Heatbound Dependence - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“Do you know how much I bet on you? This much-” He waved a figure in front of my eyes, squinted, and chuckled softly, “Heh, all down the drain.”

I turned my head away, already having a rough idea of what was going on.

It was nothing more than this little young master of prominent status coming to the underground fight club for fun, and unfortunately placing a large sum of money on me.

After losing everything, he was using his power to vent his anger on me.

It’s okay, Chi Mian, just grit your teeth and endure it.

My silent response seemed to enrage him. The young man with an elegant yet striking face flushed with a trace of anger, and in an instant, he bent down to draw closer.

He released his grip on my neck, his slender fingertips clawing at my collar like a cat’s paw, and whispered in my ear:

“How do you think you should compensate me?”

At the same time-

I caught a dizzying scent of red wine from his neck.

Wha…

“Second Prince… no! I mean, Second Young Master, you’re too close!”

The bodyguard who had been standing beside him rushed over hurriedly, stammering words of dissuasion but not daring to get near us.

“I know my limits…” The boy pinning me down turned his head with a sullen expression, his fingers tightening their grip as he said quietly, “All of you, get out.”

“This… we can’t, Second Young Master. She’s an Alpha, you…”

“Get out. Don’t make me say it a third time.”

“…Yes.” The bodyguards fell silent for a moment, then nodded respectfully and left the room, clicking the door shut behind them.

The aroma of red wine around us grew thicker, tart and heady, making my face flush slightly as if I were tipsy, and the gland on my neck burned and throbbed.

Gazing at the composed yet deeply amused youth, a startling conjecture surfaced in my mind.

I think I might know who he is…

Si Jingxu.

The Empire’s dissolute, flamboyant, extravagant, and arrogant Omega Second Prince.

Rumor has it he’s unlearned and unskilled, spending his days in drinking, pleasure, and luxury, and treating ordinary people’s lives like dirt.

Though photos of him are hard to find online, his notoriety has long since spread.

Just recently there was royal gossip that someone mocked Si Jingxu for being an Omega right in front of him, and after the banquet, that person had their tongue cut out.

I’ve caused him to lose face, so I’m bound to get tormented…

As I was thinking that, Si Jingxu’s indifferent voice suddenly sounded above my head.

“Chi Mian, how much did the Jiahai Club pay you?”

What?

…He really knows?

I remained outwardly unfazed and played dumb: “Hm?”

“Drop the act,” Si Jingxu let out a contemptuous snort. “I’ve seen your previous fights. This time your power output and strategy were completely different. Besides, you’re known for your ruthlessness; after being knocked down by a single punch, you could easily get back up, couldn’t you?”

He seemed utterly confident in his deduction, even ending his question with a pleased upward lilt.

“…Those are just your speculations.” I pushed myself up from the floor and averted his gaze. “It was my first time in the finals, I was too nervous, so I played it safe.”

“Ha.”

Si Jingxu sneered and suddenly lifted my chin: “Fine-I’ll believe you. But do you think, if a real investigation were launched, my subordinates would find out or not?”

His hand was pale and slender, much like those of the Omegas I’d seen-my palm could easily restrain him.

But the finger pressing against my chin was chilly, making me dare not act rashly.

If he really brought in the royal forces to investigate, then no one on this continent would have any secrets left.

Had I known that throwing a fight would lead to this, I…

I would still have taken the deal.

After all, the money I got was cold, hard cash that could save a life.

And with Si Jingxu, at worst I’d get beaten up by his bodyguards for half a day or a full day.

I blinked, meeting his gaze at extremely close range.

His cat-like almond eyes were light in color, clearly reflecting my disheveled state.

“Fine,” I resigned myself, tilted my head back and swallowed, then looked at his delicate, languid face with weary eyes and sighed. “I’m at your mercy, just don’t let it leak out.”

I don’t want to end up in prison for years over something like this.

“Hehe…”

Si Jingxu seemed very pleased with my compliant response, letting out a soft laugh and patting my face like one would a pet.

“I’m Si Jingxu. Yes, that Si Jingxu.” He leaned in to my ear to introduce himself, his words flowing into my mind like a faint stream of air, sounding like an intimate, ambiguous whisper.

“Setting aside today’s fixed fight, I acknowledge your strength.

“From now on, work for me, Chi Mian.”

The fragrance of red wine assailed my nostrils once more, sweet and cloying, making me dizzy.