Emily’s POV:

A dull ache throbbed in my head as I slowly woke up. My body felt heavy, drained. I was starving too. But the second I took in my surroundings, a sharp jolt of fear shot through me.

This wasn’t my room.

The bed beneath me was the softest thing I had ever laid on, almost like sinking into clouds. The walls were painted in muted, dark tones, and the furniture screamed wealth—polished wood, intricate details, and a touch of cold elegance. It didn’t take long for the events of last night to hit me like a crashing wave.

Oh no. What the hell?

Panic surged through my veins as I scrambled out of bed. I rushed to the door, hesitating for a second before gripping the handle. To my surprise, it wasn’t locked.

Stepping out cautiously, I looked down at myself—still in my pajamas from last night. My jacket was missing, though. As I wandered through the hall, my breath hitched.

This wasn’t just a house. It was a mansion.

Everything about it was breathtaking, but instead of admiring the beauty, my stomach twisted with unease. I didn’t belong here.

“Good morning,” a deep voice snapped me out of my trance.

I turned sharply to see him.

Alex.

He was already seated at a massive dining table, his posture relaxed yet commanding. “I hope you slept well, little one,” he continued, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. “Come, let’s have breakfast.”

I hesitated.

Something about him sent shivers down my spine. He had the kind of presence that demanded attention—dangerous, authoritative. But my stomach betrayed me with a low growl. Right now, food was more important than fear.

So, I nodded and followed.

The dining hall was grand—high ceilings, golden chandeliers, and a long table surrounded by men who looked just as terrifying as Alex. As they took their seats, I realized something.

There were no empty chairs left.

I stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

“Why are you standing, koetonek?” Alex’s voice was laced with amusement as he motioned for me to come closer.

I took slow, hesitant steps toward him before—oh.

Without warning, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto his lap.

Heat rushed to my face as I stiffened, my hands gripping the edge of the table. I could hear the amused chuckles of the men around us, but before I could react, a voice cut through the air.

“Boss, after you’re done with her, can I have her? You know, for some fun?”

I recognized him instantly.

The same man from last night. The one who had grabbed me at the club.

The room erupted in laughter, but my stomach dropped. My hands trembled as I curled them into fists. Suddenly, I didn’t feel hungry anymore.

My chest tightened, and I fought back the tears threatening to spill.

Then, Alex spoke—but not in English. His voice was cold, sharp, and laced with something deadly as he responded in Russian. I couldn’t understand what he said, but I felt it. The air shifted.

The man—Niko, was it?—visibly tensed. His smirk disappeared, replaced with a strained look of embarrassment. The laughter died instantly.

I looked up at Alex, my lower lip wobbling, my eyes welling up with tears I couldn’t hold back anymore.

He exhaled through his nose before one of his arms wrapped firmly around my waist, pulling me against his chest. His other hand found my hair, his fingers gently running through the strands.

The gesture was… unexpected.

Soft.

“Are you hungry, koetonek?” His voice was quieter now, smooth like silk.

I only nodded, keeping my face buried in his chest.

When I finally pulled away, he wordlessly filled a plate with food and placed it in front of me. I hesitated at first but, after one bite, I couldn’t stop. It was the best meal I had ever had.

I felt his eyes on me the whole time.

After finishing, I tugged lightly at his sleeve. “C-can you tell me what time it is?”

He checked his watch. “Nine AM.”

My heart skipped a beat. “I—I have to go,” I stammered. “I have work. My rent—”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

The words hit me like a slap.

I stared at him, my chest tightening. “W-what?”

“You saw something you shouldn’t have, little one.” His tone was calm, almost too calm. “If it were anyone else, they’d be six feet under right now. But I don’t kill things that belong to me.”

Belong to him?

The walls felt like they were closing in.

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I—I swear I won’t tell anyone. Please, just let me go. I—I have a life. A job. I need to pay rent—”

He let out a hum, tilting his head as if considering my words. Then, he leaned in slightly. “Your apartment will be taken care of. Your job?” He let out a dark chuckle. “You won’t be needing it.”

Tears blurred my vision. This couldn’t be happening.

I was stuck.

Trapped with a man who was not only dangerous but powerful enough to erase my existence if he wanted to.

I swallowed, my voice barely a whisper. “Are… are you going to hurt me?”

He tilted his head, watching me closely. “I haven’t decided yet,” he admitted, brushing a stray tear from my cheek. “But you don’t have to be afraid of my men. As long as I say so, no one will lay a finger on you.”

That didn’t exactly reassure me.

“I have meetings to attend,” he continued, rising from his seat. “Explore the mansion if you want. But if you try to escape…” He leaned down, his lips ghosting over my ear. “You will be punished. And trust me, little one—there is no place on this earth where you could run that I wouldn’t find you.”

With that, he left, his men following closely behind.

Niko lingered for a second, his gaze still locked on me. But as soon as Alex was out the door, he quickly averted his eyes and left.

I let out a shaky breath.

I needed to be alone.

Hurrying back to my room, I sank onto the couch, curling into myself. My mind was spinning. This was all too much.

After some time, a knock on the door made me jolt. A maid entered, placing a folded dress on the bed.

“The boss asked me to accompany you today,” she said flatly. “Get dressed. I’ll show you around.”

I nodded, trying to smile at her, but she rolled her eyes.

My stomach twisted.

She hated me.

As I reached for the dress, she scoffed. “You’re his new plaything, huh?”

I froze.

“I’m surprised,” she continued, arms crossed. “He doesn’t usually bring whores to the mansion. But I guess you’re different, right? Don’t get too comfortable, though. He’ll probably pass you to his men soon enough.” She smirked. “Young ones like you don’t last long.”

Her words cut deeper than I expected.

I wanted to scream that she was wrong. That I wasn’t some whore. But… would it even make a difference?

Instead, I swallowed my pride, gripping the dress tightly in my hands.

I just had to survive.

For now.



Her PJ's:

Author’s Note:

Hey, lovely readers!

I know this chapter was intense, but trust me, the story is just getting started. Emily’s journey is far from over, and there’s so much more to uncover about Alex and his dangerous world. Things are about to get even darker, so buckle up!

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment and let me know what you think! Your support means the world to me, and every vote keeps me motivated to bring you more chapters.

Until next time, Xoxo