Behind Locked Doors

Behind Locked Doors
Ivy’s POV

The damn engagement was finally over and now it was just me. Alone in my room, I sat by the window. My dress was still on, its shiny fabric catching the moonlight through the curtains.

Adrian’s voice haunted every second of my thoughts. “Meet me tonight.” He hadn’t said where we would meet out loud, but I already knew—the secret room.

Adrian had discovered the room because it was where Damian had tortured him. A room that was beneath the old library — hidden behind the wall of a huge painting which was used to cover it. 

If I didn’t go, he’d come meet me himself in my room. And that would be the end of both of us. I stood, forcing myself to stay quiet so that no one would hear the sound of my footsteps.

The house was already asleep—Dad and Mum were already too far deep in asleep. But every step I took echoed too loudly no matter how quiet I was. 

My heels sounded like gunshots in the quiet so I removed them and moved through the halls barefoot, clutching the edge of my gown.

My heart pounded so fast I could barely breathe the moment I reached the hidden panel. I let down the painting and pressed twice on the corner of the carved frame. The wall gave way with a soft click.

The secret room reeked of nothing but dust and darkness. Only a small lamp that flickered on the desk, left there from the night that Adrian had been tortured.

I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me with trembling hands. Not from fear alone but from something deeper. I was terrified… and excited.

Because I knew exactly what would happen when Adrian arrived. My pulse quickened remembering what had happened between us in the bathroom—his voice, his anger.

God….his hand’s pleasuring me in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined. But now wasn’t the time to think about that. It was dangerous, but still, my body didn’t seem to care. 

While my mind screamed no, my heart was saying something else. Minutes dragged on with the sound of the clock ticking as though it was mocking me.

Then—

Knock. Knock.

Adrain was finally here. My heart leapt to my throat as I rushed towards the door to open it, my lips parting before I could stop myself.
“Adri—”

The word died before I could complete it. Standing at the door wasn’t Adrian. It was Cassian.

What the hell was he doing here? He’s supposed to be at his house because the engagement was over a long time ago.

For a moment, none of us said a word. Cassian’s face was calm, too calm like that of a predator before it lunged at its prey. His eyes swept over me once — my loose hair, my trembling hands which were already betraying me.

Then he stepped in. Quietly. And shut the door behind him with a violent force. “I was wondering where my fiancée disappeared to because I couldn’t find her in her room,” he said, voice low, almost amused —

The kind of calmness that only monsters wear before they strike. “So tell me, Ivy. Who are you waiting for?”

“I…., no one,” I breathed, my voice coming out more quiet than I wanted. “I just wanted to be by myself.” He tilted his head slowly, studying me like I was a puzzle he already knew the answer to.

His eyes flicked from the lamp to the untouched chair to the way I was standing — and I was so damn sure he had already caught up with my lies.

“By yourself,” he repeated, rolling the word over his tongue like it was poison. “In a hidden room you shouldn’t even know about?”

I swallowed hard. “I needed… space.”

“From me?” he asked, stepping closer as he closed every bit of space between us. I staggered back instinctively, but he followed — his body towering over mine. “Who were you expecting?” His voice dropped low and was dangerous. 

“Say it, Ivy. Who?”

“N-No one,” I whispered, the words trembling as they left me. 

His eyes darkened. “It’s Adrain, isn’t it?” His voice thundered across the room. “Is that who you’re waiting for?”

My lungs froze. I shook my head too fast, making sure he wouldn’t suspect anything. “No! I—”

Before I could finish my words, he moved suddenly. His hand shot out, catching my wrist with an impact that echoed like a slap. His grip was brutal — fingers digging into my skin until I gasped.

“Don’t lie to me,” he hissed, voice raw with restrained fury. “You think I don’t see it? The way you look at him? The way he looks at you?”

“Cassian…..please…..”

His grip tightened. “You think I didn’t notice you two disappear during the party?” His voice rose with violence. “You think I didn’t see the way you were acting when you opened the restroom door? Shaking. Like a woman who’s just been—”

He stopped himself, eyes narrowing into something lethal. “Was he with you in the bathroom?” he asked quietly. 

My mouth parted to speak, but no words came out. He leaned in closer, his breath hot and furious against my ear. “Tell me the truth, Ivy. Was he there? Did he touch you?”

I shook my head, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Don’t fucking lie to me,” he whispered, the word breaking against my skin like glass.

His chest rose and fell too fast, like a man fighting to contain something violent inside him as his thumb pressed harder against my wrist— not enough to break a bone, but enough to leave a mark that would last till morning.

“Answer me,” he demanded, “Was. He. There?”

“I swear he wasn’t,” I choked, my voice shaking but steady enough to hold his gaze. “I just needed air. I couldn’t breathe with all those people staring at us.”

Cassian’s eyes searched mine — like he was looking for a single thing to prove that all I said was lies. I could almost hear the gears turning in his mind.

My heart screamed. Not for myself, but for Adrian. If I dared to tell Cassian the truth, Adrian wouldn’t live to see morning.

Think, Ivy. Think.

My mind raced through every possible lie and excuse—until something reckless and cruel came to my mind. Before he could speak again, I moved.

I reached up — and kissed him.

My stomach twisted with disgust, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I deepened the kiss. His hand loosened slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes. 

When I pulled away, I met his stare —unreadable. “I wasn’t waiting for anyone,” I whispered, forcing each word to sound believable. 

“I came here to be alone… but since you’re already here….” I hesitated, my throat tight with shame. “Maybe I don’t want to wait for our wedding night anymore.”