Francisco's eyes locked onto Hazel with a quiet intensity. Hazel's heart beat faster, bracing for what he might do next.
"Mongoose and snake can't be together," she said again, her voice shaky but firm.
Francisco's jaw tightened. Without warning, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto his lap.
Hazel stiffened.
His cold fingers slid over her shoulder, and the strap of her dress slipped down, exposing her skin. Her breath caught as his hand moved lower, fingers intertwining with hers in a grip that felt like a cage.
He leaned in, his nose brushing her neck, breath hot against her skin. A shiver ran down her spine.
"No, Hazel," he murmured, his voice rough and quiet. "If the snake is stronger than the mongoose, then the mongoose will be the prey."
Hazel clenched her lips, trying to steady her breath.
She struggled to pull her hand free, but he held tight. His touch lingered, his tongue grazing her shoulder and neck.
"Stop it!" she snapped, her voice trembling. She pushed against him, panic rising.
He didn't flinch. Instead, he whispered near her ear, "See how weak you've become."
Hazel squeezed her eyes shut, her chest heaving as she fought to stay composed. Her whole body tensed under his grip.
"There's no point in waiting," he said, his tone low and final.
"No one will come to save you. He is no more either."
The words hit her like ice. Her hands froze. Her heart dropped.
Then his voice softened.
He ran his fingers gently through her hair.
"I can do anything for you," he said, his tone tender... but laced with control.
"If it is called craziness, then I am crazy for you."
Hazel's breath caught at his whispered confession. Her heart pounded, but her mind stayed clear. No matter how deep his obsession ran, her choice was firm.
"If you can do everything for me, then leave me alone," she said.
Francisco's eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. He rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Then?" he asked softly.
"You will be no more with me. What is the point of leaving you then?"
His words came cold and sharp, laced with quiet bitterness.
"You should die," Hazel snapped, her teeth clenched, her desperation spilling into rage.
Francisco let out a low chuckle. The sound chilled her to the bone.
"If I die, I will take you with me."
Hazel froze.
Panic flared in her chest as she tried again to pull away, but his grip only tightened.
"Everyone will be okay if you accept me."
"Your parents. Your life. Everything, Hazel."
The pressure of his words closed in on her, heavy and suffocating. She stared ahead, heart racing, thoughts spiraling through fear, guilt, and helplessness.
"You promise they will be okay?" she asked finally, her voice small and cracking.
"Yes, I promised," Francisco said as he pulled her closer. "Take my word, Hazel."
Hazel closed her eyes, breathing deeply to steady herself. Every part of her screamed against it, but she forced herself to speak.
"You know what, we should eat now," she said quietly.
Hazel picked up the knife and began cutting a piece of steak for Francisco. Her movements were slow, almost robotic.
Trying to ease the tension, she offered him a small piece on the fork.
"Come try it," she said softly.
Francisco blinked, momentarily thrown off by her unexpected gesture. Without speaking, he reached for her hand, guiding the fork to his mouth.
As she turned back to the plate to cut more, Francisco surprised her again. He moved behind her, gently taking hold of her hand and guiding the knife with her. His grip was firm but calm, silently asserting control. They moved together, slicing the meat as one.
She felt the warmth of his hand over hers, his presence pressing in close... both steadying and suffocating.
He speared a piece of meat and turned toward her.
"It's juicy, try it," he said, his eyes holding hers.
Hazel hesitated. Then, slowly, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in to take the bite. The flavor was rich, tender... almost enough to pull her from the weight pressing on her chest.
But just as the moment softened, a voice rang in her mind, sharp and unexpected.
'Sir, are you looking for me?'