The night was thick with tension as Adrian's car cut through the empty streets like a bullet. The low hum of the engine filled the silence, but it did nothing to mask the storm swirling between him and Liana. She sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes fixed out the window.
Her heart was still racing, her skin still tingling from the way he had yanked her into his arms and carried her out of her apartment without another word. The sheer force of his will had left her breathless, stunned into silence.
Now, she refused to look at him. Her jaw was tight, her fingers digging into her arms.
Adrian's hands gripped the steering wheel with lethal calm, his knuckles white from the force of it. His eyes were cold and unyielding, fixed on the road ahead. The veins in his arms were taut, throbbing with the dark fury that was still simmering inside him.
"You're quiet," he finally said, his voice low and rough.
Liana didn't respond. She kept her gaze on the passing city lights, ignoring him.
His eyes flicked toward her, narrowing slightly. "Liana," he growled softly, a warning lacing his tone.
Still, she didn't answer.
The sharp screech of tires filled the night as Adrian abruptly pulled the car to the side of the road. The sudden stop jolted her forward, but before she could react, he was already turning toward her.
"Don't shut me out," he ordered, his voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of a threat.
Her head snapped toward him, eyes flashing with defiance. "What do you expect me to say, Adrian?" she spat bitterly. "That I'm grateful you barged into my apartment? That I'm thrilled you're treating me like your property?"
His jaw clenched. "I'm protecting you."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're controlling me."
His gaze darkened, glimmering with a lethal edge. Without a word, he reached over and gripped her wrist, dragging her hand into his lap. His touch was firm, yet not cruel. He slowly, deliberately, traced his thumb over the inside of her wrist, right over the rapid pulse that gave away her fear.
"Do you feel that?" he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Your pulse. It's racing."
Her breath caught, but she didn't pull away.
His eyes met hers, dark and possessive. "That's how close you were to dying tonight."
She stiffened, her lips parting slightly.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, lethal whisper. "Do you really think I'd let them take you from me?"
Her throat tightened. "You don't own me, Adrian."
His lips curled into a dark, dangerous smirk. "You think so?"
Without another word, he released her wrist and suddenly pressed his lips against her bare palm. The warmth of his mouth against her skin sent a jolt through her entire body. His eyes never left hers—dark, unyielding, and merciless.
"You're already mine," he whispered darkly against her skin. "You just don't want to admit it yet."
Her breath stuttered, and she yanked her hand back as though his touch had burned her.
"You're insane," she hissed, her voice shaking.
His eyes glimmered with wicked satisfaction. "Only when it comes to you."
---
The Estate – A Cage of Gold and Steel
Minutes later, Adrian pulled the car into his estate's long, winding driveway. The iron gates closed behind them with a sharp clang, sealing them inside his domain.
The moment the car stopped, Liana threw the door open and stepped out, desperate for space. She stormed toward the entrance, but her heels dug into the gravel path, slowing her pace.
"Liana." His voice was sharp, commanding.
She didn't stop. She didn't even look at him.
Her legs were trembling slightly from the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, but she refused to let him see her fear. She made it to the grand front door, gripping the handle. But before she could push it open, his hand slammed flat against the wood, caging her in.
His chest pressed lightly against her back. She could feel the heat of his breath on her neck, feel the raw power of his body hovering dangerously close.
"You're running," he murmured softly against her ear.
Her fingers curled around the handle, her knuckles white. "I'm not running."
His lips brushed against the shell of her ear, making her shiver. "Liar."
Her breath hitched. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the sound of his low, dangerous voice.
But then, his hand slowly slid down her arm, trailing a path of heat and dominance. His fingers curled around her wrist, gently but firmly, pulling her hand away from the door.
"You're not leaving," he whispered darkly, his breath hot against her skin.
Her eyes snapped open, and she spun around, her chest heaving. Her eyes burned with fury. "You can't keep me here!" she spat.
His lips curled into a slow, cruel smile. "Oh, but I can."
Before she could protest, he scooped her into his arms. She gasped, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders as he carried her through the doorway.
---
The Bedroom – A Dangerous Claim
Adrian set her down inside the lavish bedroom, but the moment her feet touched the floor, she shoved him away.
"I hate you," she hissed, her eyes flashing with venom.
His expression darkened. In one swift move, he slammed the door shut behind him, locking them inside. The sound echoed in the room, final and merciless.
Her breath caught in her throat. "What the hell are you doing?"
He took slow, deliberate steps toward her. His eyes were dark, intense—a predator closing in on its prey.
"You hate me, hmm?" he murmured mockingly. His voice was low, gravelly, and wicked. "Then why are you trembling?"
Her back hit the wall, and she cursed inwardly. She hadn't realized she had been retreating. Her fingers clenched into fists, but he was already in front of her.
His hand slowly traced her jawline, his fingers featherlight but possessive. His eyes locked onto hers, watching every flicker of emotion.
"You're terrified," he whispered darkly. "But not of me."
Her breath quickened, her chest rising and falling against his. "You're a monster," she spat through gritted teeth.
His eyes narrowed, his fingers gripping her chin roughly, tilting her face up toward his. "Then stop making me act like one."
His lips were suddenly on hers, rough and demanding. The kiss was fierce, claiming, and punishing all at once. His grip tightened around her waist, crushing her against him.
Liana's hands pressed against his chest, pushing at him, but he didn't let her go. His lips devoured hers, dark and unyielding.
When he finally pulled back, they were both breathless. His eyes were darker than she'd ever seen them—wild with fury, desire, and something far more dangerous.
He traced his thumb over her lower lip, swollen from his kiss. His voice was rough and low. "Hate me all you want, Liana." His eyes glimmered with cruel satisfaction. "But you'll still be mine."
Her heart slammed against her chest, her breaths shallow and uneven. She stared at him, wide-eyed and furious. But deep down, she knew she wasn't afraid of him. She was afraid of how easily he could unravel her.
"You're the devil," she whispered breathlessly.
His lips curved into a wicked smirk. "And now, you're marked by him."
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See you in next chapter.....