Raven Has Found His Prey

Nolan had already flatly rejected the man, and Valerie also took a dislike to Rovano for blurting out that he liked her in front of everyone, even though this was the first time they’d met.

Valerie shook her head; meeting strangers was terrifying, not at all like what she’d seen in the films. Was this why she wasn’t allowed to leave the mansion?

“He’s a madman, absolutely terrifying!” Valerie muttered.

The girl continued walking towards the back garden, the place where she usually went to be alone. Her father had finished introducing her to all the guests after their conversation with Rovano Morvane.

Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, she sensed someone standing right behind her. Valerie swallowed hard; her throat suddenly felt dry and, once again, the atmosphere around her felt oppressive.

Slowly, Valerie turned around. There stood a tall figure wearing a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, and a black tuxedo draped casually over his broad shoulders.

With his muscular hands tucked into his trouser pockets, any girl would surely be captivated by such a handsome man striking such a cool pose.

But Valerie was terrified out of her wits when she saw him.

Cold sweat trickled down her temples and her hands suddenly began to tremble; Valerie didn’t realise how badly her body was shaking.

Tap, tap, tap.

Rovano walked slowly; with every step he took, Valerie’s heartbeat seemed to quicken.

Now he was even closer, just a step away from Valerie; he towered over her, standing before the girl who had just risen from her seat.

The man before her stood tall yet relaxed; he gazed at Valerie with piercing eyes, a smirk clearly etched on his handsome face.

Valerie tilted her head back to look at Rovano, who was now slightly bending down to look at her face. The difference in their heights made Valerie feel even more intimidated.

Rovano’s face drew closer suddenly; his eyes were locked on Valerie’s. The girl could barely breathe and steadied her trembling body by taking a step back, as she felt cornered.

She tried to break free from Rovano, but his gaze kept her rooted to the spot.

Their foreheads were almost touching, and Valerie lost the nerve to speak. She could only feel her throat going dry; even swallowing was difficult for her.

“Do you know… Raven?” Rovano asked in a low voice, almost a whisper.

His voice was so soft that only Valerie could hear it, as she felt the warmth of Rovano’s breath on her face, making her chest feel tight.

She needed a little space, but Rovano held her gaze, which seemed to make Valerie’s body go stiff too.

“H-hah?” the girl stammered.

“Raven,” Rovano repeated; he gave a fleeting smile, which felt more like a sly grin.

Valerie blinked; she was frightened and confused by what Rovano was doing right now. The handsome man was bullying her.

“R-raven?” Valerie’s voice finally emerged, though it was very faint, "A black bird of prey?"

A sly grin reappeared on Rovano’s thin lips. “That’s right.”

Valerie managed to swallow and breathe a little more calmly as Rovano created a slight distance between their faces, which had been almost touching moments before.

“A raven usually chooses its prey,” Rovano whispered again, “to survive.”

His right hand rose and his fingers gently caressed Valerie’s left cheek, making her eyes widen in surprise; Rovano was teasing Valerie through his touch.

“And that raven has found his prey.”

Valerie’s eyes followed Rovano’s finger as it slowly descended to her chin, touching it from below—which automatically made her tilt her head back further.

Their eyes met again, for quite some time.

“I’ve got you, Valerie,” Rovano said again, his voice barely a whisper, his face drawing closer still, spontaneously.

The girl stepped back, but her feet were held fast by the chair behind her.

Valerie could no longer remember what happened after that; her eyes simply closed tightly because she was so afraid she couldn’t move a muscle, her fists clenched to suppress the trembling.

Something soft brushed against her full, pale pink lips, making them slightly damp, and something forced its way into her mouth. Unfortunately, her body was completely stiff.

Her heart was pounding so hard, her blood rushing through her veins.

That hand pressed against the back of Valerie’s neck, finally causing her body to go limp and succumb. Her hands, which had been trembling and clenched, now opened and touched the broad chest of the man who was now kissing her.

Coming to her senses, her eyes opened; sure enough, Rovano was kissing her. Valerie’s hands fought back, pushing the man away with all her might.

“Ah!” Valerie screamed; she felt something pierce her neck.

Valerie felt her head buzzing; slowly her vision blurred until darkness swallowed her, her body going limp.

Slowly she stepped backwards; her body was no longer balanced until finally she fell, but Rovano caught her immediately.

Valerie Ashford, unconscious in the arms of Rovano Morvane.

A drugging kiss? No. That wasn’t what had rendered Valerie unconscious.

Rovano had injected a sedative into Valerie’s neck, using a small syringe that the girl hadn’t noticed at all, and only felt once it had been withdrawn.

Rovano had hypnotised her to close her eyes and feel his kiss.

There was no one in the back garden apart from Rovano, Valerie and two of Rovano’s bodyguards who had just arrived. Rovano’s plan was very well organised, wasn’t it?

“Take him to my car without anyone noticing, as quickly as possible, and you…” Rovano pointed to one of his bodyguards. “Distract them and deal with the security CCTV. Do everything exactly as planned; don’t leave the slightest loophole.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Oh, and give them a big surprise.”

Amidst the revelry of the business party, they were unaware of a small scream signalling a loss. With a casual stride, Rovano tidied himself up and rejoined the party.

His prey was already in his grasp.

Nolan, will you remain so arrogant? Valerie is mine now.

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