sobbed, I met her gaze. A river of tears brimmed her eyes.

“Zinnia, I’m so, so sorry,” She said in between sobs.

I frowned. Why was she apologising? “No, I should be apologising. I put you in harm’s way,” I contradicted but Alex shook her head.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“You don’t get it. I hope someday you will forgive me,” she murmured. At this, I frowned, tilting my head quizzically. Was her apology based on the argument we had? Or was I missing something.

“Alex, what are you talking about?”

“Zinnia, I love you. I am so so sorry,” She continued to sob. Now clearly worried, I took a step toward Alex.

Suddenly, a bag was placed over my head, the image of Alex slowly fading from my vision. The strong smell of alcohol invaded my nostrils. I kicked my feet when even stronger arms wrapped around me, lifting me off the ground.

“Zinnia!” Alex’s voice rang in my ears as I gave into an oblivion that was sadly not from Reed.

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