Beguile

Chapter 69

Lucas' touch was gentle, delicate, as his fingers brushed against my forehead.

His gestures were tender and thoughtful, each one imbued with a sincerity that touched my heart. Whether it was a reassuring smile or a comforting embrace, he always knew exactly what to say and do to make me feel special.

Even now. While his gaze seemed to hold genuine concern, yet, when I look into it's depths they mirror danger -a web of manipulation and deceit. Beaconing for Kurt to handle me, while simultaneously attempting to unguard me, drawing me closer into his carefully constructed illusion of kindness and care.

His smile didnt fade, even as Kurt yanked me away.

They didn't fade, even when Kurt slapped me across my face as he called me names.

His eyes held steady, unwavering in their facade of concern, yet each glance now seemed to carry a different undertone.

"Do you want my help?" he asked, his gaze flickering between Rie and me, though his words were directed at me.

Rie knelt on the ground, his hands bound behind him like a prisoner. In that moment, I couldn't shake the feeling that it could easily be me in his place, at the mercy of those same eyes that promised kindness but harbored a darkness I dared not acknowledge.

He said he wouldn't ever hurt me. But who's to say imprisoning is hurting? Who's to say that he may not lay his hands on me, he couldn't order others to do it for him.

"You feeling sorry for him?" Kurt grabbed me by my jaw, my eyes watering at the sudden pain. "Your lover."

"It's not-"

"What's not? When it's so clear! You were going to leave!" His voice rose to a scream, his anger palpable as he accused me, his eyes blazing with fury. And as his grip tightened, a searing pain shot through my jaw, causing me to let out a whimper.

For a moment, I thought his eyes softened.
I thought he didn't meant for me to get hurt.

But as sudden as it began, his eyes returned to ablaze. Pushing me off of his grip, and wiping his hands clean as if ridding himself of dirt.

Lucas came forward, reaching out his hand to me.

The very hand that gestured for Kurt. The very man who planned everything.

I knew that Kurt is no more than a pawn, that it was him all along.

Though no matter how many times I refuse to acknowledge it, I knew in the depths of whatever memory I have left, he despises me.

Lucas tilted his head. His gentle gaze met mine, and oh how much I'd love to bask in his warmth.

If he did anything that would contradict my beliefs, anything that proved that he have even a bit of love on me, despite all the pain and betrayal, I fear I would be powerless to resist. It's as if a part of me yearns for his validation, for his affection, even in the face of his cruelty. I would bend, go on my knees for him like a slave to it's master.

"Come on, princess. Reach for my hand."

His eyes sparkle as usual but they're a whole facade. A fake.

And fake affection won't cut it.

"No." Without thinking, the word escaped my lips.

Surprise was evident on his face, momentarily disrupting the mask of control he wore so effortlessly.

A new expression I have yet to witness until now. But as swiftly as the moment came, it was gone. Kurt shot out to grab my throat as if to punish me for disrespecting his master.

"Just like a puppet..." I couldn't help but cough out the words. "Angry for it's master."

He trembled, as if fume was coming out of his head. "You.... You fucking cunt!" His voice dripped with hatred. And I couldn't help but feel a grim of satisfaction of knowing I could see more of his expression- on his feeble attempt at control.

"You've finally done it! And here I thought we wouldn't have to punish you-"

"We? You couldn't even make your own decisions, Kay." I taunted, the words a sharp retort.

His features twisted into a mask of rage, while pleasure is simmering down in my belly like butterflies in a storm.

I wondered what else could provoke him to greater depths of anger. I wondered if he would hit me more.

But then, as I was thinking of other ways to taunt him, an arrow sliced through the air.

Kurt managed to dodge, but not without a graze on his arm. The sight of blood, even a mere graze, ignited a simmering anger within me. He was still mine, my property, and no one should dare to inflict harm upon what belonged to me.

Commotion shattered the tense atmosphere, and Lucas reached out to me once again, while Kurt was calling for me. Their faces in genuine worry as no more than footsteps drummed around the forest.

Amidst their distraction, a hand darted out to grab me. Instinct screamed for me to fight back, to break free from the grasp that sought to restrain me. But in that split second, a thought flashed through my mind.

This is it.

Running away now could provoke them further.

So, against every fiber of my being, I remained still, allowing myself to be captured, a silent acknowledgment of the dangerous game I was playing.