His collateral

Chapter 5

Feisty, fiery, courageous but yet so clueless. The perfect words to describe her. Easily manipulated and lured by her weakness.

Pathetic.

He gave her a chance, an opportunity to walk away from the lurking danger. But she was soft-hearted, too tender. How could anyone who possessed amiable qualities still lack knowledge of how the world works?

Lucien turned off his phone, gently placing it on the glass table in front of him. There was no need to continue reading the background report his man had sent him. It was no different from what he had observed.

He took a quick look at his watch, and his brows furrowed. It had been exactly an hour and twenty-six minutes since Elena was gone. Too long just to pack bags.

He had an important matter to attend to this morning. Another debtor who had refused to pay up his loan. His men were gathered at his mansion, awaiting his return for them to set off. But yet he was stuck in this clammy apartment waiting for a woman.

Lucien reached for his pocket, slipping out a pack of cigarettes. Just as he raised the lighter to light up a stick, his phone on the table buzzed continuously. He paused and leaned forward to check the caller ID-James.

He was right outside, guarding the door. Why was he calling?

He picked it up. "What is it, James?"

"Boss, I think you should come outside. There's something you need to see."

"Mrs. Dalton isn't done packing yet," he muttered. "I'm keeping an eye on her."

A sharp cry echoed from the other end.

Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Who was that?"

"Sir-it's Mrs. Dalton. She's trying to escape."

"What?" His tone deepened, cold and disbelieving.

Lucien was already moving, his footsteps pounding against the wooden floor. He yanked the front door open and stepped out. Then he heard it. A faint scream coming from the back of the house.

He followed the sound.

James stood frozen, looking upward. Lucien's gaze trailed after his, and his mouth parted in disbelief.

Elena clung to a makeshift rope of knotted bedsheets dangling from the upstairs window, her face twisted in pain. Below her lay two pink suitcases, grass-stained and dented.

"Help me, Mr. Black! My leg's cramped!" she cried out as she sighted him.

Lucien's jaw clenched. She had actually dared.

"James, load those suitcases in the trunk," he ordered, stepping directly beneath her.

He tugged on the sheet rope experimentally. The thing was tight.

"What are you doing?" Elena yelled. "Trying to kill me?"

Lucien's expression hardened. Kill her? He would've done it if he wanted to the first time she challenged him.

He pulled the rope again, ignoring her statement. "You'll have to jump down," he said, his voice tight.

"What!" Panic laced her voice. "I can't do that!"

Lucien drew in a sharp breath. If he had to lose his temper at any moment, she would be the cause.

"Elena," he called calmly. "There's no ladder around. You either jump, or I'll send my man to cut the rope from its edge."

"I can't! I'm scared of heights!"

He raised an eyebrow. "You weren't scared when you decided to escape."

"Adrenaline, Mr. Black! Adrenaline!" she shouted. "My life was in danger! Everything was going perfectly until my stupid leg cramped!"

"When was your life in danger?" he shot back. "You willingly agreed to stay till your husband returns with my money in three months."

"You call that an agreement?" she spat. "Jason deceived me. He isn't coming back."

Lucien's lips curled into a smirk. She finally realized. But unfortunately, it was too late. He pulled the rope harder this time, and the sheets gave way. Her screams filled the air as gravity took hold. He moved closer, holding out his arms, and caught her mid-fall.

For a moment, Elena couldn't breathe. Not from the fall but from the realization that she was trapped in his arms, and there was nowhere left to run. Without a word, he carried her toward the car.

She lifted her head, her eyes widening. "Let go of me, Mr. Black," she struggled, kicking weakly.

"Stop moving, Elena," he warned, setting her on the seat.

"Ouch!" she winced, clutching her leg.

"I told you to stay still," he said calmly, sitting beside her. "Let me see your leg."

"No," she snapped, hugging it close.

"Don't be stubborn." He caught her ankle and lifted her leg onto his lap, inspecting the cramped muscle."Did you plan to escape without shoes?" he asked, half-amused.

Her cheeks flushed. "How did you expect me to climb down a window with shoes on?"

"It might've helped," he murmured. "James, hand me the balm in the glove compartment."

The man passed him a small bottle. Lucien opened it and began massaging it into her leg.

"Ouch! Be careful!" she hissed as the coolness spread.

His hands were firm but careful, working the cramp out with care. She hated that it felt good. Hated that he was helping her after she had just tried to escape.

When Lucien was done he finally looked up, his gaze holding hers. "Now," he said softly, "why did you try to run?"

Elena bit her lower lip, her chin lifting in defiance. "I changed my mind." She declared boldly. "I don't care what you do to Jason anymore. Just let me go."

Lucien's lips curved into a dark, humorless smile. "Changed your mind?" He scoffed, leaning forward. "You missed your chance when I let you go. Now..." his tone dropped, quiet and final, "there's no changing your mind."