She woke with a start.
The rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor told her exactly where she was.
A hospital.
Her breathing came in sharp gasps, the oxygen mask pressed against her face as though it were smothering her rather than helping her.
It felt like she was still drowning.
But it wasn't the memory of the water that suffocated her, it was him.
His presence filled the room like a heavy fog, suffocating, oppressive. It was as though his very existence was gnawing at her flesh, drinking her blood, and breaking her bones.
Her phone rang, its shrill tone slicing through the oppressive silence. She couldn't reach it.
Ring.
Her gaze darted to the small table across the room, where the device vibrated.
Ring.
His silk-gloved hand moved before she could even try.
She knew those gloves.
Feared them.
Her body broke into a cold sweat despite the freezing air pouring from the vent.
He picked up the phone, his movements smooth, deliberate.
"Hello?" Riley's voice broke through the tension, worried and shaky.
"Peace?"
Tears welled in Peace's eyes, spilling over as she stared at him. He was clad in a long black Balenciaga leather coat, his face concealed behind a sleek mask.
"This is Dr. David," he lied smoothly, his voice calm, dispassionate. "Peace had an accident. Can you come to the hospital?"
The breath hitched in Peace's throat. She was too petrified to speak, her lips trembling as tears continued to fall.
"An accident? Oh my God, which hospital? Is she okay? Please tell me she's okay!" Riley's panicked voice came through.
"I'll send you the address," he said simply before hanging up the phone.
He turned to her, towering over her fragile form, and his gloved hand reached out to stroke her hair.
"I missed you, Peace."
The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine, goosebumps prickling her skin.
"I missed the look in those eyes," he said, leaning closer, his gloved fingers brushing her cheek. "I missed your trembling body."
Her whimpers escaped her lips before she could stop them, and his gaze darkened with cruel satisfaction.
"If only you had chosen the easy way," he murmured, standing and walking toward the oxygen tank with measured steps. "If only you hadn't betrayed me."
His hand rested on the knob of the oxygen cylinder. He tilted his head, his voice lowering. "If only you didn't consume my every thought. All these years."
Her eyes burned with hatred, her voice trembling but laced with venom as she spat, "I hate you."
Her words pierced him, but he smirked. Even through his mask, she could feel his smugness, his raw obsession.
"I hate you too, Peace," he said, his voice breaking with emotion as he turned the oxygen off.
She gasped, her body convulsing as she fought for air. Her chest rose and fell in a desperate rhythm, her glare never wavering.
Darco watched her, his expression a mixture of torment and delight.
"I just want you to remember," he whispered, leaning closer, "the reason you breathe... is for me."
Her body began to weaken, her gasps turning shallow. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she struggled, her lips trembling.
And then her voice, barely a whisper:
"Just let me die."
"Let me die, Darco..."
His heart twisted, the words slicing through him. He turned the knob on the oxygen cylinder, but nothing happened.
No bubbles.
No air.
He kicked the tank in frustration. Panic crept into his expression as her body began to go limp.
"Shit," he muttered, his hands shaking.
"Shit!"
He ripped the oxygen mask off her face, placing his hands on her chest, pumping desperately.
"No. Like hell I'm letting you die, Peace."
Her eyes fluttered open, dazed and glassy. She stared at him, her lips trembling as she whispered, "Please... just let me go."
He ignored her plea, his movements frantic.
"You're mine, Peace," he growled, his voice raw, filled with anguish. "Even in death, you are mine."
He bent down, his lips sealing over hers as he forced his breath into her lungs.
Her chest rose, and she gasped, choking on the air he gave her.
The room filled with the blaring sound of the emergency alarm as he shouted for nurses, his hands still on her chest.
"You will live," he whispered, his voice hoarse and trembling. "Because I won't let you go. Never."