Deadly desires: the Donna's obsession.

Classes had just dismissed for the day and students were busy rushing home.

Scarlett stood outside leaning against the wall, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Luca, I need your help with something," she said slowly.

"Doesn't sound ominous at all," Luca's sarcastic tone came through the line. "What is it?"

She hesitated for the briefest moment, her fingers tightening around the phone. "I need you to investigate Valmont High. Its background, history—everything."

There was silence on the other end, then a low chuckle. "Valmont High? You're seriously having me dig up dirt on your high school?"

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"Alright, alright. I'll get on it. But what's this about?"

She didn't answer, instead immediately ending the call with a sharp press of her finger.

Stuffing the phone back into her pocket, she exhaled slowly.

She'd given him the task, planting the seed that would uncover Valmont High's secrets, though she didn't entirely like how Mori kept talking about Justice nonsense, she did have to admit that it all sounded ominous.

But you'll be surprised that her mind wasn't entirely on the investigation.

No. It was on a certain vampire eyed boy. Or was it half vampire eyed boy? Whatever.

Anyway, she'd set the pieces in motion, and now, it was time to focus on her next move.

She straightened, brushing the imaginary dust from her blazer.

Adjusting her lapels, she smoothed the fine Italian fabric before heading toward the parking lot to find her car.

---

Throughout the rest of the class that day, Killian had not been able to focus, even when classes were dismissed, he still sat in his chair, his mind spiraling with conflicting thoughts.

Scarlett was unpredictable, dangerous, and now, more than ever, in his way.

He remembered her kiss, her audacious declaration, and the way she'd left without a second thought.

What was she playing at?

What did she want from him?

Or was this all part of her plan?

Maybe she was really here to get it?

But in that case, how had she heard about it? Even his father didn't know that it was with him?

Besides, why would she need it in the first place? He didn't remember his mother mentioning her name when she had warned him about people to watch out for.

He shook his head.

Did it even matter, once he killed her all this nonsense would end.

He tightened his tightened.

His gaze flicked to the clock on the wall.

School had been dismissed hours ago, and yet, he hadn't even moved.

The day had been long enough.

With a sigh, he finally pushed himself to his feet, stretching his arms.

It wasn't like him to linger, but something about today had left him unsettled, it wasn't everyday you got 'claimed'.

He walked to the door and twisted the handle.

It didn't budge.

He frowned, jiggling it harder but it refused to move.

"What the fuck?"

He stepped back, examining the door as if it might magically explain itself.

With a frustrated growl, he rammed his shoulder into it, the impact jolting through his body. Still, the door didn't budge.

Growling in frustration, he pulled out his phone, only to find something even more shocking.

No signal.

Great.

He walked around and checked again.

But still no bars.

His brows furrowed. Valmont High wasn't exactly in the heart of the city, but it wasn't in the middle of nowhere either.

So the fact that there were no bars...

It was weird but it wasn't exactly impossible.

Defeated, he slumped back into his chair, his eyes darting to the windows.

There was no way to climb out without breaking something, and he wasn't ready to take that risk. Besides, the janitor would make his rounds eventually. All he had to do was wait.

In the meantime, he pulled out his phone and began playing candy crush.

An hour later, the sound of the lock clicking startled him.

The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man in a faded janitor's uniform.

He slowly peeked his face and looked a bit shocked when he spotted Killian.

"Sorry about that, sir," he bowed his head, fully passing his body through the door. "Had a little mix-up with the keys today."

"A mix-up? I've been stuck here for over an hour." Killian shot him a glare, standing up.

The man scratched the back of his neck, avoiding his gaze. "Won't happen again. My apologies."

Killian narrowed his eyes but nodded stiffly. "Whatever," he muttered, brushing past him without another word.

As he walked down the hallway, he didn't notice the way the janitor's lips curled into a smirk, a wad of cash sticking out of his pocket, courtesy of Scarlett.

---

Killian walked toward the parking lot, his steps heavy with exhaustion. All he wanted was to get on his bike and leave this godforsaken day behind.

But as he reached his bike, his stomach sank.

Both tires were flat.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Could this day possibly get any worse." he growled loudly, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

Clenching his fists, he crouched down to inspect the damage.

It wasn't an accident. The jagged slashes along the rubber were definitely deliberate. And it sure did seem like the person wasn't trying to hide it at all.

Why the hell would someone deliberately flatten his tires?

Straightening, he glanced around the deserted school grounds.

How was he...

A loud honk suddenly cut through his thoughts.

His head whipped around to see a black car pull up beside him, its engine humming softly.

The tinted window rolled down, revealing Scarlett's face, her expression one of smug amusement.

She glanced at the flat tires and clicked her tongue. "Tsk tsk tsk, Rough day?"

Killian glared at her, his hands clenching at his sides. "It was you, wasn't it?"

Scarlett's lips curled into a sly smile. "I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway, need a ride?"

He scoffed, taking a step back. "No."

"Suit yourself," she shrugged, her hand moving to shift the gear. But she suddenly paused, her gaze turning back to him. "Although, given where we are, I doubt you'll find another option. And judging by those tires, you're not going anywhere tonight."

He glared at her.

He wanted to tell her to fuck off but he also knew that she was right.

Valmont High was isolated, with no buses or cabs for miles, usually it wasn't a problem, since everyone had their drivers come pick them up. But for him who had just moved out and abandoned his father, he didn't have a driver. And also all his friends had already gone home.

Still, the idea of accepting her help made his blood boil.

Scarlett tilted her head, her smile widening as if she could see his internal struggle. "Don't be shy, Black. I promise I won't bite. Hard."

The glare he gave her could've burned holes through steel, but Scarlett remained unfazed.

Finally, with a frustrated huff, he walked around to the passenger side. But when he tried to open the door, it didn't budge.

He stared at the handle, then back at her. "It's locked."

She feigned surprise. "Oh, silly me. My car doesn't open for people with bad attitudes."

His nostrils immediately flared. "Open the door, Scarlett!"

"Say please," she teased, her finger hovering over the unlock button.

His fists clenched, the muscles in his jaw working overtime. "You're kidding me."

"Nope," she popped the 'p.'

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Just get through this.

"Please," he finally bit out through gritted teeth.

Scarlett's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "See? That wasn't so hard." she said, pressing the unlock button.

Killian yanked the door open and slid into the seat, slamming it shut behind him. The leather was cool against his back, and the faint scent of Scarlett's perfume filled the car, an intoxicating mix of danger and allure.

"Buckle up," Scarlett ordered.

Killian didn't respond, his gaze fixed straight ahead as the car rolled out of the lot.

He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just walked into another one of her traps.