Chapter 6

Laurie's point of view

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. Where was I? This wasn't my room. The ceiling was unfamiliar, and my mind was foggy. I tried to remember how I got here, but my memories were hazy.

As I sat up, I realised I was lying on a massive bed, surrounded by homely decorations. The room was enormous, at least triple the size of my own room in the Voss Family Villa. I rubbed my temples, trying to clear my head.

Panic began to set in. I scrambled out of bed and looked around for any familiar faces or objects. But everything was foreign. I saw a door on the far side of the room and rushed towards it, hoping to find answers.

As I stepped outside, I was amazed by the huge house. It was so big and fancy, with many servants moving around quietly. The floors were shiny and the walls were painted red. There were many rooms.

“Hello,” I spoke as I rushed after a lady dressed in a white and black maid's uniform.

“Do you know where this is? Where am I?” but she did not respond; instead, she kept moving forward with the tray she was holding, her head bowed, like a puppet, working for its Master.

“Hello,”

“Where is this, please?”

No response from anyone I came across. I felt a bit scared and unsure, like I didn't belong here. I saw a lot of doors, but I didn't know where they led. I want to run, to escape but I had no direction in mind. There were doors at every corner, and I had no idea where the exit path was.

‘Calm down Laurie, calm down! Just think; how did you get here?’ I tried to calm my nerves but it wasn't working. Great! I fell to the ground and immediately crossed my legs and positioned myself to meditate.

I sat on the floor, trying to calm my racing mind, I focused on my breath and attempted to piece together how I ended up here. Rafe needed an urgent kidney transplant, and the deposit cost is three million pounds. Zane brought home his mistress and I was chased out to live in the attic. There was no way out and I auctioned myself out to the highest bidder.

Hah!

Sigh!

Rafe!? Is he already getting his surgery? Damnit, I need to get out of here as soon as possible.

I opened my eyes to find a pair of black brogue shoes standing before me. I followed the shoes up to a pair of dark trousers, a white shirt, and a black tie. My gaze finally met a face, chiselled and handsome, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

“Welcome, Cookie,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “Welcome home, my dear Cookie. I see you're trying to calm yourself. That's good. You'll need to be calm if you want to survive this hell.”

I felt a surge of fear at his words, but I tried to keep my composure. ‘Where am I?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. He raised his brows at my question and I gulped, feeling chills.

“Umm… I… I know you now own me; however, I need to see my brother… he needs to sign up for his surgery, and it's urgent.”

“Mn… You do not realise, it's been three days after that auction day, do you?”

The man smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You're in my home, Cookie. And soon, you'll be exactly where I want you to be. You're going nowhere!”

I felt a chill run down my spine as he turned and began walking away. I was in shock. Three days! Oh God, Rafe.

“For good Lord's sake, my name is Laurie and not Cookie. I need to go… I need to meet my brother!!” I screamed.

The man stopped in his tracks and turned to face me, a hint of surprise on his face. “Ah, Laurie, then,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I see you're feisty. I like that.”

He walked back towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. “As for your brother, don't worry, he's being taken care of. The surgery has already been arranged, and he's recovering well. Only a good domino like me, gives such advantages, Cookie.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, but it was short-lived. “What do you mean, ‘being taken care of'?” I demanded. “I need to see him now. I can't be at peace if I don't. Just, let me see, he is all right.”

The man chuckled and shook his head. “Oh, Cookie. You're not in a position to make demands. You're mine now, and you'll do as I say.”

I felt a surge of anger and trepidation, what have I gotten myself into? “Who are you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The man smiled again, his eyes still glinting with mischief. “Theron,” he said. “And I'm your new owner.”

Saying that, he turned around and began walking away. I swallowed my pride, now that I am at his mercy, I understand that I have to tread carefully if I want to survive.

“I don't like this place, I don't want to live here.”

“You've got no choice, Cookie. You're in Theron Blackmoor's mansion now, you can never leave until I let you go,” he responded whilst walking out…

I stood up and went after him. I don't know anyone here and I just have to trust my instincts. He paused and then turned around to look at me, “I call you Cookie and not Cucciola. Why are you following me?”

“I am lost. I don't know where to go or even what door to open. Aren't you my master? I will just follow you everywhere you go.”

“When you're not my dick, how can you follow me everywhere I go? Oh Cookie, just open any door, wherever it leads you, explore. No one can get lost in Theron's mansion.” he continued walking and soon disappeared from my sight.

I stood there, frozen in uncertainty. Theron's words echoed in my mind: ‘No one can get lost in Theron's mansion.’ But I felt lost, trapped in a labyrinth of unfamiliar rooms and corridors. I took a deep breath. This couldn't be worse than being a maid at the Voss Family Villa, right?

I looked around and discovered there was not even a single maid in sight. Hah, they're obviously too scared of that man. I strode towards a gold frame door and pushed it open.

As I stepped into the room, my breath was caught in my throat. Before me lay a jewelry maker and designer's dream office and workshop.

Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating rows of gleaming workbenches equipped with every tool imaginable.

Gemstones of every color sparkled in organized trays, their facets catching the light. Delicate chains and settings in gold, silver, and platinum were neatly arranged, waiting to be transformed into exquisite pieces.

My fingers itched to touch the tools, to feel the cool metal and warm gems in my hands. How did Theron know? How could he possibly have known that becoming a famous jewelry designer was my deepest, most cherished dream? A dream I'd barely whispered to myself, let alone shared with anyone else.

I wandered further into the room, my eyes wide with wonder. There were sketch pads and pencils, computer stations with the latest 3D modeling software, and even a small photography setup for showcasing finished pieces. Everything a designer could need to bring their visions to life.

My heart felt mushy as I approached one of the workbenches. I ran my fingers lightly over the tools - pliers, files, and delicate hammers - arranged neatly in a leather roll. A jeweler's loupe sat nearby, ready to examine the tiniest details of a stone or setting.

I picked up a loose sapphire, marveling at its deep blue hue as I turned it in the light. For a moment, I forgot about my circumstances, lost in the beauty of the gem and the possibilities it held.

"Do you like it?" Theron's voice startled me from behind.

I spun around, nearly dropping the sapphire in surprise. Theron stood in the doorway.

Didn't he leave just now? How come he is back, and how did I not realize it? Thinking about how I did not notice his first appearance… a thought crossed my mind. Is he a Vampire or Werewolf!?

His expression was unreadable as he began to approach me.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"About my dream?"

His eyes scanned the equipment before settling on me. "I make it my business to know everything about my investments, Cookie. Your passion for jewelry design was... intriguing.”

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words. How much did he really know about me? And why go to such lengths?

"This room," I said, gesturing around me, "it's incredible. But why? Why give me access to all of this?"

Theron moved closer, his presence overwhelming in the confined space. "Consider it a gift," he said, his voice low. "And an opportunity. I expect great things from you, Laurie Rayne.”

He leaned closer and sexily spun me around.

“Ask for anything from me, cookie and I'd grant it. Anything except your freedom from me.”

I felt his hot breath on my neck and the next moment… he was nibbling my ear!