Boundaries

Derek stood still in the shadow of the stony balcony with his two hands placed at his back and his gaze focused on the courtyard below. His broad shoulders were tense, and his jaw was tightened so hard that it was astonishing he hadn't broken a tooth.

He has been there the whole time, positioned behind one of the massive pillars, watching everything.

He witnessed the slap. He saw how Diva defended herself. He witnessed the flames in her eyes when she resisted.

However, what disturbed him the most was not the confrontation itself.

It was that Diva had left the mansion without informing him. Without inquiring of him.

She had ventured into a realm beyond his influence, igniting a fierce rage deep within him.

He wanted to walked over to her, seize her and pull her back inside where she would be secure.

But he remained in his spot, concealed, his feelings churning like a tempest within him.

He couldn’t just tell if it was anger or attraction he felt in his chest, or maybe a combination of both.

Diva then raised her head and turned and her gaze moved across the courtyard.

For a fleeting instant, their gazes locked.

Derek experienced the connection as if it were a blow to the chest.

Her look was neither tender nor fearful.

It was powerful. Intense.

She had transformed—and he noticed it.

He quickly changed his expression immediately shaping his face into a stern grimace.

As she began to walk toward the mansion gate, he emerged from the shadows to meet her partway.

"What you did was really impressive, I mean standing up for yourself when your being bullied is the right thing to do and I'm happy you did not play weak," Derek remarked, his tone deep and weighted with significance. "Caleb is really doing a good job."

Diva halted a short distance from him, raising her chin confidently.

However, Derek's expression changed , and his eyes became narrowed.

"I'm mad at you," he replied, his tone was crisp and icy. "Why did you leave the mansion without my consent?" Did you forget that you belong to me? "That I am responsible for your safety?"

He moved a bit closer, his boots echoing against the stony surface. His presence was enormous and weighty, like a tempest poised to unleash.

"This must not happen again," Derek stated in a tone that allowed no debate. "Are you listening to me, Diva?"

Diva's hands formed fists at her sides, yet she did not retreat.

She locked her gaze onto his with a fiery look.

"I just took a stroll," she retorted. "And besides I was accompanied by some guards" "So why are you treating me as if I'm a captive?"

Derek’s gaze became more intense. He moved closer to her till she had to lean her head back to gaze at him.

He moved so close to Diva that she could feel his anger all over her.

"Diva you have no right whatsoever to ask me any question when I give you an order," he said with a deep tone. "You live in my mansion now so you live by my rules.

Diva wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Derek.

"I do not want to listen to anything you have to say, your opinion doesn't matter to me" he said. He then shifted his focus to the two guards standing by her side.. "From this point forward, do not allow her to leave the mansion without my permission." If she attempts to defy, prevent her. No allowances. "Do you understand?"

The guards stood up straight, their expressions tense with anxiety, and nodded swiftly.

Derek faced Diva once more, his face impassive as stone.

"Take her back inside," he commanded.

Diva’s heart raced within her chest.

"This isn't right!" she yelled, fighting as the guards approached her. "I am not a kid!" "You can't just order my movement the way you like!"

The guards seized her arms securely but gently, attempting to lead her back to the mansion.

"Leave me alone, you fool!" Diva shouted, struggling against their grip. "I only wanted to some fresh air!" "Is anything wrong with that?"

Derek just stood still staring at her.

He remained there, his expression icy, observing her as if she were merely a defiant wolf requiring correction.

"Move her in now!" he shouted at the guards when they paused.

They waited no more.

They guided Diva softly yet resolutely towards the grand entrance of the mansion.

Diva struggled in their hold, attempting to escape, but she realized it was futile. The guards were powerful.

She turned and glanced at Derek one final time before she give in to them.

Derek stood still at the spot, his silhouette shadowy against the gloomy dusk sky, his expression unreadable.

A painful sensation twisted in Diva’s chest as the door closed between them.

She no longer felt merely anger.

It was something more profound.

Something more challenging.

Derek was more than just a powerful man.

He was a person who thought he possessed everything he came into contact with.

And if she intended to live in this place, Diva was certain of one thing:

She needed to find a way to handle a man like him.