LOGIN(Noah's POV)I had spent enough time locked in this room that I had started becoming friends with the security system.Not literally, but I had hacked into it.The system wasn't even that difficult to get into. Whoever designed it had done a good job, though. The cameras were arranged carefully, the feeds were organized by sections of the house, and the security guards were actually trained.Really trained.I moved from one camera feed to another on my laptop, watching the house through dozens of different angles.The place was huge, ridiculously huge. There were too many rooms, too many hallways, too many staircases and too many dark corners that seemed to lead nowhere but I knew better— they definitely led somewhere.At one point, I found a hallway that looked like it hadn't been used in years.Then I found another one… then another one.What kind of house needed this many hallways?I watched one of the security feeds for a while.Three guards walked down a corridor, another three t
“Should I raise my own case against you?” Lucien asked.The room went quiet.Mr Blackwell’s fingers tightened around the armrests. “Cheap tricks won't get you out of taking responsibility for your actions, Lucien.”Lucien looked at him. “I’m not trying to avoid taking responsibility for my actions. I am asking you if you are willing to take responsibility for yours. With your position at stake, should I go ahead and present proof of your—”“This is unnecessary.” Blackwell cut him off so quickly that several board members exchanged looks.He adjusted himself in the wheelchair, his expression becoming increasingly uncomfortable. “You could have easily spoken to me like a nephew would to his dear uncle, and I would have dropped this case. This matter didn't have to get this serious. We're family.”Lucien's thumb moved over the fluffy cuff.“The initial offer still stands,” he said calmly, “except now it excludes getting your son out of jail.”A few men around the table shifted in their s
Exactly one week had passed since Lucien shot Richard Blackwell.The boardroom had been prepared before noon. It was one of the oldest rooms in the estate, built long before Lucien was born. Dark wood covered most of the walls, broken only by tall windows hidden behind heavy curtains. A long table sat in the center of the room, polished so often that the surface reflected the chandeliers hanging above it.The room smelled faintly of old wood, expensive tobacco, and the coffee that had been placed on the table for the members who preferred to stay through long discussions.There were no guards inside, there did not need to be, every person sitting around the table understood exactly what kind of room they were in.The board had gathered to discuss blood debt.Lucien sat near the head of the table, his back against the chair and one ankle resting over the opposite knee.He looked completely calm.His fingers, however, were busy with a pair of pink, fluffy handcuffs.They belonged to Noa
(Noah's POV)I didn't know how long I'd been locked in this room, but it felt like forever. Maybe it had only been a day, or two, I had completely lost track of time.Without Lucien, time didn't seem to move normally.The room was comfortable. Too comfortable, actually. There was a bed, a bathroom, food whenever someone brought it, and enough space for me to walk around until I got tired.But I was bored out of my mind.And I couldn't eat.I tried. I really did. But every time someone brought food, I'd stare at it for a while and try to convince myself I was hungry. Then I'd take a few bites and lose my appetite.It didn't help that I didn't know where Lucien was.I missed him.I missed him so much that it physically hurt.At night, the room got cold too. I had blankets, but somehow they didn't help much. I kept curling into myself and staring at the ceiling, wondering where he was and whether he was thinking about me.I hated being locked up.But more than that, I hated being locked
Daniel was driving while Lucien sat silently in the front passenger seat, staring through the windshield.The city moved around them in a blur of headlights, streetlights, and late-night traffic. Two black SUVs followed behind them, each carrying armed men. Nobody spoke.Daniel glanced at his brother.Lucien had barely said a word since leaving the estate. His face was unreadable, and his hands rested loosely on his thighs. He looked calm, but Daniel knew better. Lucien was never more dangerous than when he looked calm.“For the sake of avoiding a horrible conflict, would you let Noah go?” Daniel asked.Lucien didn't look at him. “No. I already promised him marriage.”Daniel raised an eyebrow. “You like him that much?”Lucien's eyes remained on the road ahead. “That might be the case, but what's most important is that he likes me. He trusts me.”Daniel went quiet. That answer was more honest than he had expected. He had something in mind to say but he tightened his grip on the steerin
(Noah's POV)I woke up tired, like I had a heavy rock resting on me while I slept.At first, I didn't know where I was. My body felt heavy, like I had slept for three days instead of a few hours. My head was foggy, my mouth was dry, and there was this strange heaviness behind my eyes that made everything feel unreal.I blinked at the ceiling, it wasn't Lucien's ceiling, that was the first thing I noticed.I turned my head.Not Lucien's room either.I pushed myself up slowly, and the moment I sat up, my head spun.“Lucien?”My voice sounded rough.I waited for a response but got nothing.I looked around the room again. It was beautiful. Actually, ridiculously beautiful. A large bed, soft curtains, a sitting area near the window, a wardrobe, a table with a glass of water sitting on it.There was even a vase of flowers.Flowers?Maybe Lucien set up a new room for me. When will he learn I prefer to be in his room?I got out of bed.My legs felt weak. So I stood there for a few seconds, wa
(POV: Third Person's Limited (Lucien)The house was quiet when they got back.Too quiet.Noah didn’t say a word throughout the drive back to the penthouse.Didn’t touch his collar. Didn’t crack a joke.Just walked behind Lucien like a ghost made of silence and fear.Lucien led him upstairs.Opened
(Noah's POV)The silence in the penthouse feels staged, like a theatre set waiting for the actors to scream.But there’s no screaming.Not tonight.Just me. And my blanket. And this hoodie I didn’t ask for but somehow can’t take off.Lucien gave me a gun yesterday.Or — no. Not gave. Offered.Like
(POV: Third Person Limited (Lucien) The sky was still bleeding gray when Lucien unlocked the bedroom door.Quiet. Soft. Unseen.He didn’t need a reason. He never did.It was his house.His boy.And yet… he entered like a thief.Noah lay curled on the bed, exactly where Lucien left him hours ago. H
(POV: Third Person Limited – Noah)Lucien hadn’t spoken to him directly in three days.Not a word. Not a glance.Not a threat, not a touch.Just silence — tailored, razor-sharp silence that wrapped the penthouse like a noose.Red was the new middleman.“Lucien said, get this done.”“Lucien wants th







