Dark Craving (The Hollow’s Hunt #4)

Chapter 1 Theo

THEO

Ilean against the bar at Purgatory, swirling the amber liquid in my crystal glass while observing the room like I’d study a potential track layout. The hunters gather in their usual pre-Hunt clusters, testosterone practically visible in the air.

Victor stands across the room, his massive frame making even the oversized leather armchair look delicate. God, those hands could probably wrap entirely around my throat.

No. I take another sip. Bad territory, Theo.

Julian catches my eye from across the room, a slight smirk playing at his lips. He looks impeccable as always; his suit probably costs more than most people’s monthly rent. There’s history there—good history, sweaty history—but tonight he seems distracted, his attention diverted.

The Blackwood brothers command the center of the room as always.

Xavier, the eldest, maintains that dangerous calm that makes everyone orbit around him like he’s gravity personified.

Vane, with that perpetual chip on his shoulder, downs drinks faster than the others.

Landon observes quietly, always calculating, while Knox—youngest and wildest—entertains a small group with what appears to be an inappropriate story based on the shocked laughter.

Elliot stands alone by the artwork, pretending to admire a particularly provocative piece. I’ve seen how his gaze lingers on certain male servers when he thinks nobody’s watching. One day, he’ll figure it out. Or not. Not my problem.

Marcus catches me watching and raises his glass in acknowledgment. His bisexual solidarity is appreciated, even if we’ve never crossed that line.

My attention drifts back to Victor. He laughs at something, the sound echoing through the room, and I feel it in my chest. Those tattoos crawling up his neck disappear beneath his collar, and I find myself wondering how far down they go.

The eternal dilemma of wanting what I can’t have.

I catch Victor’s gaze. His expression shifts, a flash of discomfort crossing his features when he realizes I’m staring. Perfect. I down the rest of my drink, enjoying the burn, and decide to have some fun.

I saunter over to where he sits, his massive frame dwarfing that poor leather chair. Up close, the size difference between us is even more pronounced. The tattoos on his neck seem to pulse with his heartbeat.

“Evening, Victor.” I perch on the arm of his chair, deliberately invading his space. “Enjoying the pre-Hunt festivities?”

His jaw tightens. “Winters. Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

“Really? I’m always at the Hunt.” I let my eyes trail down his body, making sure he notices. “How’ve you been? Is the business good at the fight club?”

“Can’t complain.” He shifts in his seat, eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route.

“You know,” I lean closer, “I’ve been meaning to stop by. I hear you’ve got quite the... operation going on there.”

His nostrils flare slightly. “Look, Theo, I’m not—”

“Not what?”

“Not gay,” he says flatly, crossing his arms over his chest. “So whatever this is, it’s not happening.”

I laugh softly. “Who said anything about gay? I’m just making conversation.” I let my knee brush against his thigh. “But now that you’ve brought it up...”

“I didn’t bring anything up,” he growls, but I notice him subtly adjusting himself in his pants.

“You know what I think?” I whisper, leaning in so close I can smell his heady, masculine cologne.

“I think you’re curious. I think you look at me and wonder.

You’re so big, and I’m so small—wouldn’t you just love to try my tight asshole out on that monster cock you’re struggling to hide in your pants right now? ”

His breath hitches, face flushing as he shifts again, more obviously uncomfortable now—and not simply from embarrassment. The bulge he’s trying to conceal tells a different story than his words.

“Fuck off, Winters,” he hisses, but his voice lacks conviction.

“I bet it would feel so good,” I push further, my voice dropping to a silky murmur. “I’d put on my best lingerie set for you—black lace, just enough to frame my ass and cock. I could give you a private show, strip my clothes off piece by piece while you sit back in that big chair of yours.”

Victor’s eyes widen, pupils dilating despite his obvious effort to appear disgusted.

“And after?” I continue, leaning close enough to feel the heat radiating off him. “I’d swallow that cock like a pro. No gag reflex to worry about. I’ve been told I have quite the talented mouth.”

That does it. Victor practically launches himself from the chair, knocking it back slightly in his haste. His face is a fascinating shade of crimson, caught between rage and unmistakable arousal.

“Stay the fuck away from me,” he growls, but the tremor in his voice betrays him.

I watch him storm off toward the bathroom, his gait slightly awkward as he adjusts himself. How delightfully transparent. The way his body responded to my words tells me everything his mouth denies. That unmistakable bulge doesn’t lie.

I can’t help but smile. Victor Kaine, all testosterone and machismo, getting hard at the thought of me in lingerie. Given enough time and pressure, I’d bet good money I could get the fight club owner to crack. Everyone has their price—or their breaking point.

“What on earth did you say to Victor?” Julian’s cool voice interrupts my thoughts as he slides into the space Victor vacated. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him move that quickly outside the fight ring.”

I turn to find Julian watching me with that calculating look in his eyes, one perfectly shaped eyebrow raised in question.

“Just offering him a taste of something he clearly wants but won’t admit to,” I reply with a shrug. “You know how I love a challenge.”

Julian crosses one leg over the other with that effortless elegance I’ve always admired. His eyes follow Victor’s retreating form before returning to me, amusement dancing in those ice-blue depths.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree with that one, Theo.

” He shakes his head, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

“Victor may be many things, but flexible in his sexuality isn’t one of them.

The man’s straight as an arrow, and that fight club world he lives in?

Too macho for him to ever consider fucking a guy, even one as persuasive as you. ”

I lean back, letting my fingers trail absently along the arm of the chair. “Never say never, Julian. You’d be surprised how many supposedly straight men have found their way into my bed over the years.” I give him a knowing look. “Some of them had just as macho careers as Victor.”

Julian’s eyebrow arches higher. “Is that your prey for this year’s Hunt then? The big bad fight club owner?”

“Please.” I wave my hand dismissively. “I don’t limit my options that way. Whoever’s willing to properly service my ass will have my eyes.” I flash him a wicked smile. “Though I do enjoy a challenge.”

A genuine laugh escapes Julian’s lips, the kind I rarely hear from him in public. “You’re absolutely insatiable, do you know that?” His voice drops slightly, carrying memories of our past encounters. “Some things never change.”