Page 4 of Unholy Vows

Layla

S omething was off. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but unease settled over me like a second skin.

My tongue darted out, and I wet my bottom lip as I peered around my room. A salty taste coated my taste buds, and I frowned.

That was… strange.

I sat upright in bed and scrubbed my hand over my mouth. As I did, a dried, flaky substance crumbled and fell into my lap. Confusion washed over me, but before I could linger on it, my phone alarm blared to life, reminding me of my early morning appointment.

Groaning, I forced myself out of the sheets and into the shower. The steaming hot water scalded my skin, banishing the last vestiges of sleep, and I sighed in contentment as my muscles relaxed.

As I reached for my body wash, my gaze drifted downward. Tiny pearlescent flakes dissolved beneath the spray, running over my stomach toward the drain.

“What the hell?” I muttered, brushing away the stubborn remnants.

Something tugged at my mind, but I couldn’t quite grasp it.

My phone blared again from my bedroom, startling me and making me jump. All other thoughts were driven from my head as I finished washing.

I was going to be late.

I padded into my room and snatched the first thing within reach.

A fitted blouse and dark jeans.

My thoughts buzzed with everything I had to go over during my meeting with Reece as I laced up my boots. I’d completed the final edits on his manuscript, and even I had to admit, it was good. Now, I just needed to get through my appointment without choking the man.

He was infuriating. Always condescending, completely oblivious to just how much of a dick he was. I hated working with him, but he was one of my best clients, so I forced myself to endure his company.

The biting air kissed my cheeks as I rushed down the street toward the cafe. A steady drizzle had settled in, dampening my hair and souring my mood. As I picked up my pace, I let the rich aroma of ground coffee lead me, and by the time I swung the coffee shop door wide, I was almost salivating.

My slightly brightened mood plummeted again when I spotted Reece already seated at a corner table.

Fucking perfect.

“Cutting it close, aren’t we?” he drawled as I approached.

I was five minutes early, but Reece held the belief that if you weren’t at least fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, you were already late.

He ran a hand through his neatly combed hair before adjusting his tailored suit jacket in that arrogant way of his.

Yeah, coffee was non-negotiable if I had any hope of surviving this meeting.

“Good morning to you, too, Reece.” I plastered on a fake smile that left my cheeks aching. “I’m just going to go order.”

He grumbled something unintelligible, but I ignored him and flagged down a barista. Appeased by the promise of caffeine, I returned to the table and settled across from him.

I removed my laptop from my bag and opened his file. “Your edits are all done. We just need to review them to make sure you’re satisfied.”

Reece leaned back in his chair, studying me with an intensity that made my skin heat. “Let me see,” he demanded, thrusting out his hand.

I turned my computer to face him and pulled up his manuscript. He skimmed the text, his expression unreadable as his fingers tapped a steady rhythm against the tabletop.

The silence stretched between us, and I fought the urge to fidget in my seat. I could have kissed the barista when she arrived with my coffee. It was just the distraction I needed. But my mind began to wander as I sipped the warm beverage.

A tingle of awareness slid over my skin, and I shivered. I scanned the bustling cafe, but everything looked normal. Still, the feeling lingered.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled mindlessly.

Why Reece insisted on doing these meetings in person, I would never know.

This entire meeting could have been an email.

He never listened to me when I pointed this out.

It was his money, I supposed. If he wanted to pay me to sit here and watch him read, I’d take it.

Without thinking, I punched in the web address for The Wild Hunt. I chewed my bottom lip and glanced around, but no one was paying me any attention.

It was Reece’s manuscript that had given me the idea to go searching for The Wild Hunt. Primal play was a prominent feature of his recent work, and I’d been instantly intrigued. I’d been lurking on the website for a while, and now I was ready to take the leap.

At least, I thought I was.

I let out a controlled breath and entered The Marked forum. This was where I’d find my hunter.

CuriousMouse26: F30 curious mouse looking for a M30+ hunter to explore my darkest fantasies. A predator to match my prey. I’m looking for someone who isn’t afraid to lean into their savage side and push me to my limits. If this sounds like you, let’s chat and see if we’re hunting the same thing.

My finger hovered over the submit button for a long moment. Before I could talk myself out of it, I pressed the green symbol and quickly shoved my phone back into my pocket.

I settled into my chair and returned my gaze to Reece, who was furiously typing away on my laptop. The need to roll my eyes was almost too much. Anyone would think he was the editor with the way he critiqued my work.

My phone vibrated against my thigh, and I jumped.

My post couldn’t have received a reply that fast, could it?

I pulled out my phone and clicked on my notifications with unsteady hands.

BeastMode458: @CuriousMouse26 I have what you’re looking for. Let’s play.

Before I could respond, the message disappeared.

Huh? I guess he changed his mind.

Three dots appeared on the screen, and then my phone pinged with another message.

SavageHunter01: I’ve been waiting for you, Curious Mouse. Are you finally ready to play?

I inhaled a sharp breath, and Reece peered at me over my laptop. Schooling my features, I flashed him a broad grin. He furrowed his brow but returned his attention to the device.

Savage Hunter.

I hadn’t responded to him last night, but that didn’t seem to deter him. He was on the prowl, and it looked like he’d set his sights on me.

Was I really going to do this? Was I really going to meet up with some stranger and let him chase me around before he caught me and forced my submission?

The heat pooling at the apex of my thighs screamed hell yes, I was !

CuriousMouse26: My curiosity is piqued. You have my attention.

His response was immediate.

SavageHunter01: Didn’t anyone ever tell you that curiosity killed the mouse?

CuriousMouse26: I think you mean cat.

SavageHunter01: No, baby girl. It’s you who’s going to be devoured.

Sweet baby Jesus.

Heat crawled up my neck, and the room felt suddenly stifling. He was going to make me self-combust with his dirty mouth alone.

SavageHunter01: Keep your phone on you. I’ll be in touch.

Once his last message came through, he signed off, denying me the opportunity to respond.

Arrogant jerk.

And yet, there I sat, staring at my screen, grinning like an idiot. The man was probably a serial killer, and this would all end in my bloody demise.

“This is all in order, Layla,” Reece said, cutting through my musings. “I have a few suggestions to improve your work, but I’ll send them through via email.”

How fucking gracious of you, jackass.

“Thanks, Reece!” I said with false enthusiasm as I picked up my bag.

“You know, this is our tenth book together. We should grab a drink sometime to celebrate.”

“Umm, I’m flattered. But I like to keep my professional and private lives separate.”

“Oh, I wasn’t asking you out.”

His gaze raked over my body as he looked me up and down. My cheeks flamed under his scrutiny, and I wanted to scream that he was the last person I’d consider dating, but I held my tongue.

“Great. I’m glad we agree.”

For someone who moments before had seemed affronted by the idea that he could find me attractive, he certainly took his sweet time running his eyes up and down my body once more, his gaze lingering on my breasts.

I reached over and snatched my laptop out of his grip before I started toward the door.

“I’ll send you my invoice,” I called over my shoulder, not bothering to look at him, because fuck that asshole!

Reece gave an affirmative grunt, and I could feel his eyes on my ass as I walked away.

I really hated that guy.

As I pushed the cafe door wide and stepped outside, the cool air embraced me once more. My mind wandered back to my conversation with Savage Hunter, and I allowed myself to get excited for whatever was coming next.