'I love you'

(Bryce Carter's POV)

(Valerie's Apartment, evening)

I have always owned whatever I liked. Valerie Hart is the only thing that I actually couldn't own. With her flawless beauty, sharp brain, and pure heart she is the only person who is suitable to be my partner in this world. She is the most perfect woman I've come across in my life. We were not even supposed to love each other. I had plans already made for her even before approaching her but when I first saw her I had to change my plans. She was just a college student interning for my company. I never noticed her before that fateful day and without her background, there was no need for me to approach her. I first saw her at a random party arranged by my company. She was glowing as she was pouring life into the party. Her bright emerald eyes, flowy blonde hair, bright smile, everything was screaming,

'COME TO ME'

It was soon after the party I was appointed as the VC of the company and got to see her regularly. She didn't even remember seeing me at the party but all I could think about constantly since that day was her.

We were off to a really rough start. She was clumsy with her works at first and I preferred everything to be perfect. But my V is really talented, she became perfect just like me in no time.

As she is sleeping right now in front of me I can feel the urge to put her back into her cage but no, it's no fun. I like it when she thinks she can run away from me and then realizes that how we are bound to end up together. The look of realization on her face is priceless. I filled this room with my favorite flower, red roses. They compliment her beauty perfectly. She is sleeping peacefully in a vulnerable situation and her calm aura is making me go crazy.

However I am a gentleman, I've to play along with her wishes. I'll play hide and seek with her as much as she wants, I'll catch her and then let her go. Those normal relationships are boring. Our love, it's fun, interesting, thrilling. She always hides in places where I can find her. This clearly shows her love for me.

But I wonder sometimes, what if she didn't get to see that scene that night? Would our relationship have turned out this way? It's a good thing she saw everything. It's better this way.

V how long are you going to sleep? It's about time you wake up...

Oh, she is moving, it's a relief that wasn't anything more than a mere panic attack.

"Hi!"

OMG! Just for this very confused look on her face, I love playing with her.

"How are you?"

Those emerald eyes are still the same even after all this hide and seek. But why isn't she talking is there something wrong with her voicebox or what... What if it was some more serious than just a panic attack.

"V, I really missed you. I thought I won't be able to see you ever again."

This time you hid really well. It took me 18 months to find you but still, I found you. You don't even know how much I missed you V. I'm dying to listen to your mellow voice.

"V, I know you missed me too. You are really surprised right, seeing me back?"

Wow her eyes are changing. But why can't I sense her thoughts? I'm not familiar with this look. Looks like you changed quite a bit. You have learned new things V.

"I'm sorry Bryce."

Oh, so you want to play like this. Okay, no problem. I feel an urge to play along with you my darling.

"So you know you did something wrong? Tell me what are you sorry for?"

Give me your poor excuses darling. I want to know what are you planning this time.

"For everything."

"Really? Like what?"

What do you mean by 'everything' darling?... You don't sound a bit sincere. Try harder baby otherwise, it will get boring.

"For leaving you like that. I was really confused and I needed some time for myself."

Really?! You don't even want to think for better excuses V?

"But you were taking too long to come back so I had to come to find you."

Baby put more effort into it otherwise I'll be angry.

"How did you find me here?"

Yeah, now it's getting interesting. What do you think, how I found you? Obviously, because I followed the clues you left behind for me.

"You don't need to know darling. One thing for sure I'll always be around you because I promised your mom."

I can still remember those pleading eyes your mom had before leaving. Even without her request, I would have taken care of you with all my power.

"Yeah, I know. Sorry I made you worried."

"Hunn, it's already been two years. You have played around quite a lot. Now it's time for you to get back."

Wow embracing her like this after a long time makes me feel really exhilarated. Her heart beating against mine is making me feel more alive than ever. My Valerie, oh my dear Valerie.

"Bryce, can we please talk about it tomorrow? I'm not feeling too well right now."

"Look how weak you have become. You should have just stayed with me."

V, I want to hug you for longer, but it's okay, I won't push you harder.

"Yeah, I know. I want to take a nap for now. Can you please just go back for today? I promise I won't try to run away."

"It's okay. You can always try running away. We are soulmates so I can always get you back."

How could you even think that you can run away from me? Maybe only death can take you away from me.

"V, Don't use your brain too much. The only thing you need to know is I love you."

V all you need to do is stop using that useless brain of yours. You just cannot run away from me. It only took me 18 months to find your hideout yet I gave you time to play hide and seek all by yourself. You know what, watching you play all by yourself was actually more fun than I initially anticipated. That hopeless roommate of yours was more alert than you but at the end of the day, you are the one playing with me so I had to take care of that snoopy lady.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Bryce's Apartment, night )

(Bryce looking at his laptop screen)

Wow, the cameras I installed are working really well! Looks like V has changed quite a bit. Now she can actually understand her options. But how come she is still a fool. I have already gotten rid of all the harmful things in there. That knife can merely rip a bit of her skin. V don't you know that you can't even die without my permission. I think I need to remind you who is in control here.

(Bryce types...)

"Honey, don't try anything foolish. I'll take you back to our place tomorrow."

(sent)

Yeah, just like this she needs to be reminded from time to time. Looking at her realizing the situation is making this game fascinating. Just like this, you have to be more active and devoted in the game. It's always better to play like this than that trivial hide and seek.

Let's see how you play now V. I'm really looking forward to it.