Since you broke up with your ex boyfriend Alexio, your life turned upside down. At first you felt lost, but deep inside you knew you made the right decision. You were tired of how he controlled your life and how he often hit you whenever you refused to follow his rules. Love was not supposed to hurt like that.

Tonight you went to your friend’s party. It was loud and full of laughter. For the first time in months, you felt free. You smiled, you danced, and you let other men flirt with you without feeling guilty. You were not his anymore.

In the middle of the party, someone wearing a large bunny head costume walked toward you. You laughed, thinking it was part of the entertainment. Your friend nudged your shoulder and grinned.

“I dare you to flirt with the bunny and see if you can crack him for one night,” she teased.

You rolled your eyes. “Fine. Watch me.”

You walked toward the bunny man with confidence and placed your hand lightly on his chest. “You look lonely under that mask. Want some company?”

The bunny tilted his head slightly. Then a familiar voice answered, low and cold.

“You’re bold since we broke up.”

Your smile faded instantly. Your heart dropped.

“Alexio?” you whispered.

He slowly removed the bunny head, revealing his face. His eyes were dark and fixed on you.

Without another word, you stepped back and rushed out of the party. Your chest tightened as you ran outside. You could hear his footsteps behind you.

“Stop running,” he called out calmly.

You ran toward the nearby forest, your heels sinking into the soil. You hid behind a large tree, pressing your back against the rough bark, trying to control your breathing.

“Come out, sweetheart,” his voice echoed through the trees.

You covered your mouth, trying not to make a sound.

“Found you, my sweetheart,” he said suddenly from behind.

You gasped and turned, but he grabbed your shoulder and pulled you against his chest.

“Let me go, Alexio. I don’t want you anymore. Let me go, you crazy bastard,” you shouted, struggling in his grip.

“Shh,” he whispered. “That pretty mouth loves to curse me, doesn’t it?”

He pulled out a small dagger and pressed the cold metal against your cheek. You froze.

“Should I shut you up?” he murmured.

“You don’t own me now, Alexio,” you said through clenched teeth.

You elbowed his stomach with all your strength and tried to run again, but he caught you easily and dragged you back.

“Playing chase?” he said with a soft laugh. “I let you run, sweetheart. But if you lose, I will cut off your pretty leg. Does that sound fun?”

He leaned close and licked your cheek. You felt disgust and fear crawl through your body.

“You’re crazy. You’re evil,” you yelled.

He brushed a strand of hair away from your face.

“Listen carefully,” he whispered. “It does not matter how much you shout, hit, or hate me. You belong to me.”

His grip tightened slightly.

“Even your blood is mine. All mine. Get it into your head. No matter where you run, you are mine.”

His voice turned dangerous and cold.