3. RULES OF THE UNDERWORLD

POV Isabella

The car ride was silent, but my mind was screaming.

I looked out the window as the city buildings slowly turned into vast, green private lands. We entered through huge iron gates guarded by men in black suits, and drove along a long driveway lined with perfect trees.

And then, I saw it.

A massive mansion, modern yet intimidating, standing tall like a palace. White marble, glass walls, and lights that made it look like it was glowing. This wasn't just a house. This was a fortress.

"Welcome home, Isabella," Alexander said beside me, his voice deep and calm.

Home?

I didn't belong here. I was just a simple girl who lived in a small apartment. This place was another world entirely.

We stepped inside. The interior was even more breathtaking. High ceilings, expensive art, and everything was spotless and cold.

"From now on, this is your room," he said, opening a door on the second floor.

I walked in and my mouth fell open. The room was bigger than my whole apartment. It had a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and a balcony overlooking the garden.

"It's... it's too much," I stammered. "I can't stay here. This is wrong."

Alexander walked in behind me and closed the door softly. The click of the lock sounded final.

He walked closer until he was standing right in front of me. He placed his hands on my shoulders, looking down at me with those intense blue eyes.

"Listen to me carefully, little bird," he said firmly. "You are safe here. No one can touch you. No one can hurt you. As long as you are inside these walls, you are under my protection."

He tilted my chin up.

"But there are rules. Rules you must follow if you want to stay."

I swallowed hard and nodded. "What rules?"

 

THE RULES

"Rule number one," he started, counting on his fingers. "Never leave this house without my permission and without my men. The world outside is dangerous, and you are too precious to risk."

"Rule number two. Do not interfere with my work. If you see blood, if you hear guns, if you see things that scare you... you ignore them. You stay in your room, and you wait for me. My world is dirty, Isabella. I don't want you to get stained by it."

"Rule number three."

He paused, his face turning serious and possessive. His hand moved down to hold my waist, pulling me slightly closer.

"You belong to me now. Your time, your attention, your heart... everything is mine. So don't even think about looking at another man, or trying to run away. Because if you run..."

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"...I will find you. And I will chain you to my side so you can never leave again. Do you understand?"

My heart was beating so fast I thought it would break my ribs. He was threatening me, but his voice was so soft, so warm.

"I... I understand," I whispered.

"Good girl."

He smiled, and for the first time, it wasn't a cruel smirk. It was a real, warm smile that made him look surprisingly human.

 

LIFE IN THE GOLDEN CAGE

Days turned into weeks, and I started adapting to this new life.

It was strange. During the day, the house was quiet. Alexander was busy in his office or out on business. I spent my time reading, learning, or just watching the garden.

But every night, he would come to me.

He wasn't what I expected. Yes, he was the Devil to everyone else. But to me? He was gentle.

One night, I was sitting in the kitchen, unable to sleep. I was wearing one of his oversized shirts that he gave me.

Alexander walked in, looking tired. He had just taken off his tie, his sleeves rolled up showing his strong forearms covered in veins.

"Why are you awake, Belle?" he asked, using the nickname he gave me.

"I can't sleep," I answered softly. "I miss my old life sometimes. I miss being normal."

He walked over and sat next to me, pulling my chair so I was close to him. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"I know it's hard. But I can't let you be normal anymore. Because normal people get hurt, normal people die. I want you to be protected. I want you to be mine."

He looked into my eyes.

"Do I make you happy, Belle? Even just a little?"

I looked at his face. The face of a monster, the face of a killer. But the hands holding me were so warm. The care he gave me was real.

"Yes," I answered honestly. "You make me feel safe, Alex."

"That is all that matters."

He kissed my forehead, then my nose, and finally, he stopped just above my lips, asking for permission.

I didn't pull away. I closed my eyes and leaned in.

Our first kiss was explosive. It was full of passion, possession, and longing. He kissed me like he was starving, like I was his oxygen. But he was still gentle, careful not to scare me.

"I love you, Isabella," he whispered against my lips. "More than my life. More than this whole empire."

I was shocked. We had only known each other for a short time. But somehow, it felt right.

"I love you too, Alex," I breathed out.

 

THE STORM IS COMING

Just as we were lost in the moment, his phone rang loudly, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.

Alexander sighed, annoyance crossing his face. He pulled away and answered it.

"What?"

His expression changed instantly. From loving husband to Cold Boss in a second. His eyes turned dark, his jaw tightened.

"Say that again," he growled.

I could hear shouting from the other side of the phone.

Alexander stood up abruptly, pacing around the room.

"They attacked our shipment? And they left a message?"

He stopped and looked at me, his eyes filled with rage.

"What did they say?"

The voice on the phone spoke again.

Alexander's face turned deadly pale, then red with fury.

"They said..." he clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned white. "...they said they are going to take what is most precious to me. They said they are coming for my Queen."

He threw his phone against the wall, smashing it into pieces.

"FUCK!!"

He walked back to me quickly, kneeling in front of me and holding my hands tightly.

"They know about you, Belle. Those bastards know you exist."

His eyes were burning with protection and anger.

"Listen to me. Nothing will change. I will kill every single one of them before they can even touch a hair on your head. But starting tomorrow, we go into full lockdown. You will not leave my sight. Not even for a second."

He hugged me tight, burying his face in my stomach.

"I won't let them take you. I swear to God, I will burn this whole city down before I let anyone hurt you."

 

(To be continued...)