Chapter 179 The Perfect Trap < 64 % 8 Finished Mia lifted her face , all traces of calculation vanishing from her expression as effortlessly as wiping away steam from a mirror .
Her eyes , wide , liquid , and artfully distressed , regained their manufactured innocence , the perfect portrait of a nervous college student .
I waited for you near the university this morning , she explained , her voice trembling with just the right amount of hopeful hesitation , but you didnt show up .
So I … I thought maybe Id find you at the bar tonight .
Josh blinked slowly , his alcohol clouded mind sifting through fragmented memories .
There had been a promise of an umbrella , hadnt there ? And this morning he had driven past Hoverdale Tech University in a rage at the Bennett family , his mind too stormy to remember trivialities .
Guilt stung me .
I blew them off .
Right , he murmured , his shoulders relaxing .
Makes sense .
He tried to stand , but his legs folded like paper .
Mia lunged forward , her grip deceptively fragile .
Let me help you ! Josh studied her up close , the way her teeth troubled her lower lip and the serious wrinkle in her brow , and chuckled softly .
The girl is quite innocent .
Mia pretended not to notice the smirk that appeared to be at his mouth and purposely pretended to be struggling to help Josh .
Josh was walking a bit staggered , and the weight of the whole person was almost on top of Mia .
It was definitely impossible to drive a car in this condition .
Josh fished his keys from his pocket , the motion awkward .
Youre driving ? Y Yes ! She took them with both hands , her fingers brushing his palm in a way that couldve been accidental .
Josh fumbled in his pocket and produced the car keys , dangling them between his fingers .
I need you to get me home tonight , he slurred , the words thick with alcohol .
Mia accepted the keys with both hands , her fingertips brushing his palm in a gesture that could have been accidental .
A glint of triumph flashed in her fox like eyes .
There and gone in an instant , like a knife blade catching moonlight .
She guided Josh to the sleek black car with exaggerated care , her arm wrapped firmly around his waist .
With practiced efficiency , she maneuvered his limp body into the backseat , taking extra care to ensure his head didnt bump against the doorframe .
The moment the door clicked shut , her entire demeanor shifted , shoulders squaring , lips curling into a victorious smirk as she tossed her hair over one shoulder .
Josh slumped against the leather seats , his breathing already deepening into sleep .
He mumbled an address , some luxury high rise downtown , before consciousness abandoned him completely .
Mia slid into the drivers seat and adjusted the mirrors with precise movements .
The engine purred to life beneath her hands as she shifted gears with the confidence of someone whod driven far more powerful vehicles than this .
The car peeled out of the parking lot , tires squealing against asphalt .
Chapter 179 The Perfect Trap 64 % Finished Hoverdales skyline blurred past the windows ; a riot of neon signs and glittering high rises reflected in the windshield .
The city pulsed around them , oblivious to the predator in its midst .
The car glided into an exclusive downtown neighborhood where glass towers pierced the clouds After arriving at the destination , Mia helped the drunken Josh to his doorstep .
His fingerprint unlocked the door to a sprawling penthouse that smelled of leather and expensive cologne .
Mias sharp eyes immediately caught the blinking red light in the living room corner , which is a security camera discreetly mounted near the ceiling .
Her lips pressed into a thin line , but she schooled her features into perfect distress as she half carried , half dragged Josh toward the bedroom .
The bedroom was a study in masculine luxury , with cream colored walls , dark walnut furniture , and an abstract painting above the bed that exploded with violent reds and golds .
Mias gaze darted to every corner , confirming the absence of cameras .
The tension in her shoulders eased as a slow , predatory smile spread across her face .
With a grunt , she dumped Josh onto the king sized bed .
He didnt stir , his limbs splayed like a broken marionette .
Sir ? Mia called softly , hovering over him .
No response .
Sir ! She shook his shoulder harder , nails digging into his skin through the fabric .
Still nothing but steady breathing .
A cold laugh escaped her lips .
With one sharp yank , she tore open her blouse .
Buttons flew like shrapnel , pinging against the hardwood floor .
The delicate lace camisole beneath left little to the imagination as she mussed her hair into artful disarray , strands clinging to her tear streaked cheeks .
No ! Stop ! Her scream shattered the penthouses silence , raw and terrified .
She bolted from the room , arms crossed over her heaving chest , the picture of violated innocence .
Mia stumbled into the night , her ruined blouse flapping open in the wind .
Streetlights caught the tears glistening on her cheeks , the delicate straps of her camisole gleaming against flushed skin .
Her shadow stretched long and thin behind her , a twisted marionette severed from its strings .
She paused at the corner , shoulders shaking with manufactured sobs , then walked with panic in the street .