Chapter Two:Signed in Blood

For Leila Carter, losing everything was the worst thing that could happen in life.

She had been mistaken.

Selling yourself to the devil, who enjoyed possessing you, was the worst thing you could do.

And for the next six months, she would belong to Adrian Blackwell.

Under the sleek conference table, she sat opposite him in his glass-walled office, her fingers balled into fists. Their agreement was in a sleek black folder that rested between them, its pages weighed down by her final decision.

Adrian's face was unreadable as he observed her.

His voice was full of laughter as he replied, "Let's review the terms."

As if this were merely business.

Leila made herself look into his eyes. "You mean the conditions under which I give up my life?"

His lips curled into a slow smirk. "Amazing, but not wrong."

She detested him. She detested the fact that he appeared amused, as though observing her wriggling had become his new favorite activity. He was right, and she detested it.

However, she needed this deal.

As Adrian explained the conditions of her captivity, she sat there, her spine stiffened, and listened.

The Principles for Their Engagement

Adrian opened the contract and tapped the first clause with a long, accurate finger.

"Our engagement will last for six months. You will act as my loyal fiancée during that period, going to events, living with me, and making sure that this arrangement is seen as genuine.

Leila felt sick to her stomach. Cohabitating with him?

"No," she answered at once.

"Yes," Adrian shot back without a pause. "The arrangement needs to be logical. There would be too many questions if they lived apart.

Leila's fingernails penetrated her hand. "I have a place of my own."

"A shoebox apartment," he remarked sarcastically. "Unfit for a fiancée of Blackwell."

She tightened her jaw. "You have no right to decide where I live."

A deliberate, slow pause.

Adrian's black eyes gleamed with malicious delight as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "Now I do," he whispered.

Leila did not respond. Refused to show him how deeply she was frightened after hearing that one sentence.

"Fine," she gritted her teeth. "What else?"

Adrian went on, unconcerned.

"You will accompany me to all business occasions, including board meetings, corporate gatherings, and charity galas. It can be necessary to make public shows of affection.

She gasped. "Public expressions of love?"

A kiss here and there. Holding hands. A tender look. He raised an eyebrow. "Are you not aware of how to behave?"

Leila wanted to hurl something at him with her hands. Rather, she made her voice sound calm. "I don't pretend to be affectionate."

Adrian grinned. "You'll learn then."

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. This would be unbearable.

A tiny black box was pushed across the table by him. "You'll wear this too."

Leila paused, then flipped the lid open. Cold and indifferent.

A huge diamond solitaire glared up at her. It was lovely. It was oppressive. She was marked by him.

She took a deep breath. "You've already chosen a ring?"

Adrian grinned more broadly. "I prefer to be organized."

Arrogant bastard.

She shut the box with a snap. "Is there anything else?"

Adrian's tone dipped into a dangerous territory.

"During this arrangement, you are mine."

Her heart skipped a beat.

His eyes grew gloomy. Not another man. Don't date. No scandals. The deal is off if anyone has any reason to believe that this engagement isn't genuine.

She raised her chin. "I am not your property."

Adrian got up and walked around the table until he was only a few inches away from her.

His shadow loomed over her, demanding her obedience, and his presence was oppressive.

With a voice like steel and silk, he said, "I do for the next six months."

She felt a chill creep down her back.

This was a mistake. A big mistake.

But there was nothing she could do.

Taking up the pen, she signed.

Trapped Together

Leila had to pack for Adrian's driver in precisely one hour.

She stood in the center of her little apartment, glaring at the empty luggage on her bed

It was more than just relocating to Adrian's penthouse. It was about sacrificing what remained of her independence.

She had no time for pride, yet the thought made her chest tight.

She tossed clothes into the luggage, only the necessities, with precise, angular motions. Adrian was in for a big awakening if he believed she would allow him to control every part of her life.

She jumped when she heard a knock on her door.

She scowled. Already?

Ready to lash out at Adrian's driver, Leila rushed to the door and yanked it open.

It wasn't the driver, though.

It was Adrian.

Wearing his go-to outfit, a black suit that had been expertly fitted, he looked like a formidable billionaire.

His expression unreadable, he leaned against the doorframe. "You're taking your time?"

Leila's arms were folded. "You were unable to send your driver?"

"I wanted to make sure you didn't run ."

Her eyes narrowed. That's adorable. Do you think I would flee from you?

A lazy smile. "You ought to."

Before she could stop it, her pulse skipped.

He's a jerk.

She pivoted on her heel and made her way back to her partially packed suitcase. "I need another ten minutes."

Adrian entered without permission, his presence too big and suffocating.

His eyes strayed around the cramped, comfortable apartment, taking in the mismatched furnishings, the walls covered in artwork, and the small espresso machine that looked almost antique.

Then a little amusement twisted his lips.

"You really did downgrade, didn't you?"

Leila stiffened. "A penthouse the size of an airport terminal is not necessary for everyone."

Adrian let out a low chuckle. "You'll get used to it."

Make adjustments.

As though she were a pet being moved to a new cage.

She tightened her hold on her suitcase's zipper. She detested him.

"Come on," he said lazily. "You don't want to arrive at your first night in captivity late.

Leila gave him a deadly, sweet grin.

"Oh," she answered casually, "don't worry." "I'm going to make your life a living hell."

Dark enjoyment shone in Adrian's eyes. He loved this.

"We shall see," he whispered.

Leila detested how his tone made her stomach turn. However, she snatched up her bag, strode by him, and ventured into the unknown.

One thing was certain--this was war.