Chapter Six: Free Will

Devyn’s voice blared through the whole house, and when his frantic stare met mine, I winced. I looked away instantly, even though I could still feel his intense gaze on me.

“Chill out. We just showed her around.” Wilona replied nonchalantly like his anger did not affect her. She stepped into the kitchen, completely ignoring him.

Still having more to say, Devyn’s gaze moved to Liam who ambled to the dining, standing a few centimeters away from him.

“I don’t want you taking her anywhere without my permission,” he scolded Liam, his chest heaving as he spoke.

Why was he so worked up about it?

“She's safe here—” Liam debated.

“—Nowhere is safe for her,” Devyn cut in, “you alone should know better. Don't let this happen again.” he glared at Liam, his voice deadpan.

Liam, no longer opposing him, raised his hands in surrender, and walked away, “Aye, I hear you.”

How could they even stand this guy? I wouldn't want to be friends with someone who'd always snap at me like a retired veteran.

I gave way for Liam to exit the house, almost pleading with him to stay and not leave me alone with Devyn, who from the looks of it was still furious.

When I mustered the courage to look in Devny’s direction, my heart immediately leaped in my chest.

His gaze on me was hard and fierce, as he stood with his arms crossed across his chest. I noticed the way his shirt clung to his body, outlining his toned body, and the way his muscled arms fought to come out of his sleeve. His dark hair looked disheveled and moist, framing his handsome face.

How was it possible for one to look this hot?

“Why are you just standing there?” he said cooly, bringing me back to my senses.

I didn’t realize I had been standing at the door like a Lego toy.

My cheeks pinked from embarrassment as I rushed towards the stairs, avoiding his eyes. I didn't even make it halfway through when he moved to me with such incredible speed, grasped my wrist, and pulled me back to him.

We were so close to each other that I could smell his Cologne mixed with hints of musky earth. My heartbeat was racing and beating so loud In my chest, that I was almost certain he could hear it. I had to lift my head to an elevated angle to hold his gaze… he was that tall.

He watched me closely, his eyes boring into my very soul. His face lacked any sort of expression as usual and it made me wonder if anything went through his mind. The feel of his hand on my wrist made my skin trickle in a way I couldn't explain as electricity jolted through my body.

What was this strange feeling?

“And where do you think you’re going?” his voice was gruff as he spoke and the proximity between us was so much that I could feel his hot breath on my face.

“M-my room.” my throat was tight and all of a sudden I'd forgotten how to speak.

“Why?” he didn't hide it as his eyes moved down to look at my body. I didn't feel irritated like I did when Luke did it.

As shameless as it was to admit, it made me feel hot all over.

“I need to rest, I'm exhausted.” I let out

“Did you get something to eat?” his concern caught me off guard.

“Yeah,” I answered hesitantly, not sure where this was going.

“You don't look like you did.” With that said, he finally let go of my wrist and walked into the kitchen. I just stood there waiting, not sure what was going on or what he was planning.

When he got back, he dragged me to the dining table along with me, then pulled out a chair.

“Sit.” He ordered, his voice crammed with authority.

I don’t know why but I obeyed, probably because I was too tired to argue.

When I sat down, he pulled out a chair and sat across from me. Wilona emerged from the kitchen and I was never happier to see her.

At least she would relieve the awkwardness in the room. But when she headed towards the door, I felt my heart break.

“We have training tomorrow,” she said to me, looking between me and Devyn. Then left immediately leaving me alone yet again with Devyn.

What was with these people and always leaving me alone with him?

“Isn’t Wilona staying here?” I asked, worried that I was left alone in this house with this man.

“She has her place.”

Realization dawned on me.

“Then whose place is this?” I felt like I already knew the answer to that question but I wanted to be completely sure I wasn't jumping to conclusions.

“Don't ask stupid questions.” His voice was harsh and made me instantly angry and flushed from embarrassment.

I couldn't control my words anymore. “Are you always this mean?”

His eyebrow shut up.

He early didn't expect my response.

When he didn't respond, I went on.

“I prefer to stay with Wilona,” I said confidently.

Just because he could talk rudely to others didn't mean he could do the same for me. And I was going to teach him that.

“You don't get to choose,” he said, his eyes narrowing at me, “You’re staying with me.”

There was no way I was going to stay with a man I didn't know, especially one with a shitty attitude.

“I don't know what rules you follow here, but I have free will,” I jutted my chin, the scowl on my face deepening, “and there's no way in hell I'm staying here.”

The woman who prepared breakfast earlier emerged from the kitchen and I was glad for her presence. It released the tension, though his gaze never left mine as she dropped our dishes in front of us.

“Eat up,” he said, completely ignoring my remark.

“I’m not hungry.” Truth was that I was, but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of heeding his every command.

“Eat up, Gina.” It was a warning this time but I wasn't shaken.

“I’m out of here.” I got up from the seat hastily and stormed towards the door. I had no idea where Wilona’s place was or Liam’s; which I was starting to consider because I wasn't going to stay here and be treated like a child.

Before I could process what happened, he moved to me and the next thing I knew, I was pinned to the wall, causing a startled gasp to escape my lips. He pressed his massive hard body against mine, glaring at me as his nostrils flared.

“Listen carefully.” he snarled, as my heart rate paced. “Look at me.” When I didn’t answer, he held my chin roughly and lifted my face, his fingers holding me in place. His blue eyes seemed to glow brighter than they already did, and I noticed how close his full lips were to mine.

I hated every bit of this but a sick part of me loved it.

He continued, “This isn't your home where you can act differently. Here, You will abide by my rules and do as I say like everyone else. Any foolish behavior from you will merit punishment and don't think because you're so important, you'll be treated differently,” he inched closer, his face close enough for me to land a slap but I held myself back.

“Don’t try to get on my nerves, it's not a good sight,” he growled, then pulled me back to the dining. “Now eat.”

At that point, I lost all serenity, not a single fear of the monster in front of me.

I bit out in a venomous voice through gritted teeth, whilst shooting daggers at him.

“Go fuck yourself.”