Semua Bab TRAPPED IN HIS WEBS: Bab 11 - Bab 20

The Quiet BeforeThe screen of my phone was bright enough to make my eyes ache. I sat up against the pillows, the silk sheets sliding against my skin. There were so many notifications. My mom had sent five texts, each one getting more frantic. Maya had sent three. Even Chloe had messaged me twice, asking if I had finally drowned in the rain.I started typing. My fingers felt stiff and slow.To Mom: Sorry, I fell asleep early. My phone was on silent. I’m fine, just tired. See you soon.To Chloe: Didn’t drown. Just sleeping off the drama. Talk tomorrow.Then, I opened Maya’s thread. My heart did a strange little flip.To Maya: Hey, I’m okay. I’m just going to sleep for a long time. I love you.I stared at that last part. I love you. It felt like a heavy weight, a lie that was becoming harder to carry every time I typed it. I hit send before I could change my mind.I looked toward the chair by the window. David had left a pile of clothes there. I climbed out of bed, my legs feeling like

The Return The elevator ride down from the penthouse felt like dropping into a cold pool. I was wearing a clean suit David had sent over—one of his, tailored and expensive—and my own shoes, which he had dried and polished. I felt like a different person than the boy who had collapsed in the rain, but my hand still throbbed under the bandage.I stepped out into the lobby and caught my reflection in the glass. I looked expensive. I looked like I belonged. But as soon as I hit the sidewalk, the humidity and the noise of the city rushed back in, reminding me that I was just a student with a massive secret.I took the subway back to the university. Every person who looked at me made my skin crawl. I felt like "Traitor" was written across my forehead in neon lights.When I reached the student lounge, I saw them. Maya and Chloe were sitting at a circular table, surrounded by stacks of floral foam and color swatches. Maya looked tired but happy. Chloe looked like she was ready to bite someon

The CommandThe subway ride felt like it took hours. I sat on the plastic seat, my leg bouncing up and down. Every time the train screeched to a halt, I checked my phone. No more messages. Just that one command. Come now.I didn't go through the main lobby this time. David had sent a follow-up text with a code for a side entrance, a service passage that smelled of concrete and cleaning supplies. It was a maze of grey hallways, far away from the marble and the security cameras. I followed his directions until I reached a small, unmarked elevator.I swiped the key card he had left for me in a hidden magnetic box behind a pipe. The doors slid shut, and the elevator began its long, silent climb to the top floor. My heart was thumping against my ribs so hard I thought I might pass out. I looked at my reflection in the polished metal. I looked a mess. My hair was windblown, and my eyes were wide with a mix of fear and hunger.The doors opened directly into his private office suite. The room

The TraceI was just stepping out of the shower when my dorm room door flew open. I didn't even have to look up to know who it was. The heavy thud of the door hitting the stopper was a signature move at this point."Leo Hayes, you have exactly five seconds to explain why you ditched us at dinner!" Chloe shouted.I stood there with a towel wrapped around my waist, water still dripping from my hair onto the floor. I didn't jump. I was used to her stunts. I just grabbed a smaller towel and started drying my face."The door was locked for a reason, Chloe," I said, my voice muffled by the fabric."The lock is a suggestion, and you know it," she snapped. She marched further into the small room, but then she stopped dead. Her eyes widened. "Oh my god."I pulled the towel away and looked at her. "What?"She pointed a finger at my neck and collarbone. I caught my reflection in the small mirror over my desk. Red, purple, and dark blue marks were scattered across my skin. David hadn't been gentl

The First PunishmentThe ride to the penthouse felt different this time. Usually, I was nervous, my stomach full of butterflies. Tonight, there was a different kind of energy, a dangerous spark running under my skin. I knew he was angry. I could feel it radiating from that text message. The thought of David Petrov waiting for me, pacing his office because of a photo, made me feel powerful.When I got to the penthouse, the front door was unlocked. I walked inside. The living room was dim, the only light coming from the city outside. David was standing by the window with a glass of scotch in his hand. He didn't turn around when I entered."You’re late," he said. His voice was flat, devoid of any warmth."Traffic was bad, David," I said, dropping my gym bag by the door. I walked toward him, trying to look relaxed, trying to act like I didn't care. "Besides, I had to shower. Practice was intense."He turned around then. He looked tired, but his eyes were sharp, scanning me like he was loo