Chokehold

by Leigh Rivers

When he stays silent, I throw my hands out defeatedly. “Not everyone is against you, Cole. Sooner or later, you will need to let someone past those fucking walls you’ve built so damn high. You want to hate me? Is that what you need to feel good? To feel safe? You want a villain? Fine. I’ll be your worst fucking nightmare.”

“Blaise…Jesus…” he groans. I release him with a pop. “Jesus? No, he can’t make you feel this way.”

His eyes flick to my mouth. “You’re not a psychopath.” “You have no idea the lengths I’ll go for you or the things I’ve done…” I reply, and Cole stares at my mouth for all of two seconds before fisting my T-shirt and crushing his mouth to mine.

My eyes fall to the gleaming knife, and my stomach tightens in response. I shouldn’t want him to use it on me, but I can’t deny the thrill.

Secrets can only stay buried in the murky waters for so long, but who can deny the siren’s call when he’s smirking like my tailor-made devil?

He stares down at the black mask in his hands, his eyes brimming with emotion. Life has a way of coming full circle.