12: First Night in Chains

12: First Night in Chains

Ellie’s POV

I was still shaking when I got back to my apartment. The whispers from that unknown caller, the red-eyed man in the ballroom—they wouldn’t leave my head.

I tossed my purse onto the couch, exhaling sharply. I needed to breathe, to think. But before I could sit down, a knock sounded at my door.

A familiar, impatient knock.

Liam.

I hesitated before opening it. The second I did, he pushed inside, slamming the door behind him.

“You went to him,” he growled, eyes blazing with something between fury and desperation.

I crossed my arms. “It’s none of your business.”

“The hell it isn’t.” He stepped closer, his body radiating heat. “I warned you about Adrien. And now you’re wrapped around his damn finger.”

I stiffened. “It’s a contract, Liam. A business deal.”

He laughed, the sound dark. “Is that what you tell yourself?” His fingers curled around my wrist, his touch firm but not bruising. “You think he’s helping you out of the kindness of his heart? You’re in his world now. He won’t let you go.”

I pulled free, my pulse hammering. “I can take care of myself.”

His gaze dropped to my throat—the diamond necklace Adrien had placed there.

Liam’s jaw clenched.

“Take that off,” he demanded.

I swallowed hard. “No.”

Something in his eyes shifted. His hand came up, brushing over my jaw, his fingers rough and warm against my skin. “Ellie…”

His voice dropped, something aching underneath it.

I knew that look. I knew what he wanted.

And I didn’t stop him when he leaned in.

His lips brushed mine, hesitant for half a second before his control snapped. The kiss was rough, needy, desperate.

My fingers curled into his shirt as he pressed me back against the door, his hands tightening on my waist. His breath was hot, his body solid and unyielding against mine.

For a moment, I forgot everything—Adrien, the contract, the danger.

But only for a moment.

Then reality crashed back in.

I pushed against Liam’s chest. “Stop.”

He froze, breathing hard.

I shoved him back, my pulse racing. “This doesn’t change anything.”

His eyes darkened. “Like hell it doesn’t.”

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed.

Adrien: Waiting downstairs. Don’t make me come up.

Liam saw the message before I could hide it.

His fingers curled into fists. “You’re going to him.”

I grabbed my coat, ignoring the guilt curling in my stomach. “I don’t have a choice.”

Liam took a step closer, lowering his voice. “You always have a choice, Ellie.”

I wished that were true.

But my mother’s life was on the line. And right now, Adrien held all the power.

Without another word, I walked out the door.

Adrien’s POV

She came to me.

I leaned against the sleek black car, watching Ellie step out of her building. Her pace was hurried, her body tense—like she was running from something.

Or someone.

Interesting.

She stopped when she saw me, hesitating for half a second before continuing forward.

“Ellie.” My voice was smooth, measured.

She shivered.

I opened the car door for her, my gaze dropping to the slight flush on her cheeks. Something had happened before she came to me.

I slid in beside her, closing the door as the driver pulled away. “You look shaken.”

She exhaled slowly, turning to the window. “It’s been a long night.”

I smirked, my fingers tracing the diamond at her throat.

She stiffened.

“Good girl,” I murmured, satisfied that she was still wearing it. “I see you understand the importance of obedience.”

Her nails dug into her palm. “That’s not why I’m wearing it.”

“Of course it is.” I leaned in, my breath teasing her ear. “Every time someone sees that necklace, they’ll know you’re mine.”

Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t pull away.

She was learning.

We arrived at the next event—an exclusive private club hidden beneath the city’s elite society. A place where power was currency and secrets were sold for the right price.

The moment we stepped inside, the air thickened with seduction and danger. Women in silk draped themselves over men in tailored suits, whispered deals were exchanged between sips of whiskey.

Ellie tensed beside me.

I smiled. “Welcome to my world.”

Her fingers twitched at her side. “This isn’t a business lounge, is it?”

“No.” I leaned closer, letting my lips ghost over her hair. “This is where the real games are played.”

She swallowed hard, but I could see the intrigue in her eyes.

She liked it.

She didn’t want to. But she did.

I guided her further inside, letting the shadows swallow us.

“Adrien.”

A voice cut through the air, sharp and familiar.

I turned, already smirking before I even saw him.

Liam.

He stood near the entrance, rage flickering beneath his calm exterior. His eyes locked on Ellie, and his fingers curled into fists.

Ellie went still.

I placed my hand on the small of her back, claiming her without words.

Liam’s jaw ticked.

“You’re making a mistake,” he said, voice low.

I chuckled, my grip on Ellie tightening. “Am I?”

Liam stepped forward, but I shifted, placing my body between him and Ellie.

“Let’s not cause a scene,” I mused. “It wouldn’t be good for your reputation.”

Liam’s gaze flickered between me and Ellie. He exhaled sharply, but the fury in his eyes remained.

“This isn’t over,” he warned.

I smirked. “No, it’s not.”

Liam’s eyes lingered on Ellie one last time before he turned and walked out.

Ellie shuddered.

I tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at me. “Tell me, Ellie,” I murmured, running my thumb over her lower lip.

“Did you kiss him?”

Her breath hitched.

I already knew the answer.

And I would make sure she never forgot who she belonged to.

Ellie barely had time to process the encounter before i leaned in, my lips brushing her ear.

“We’ll have to fix that.”

Before she could react, i pulled her deeper into the club, into the darkness, into my world.