Remember, you're just supposed to scare her. Knock hard on the door, don't say a word. She's sensitive and startles easy, got it? Raven's voice was low, tense, barely filling the small space between him and Randy as they sat in the front seat of his old pickup truck. His fingers tapped anxiously on the steering wheel, eyes sharp despite the cool, casual tone.

It had been three long weeks since she had cut him off completely. At first, he figured it'd be like all the other times—she'd cool off, miss him, come crawling back like always. But this time was different. She blocked him, wiped him from her Instagram, erased him from her life like he was nothing. Nothing.

That wound cut deep, festering into a mix of anger and twisted longing. But then, Raven had a plan. A brilliant plan. Scare her. It made perfect sense. She'd get scared, panic, and who else would she run to? Him. She always ran to him—he was her safe place, her comfort. And if she didn't realize that now, he'd make her see it.

Her friends were miles away, her mom too busy hooking up with whoever could pay. Her dad? Well, Raven always had a thing for girls without daddies—more vulnerable, easier to control. And lucky for him, he lived nearby. It only made sense for her to call him. It was fate.

I just need her to come to me, alright? Don't go too far with it. She's still mine. Raven's voice dropped into something more possessive as Randy nodded, pulling his mask on and slipping out of the truck.

Raven felt a rush of adrenaline as he watched Randy disappear into the night, heading toward her apartment. He could barely sit still, giddy with the anticipation of what was about to happen. God, he couldn't wait to feel her in his arms again, to hear her soft cries and need him the way she always did. Him, no one else. Never.

Then his phone buzzed.

Raven snatched it up, his pulse quickening. Yo? he answered, voice tight.

It's done. She's freaking out, probably calling you right now. Good luck. Randy hung up without another word, but Raven didn't need him anymore. A message appeared on his screen almost immediately.

I need help, I think someone is trying to break in.

A smile stretched across his face, wild and victorious. It took him less than a second to throw open the truck door and sprint toward her apartment. His heart pounded, but not from nerves—it was excitement. He just hoped she wouldn't notice how fast he got there.

Baby? Raven called softly as he knocked repeatedly on the door, voice coated in false concern. It's me, sweetheart. Open up.

When the door finally creaked open, his breath caught. There she was, standing in the dim light, tears streaking her face, looking vulnerable and scared. His. God, she looked perfect like this—helpless, needing him. Shit, he was hard.

Oh... baby. His voice softened as he stepped inside, wrapping her in his arms, pressing her against his chest as his hand gently rubbed her back. Shh, it's okay. I'm here now. I'll keep you safe. His lips brushed her forehead in a kiss, all the while suppressing the triumphant grin threatening to break through.

This is why you need me, baby. Don't be stupid next time. His words were smooth, sweet on the surface but with an edge of dark possession. Whether she realized it or not, she wasn't getting away from him again. Ever.