Chapter Four
Selena struggled against the grip of the man who led her up the grand staircase of Adrian’s mansion. His hold was firm, but not harsh, as though he had been given strict orders not to hurt her. That realization didn’t comfort her. It only made her more aware of how much control Adrian had over her situation.
The mansion was a mix of old-world elegance and modern luxury. Chandeliers sparkled above her head, casting golden light on polished marble floors and ornate walls. But Selena barely noticed the beauty around her. To her, it felt like a prison, no matter how gilded.
“Let me go,” she snapped, her voice sharper than the heels of her boots clacking against the floor.
The man didn’t stop walking, nor did he look at her. “You’ll only make things worse for yourself if you resist,” he said flatly.
Selena bristled. “Worse? Being locked up in his house isn’t bad enough?”
The man glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable. “You think Adrian’s the worst danger you’re facing?”
She froze mid-step, yanking her arm free. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He sighed, turning to face her fully. “Look, lady, Adrian isn’t exactly known for being gentle, but there are people out there who would do far worse to you. You don’t know the world you’ve stepped into. If I were you, I’d stop fighting and figure out how to survive.”
Selena glared at him, her defiance masking the flicker of fear in her chest. “I’ll survive just fine, thanks. I don’t need Adrian or his guards to protect me.”
“Suit yourself,” he said, shrugging. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Before she could respond, he opened a heavy door and gestured for her to step inside.
Selena hesitated. The room beyond was lavishly decorated, with a king-sized bed draped in rich fabrics, a sitting area by a large window, and a fireplace that cast a soft glow over the space. It was beautiful, but it felt suffocating.
“In you go,” the man said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
She walked inside, her movements slow and deliberate, as though testing the air for traps. The man didn’t follow her, but he stood in the doorway, watching her with a mix of pity and resignation.
“Lock the door behind me,” he instructed another guard stationed outside. “And don’t open it unless Adrian says so.”
Selena turned sharply. “You can’t keep me here like this!”
The man’s gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. “We can. And we will.”
The door clicked shut behind him, and the sound of the lock turning sent a wave of helpless anger through Selena.
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Selena paced the room, her frustration mounting with each step. She tugged at the doorknob, banged on the door, and even tried kicking it, but it was solid and unyielding.
Her attention shifted to the window. It was large and framed with heavy curtains, offering a view of the sprawling gardens below. She rushed over, her heart pounding with a mix of hope and determination.
The window opened, but only slightly. Iron bars were hidden behind the decorative frame, blocking any chance of escape.
“Of course,” she muttered bitterly.
Undeterred, Selena began searching the room for anything she could use. She checked the drawers, the shelves, and even the fireplace tools. If Adrian thought he could keep her here like some damsel in distress, he had another thing coming.
She was examining the hinges of the window when the door creaked open behind her.
“Trying to escape again, Selena?”
The deep, familiar voice sent a chill down her spine. She turned slowly to face Adrian, who stood in the doorway, his tailored suit pristine despite the late hour. His dark eyes locked onto hers, a dangerous glint flickering within them.
“What do you want?” she demanded, straightening her back.
Adrian stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He didn’t answer right away, his gaze drifting to the open window.
“You really thought you could get out this way?” he asked, his tone mocking. “I expected more creativity from you.”
Selena crossed her arms, glaring at him. “What’s the point of all this, Adrian? Locking me up, playing your games—it’s pathetic.”
Adrian’s expression hardened, the mocking edge replaced by something colder. “Pathetic? That’s rich coming from someone who ran away like a coward.”
Her jaw tightened. “I had my reasons.”
“Oh, I’m sure you did,” he said, stepping closer. “But you didn’t think those reasons were worth sharing with me, did you? No, you just vanished, leaving me to clean up the mess you left behind.”
Selena’s heart ached at the bitterness in his voice, but she refused to let it show. “You wouldn’t have understood.”
“Try me,” he challenged, his voice dangerously low.
She hesitated, her mind racing. How could she explain without revealing too much? Adrian had always been sharp, and she knew he wouldn’t stop until he had all the answers.
“Why does it matter?” she countered, deflecting. “You’ve already made up your mind about me.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t play games with me, Selena. You’re not as good at it as you think.”
Her temper flared, and she took a step closer, pointing a finger at him. “And you’re nothing but a power-hungry control freak! You think you can manipulate everyone around you, but you’re no better than the people you claim to despise.”
His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer. She gasped, but he didn’t let go, his grip firm but not painful.
“You think I’m obsessed with power?” he asked, his voice a dangerous whisper. “Maybe I am. But at least I’m honest about it. What about you, Selena? What are you running from? Or should I say, who?”
Her eyes widened, but she quickly masked her shock with anger. “Let me go,” she demanded, her voice shaking.
Adrian released her, but the intensity in his gaze didn’t waver. “You can hate me all you want, Selena. But don’t forget—you’re here because of your choices.”
She turned away from him, clenching her fists. “You don’t know anything about my choices.”
“Maybe not,” he admitted, his tone softening. “But I know one thing: you won’t find what you’re looking for out there.”
She spun back around, her eyes blazing. “And what exactly am I looking for, Adrian?”
“Freedom,” he said simply.
The word hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Selena’s resolve wavered, but she quickly steeled herself.
“I’ll find it,” she said, her voice steady. “With or without your permission.”
Adrian’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. “Good luck with that.”
He turned and walked to the door, pausing before he opened it. “One last thing, Selena,” he said without looking back. “If you try to run again, I won’t be so forgiving.”
The door closed behind him, and Selena sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing.
Adrian was right about one thing—freedom wouldn’t come easily. But she wouldn’t stop fighting. Not for him, not for anyone.
And as for the dangers he hinted at, Selena knew she’d have to figure out what they were before they found her.
