Chapter 2: Controlled Spaces, Dominance and Caging

Ethan’s POV

The car stopped in front of the big black gates, standing tall, towering up with all its authority and glory. The name beside it engraved on the marbles in gold read “Blackwood Mansion”. I gulp as the guard signals the car to pass inside and soon an extraordinarily big garden, with a fountain in middle comes to my view. 

“I knew he was rich, but this rich I never thought”, I gasp in awe.

The chauffeur opens the door for me while Adrian’s secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gilbert walks me inside the mansion.

“This is Butler, Mrs. Rosamand, this is John, the head chef and that is Nicolas, the housekeeping staff” he introduces to the mains. “Upstairs is Sir’s room, go straight and the third one, I have kept your things there”, he informs, making me gulp hard.

“Am I going to share the same room with him?,” my head feels light.

“Rest Ms.. Rosamand will let you know slowly”, he adds and I nod with a tight smile. “Here is the list… sir asked me to give you. And the copy of the contract”, he extends the files.

My breath hitches for a moment but I accept it, as we share a small smile. His eyes never fail to pity me, making it awkward for me to forget the deal even for a second. 

“Sir will be coming home soon. He is probably on his way to here”, he notifies me before taking his leave and I sigh deeply.

Nicolas takes me to our room as I find it hard to even look in anyone’s eyes, my head is buzzing with all the events encountered today, and I beg for sleep. But I feel I can’t even sleep because my boss, the so-called owner of mine, must be home soon.

“Why is it so dark and lifeless?”, the man whom I knew as a lively person had his room painted in black and grey. Even in the daylight it could easily feel dark if the lights are not on or curtains are off.

“Your bags are in the closet here, you can freshen up and change”, Nicolas informs, before leaving me alone.

I finally take a breath of relief, my muscles relaxing a bit. “I need a quick shower”, I groan to get myself ready to face him again.

—-----------------------------------

The warm water soothes my skin, as it slides down from my hairs, I stand there for a good minute, closing my eyes, letting the water seep through me. “Faster, the devil will come”, my brain yells and I snap out of my daze.

In a hurry I forgot to carry my stuff inside, and with no option left I used his bodywash and shampoo.  After a tiring day, the 10 mins shower feels like a blessing. Walking out I wrap my towel on my waist tightly, I softly wipe my wet hair. 

My mind lost in its own trace, that I missed to notice the devil already present in the closet.

“Did you enjoy the shower?”, his gravely low voice catches me off guard.

I gaze up to find him standing with his rolled up sleeves, flexing his muscles with the veins popping out. While his charming face carried a calming effect with mischief in his eyes.

“I… I …”, stammering badly, I try to take a step back, only to find my feet slipped on the floor.

“Careful Kitten…. You started living with me”, he catches me through the towel on my waist, while I look at him with my eyes wide open. 

He pulls me up with a dancing smirk, his eyes darkened.

“There are many things waiting for you in line… Don’t be so clumsy”, he whispers against my lips, as he pulls me up. His other hand was holding me from behind.

His breath fanning against mine, sets a ticklish sensation down my spine. The adams apple of mine bobs up and down while my breath thickens. My eyes never leave his sharp Italian features, which still puts me in amusement.

How can someone look so perfect? Aging like a fine wine??

“It was a good attempt to seduce me, kitten”, his fingers move against my faint abs. 

Shivers running down my spine while I feel my gut tighten at his given pet name. 

Kitten?

“But guess what I have seen better”, he says, grasping my neck a little tighter than required.

I gasp at his remark. 

“Did he just…”

I scowl at his comment, finding no words to reply as I still try to process what he said. 

"Make sure you are dressed and down already by the time I come out from a shower", he whispers, leaning forward to my ear.

"Your cheap tactics are nauseating me", he hisses, before pushing me away lightly.

Pain and hurt visibly coat my eyes as I stare at him in dismay. 

Disgust runs through me by his dirty opinion about me. I feel ashamed and to even think I was in love with this man before. My lips open to speak but finding it useless I shut it again, lowering my gaze.

"Move already!"

Tearing the awkward silence,  he growls in irritation, and I flinch. 

"Sorry!", I mumble and move aside. 

He runs his fingers aggressively through his hairs and walks inside the washroom, slamming the door hard behind him.

“Who the hell are you? Do I even know you?”

_______________________

Setting up the table for Adrian carefully like Mrs. Rosamand taught, I seek her approval. 

"It's perfect!", she confirms.

As the clock hits at 7:45 pm, everyone stands in a line and I stand with them. John and Nicolas passed a confused look but I was puzzled too. He mentioned I was his slave, so am I supposed to sit and eat with him?

Soon, Adrian descends down and approaches the dining area. His eyes scan the cutlery position before eyeing me.

Is there some mistake?, I wonder.

My throat is drying with his eyes on me.

"Why are you standing there?", he asks and I blink at him with confusion. "Come", he says.

Is he calling me to eat with him?

"Serve me the food", he adds, taking his seat making my low expectation stand still.

After completing his dinner, Adrian goes for a walk in his own lawn and makes a few calls. While I sit and eat with the staff in the kitchen.

The staff were uncomfortable with my presence. And as I took my exit, I heard a few of them talk about mine and Adrian relationship dynamics. Because my things are in his room yet I'm not considered to be privileged as him but like them.

Getting to the room, I brush the unwanted thoughts and make my bed on the floor. Taking my medicines, I lay down on the mattress, the white ash grey ceiling of his room drawing me to the darkness I belong to. 

"Get used to it, Ethan! You have to live here for a year!"

Closing my eyes, I try to sleep when I hear the door open. It's Adrian Blackwood, jailer of this mansion who will be capturing me 24 × 7 under surveillance camera, noting my every step.

I sigh, trying to ignore his disturbing presence and sleep. 

"Why are you lying down?", I hear him ask, amusement in his tone.

"If I'm not allowed to sit with you Sir, surely I won't be allowed to sleep", I reply slowly, not caring to open my eyes. 

I hear him take a deep breath, surely he must be rolling his eyes on me. 

"Certainly!", he grits.

 I assume he lays down on his bed after putting his phone on charge. And just then something makes me jolt up in fear.

"Please keep the lights on!", I cry out in panic.

"Huh?", he is left off guard.