"I said let's go, Rory."  

"Yeah, that's what I thought you fucking said." Rory snapped. He closed the privacy curtains and put on his regular clothes. When he finished, he threw the curtains open and all but growled, "I want you to stay away from me from now on." 

A delighted squeal issued from the doorway, causing Rory to let out a groan. He met Nix's excited eyes and immediately went on high alert. Anything 'Nix' was just...too much. 

"Did you hear the amazing news?" Nix screamed as she closed the door. "The Jude Bex has offered you a position as a rep for my coffee shop! You'll be working as his assistant while spreading the word about my place! I'll be able to grow my business and hopefully be able to open a second shop by this time next year! Isn't it exciting!" 

Rory fixed her with a look. "Wow, Rory! It's so nice to see that you're okay!" 

"Shut up," Nix spat. "Be happy that you're moving up in the world! You'll be making ten dollars more than you do at my place." 

Rory's head snapped to Jude's and a sudden tingling traveled down his spine and not because the man was giving him such a gorgeous smile. There was something...not right about him. A hint of danger not quite concealed behind what now seemed a phony mask of confidence meant to deter anyone from seeing further. 

"Ohhhh myyyy goddddd..." Nix let out in a breathless squeal. "You didn't tell me you two know each other!"

Rory frowned at the ground. He really didn't want to lose his job. "Yeah...I served him coffee before. I didn't realize how popular he was."

Jude's eyes flashed, "You can start tomorrow."

"Fantastic." Rory glared. 

Nix clapped her hands together. "This is fantastic! I'm so excited to see where this goes! Don't disappoint me, Rory."

Rory felt a surge of irritation spread through his body as he took in a few deep breaths to hold in his temper. He didn't bother with a reply when he saw Nix pull out her phone.

"This is where I take my leave." Nix dramatically sighed. "It's a shame, really, that Jude gets you all to himself. I had really wanted you to be mine."

Rory's eyebrows drew together. "Sorry?"

Nix glanced over at him with a smile. "It just wasn't meant to be. I'd probably hurt you anyway."

Rory felt his mouth form into a thin line. "I'm no one's property, Nix. I don't have a clue what you're talking about."

"Work, of course." Nix replied with a wink before leaving.

Rory watched her leave with narrowed eyes before turning his gaze to Jude. "Whatever deal you made with her, forget it."

Jude offered him a polite smile. "There is no deal, Rory. I'm offering you a more stable line of work."

A chill crept its way down Rory's spine. "What do you get in return?"

Jude's eyes flashed blood red causing Rory to question whether his brain was functioning properly.

"You," Jude whispered.

Rory's body started shaking. "You can't have me."

Jude scoffed at him. "Of course I can. I am the King, afterall."

Rory's eyes widened in fear. He turned and ran out of the room, knocking people out of the way to make it outside, forcing himself to merge into the heavy traffic known as human life.

Jude Bex let out a sinister smile. Who knew playing with food could be so much fun?