The Price Of Rescue

Marina’s POV

I saw Lucian standing right in the middle of the velvet and warm lights of the club floor like he thought he was the hero in someone’s story. The sight of him there made me laugh before I could stop myself. He really believed I was here against my will.

But this place was my home. I would not have chosen anywhere else.

“Did you hear me, Marina?” he said. “I’m going to rescue you.”

I looked at him carefully. His voice sounded sincere. Too sincere.

“Rescue me, Lucian,” I said before I could think.

Before he could answer, Vale stepped into the space beside me like he had always been there. His presence shifted the air.

“Quiet, Marina,” he said. “This is my home. Our home.”

I felt Adrian arrive before I saw him. Then he came into view at the bar, calm as always. He placed a gentle, steady hand on Lucian’s arm. Not threatening. Just firm.

“Relax,” Adrian said. “I’m here to make sure no one gets hurt. Unless they want to be.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened.

Vale’s expression cooled. “Lucian. I believe you and I have some business to discuss.”

I stepped forward before he could take control of the situation. I felt a spark of anger rise in my chest.

“The hell you do,” I said. “Lucian came here for me. So I am involved.”

Vale turned his gaze on me. His voice softened but the edge in it remained.

“And you belong to me,” he said. “Remember your place, little Marina.”

The words stung more than I wanted to admit. I felt heat rise under my skin. Part anger. Part shame. Part something else I did not want to name.

Adrian’s voice cut through the tension.

“Maybe we should take this off the floor,” he said quietly.

For a second, none of us moved. The music went on around us. People laughed and drank and pretended they were not watching. My chest felt tight, like the whole room had shrunk.

Adrian moved first. He stepped between me and Lucian and guided him ahead of me so I could not speak to him. The three of us walked into Vale’s private playroom together. The room always felt quiet in a heavy way, like the walls remembered every secret spoken inside them.

Vale’s voice cut through the silence.

“On your knees.”

My body reacted before my mind did. I dropped to my knees, hands resting behind my back, spine straight. I kept my eyes on him, trying to understand what he was planning.

“Not another word from those beautiful lips, princess.” I could never get used to my pet name being princess.

So I closed my mouth, slow and deliberate and waited.

“As usual, my princess, you are perfect in every way.”

He turned to Lucian.

“Lucian, is it? Would you care for a drink?”

Vale crossed to the bar and poured himself bourbon like this was all casual conversation. Like my heart was not beating hard enough to echo in my ears.

Lucian’s voice came out sharp.

“No. I don’t want a drink. I’m taking Marina and we’re leaving.”

Adrian answered before Vale could.

“That is not going to happen.”

Vale took a lazy sip of his drink.

“Marina is mine. Years ago she made a deal with me. She gave herself to me for life.”

My stomach tightened. That was not true. Not fully. So why did he say it?

Lucian did not hesitate.

“I won’t stand by and watch another man take advantage of a powerless woman.”

Vale watched him closely. There was something in his eyes. Curiosity. Maybe desire. Maybe danger. It was always hard to tell with him.

“Well. It seems we are at an impasse,” Vale said. “Marina made a deal. And it is ironclad.”

“Then make a new deal with me,” Lucian said.

“A deal?” Vale asked. “What kind of deal?”

“My life for hers.”

For a moment I forgot how to breathe.

Vale smiled slightly. “Well. I like your terms.”

“Lucian, stop,” I said. “You don’t even know what you’re saying.”

Vale’s gaze snapped to me.

“Princess. He walked in here of his own free will to make a contract with me. And I thought you were being a good girl and staying silent.”

Heat rushed to my face. I closed my mouth again and lowered my gaze, then stayed still.

“Have a seat, boy,” Vale said to Lucian. “Adrian, you will witness the deal.”

“Yes, sir,” Adrian said. He stayed close beside me, like he expected Lucian to do something reckless.

Vale looked back at Lucian.

“You are willing to give yourself to me. What are your terms?”

Lucian did not flinch.

“I’m yours forever. But you cannot force Marina to obey you against her will.”

Adrian spoke under his breath.

“Careful.”

Vale nodded slightly.

“Adrian is right. If you belong to me, then you are mine to do with as I please.”

The room went quiet. The two of them watched each other, measuring every breath, every shift of posture.

I could not read their thoughts. But one thing was for sure, that Vale wanted Lucian.

I had seen that look in Vale’s eyes before. It usually meant he was already three steps ahead of everyone else in the room. This time, his attention flicked between Adrian and Lucian like he was studying pieces on a board. A small spark of hunger hid behind his calm expression.

Lucian spoke first.

“I’ve thought about it,” he said. “And I believe it’s what makes the most sense.”

Vale nodded slowly.

“Then it is a deal.”

Lucian swallowed.

“So how do we make this deal official?”

Vale turned his head toward me.

“Princess. Come here.”

I stood up from the floor and crossed the room, my pulse steady but aware. I perched lightly on his lap when he guided me there, feeling Adrian’s silent presence behind us. Vale loosened his tie with one hand.

“You may speak now,” he said. “How do we seal deals here in the Velour?”

“Usually,” I said, “these deals are sealed with a kiss.”

Lucian’s eyes flicked toward us, focused and tense. I could not read his emotions, only that he was trying to stay in control.

Vale looked thoughtful.

“Can you agree to a kiss to seal this deal?” he asked him.

Lucian held his gaze. “If that is what it takes.”

Vale shifted slightly beneath me.

“Since we have made a deal concerning my princess, it is only fair that she decides. If Gabriel wants this deal, then who am I to stop him?”

His tone stayed light, but the room felt heavier than before. Adrian watched everything with quiet focus, ready in case anything went wrong.

All three of them waited for my answer.

My throat felt tight for a moment. I was aware of my place in this room, of the strange balance between choice and history. I also knew Lucian believed he was protecting me.

Instead of moving closer like they expected, I spoke.

“Lucian, if this is the deal you want, you don’t need me to approve it. I’ll wait for you outside.”

My voice came out calm, but my chest felt tight. Vale only smiled.

“No need, Marina. We can do this the traditional way. With a contract.”

So that was how it went. Hours passed in that quiet, sealed room while papers were drawn up and terms were agreed to. Lucian signed each page with a steady hand, like he was proving something to himself.

When it was over, he looked almost proud.

Vale closed the final folder.

“The contract is hereby signed.”

Adrian stepped forward.

“I’ll show you to your room.”

Lucian frowned. “My room? What are you talking about?”

Vale’s expression softened in a way that felt dangerous.

“You didn’t think you would return to your old life as a waiter, did you? You belong to me now, little Lucian.”

Those words seemed to hit him all at once. I watched the color drain from his face.

Adrian added, “We’ll make sure your belongings are brought here for you.”

“So I’m a prisoner here?” Lucian said. His voice sounded thinner than before.

Vale tilted his head slightly.

“You made a deal to be mine. So you will live here. And you will work at the club. Welcome to your new life.”

Lucian’s eyes filled with panic. It was the first time since he arrived that he truly looked afraid. His earlier confidence disappeared, replaced by the realization that he had trapped himself.

Adrian took hold of his arm.

“Come on, boy. I don’t have all day.”