Bound by the Billionaire's Scars

Chapter 5 The dark sentinel

Ava’s heart leaped directly into her throat. She clamped her hand over her mouth to choke back a scream.

The bedroom was pitch black, lit only by the faint, silvery glow of the city lights stretching through the massive glass windows. But the shadow standing at the foot of her bed was unmistakable. It was towering, broad-shouldered, and completely still.

"M-Mr. Vance?" Ava whispered, her voice trembling so hard it was barely audible.

The shadow moved. It stepped slowly into the pale moonlight, revealing the sharp, chiseled features of Ethan Vance. He was no longer wearing his formal tuxedo. He wore a loose, black silk button-down shirt with the top three buttons undone, and his dark hair was slightly messy.

But it was his eyes that terrified her. They were completely bloodshot, staring at her with a dark, intense obsession that looked almost manic. He looked like a predator guarding his prize, ensuring it hadn't escaped in the middle of the night.

Ava pulled the silk blanket tightly up to her chin, shrinking back against the headboard. "What... what are you doing in here? You said your suite was on the other side of the penthouse. You said I was invisible to you."

Ethan didn't answer immediately. He took one slow, deliberate step closer to the edge of the bed. The heavy scent of expensive whiskey and expensive cologne drifted through the air, suffocating her senses.

"You left your door unlocked," Ethan said. His voice was incredibly deep, rough, and gravelly, sending a dangerous shiver straight down Ava's spine. "Rule number four, Ava. Never leave your door unlocked around a man like me."

"I... I forgot," Ava stammered, her hazel eyes wide with fear. "Please leave, Mr. Vance. You're scaring me."

Ethan stopped right at the side of her bed. He leaned down slightly, his massive frame casting a terrifying shadow over her entire body.

"I bought your freedom tonight, Ava," he murmured, his eyes locking onto her lips before moving back up to her gaze. "Fifty thousand dollars to save your sister. Hundreds of thousands more transferring her to my private medical wing as we speak. I own your time. I own your presence. If I want to stand here and look at what I bought, you do not question me."

Ava felt a sudden spark of hot anger cut through her absolute terror. She gripped the blanket tighter, her inner strength flaring up.

"You bought a contract, Mr. Vance! You did not buy my soul, and you did not buy the right to terrorize me in the middle of the night!" she snapped back, her voice shaking but furious. "I am a human being, not a piece of furniture for your penthouse!"

Ethan stiffened. No one ever spoke to him with such defiance. For a second, Ava feared she had gone too far. She expected him to yell, to ruin her, or to throw her out.

Instead, Ethan slowly reached out a large, warm hand. His long fingers brushed against her jawline, his grip firm but surprisingly gentle as he forced her face upward. His thumb rubbed against her lower lip, his touch burning like fire against her cold skin.

"Fierce," Ethan whispered to himself, a dark, dangerous emotion swirling in his black eyes. "Good. You will need that fire tomorrow when the wolves of the media try to tear you apart."

He suddenly let go of her face, stepping backward into the shadows of the room.

"Lock the door behind me, Ava," he commanded coldly, his robotic, corporate tone returning instantly. "Samuel will be here at seven o'clock sharp with your new wardrobe. Do not make me wait."

Before Ava could reply, Ethan turned and walked out of the room, closing the heavy door behind him with a soft click.

Ava sat frozen in the dark for a long time, listening to the absolute silence of the penthouse. Her heart was beating like a trapped bird inside her chest. Her face still burned where his fingers had touched her.

She threw off the blankets, ran across the cold marble floor, and immediately turned the lock on the door. She leaned her back against the wood, sliding down to the floor as a single tear escaped her eye.

Ethan Vance was not just a cold businessman. He was a dangerous, possessive force, and she was locked inside his cage.

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The next morning, at exactly seven o'clock, a loud knock sounded on Ava's bedroom door. She opened it to find Samuel standing there, holding a massive rolling rack filled with stunning, ultra-expensive designer dresses, diamond jewelry, and high-end heels.

But Samuel's face was incredibly pale, and his hands were shaking as he handed Ava a tablet.

"Mrs. Vance, you need to see this immediately," Samuel whispered anxiously. "We have a massive problem. The morning news just broke, and someone has leaked your stepfather's criminal records alongside a photo of you signing the marriage papers last night. The media is calling you a gold-digging fraud."