Episode 4

I spent the hours leading up to the evening letting her words go through my head over and over again. Part of me, the greater part, completely refused to even think about accepting the Hunter's offer. But the other part, however small, longed to escape this constant struggle for survival and the ever-present hopelessness in the surrounding area. And if only for a limited time.

"Stop dreaming," I told myself, shaking off the thought and getting ready for work.

Nikk was already in the bar when Danika and I got there with Baris' bodyguards. I greeted him politely, but kept avoiding his gaze while I went about my work. The whole time I was fighting an internal battle to make the right decision. If there was any right decision at all. Whichever path I chose, it would bring good and bad with it.

"You won't regret it," a voice suddenly whispered in my ear and I was startled when I saw Nikk standing next to me. “What are you afraid of, Riley? That you might like it too much? "

I took a step away from him to widen the distance between us. "I'm not scared," I said in a firm voice, glad that I sounded really convincing. "I just don't get into bed with every guy who comes along."

His lips curled up again into that smug smile that many women were sure to find appealing. It made me tingle too, but just because my body reacted to its stimuli didn't mean that I would throw myself headlong into his arms. No, I wasn't that naive, I had already experienced too much horror and horror for that. And basically I didn't think much of hunters. Perhaps even less than from the men in the surrounding area who I was at least somewhat familiar with.

»In plain language this means: You want to get to know me better first. Right? ”Nikk asked the next moment.

"At least that would be a start."

“Unfortunately, I don't have the time for romantic dates. I'm a busy man, Riley. "

“I am aware of that. You are a hunter, sir. And on some whim, you decided to woo me. I do not know why. Maybe because you were a little bored or because you discovered something about me that you like. It doesn't matter, you've got it into your head to make me your lover. But before I even think about coming to you, I'd like to know more about you. "

"Well. What do you want to know? ”He propped himself up against the wall behind my back with one arm and looked at me invitingly.

A little taken by surprise, because I hadn't expected him to engage in my question-and-answer game, I stuttered: "Um ... well, first of all ... I'd like to know what exactly you are from me ... or expect from a lover. "

"I don't have to enlighten you, do I?" He asked, amused.

I pushed back the burgeoning shame and cocked my chin. “No, you don't have to, sir. I'm already cleared up. "

"Well. Then you should know what I expect from you. Certain physical services. Sex. Hot games on cool sheets. And if you wish, I can go into more detail. "

"No, no, that's enough detail," I interrupted hastily and looked around to make sure no one was listening to us. Danika was busy wiping the few tables, and the three guys at the bar were already way too drunk to notice. Thank God!

"Do you have any more questions, Riley?" The Hunter drew my attention again.

"I have tons of questions," I said, puffing my cheeks.

“Too bad we don't have time for the chat. But I'll be back tomorrow evening, ”he promised.

"I thought you were a very busy man," I said defiantly. "And yet you have time to spend your evenings in a bar and answer questions."

"Hmm." He smiled and ran a finger over my lower lip. "I take this time because I want you."

A pleasant shiver ran down my back. I took a step aside to escape his touch, which was far too upsetting to me. "Well, I'll see you again tomorrow night." I gave him a curt nod and scurried away. It wasn't until he stepped out the door that the tension eased from my body.