Emily’s POV:

Alex carried me to our room and gently placed me on my feet. My body still buzzed from the night’s tension, but I forced myself to act normal. I stepped into the bathroom, attempting to remove the corset of my dress, but the knots were too tight.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping back into the room. Alex was removing his cufflinks, his sharp features calm yet unreadable.

"Can you… help me with the dress?" I asked quietly, my fingers gripping the fabric. "Just the top part."

He turned toward me, his cold gray eyes locking onto mine through the mirror. I turned my back to him, offering the tangled laces. He stepped closer—so close I could feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Of course, Kotenok," he murmured, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

He pulled at the strings, slowly loosening the corset with expert fingers. My breath hitched when I felt his lips press softly against my upper back, just below my neck. His warm breath ghosted over my skin as he whispered,

"Have I told you how breathtaking you looked tonight?" His hands lingered for a second longer before he inhaled deeply. "I couldn’t take my eyes off you."

I swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the dresser for support. My heart was hammering. Alex’s presence was intoxicating, but I knew better than to let my guard down.

"You should take off your dress, little one," he whispered, his voice dripping with control.

Snapping out of my trance, I nodded quickly and rushed into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. My hands trembled as I peeled the gown off my body, wiping away my makeup before slipping into soft pajamas. When I stepped back into the bedroom, Alex had removed his jacket and tie.

He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. Walking up to me, he gently pecked my cheek. "Rest, Kotenok. I’ll be back soon."

Something about the way he said it sent a wave of unease through me. Before I could ask, he was gone.

I woke up to the shrill blare of alarms. My chest tightened as I jolted upright, my breath coming in short gasps. The distant sound of gunfire made my blood run cold.

The door burst open, and Alex stood there. His suit was slightly disheveled, but his face was eerily calm. He stepped in, wiping away the tears I hadn’t realized were falling.

"What's happening?" My voice shook. "A-Are we under attack?"

Alex cupped my face, his touch firm yet oddly gentle. "No need to cry, Kotenok. I’ve got you."

He grabbed my hand and led me out of the room. Chaos echoed through the mansion—shouts in Russian, the sharp crack of gunfire, the distant sound of glass shattering. I clung to Alex’s arm, my heart pounding as we descended into the basement.

At the far end of the corridor, he stopped at a reinforced steel door. A scanner flickered to life as he pressed his eye against it. A metallic click, then the door slid open.

The room inside was massive—larger than my old apartment. A king-sized bed sat against one wall, a couch and a fully stocked fridge in the corner.

Alex turned to me, his expression dark. "Stay here. Be my good girl and don’t make a sound."

"No," I whimpered, gripping his wrist. "Don’t leave me alone. Please."

His jaw clenched, but he sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I’ll be back before you even realize I’m gone." He kissed the top of my head before stepping out. The door shut behind him, sealing me inside.

I stared at the steel walls, my stomach churning. The room was silent—too silent. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two. My anxiety built with every second, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't calm my racing thoughts.

A sudden, violent bang at the door sent me scrambling backward. My breath hitched as the knocking turned into furious pounding.

Oh God. Someone was trying to get in.

Tears streamed down my face. I backed into a corner, my hands shaking as I covered my mouth to keep from sobbing. The knocking stopped. My heartbeat thundered in my ears.

Then—the lights went out.

I choked on a gasp. My body froze as the room was swallowed by pitch-black darkness.

Not again.

I rocked myself back and forth, my mind spiraling into panic. I couldn't see. I couldn't hear anything. It felt like the walls were closing in. My fingers brushed against something—a door handle. Without thinking, I yanked it open and stumbled inside.

I didn't know where I was. A closet? A hidden passage? I didn't care. I just needed to hide.

The silence stretched.

Then—the door to the room creaked open.

I slapped a hand over my mouth to muffle a whimper. Heavy boots echoed across the floor. A deep, unfamiliar voice muttered something in Russian.

No, no, no—

A second later, another voice called out.

"Muffin, you here?"

I nearly collapsed in relief. "Xavier?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

"Shit," he cursed, rushing forward. "Where are you?"

I banged against the door of my hiding spot. Within seconds, it was yanked open, and Xavier’s face appeared. The moment I saw him, I broke down, sobbing.

He pulled me into his arms. "Goddamn, Muffin. You’re shaking." His hand rubbed soothing circles on my back. "It’s okay. I’ve got you."

I nodded against his chest, still hiccupping between sobs. He picked me up effortlessly, cradling me as he carried me out.

Alex was in his office, his voice sharp and furious.

"What the fuck do you mean you don’t know who attacked us? I need answers in the next two hours—no excuses."

Xavier pushed the door open, carrying me inside.

The moment Alex saw me, his entire body went rigid. I let out a broken sob.

He was in front of me in an instant, ripping me from Xavier’s arms and pressing me against his chest.

"Shh, little one," Alex murmured, stroking my back. "It’s over. You’re safe."

I buried my face in his neck, clutching his shirt like a lifeline. "D-Don’t leave me again," I whimpered. "I was so scared. They—they were trying to get in—"

"Never," he growled, his grip tightening. "No one will ever touch you, Kotenok. I swear it."

His words were a promise—a dangerous, deadly promise.

I woke up in bed, sunlight filtering through the curtains. I turned, expecting to find Alex beside me, but the sheets were cold.

Voices drifted in from outside the room. I walked toward the door, my heart still heavy from last night’s terror.

"Find out who the fuck dared to attack my home," Alex’s voice was ice. "I don’t care what it takes. I want names. And if they’re still breathing—fix it."

I stepped into the room, and Alex’s sharp gaze immediately landed on me.

"Come here, little one," he said, his voice softer.

I obeyed, and he pulled me into his arms, lifting me effortlessly.

"You scared me last night," I whispered against his chest.

His grip tightened. "No one will ever touch you, Emily." His lips pressed against my forehead. "You're mine. And I take care of what’s mine."

I nodded, curling against him. But deep inside, one thought lingered.

Who attacked us? And why?

Author’s Note ❤️✨

Hey, my lovely readers!

Things are getting darker, and Alex’s obsession is only growing. Who attacked the mansion? And will Emily ever be safe in his world?

Let me know your thoughts! Your comments mean the world to me. Stay tuned—more twists are coming!

Much love.