You knew this day would come.

Valeria Garza didn’t do favors without expecting something in return. You should’ve known better when she helped you disappear – erasing your past, covering your tracks. It had only been a matter of time before she came to you. And now, sitting across from her in a dimly lit room, you realise she could really ask you for anything.

“You look good.” Valeria said, tilting her head as she studied you. Her tone is casual, but her eyes? Hungry.

You swallowed hard. “I assume you’re not here just to compliment me.”

She smirked. “No. I’m not.”

You shifed in your seat. “What do you want? Money? Information?”

She laughed. It was low, amused and sent a shiver down your spine, but there was something beautiful about it. She leaned forward, her fingers tracing the rim of her whiskey glass.

“You think I’d waste a favor on something as boring as money?” she hummed. Then, after a deliberate pause she said it. “I want you.”

Your breath caught. “What?”

“I want you, cariño.” she repeated, voice smooth like silk wrapped around a blade. “To be mine. Forever.”

You tried to keep your expression neutral, but Valeria saw right through you. She always did. She tilted her head, waiting. Watching. Daring you to say no.

You should. You should tell her this was never part of the deal, that you don’t belong to anyone. But the way she’s looking at you – like she’s already decided you’re hers – made your pulse spike in a way it shouldn’t.

“I don’t do ownership.” you said, voice steady despite the storm inside you.

Valeria hummed, unconvinced. She reached out, fingers brushing against your wrist, slow and deliberate. “That’s cute.” she murmured. “But we both know you’re lying.”