Eliana's encounter with Keith had freaked her out but at the same time, it somehow motivated her. She was sick of being beaten and thrown around. She wanted to fight back.
Dane had been right. She hadn't really tried. She'd been stuck in denial and survival mode this whole time. But how was she supposed to change that?
Then she remembered the library. She still hadn't visited it. Of course, it wouldn't help her in a physical fight, but knowledge was power, right? If she learned more about this place, maybe she could navigate it better.
But the problem with the library was that she still didn't know how to get access to it. In her mind Theo was still the best option to ask from all the other mentors since he seemed the most easy going and easiest to manipulate but she still had no clue how to get him to give her a favor.
First, she went back to her room to change out of her clothes which were still bloody and sweaty from combat training. When she checked the time, she groaned. Seduction class was in ten minutes.
Until now, she'd managed to avoid most of it—passing out during fitness or combat had worked in her favor. But the few times she'd attended were humiliating. She wasn't a seductress, not even close. The only upside was that Theo would be there. Maybe she could get him to grant her access to the library—though she knew the chances were slim.
On the way to the classroom, she tried to formulate a plan. Could she seduce Theo?
Nope. That would never work.
Begging? That might. Yeah, she'd beg him. That was her plan. But the thought alone made her cringe—her pride would not allow that.
With a sigh, she entered the classroom and sat in the last row as usual. Everyone else was already seated. A few minutes later, Theo entered with his usual smile plastered on his face.
"Okay, let's get started with today's lesson. Last time, we covered how to approach your target. Today, you'll learn how to get them to a private place where you can, well, finish the job."
Eliana frowned. He said it so cheerfully—as if he wasn't talking about seducing people and then killing them. He had the weirdest energy of them all, and that was saying something.
How was she supposed to get this man to do her a favor?
Lost in thought, she barely noticed when everyone suddenly stood up and paired off. Confused, she looked around until Theo's voice rang out from the front:
"Okay, head to the adjacent rooms. Today we'll practice making out with your partners."
Her eyes widened in horror.
Some guys were paired with other guys due to the uneven number of girls. Most people already had partners. She let out a breath of relief since she won't be able to do the task without a partner—until a shadow fell over her.
She looked up into Theo's too-cheerful face.
"No partner? That's not a problem. I'll be your partner for today."
She stared at him in disbelief. No way in hell was she making out with him.
"No. Why should I? Why do we even have to kiss to become assassins? This doesn't make any sense. You're just living out your perverted fantasies."
Her face burned red with embarrassment to even have to talk about this.
Theo sighed theatrically. "If you'd been listening, you'd already know why this is important—but I'll explain again just for you, my love." He grinned down at her.
"The easiest way to lure a target to a secluded place is through seduction. Flirting is often not enough. Be a good kisser, and your mark will gladly follow you to a hotel room—where you can kill them in peace. So, show me your kissing skills."
She wanted to disappear. Kissing Theo was the last thing she wanted to do. Before the two times Keith had forcefully kissed her, she'd never even had a first kiss. The academy had stolen that from her too.
She tried to think through her options. Refusing would probably mean getting hit. But she still wanted something from him, and if she rejected him now, her chances of getting help would drop even further.
With a sigh, she avoided looking at him.
"If I make out with you now, will you do me a favor?" she asked reluctantly.
Theo blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing.
"You've got guts, girl. I didn't ask you—I ordered you. And you want a reward for following orders? Do you think you're better than the others?"
The other recruits were already leaving to the adjusting rooms, some of them glaring at her. Most of them already didn't like her and this wasn't helping but she had no other choice right now.
"Yes, I do," she said boldly. "I know you didn't volunteer to be my partner just to be nice. You want to kiss me to mess with my head and break me down further. Fine. I'll obey and do what you want—but only if you give me something in return."
She didn't know if she was right. She didn't know if he wanted to kiss her that badly. But she had to try. This place was forcing her to get out of her comfort zone, to stand up for herself in ways she never had before but if he suddenly refused she would die out of embarrassment for being this brass.
Theo chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright. I'll grant your favor—if you're a good girl today and again during next week's lesson."
Her eyes narrowed. "What's next week's lesson?"
His grin widened.
"We'll be practicing how to give oral pleasure."
Her heart stopped and her entire face flushed.
He wasn't serious, right?
She could understand the kissing—barely—but oral sex? What did that have to do with being an assassin?!
She wasn't sure anymore if they were turning her into a killer… or something far worse.