"Maya, you and Victor should go together since his bike is here now."

I froze, turning my head toward Dad. I looked at him in shock but quickly composed myself.

"But Dad, my friend is waiting for me," I said, glancing at Victor after addressing Dad.

"Oh, I forgot about that. Tell her to come with us. Victor will take you both," Dad replied.

"D...ad," I stammered. "It will be uncomfortable, and I don't like bikes," I said again, trying to convince him. Finally, with a sigh, Dad nodded his head.

"Okay, go," he said.

I let out a sigh of relief, gave him a quick smile, and bid him goodbye.

Running out quickly, I saw his car and made my way toward it. My head turned toward my house again and again, making sure no one was out yet and no one was watching us. Opening the door, I sat inside. My back touched the seat as I took a deep breath.

"From whom are you running, butterfly?" Rhys asked, arching a brow at me.

"N...o o..ne," I stammered, and he chuckled darkly, his intense eyes locking with mine before turning back to the road.

"I was thinking about not punishing you today, butterfly, but see—you made that mistake once again," he said, starting the car. My face went pale with fear. Clutching the hem of my T-shirt, I bit my lip. My heartbeat quickened, as though someone were grabbing my throat, forcing me not to breathe.

When the car reached the college, my feet started trembling. Not here. Dad was coming. Victor was coming. They would see me.

"Get out, butterfly," Rhys said, undoing his seatbelt and stepping out. But I didn't move. Forcing myself further into the seat, I grabbed it like my life depended on it—and, in a way, it did.

My eyes began to fill with tears.

Rhys stopped in his tracks when he didn't hear my footsteps. Turning back, he walked to the car again. Peering in through the driver's window, he looked at me.

"Are you waiting for an invitation, butterfly? Get out," he said.

I looked at him with pleading eyes as small tears slipped down my cheeks. Gulping a large amount of saliva, I whispered, "Rhys, p..lease, not her..e."

He stared at me for a few seconds before repeating, "Get out, butterfly."

I didn't reply, tightening my hold on the seat. I stared into his dark eyes, my own teary gaze begging him.

"Ple..ase," I begged. "Not h..ere."

He frowned, anger or frustration flashing across his face.

"Get out, Maya," he said again, his voice radiating anger now.

"N..ot here," I stammered, crying harder.

Punching the car in frustration, he opened the door with a harsh slam and got inside. Starting the car with a roar, he sped away from the university.

My eyes widened when I saw Victor following Dad's car. Although the speed made me feel sick, I was thankful—at least no one would know about Rhys and me. But for how long?

I glanced at Rhys. His neck was red, veins popping out. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes glowed with rage. I knew there was no way he was letting me go today.

My grip on the seatbelt tightened as the car veered sharply. When he finally slammed the brakes, I realized where we were. My eyes widened. It was the same house where Rhys had taken me before—the house of his friend, the one he had kicked out.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice him getting out. Rhys slammed the door again, yanking mine open with speed. Grabbing my wrist, he dragged me inside, his grip like iron.

He clicked the doorbell furiously.

The door opened to reveal the same sleepy boy.

"Out," Rhys barked, his tone leaving no room for argument. The boy's eyes widened, and he quickly slipped on his shoes, stumbling as he left.

Rhys pulled me inside, locking the door behind him. Suddenly, he shoved me against it.

His lips crashed onto mine in a furious kiss.

"Why do you have to anger me so much, huh?" he said between kisses. Biting my lips, he pulled the bottom one away slightly before plunging his tongue into my mouth. He explored every corner with intensity, tasting me like a starving man. His large hand fisted my hair tightly, keeping me in place as he kissed me harder, pushing me further against the door.

His other hand searched desperately for my skin. Sliding up my waist, he finally grabbed it, squeezing it tightly. A moan of pain escaped my lips as I whimpered under his hold.

"FUCK. You drive me mad, Maya," he groaned into my mouth, giving another punishing squeeze. My hands, which had been clutching his shirt, grabbed his arms tightly instead.

"L...eave m..e," I gasped when his lips detached for a brief moment, only to come back more forcefully. This time, he bit down on my lips with sharp teeth, devouring me like a beast. His tongue was relentless, never leaving my mouth.

"R...hys," I cried out in pain as the sharp sting on my lips became unbearable and the lack of air attacked my senses.

"SHUT UP," he roared, releasing my lips but yanking my hair tighter. His face was so close to mine, his breaths mingling with mine as he gave me a moment to catch my breath.

His heavy breathing matched mine, and I closed my eyes, trying to stop the tears that kept spilling onto the floor.

"Say my name," he demanded suddenly.

I opened my eyes to see his closed ones. He had just told me to shut up, and now this? Bewildered, I stared at him.

"Say my name, Maya," he repeated, his voice low but commanding.