Previously: Violetta gets a new face and it's one that makes Valentino furious, his conflicted emotions leaving him to both want to keep her safe and ruin her so she knows her place. He soon finds a middle ground.
Chapter 5: Sheepish Hearts
Valentino leaned back in his seat, cigar dangling from his fingers, exchanging a rare moment of unguarded laughter with Vox. Their conversation was cut short as the studio office door creaked open, and Violetta stepped inside with her usual air of efficiency. Her sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Vox.
"Vox," She said crisply, her voice carrying a tone of authority that was impossible to ignore. "You've got a meeting in fifteen minutes."
Vox glanced at her, his smug face twitching for a split second with what could almost be annoyance—or admiration for how she always seemed to be a step ahead. He nodded. "Got it, Flossy."
Violetta's eye twitched at the nickname but otherwise ignored it, brushing some stray strands of pastel wool back into place. "Good. Don't forget to bring up his outstanding debts from last year's tech shipment." She added before pivoting on her heel and leaving just as swiftly as she'd entered.
Valentino smirked after her, leaning forward. "Damn, she's something, huh?"
Vox let out an amused hum. "Always two steps ahead, that one. Almost makes my job easier." He rose from his seat, adjusting his bowtie with a flick of his sharp, metallic fingers. "Alright, time to deal with this oversized toaster."
(Woosh!)
The meeting was in Vox's private office, and the moment Shiner Drozei walked in, the air seemed to grow heavier. The massive metal crow demon strutted in with his shiny metallic feathers gleaming under the fluorescent lights, giving him an imposing, almost blinding presence. The conference room buzzed with tension as Vox sat at the head of the sleek, metallic table, his screen-like face scowling slightly with irritation. Shiner's piercing, mechanical eyes locked onto Vox with an air of superiority as his bodyguards stood stoically behind him, armed and ready to act on a whim.
"Ah, the mighty Vox," Shiner drawled, his deep, raspy voice echoing through the room. He didn't bother to rise. "I see you're still playing house with things far beneath you."
Vox's screen glitched slightly, flashing red for a second. "Funny. I was thinking the same about you. What's a bucket of bolts like you doing flapping around in someone else's nest?"
"Mm funny," Shiner chortled dryly, his voice a metallic rasp. He gestured lazily to his bodyguards, who flanked him as he sat opposite Vox. "Let's get to business,Voxxy."
Vox's expression hardened at the nickname. "It's Vox. And if you've got business, get to it."
Shiner ignored the correction, his grin widening. "I'm here for the girl."
Vox's brow furrowed. "What girl?"
"Don't play dumb with me," Shiner growled, leaning forward. "Violetta. My bride-to-be."
The words hit Vox like a punch to the gut, though he refused to let it show. "Bride-to-be?" He echoed, his tone skeptical.
Shiner laughed again, the sound cold and sharp. "Oh she didn't tell you? Her father and I signed a contract months ago. She's supposed to be mine, and yet she's been running around with low-ranking Overlords like you, Valentino, and that uppity fashionista brat. Frankly, I'm insulted."
Vox's fists clenched, and he stood, glaring down at the crow demon. "Insulted? You waltz into my office, call me a low-ranking overlord, and then act like you're entitled to one of my team members? You've got some nerve."
Before Vox could take another step, Shiner's bodyguards moved forward, their weapons gleaming ominously. Vox tensed, but Shiner raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks.
"Fragile egos," Shiner mused, his tone mocking. "Relax, Vox. I didn't come here for a fight. I came to make a deal."
Vox leaned forward, his screen displaying an angry, pixelated scowl. "I'm not interested in any deal involving Violetta. She's not going anywhere."
Shiner smirked, reaching into his coat and pulling out a rolled-up document. With a flick of his wrist, he unfurled it and slammed it onto the table. "You might want to rethink that." He tapped a sharp talon on the parchment. "This is a signed contract between me and her father, stating she's to be my wife. I have every right to claim her." It was all there: Violetta's arranged marriage to Shiner in exchange for a cut of his lucrative Yakuza operations. Her father's signature sealed the deal.
Vox's fists clenched, letting out a violent growl. "Why her? There's no shortage of big-name sinners in Hell. Why go through all this trouble for her?"
Shiner chuckled again, leaning back in his chair. "You really don't know what you've got on your hands, do you? Violetta isn't just some lost sheep. There's power in that girl, power you clearly haven't tapped into yet. That, and she's... well, let's just say she's very pleasing to have around. Eye candy doesn't hurt."
Vox's screen went dark for a moment before flaring bright red. "She's not yours to take. She's a part of my operation. A necessary part of The Vees."
Shiner's grin faltered, his red eyes narrowing into slits. "Careful, Vox. You're playing a dangerous game. I could tear you apart right here and now."
Vox stood firm, unflinching despite the veiled threat. "You think I'm just going to sit here and let you make threats? You're talking to Vox,the Vox! I run this bitch! I control your damn technology, you asshole. Get the fuck out of my building."
The room was silent for a tense moment before Shiner stood, smoothing his coat. "No need for violence—yet. I'll leave for now, but mark my words: I'll get my claws on her one way or another."
"You still owe me from last year you flashy tin pigeon." Vox spoke calmly and Shiner glares him down, cheesed off that he wasn't blowing up at him. So he growls and snaps his claws to have one of his guards throw down a sack of money on the table.
With that, he left, his guards following closely behind. Vox stood there for a moment, his fists still clenched, the room silent except for the faint hum of his internal systems. Glaring at the bag of cash.
"She's not yours," Vox muttered to himself, his voice low and dangerous. "Not now. Not ever."
(Woosh!)
Vox sat in his surveillance room, his sharp fingers tapping rhythmically on the surface of the elaborate keyboard desk as he went over the details of his recent meeting with Shiner. The revelation of Violetta's supposed engagement and hidden powers gnawed at him, reigniting the skepticism he had buried months ago. His gaze flicked to the pastel ewe on one of the monitors, now bustling around Velvette's designer studio in her cream-toned sweater dress due to being freshly shorn of her wool to make more of her product line up, the heart-shaped cutout between her breasts only adding to his irritation. How could someone so seemingly innocent be the center of so much chaos?
When she finally wandered into his office, carrying a pile of mail that was for him, Vox's patience was already worn thin.
"Violetta," The tech mogul called sharply, making her stop in her tracks. She turned to face him, her usual irritation toward him evident in her expression.
"What now, TV head? I'm off your schedule today, so if you need something go find someone who likes you." She scoffs, dropping the mail on his desk with a thud and turns to leave.
He ignored the jab, standing up and crossing his arms. "We need to talk. About Shiner."
The pastel ewe paused her body visibly tensing at the name, and Vox didn't miss it. Her fingers twitched against the fabric of her dress as she looked away, busying herself with adjusting the hem as her ears flattened slightly. "Oh," She muttered, forcing a casual tone. "What did that old crow want?"
"Cut the bullshit, Violetta." His voice sharpened, though he kept his composure. "You visibly tensed the moment I mentioned him. What is it that you're hiding?"
Slowly, she turned back to him, her expression guarded. "I don't know what he told you, but it's all lies," She said firmly. "Shiner's just trying to make you distrust me."
"Funny," Vox growled, stepping closer. His tall, imposing frame loomed over her as he advanced, forcing her to back up until she was pressed into a corner. "Because I have every reasontodistrust you now. You've been sneaking around, keeping secrets, and now I find out thatShiner Fujimotohas a claim on you? Care to explain why you're evenhere?"
Violetta swallowed hard but refused to cower. "Shiner's just mad because I won't marry him," she hissed, her voice sharp with frustration. "My father..." She clenched her fists, her pastel wool bristling slightly. "My father was the one who arranged it all. "
Vox's jaw tightened as she spoke. "You're telling me this psychopath is chasing you around because yourejectedhim? Why the hell didn't you say anything before?"
"Why would I tellyouanything more than the basics? You hate me, remember?" Violetta crossed her arms, her voice rising in frustration. "Do you know what it's like to have your entire life decided for you? To be treated like—like a bargaining chip? Some pawn for his alliances? Shiner was just the last straw after two other suitors. I ran after him."
"And Val knew all this?" He asked, his voice quieter now, but still laced with suspicion. Why wouldn't he tell him all that? It's a great vulnerability to use against her..
"Of course, Valentino knows," She crossed her arms, her voice dripping with venom. "You probably wish I'd just go back to my father so you wouldn't have to deal with me anymore."
Her voice cracked at the end, and for the first time, Vox noticed the tears welling in her eyes. She turned away, kicking a nearby chair over in frustration. Before he could respond, she buried her face against his chest, her small frame trembling as she clung to him for support.
Vox stiffened, his circuits sparking in confusion. He wasn't used to this—comforting people, letting them cry on him. He wasn't used to caring about anyone's personal problems, especially not hers. He threw her into obscurity unless he needed a massage, or help with something technical. "I finally escaped, and now he's ruining everything! I don't want to marry him, Vox. I just want to live my life, to—" Her voice broke, turning her face to look to the ground
Vox's anger fizzled out as he stared down at her, the usually composed and confident pastel sheep reduced to tears. Something he hasn't seen from her for at least 2 months, when she was terrified of himand Valentino for a very short stint.
After a long, awkward pause, Vox's hand hesitantly moved to rest on her back, an almost mechanical embrace showing how he doesn't do this a lot or ever. "Alright, alright," He muttered, his voice softer now. "Quit crying. You'll ruin my suit."
Violetta looked up at him, her tear-streaked face full of despair. Her wool brushing against his sharp suit. "What am I supposed to do now, Vox?" She whispered, her voice muffled and broken. "If Shiner's found me, I'm in danger all over again."
"I'll deal with Shiner," Vox admitted, his voice a mix of irritation and sincerity. "You're important to this operation. You keep Valentino from completely losing his mind, and somehow, you keep this whole place running. I'm not about to let some second-rate psycho ruin that."
Violetta sniffled, her voice muffled. "You mean that?"
"Yeah." Vox said, surprising even himself.
Violetta blinked up at him, stunned by his words. For the first time, she saw something in Vox she didn't expect—genuine concern. Her lips trembled as she nodded, burying her face back into his chest.
"Thank you." She whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Don't mention it," He replied, quickly stepping back and putting his hands in his dress pants pockets as if to shake off the moment. "Seriously, don't. I have a reputation to maintain."
Despite everything, Violetta let out a small laugh, wiping her eyes. "Your secret's safe with me, Vox."
"But in exchange I gotta see those powers of yours, no more secrets." The tech mogul said, with a voice that left no room for denial.
Violetta grumbles to herself.
(Fade to black: Commercial for Hellfresh)
(Woosh!)
(Opens to Vox circling her before stepping back to his desk.)
Vox leaned back against the desk, arms crossed, his electric-blue eyes narrowed with intrigue as he watched Violetta fidget with the hem of her sweater dress. She was clearly uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but her reluctance only fueled his curiosity. He thrived on information, on knowing what made people tick, and Violetta was a puzzle he wasn't willing to leave unsolved.
"Come on, Violetta," he coaxed, his tone deceptively smooth. "You've already spilled the beans about your daddy's soul contracts and Shiner's obsession with you. What's the harm in showing me a little magic?"
Violetta glanced at him, then away, smoothing her dress down as she let out a heavy sigh. "You're nosy, you know that?" She muttered.
Vox smirked. "It's my job, Vio."
She hesitated for a moment longer, then straightened, her fingers brushing against the glowing bell collar around her neck. "Fine," she relented. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
As she adjusted her posture, the bell began to hum softly, emitting a faint glow. Suddenly, a shimmering golden crown materialized above her head, adorned with a single, ominous eye that blinked lazily before fixing its gaze on Vox. He arched a brow, thoroughly unimpressed outwardly but secretly intrigued.
"So," He said, gesturing toward the crown. "This is your big secret? A tacky headpiece?"
Violetta shot him a sharp look. "This'tacky headpiece'is a family heirloom," She corrected, crossing her arms. "It transformed into this for some reason when my family died."
"Cute," Vox replied, unimpressed. "But what does itdo?"
She hesitated, wringing her hands for a moment before stepping back. "It enhances my powers," She admitted. "But only as much as my environment allows. When I lived with my father, I was... at my strongest. He had so many soul contracts in one place, and that proximity gave me nearly unlimited power."
"So," Vox drawled, his voice smooth and distorted like a distant broadcast. "You're only as strong as the company you keep, huh? Makes sense. I've always said power's about connections. Looks like yours are... dynamic. What about here?"
Violetta shifted uncomfortably but continued. "Here... I'm possibly half powered," She admitted. "But I don't use my powers. I don't have a reason to. I feel... safe here. I don't need to keep my guard up." She stepped back a few paces, her hands clasping together. "But if you really want to see, I'll show you."
Taking a step back and clasping her hands together the sheep sinner muttered an incantation under her breath. The glow of the bell intensified, and a low, otherworldly hum filled the room. The air grew heavy, charged with a dark energy that even sent a chill down Vox's mechanical spine.
The sound of souls screaming mixed with the eerie bleats of sheep, creating a cacophony that seemed to echo from another dimension. The pastel ewe's form turning almost wolf-like, her eyes snapping open, glowing with an unnatural purple light. From the ground, tendrils of dark energy shot up, whipping around angrily as if alive.
Vox barely moved, though his internal processors were working overtime.
It was at that moment that Vox's assistant strolled into the room, a clipboard in hand. "Sir," The assistant began. "I've got the latest reports on—"
The words died in his throat as he froze, taking in the chaotic scene before him. Before he could react, one of Violetta's tendrils whipped around and grabbed him, hoisting him into the air.
"Ah-ah-ah, where do you think you're going?" Violetta cooed sweetly, her voice taking on a singsong quality that sent chills down the assistant's spine. She giggled as the tendrils wrapped tighter around him, ignoring his panicked screams.
"Violetta," Vox said, more amused than alarmed. "I think you've made your point."
But Violetta was too far gone. Her laughter turned darker as she teased the assistant, dangling him around by one leg and having him drop any of the papers in his hands and things in his pockets, tilting her head to the side like a curious predator as he incoherently mumbles in fear. "You really should've knocked." She said mockingly, her glowing eyes locked onto him.
Before Vox could say another word, the tendrils yanked the assistant downward, dragging him into a swirling purple portal that opened beneath him. His screams were cut off as the portal closed with a sinister snap. Violetta let out a dainty little burp, covering her mouth with a hand as if she'd just indulged in a polite snack.
It'd be her 3rd soul but who's counting? Not me, that's for sure.
"Well, that was fun," She said, turning her glowing eyes on Vox. Her floating body turning upside down to playfully kick her legs in the air. She moves like the Cheshire Cat.
He stared at her, utterly unfazed. "You just ate my assistant."
"Did you evenknowhis name?" She challenged, looking down at him with one brow raised.
Vox thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Not really."
Violetta chuckled, and for a brief moment, her tendrils shot toward Vox. They wrapped around him in an almost playful manner, tugging him forward until he was inches away from her. Her glowing eyes locked onto his, and a wicked grin spread across her face.
"You're not scared, are you?" She purred, showing off her much sharper teeth. "Still think I'm just some cute little sheep?" She teased, popping the "p" of sheep, her tone dripping with mock innocence.
Vox's gaze flickered to her crown, then back to her. He didn't flinch, didn't move. If anything, he looked... impressed. "Scared? Hardly. Intrigued? Definitely." He said smoothly, his voice dripping with intrigue. "In fact, I think I might like you now."
Violetta blinked, her expression shifting from mischievous to confused. She released him, the tendrils vanishing completely. "You're weird." She muttered, crossing her arms.
"Says the woman who just ate my assistant," Vox shot back, still smirking. "And yet, you're still holding back," Vox leaned forward, his voice low. "Aren't you?"
Violetta met his gaze, her glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "Maybe," She said with a small smirk. "But you don't want to see me at full power, Vox. Trust me."
Vox laughed softly, his screen flickering with amusement. "I'll take your word for it, Lamb Chop. For now."
Violetta swallowed hard, still standing in front of him, unsure of how to respond. For once, she didn't have a witty comeback, that alluring electric tension hanging between them coming back. "So... what now?" She asked cautiously.
"Now?" Vox's smirk grew wider. "Now, we make sure Shiner doesn't get his claws on you. And in the meantime..." He stepped closer, his screen flashing darkly as he stared down at her. "We see just how dangerous you can be."
(Boop)
Angel Dust trudged into The Vee Headquarters, his usual swagger subdued. The lobby was as extravagant as ever—gold accents everywhere, plush furniture, and the faint scent of Valentino's favorite cologne lingering in the air. He wasn't scheduled for a shoot today, which was a relief, but that didn't mean Valentino wouldn't keep him tethered to his side like the"Bottom Bitch"he always referred to him as.
The thought made Angel's skin crawl, though he couldn't shake the faint warmth that came from remembering Husk's encouragement earlier that morning. Husk's quiet encouragement from earlier lingered in his mind, a rare tender moment that made him blush just thinking about it. Husk wasn't the type for heart-to-hearts, but when he did let his guard down, it always struck a chord with Angel.
Angel Dust sauntered in, his heels clicking against the marble floors. Angel Dust strutted into Vee Headquarters, though his usual swagger felt a little forced today. His heels clicked against the polished floors, echoing in the opulent space. Despite his outward bravado, he couldn't shake the pit growing in his stomach.
He caught sight of Valentino standing near the bar, casually chatting with Vox. They looked like they were in the middle of a tense but quiet conversation, with Vox's screen flashing faint static patterns while Valentino gestured animatedly.
But Angel's attention shifted when his eyes landed on Violetta sprawled out on one of the chaise lounges. At first, his heart sank. She looked... awful. Exhausted, bruised, her usually vibrant pastel wool slightly disheveled. "She better not be passed out drunk again." Angel muttered, his tone laced with concern.
Violetta had been hitting the bottle hard lately, and while Angel was no stranger to using substances to cope, it worried him. He crossed the room quickly, his long legs carrying him over to her side. His heart sank when he got a closer look—bruises scattered her neck and thighs, stark against her cocoa skin. Angel quickened his pace, his heels clicking against the floor.
"Are you freakin' kidding me?" Angel hissed under his breath. His sharp eyes darted to Valentino, who was still lounging with that smug grin of his. Angel's mind raced, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and rage.Was she taking the beatings for him now?He rubbed his arm instinctively, memories of Valentino's fists flashing in his mind.
"Hey, Viola—" Angel started, crouching next to her. He gently touched her shoulder, taking in the marks on her neck and the discoloration along her thighs. His eyes widened, and his stomach churned with anger and worry.
She stirred lazily, her eyes fluttering open. "Mmm... Angel?" She murmured, her voice groggy but content, like she'd been in the middle of a dream. "What's up, sugar?"
"What thehellhappened to you?" Angel hissed, keeping his voice low. His pink claws hovered over her bruises, unsure whether to touch or just back away. "You look like you went through the wringer! Did he—" His voice caught, his anger surging."Did Valentino do this to you?"
Violetta blinked at him, confused. "Well yes, but it's not what you think.." She said with a small laugh, sitting up slightly. She winced but didn't seem upset. "Just... rough play, that's all. Chill out."
Angel's eyes narrowed, his suspicions deepening. "Rough play? Babe, you look like you got tossed around like a damn chew toy! Don't try to downplay it."
That caught Valentino's attention. He and Vox both turned, the moth demon raising an eyebrow. "What's this now?" Valentino purred, his tone laced with mock curiosity. "Got something to say, Angel?"
Angel stood, glaring at Valentino. "Yeah, I got something to say! You think I don't see what's goin' on? You've been leavin' me alone lately—thank fuck for that—but now she's got the bruises? What, she takin' my place now, huh?"
Valentino smirked, his expression amused rather than offended. "You're pushin' it, spider," Valentino said quietly, though the warning in his tone was clear. "Stay in your lane."
Angel didn't back down. "Stay in my lane? You think I'm just gonna stand by while you—what? Beat on her the way you used to on me?!" His voice cracked slightly, the words spilling out before he could stop them. He hadn't meant to bring himself into this, but the memories were too fresh, too raw.
Valentino's smile faltered, replaced by a cold, sharp glare. Vox, who had been quietly observing, raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting Valentino to explode. For a moment, the tension was suffocating. Valentino's fists clenched, and Angel braced himself for the slap that was sure to come—but instead, Val just sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"She had a long night," Valentino said curtly. "Not that it's any of your business, Angel. So back the fuck off."
Angel's eyes narrowed, his anger bubbling over. "A long night, huh? That why she's covered in bruises? You really expect me to believe you didn't—"
Violetta stirred at the noise, sitting up slowly. She blinked sleepily at Angel, her golden bell jingling softly. "Angel..." She began, her voice tired but carrying a warning tone.
Angel ignored her. "No, Viola, don't cover for him. You don't gotta take this just so he'll leave me alone." His voice softened slightly as he turned to her. "You don't gotta protect me like that. I can handle it. I—"
"Angel, shut up!" Violetta's sharp tone cut through the room, silencing him instantly.
Everyone froze. Even Valentino and Vox exchanged surprised glances as Violetta rose from the chaise lounge, standing to face Angel directly. Despite her tired posture, her glare burned with fury.
"You think you know what's goin' on, huh?" She snapped, cutting him off step closer and jabbing a finger into his chest. "You think I'm some helpless little lamb stuck in Val's grip? Get over yourself!"
Angel blinked, visibly taken aback. "Viola, I'm just tryin' to help, the bruises—"
"Are not from Valentino hurting me!" She yelled, her face flushed with anger. She gestured to her neck and thighs. "These? They're fromus. Rough nights, sure, but Iwanted of them."
Angel blinked, taken aback. "You—you're serious?"
"Dead serious," Violetta huffed. She crossed her arms, the jingling of her bell punctuating her words. "Take a look at him!" Violetta snorts out smoke from her nose, pointing at Valentino. "He's got marks too."
Valentino leaned back against the bar with a smug smirk, opening his arms as if to say, Go ahead and check.
Angel was completely dumbfounded. He glanced at Valentino, who pulled back his collar slightly to reveal deep bite marks along his neck and collarbone. The moth demon gave him a wink, further driving the point home. "You expect me to believe this? He's—He's a monster, Viola!"
Violetta huffed, crossing her arms. "Don't'Viola'me. I know what he is." At this the moth pimp stared down at her with wide eyes, Angel Dust looked almost tearful and Vox was loving every bit of this drama.
"But Vio..." Angel tried again, his voice softer this time. "You've been drinkin' more, and you look so worn out. I'm just worried, okay?"
"Leave me alone, Angel," She interrupted, her tone final. "Go to work. Do your job. And stop trying to save me from something that isn't even there."
Her dismissal stung, and Angel stood there for a moment, stunned. Valentino smirked from his spot by the bar, clearly enjoying the show. "She told you, Angelcakes." He purred, his tone dripping with satisfaction.
Angel shot Valentino a glare before turning back to Violetta. "I'm just worried about you, that's all," He said softly.
"Well, don't be," Violetta replied curtly. "I'm fine."
The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of machinery in the background. Angel stared at her, dumbfounded.
Violetta huffed, standing up and brushing off her skirt. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. Maybe you should do the same."
She stormed off, leaving Angel frozen in place, still trying to process what had just happened. Valentino chuckled darkly, sauntering over to Angel and clapping a hand on his shoulder.
"You heard her, Angel Cakes. Get to work." Valentino leaned in close, his grin sharp and predatory. "And next time, maybe keep that coked up nose outta my business, huh? Wouldn't want you gettin' yourself introuble."
Angel shrugged off Valentino's hand, glaring at him but saying nothing. Stalking off toward the dressing rooms, his mind raced. As he walked away, he could feel Valentino's gaze burning into his back, but he didn't dare look back.
Vox soon breaks the silence with a low chuckle, looking at Valentino with a smirk. "That was surprisingly restrained of you," He remarked. "I half-expected you to knock Angel out."
Valentino exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. "Don't push me, Vox." He muttered.
Vox raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "You're losing your edge, Val."
"Shut up." Valentino growled, but he didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned back against the bar, his thoughts fixed on Violetta, a mixture of frustration and possessiveness flickering in his gaze.
(Boop)
Valentino leaned back against the sleek leather chair in his penthouse, swirling a glass of wine in his hand, but his mind was nowhere near the drink. Vox's words from days ago echoed in his mind like a bad record on repeat."You're losing your edge, Val."The smug bastard had said it with such ease, such confidence, it made Valentino's blood boil. It pissed him off to no end, and the worst part? Vox wasn't entirely wrong.
Gripping the stem of the glass until he thought it might snap and scowling.'I'm not losing my edge.'He was Valentino—the overlord, the master manipulator, the sadistic king of Hell's adult industry. His workers feared him, groveled for him, and when they didn't, he crushed them like bugs under his heel. That was who he was. That was what made him untouchable. His gaze drifted across the room, his eyes flicking over the opulence that surrounded him—his domain. This was his kingdom, and he was supposed to be the king, right? Ruthless, in control, unshakable.
But then there was her.
Violetta.
The pastel lamb who didn't kneel, didn't cry, and didn't beg. The one who stared him "down" with those wide, innocent eyes that heknewweren't so innocent. He'd tried to break her. Lucifer, had he tried. The way he did with all his "toys" but she fought back. And not just once—every damn time. She challenged him, pushed back with a ferocity he hadn't expected. What should have been simple abuse had spiraled into something else entirely—something intoxicating.
It was like they were two wolves locked in an endless battle, biting and clawing, only for it to dissolve into something dark and primal. He couldn't abuse her because she wouldn't crumble. And worse—she seemed unaffected by his usual mind games.
She had been part of the plan—his next rising star, his Angel Dust 2.0, his co-star, a perfect duo dripping in debauchery. He should've been reveling in his success. She had everything: the sex appeal, undeniable charm, and the ability to captivate anyone who crossed her path. She was his perfect pawn.
But that was the problem. The plan wasn't clear anymore. He'd wanted to manipulate her, control her, use her like he used everyone else. But when he tried, it didn't stick. She didn't crumble like the rest. Instead, she made him feel... things. Things hehated. Weakness. Confusion. That unbearable warmth in his chest when she smiled at him like he was worth something. It unsettled him
Vox was right about one thing—he was different when it came to Violetta. But that was only with her. Everyone else? They still got the same treatment, he still smacked them around.
And now, she'd been moping around because of the argument with Angel Dust. That should've been a victory—his plan to isolate her from everyone was working—but it wasn't satisfying. Not when she dragged her feet, sighed dramatically, and barely glanced his way. He hated seeing her like that, and he hated that he hated it.
"Fuck." He muttered under his breath, slamming the wine glass down on the table.
It was supposed to be a game. A beautiful little pawn to manipulate, a tool in his sick, twisted games. Deep down, he felt something…guilt.
'Guilt?'
"No, fuck that." He growled, he growled, running a hand over his head. Messing with his bad antenna, the one the little ewe was so gentle with. Guilt wasn't an option. Not for him. But there it was, crawling under his skin every time he thought about howunbotheredVioletta had been by his cruelty. Her strength, her ability to be unaffected—it was both maddening and intoxicating. He hated that she could look at him, this monster, and still... stay. Stillcare. It made no sense.
"She's gotta be crazy. That's the only explanation. She's not right in the head."
But even as he said it, he didn't believe it. Violetta wasn't crazy. She was clever. Too clever. And that terrified him.
"And Vox… that smug bastard. Acting like he's got her wrapped around his finger. The two of us agreed to share her, but now she spends more time with him than with me. What the hell is he up to?"
The door to his place clicked open, and Violetta stepped inside, looking tired but as beautiful as ever. Valentino's eyes narrowed, watching her every move. She seemed almost startled to see him still awake, her droopy ears perking up. "Val," She said softly, offering a small smile. "You're still up?"
"Obviously," He snapped, though he instantly regretted the sharpness. But he wasn't about to apologize. Valentino never apologized. Instead, he leaned back, giving her a lazy, predatory grin. "Busy night?"
She nodded, moving to take off her coat. "Yeah, Vox had a lot of tasks for me to handle. You know how he is." She paused, turning to face him. Searching him for something, he was always drinking something or smoking but this drinking wasn't fun drinking. "Are you okay?"
There it was again. That damn question that made him want to rip his own heart out. Was he okay? Why did she care? Why didn't she cower like the others? He felt the heat rise in his chest, the anger simmering just below the surface.
"Why do you always ask that?" He sneered, pushing himself to his feet, towering over her. "Why do you care if I'm 'okay,' huh? You think I'm weak? Think I've gone soft?"
Violetta rolled her eyes, tossing her bag onto the couch. "You're throwing a tantrum again? What is it this time, Valentino?"
That made his blood boil. "This time?"
"You're always bitching about something," She shot back, arms crossed as she glared at him. "Just say what you want to say and get it over with."
Valentino's fingers twitched, a deep growl bubbling in his throat. "You—" He cut himself off, teeth grinding together. "You know what I am, don't you?"
Violetta's expression didn't change while she checked her nails.
"Yeah." She said simply.
He blinked. "...The fuck did you just say?"
"I know what you are," She repeated, her tone eerily calm. "I know what you've done. I figured it out during my first month with you. I'm not stupid, Val. It's a little easy when you sit there like a brooding anime character."
His eye twitched. "And you still stuck around?"
"Yeah."
He stared at her, waiting for an explanation.
She glanced to the side and gruffly huffed. "You want people to fear you. You want them to grovel, to beg for your forgiveness. That's your game, isn't it?"
Valentino stopped in his tracks, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. His eyes narrowed, anger flashing in his gaze. "And what's wrong with that?"
"You're not a fucking monster, Valentino," She snapped, her voice rising in frustration. "You want people to be scared of you, but that doesn't mean you have tobeone. You're just... a person, albeit a person in a sinner body. But a person who's been hurt nonetheless. I get it. But that doesn't mean you have to keep acting like this."
Her words were like a knife to his chest, cutting through the wall he'd so carefully built. He couldn't breathe. She was right, and it pissed him off more than anything else.
"Just because we're in Hell," She said, taking a step closer. "Just because you had a bad upbringing, doesn't mean you have to be this—this monster you keep trying to be."
He stiffened, not expecting that at all.
Violetta let out a frustrated breath, shaking her head. "I'm only in Hell because of my family's business. I never wanted any part of it. But what's your reason? What's your excuse?"
Valentino stared at her, his usual swagger gone. He didn't know what to say.
"I don't want you to change, Val," Violetta said softly, her voice losing some of its edge. "People rarely do. But I want you to at least stop pretending you're just a product of Hell or your past. You don't have to be the monster you think you need to be." She looked at him, her gaze steady but gentle. "I get that you have to keep an image, so you can just keep it with me, anyone you feel safe with. But don't push me away!"
The room fell silent as he stared at her, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions. She wasn't afraid of him. She wasn't scared of his wrath. And that made him angry—because that's what he wanted. He wanted her to fear him, to obey him. But instead, shecared. She was still here. Stillwith him.
Her gaze softened, and she stood, walking over to him. She kissed him lightly on the cheek, a soft gesture that left him frozen in place. "There's a lot wrong with me for even wanting to be around you like this," She said quietly. "But I'm not going anywhere."
Valentino's breath hitched as he stared at her, his heart pounding in his chest. She knew. She knew everything. She had figured him out, but still, she stayed.
He gritted his teeth, the conflict inside him rising. "You're making this hard." He muttered.
She gave him a small, knowing smile. "That's what I do best."
With that, she walked past him, leaving him standing there, consumed by thoughts that didn't belong to him. "You won't leave me right?"
The pastel ewe perked up in shock, she looked over her shoulder at him. That lingering lonely tone in his voice got her 's that genuineness again. "No. Possibly not." She gave him a smile and entered her room, shutting the door, leaving him alone in the hallway, his mind spinning as he grappled with feelings he had no desire to face.