16: Between Two Shadows

16: Between Two Shadows


Ellie’s POV

Adrien’s words still echoed in my head.

"Now, be a good girl and undress for me."

I stood frozen, my pulse hammering in my throat. The air in the room thickened, charged with something dangerous, something that made my skin flush and my stomach tighten.

Adrien’s smirk was lazy, confident. He lounged back on the couch, his long fingers drumming against the armrest as he watched me with the kind of patience that felt more like a trap than an invitation.

This was a game to him. Another battle for control.

And the worst part?

I wanted to obey.

Heat curled in my stomach, slow and insidious, as his gaze traveled over me. He didn’t blink, didn’t move, just waited.

"Don’t think too much, sweetheart," he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "Just do as you’re told."

My breath caught.

Every time I fought him, I lost.

But giving in? That was dangerous in a way I wasn’t ready to admit.

I swallowed hard, my fingers trembling as they reached for the zipper at my back—

A loud knock shattered the moment.

Adrien’s expression darkened instantly. The air around him shifted, his easy amusement evaporating like mist in the sun.

I let out a shaky breath, stepping back just as he stood. His annoyance was a slow burn, simmering beneath his calm exterior as he strode toward the door with measured precision.

And then I heard a voice that made my stomach drop.

"Liam?"

Adrien went still, his hand pausing on the door handle.

His head tilted slightly, like a predator scenting its prey, before he pulled the door open.

Liam stepped inside without waiting for permission. His green eyes flickered to me first, scanning, searching—then locked onto Adrien with a glare sharp enough to cut through steel.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Adrien’s voice was all steel, quiet and sharp.

Liam ignored him, his gaze fixed on me. "We need to talk, Ellie."

My stomach twisted.

Adrien let out a dark chuckle, low and humorless.

"Talk?" He stepped in front of me, his frame blocking Liam’s view. "That’s not how this works, Liam."

Liam’s jaw clenched. "She’s not your property, Adrien."

Adrien smirked. "She’s here, isn’t she?"

Liam inhaled slowly, his fingers twitching at his sides, like he was seconds from throwing a punch.

I had to stop this before it escalated.

"Liam," I said softly, stepping forward despite the tension crackling in the room. "What is it?"

His eyes softened, just slightly.

"I need you to come with me."

Adrien let out a quiet, amused breath. "You’re joking, right?"

Liam ignored him. "Ellie, please."

My pulse quickened. I could feel Adrien watching me, waiting for my reaction.

"Where?" My voice came out barely above a whisper.

"My place," Liam said. "We need to talk about your contract—about everything. You don’t belong here."

Adrien hummed, his lips curling in a mocking smile. "That’s an interesting opinion."

Liam’s eyes snapped to him, his patience visibly fraying. "Stay out of this, Adrien."

Adrien’s smile didn’t waver. "See, that’s your problem, Liam. You keep forgetting—" He turned slightly, his hand catching my wrist in a firm grip, pulling me flush against him. His voice dropped, intimate and possessive. "She doesn’t belong to you."

Liam’s expression darkened. "And she sure as hell doesn’t belong to you."

The tension in the room was suffocating.

Two shadows, each trying to claim me in their own way.

I swallowed hard, torn between them.

And I had no idea what choice to make.

Adrien’s POV

Liam thought he could take her from me.

That was his mistake.

I watched the way his hands curled into fists, the way his breathing sharpened like he was holding himself back.

I almost wanted him to snap.

Because the moment he threw the first punch?

I’d finish this once and for all.

But Ellie was watching.

And I wasn’t going to let this little game end so soon.

I exhaled slowly, my grip on her wrist light but firm. "Ellie."

She looked up at me, uncertainty flickering behind her eyes.

"Say the word," I murmured, my thumb brushing over her pulse. "Tell him to leave."

Liam stiffened, his jaw flexing.

Ellie hesitated.

That hesitation was enough to make my smirk widen.

"You can’t do this," Liam muttered, his voice tight with restrained anger.

"I already have," I said smoothly.

Ellie’s breath came unsteady, her fingers twitching slightly in my grasp.

Then, finally, she looked at Liam.

"Liam… maybe you should go."

Liam flinched. It was subtle, barely there, but I saw it.

And in that moment, I won.

"Ellie—"

"Go." Her voice was stronger this time, steadier.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed down whatever words were left. His hands clenched, then released as he exhaled sharply, shaking his head.

He turned without another word.

The door slammed behind him.

Silence.

Ellie stood there, her breathing shallow, her gaze still fixed on the door.

I smiled, reaching for her.

She didn’t resist.

I pulled her against me, my fingers trailing over the bare skin of her back, my touch featherlight but possessive.

"You made the right choice, sweetheart."

Her breath hitched.

I tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Now, where were we?"

She swallowed, her lips parting as if to argue, to protest—but I could see the truth in her eyes.

She wanted this.

She wanted me.

I smirked, my fingers slipping lower, tracing the curve of her spine.

"Take off your dress."