The Price of Freedom
1157 Words
Celeste knew the moment the words left her lips that she had made a deal with the devil.
Damian Blackwood wasn’t a man who made compromises.
He was a man who took.
And if he was giving her freedom, then there was a price attached to it—one she hadn’t figured out yet.
“You want your space?” he had said, smirking in that infuriatingly confident way. “Fine. But don’t mistake distance for safety, Celeste.”
The warning lingered in her mind long after she left his study.
A New Life… Under His Shadow
The next morning, Celeste woke up alone in bed—something that should have been a relief. Damian never stayed with her unless he wanted something.
She stretched before making her way to the closet, selecting a sleek navy-blue dress. If she was going to reclaim some control over her life, she had to start somewhere.
Today, she would go back to the gallery.
When she reached the foyer, Marco was already waiting, his dark eyes assessing her choice of attire.
“Going somewhere, Mrs. Blackwood?”
She arched a brow. “Yes. Or do I need to ask permission now?”
Marco didn’t react, but she saw the flicker of amusement in his gaze. “Of course not. I’ll drive you.”
Of course. Damian would never let her leave unmonitored.
Still, she bit her tongue and nodded, pretending she wasn’t bothered by the fact that she was still a prisoner—just in a larger cage.
The Past Comes Knocking
Celeste arrived at the gallery feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. It had always been her escape, her sanctuary. But today, it felt different.
Because Adrian was waiting for her.
She barely had time to process his presence before he pulled her into a quiet hallway, his hands gripping her arms.
“You’re still with him,” he said, voice low. “Why?”
She stepped back, shaking him off. “It’s not that simple, Adrian.”
“Yes, it is,” he shot back. “You could have left. I would have helped you.”
She laughed, but it was hollow. “And then what? Run for the rest of my life? You don’t understand what Damian is capable of.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened. “I know exactly what he’s capable of. That’s why I don’t want you anywhere near him.”
She exhaled, tired of this conversation. “Adrian, please. You showing up here like this—it’s dangerous.”
“For me, or for you?”
She didn’t answer. She couldn’t.
Because the truth was both.
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Just… be careful, Celeste. Whatever game Damian is playing, don’t let him win.”
She nodded, but as she watched Adrian walk away, she knew the game had already started.
And she wasn’t sure if she even knew the rules anymore.
A Trap Unfolds
That night, Celeste returned to the mansion, her nerves on edge. She had spent the entire day at the gallery, trying to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting to Damian.
She found him in the lounge, seated in his usual leather chair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looked relaxed—too relaxed.
“Did you have a good day?” he asked, not looking up.
Celeste hesitated. Something was off. “It was fine.”
“Good.” He took a sip of his drink. “Because I thought you should know—Adrian won’t be bothering you anymore.”
Her breath caught. “What?”
Damian finally met her gaze, his dark eyes gleaming with something cruel. “You think I wouldn’t know that he came to see you?”
Her stomach twisted. “What did you do?”
He smirked, swirling his drink. “Nothing… yet.”
She clenched her fists. “Leave him out of this, Damian.”
“Are you giving me orders now?” His voice was calm, but the warning was there.
She forced herself to meet his gaze. If she showed weakness, he would use it against her.
“You said I had freedom,” she reminded him. “Was that a lie?”
His lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. “Oh, Celeste. You’re free to do as you please.”
Then his smile faded. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t remove the things that threaten what’s mine.”
A chill ran through her. Adrian was in danger.
And worse?
Damian wanted her to know it.
Desperate Measures
That night, Celeste couldn’t sleep. She had to warn Adrian.
Slipping out of bed, she grabbed her phone, her hands trembling as she typed a message.
Don’t come near me again. It’s not safe. Please, Adrian. I mean it.
She hesitated before hitting send.
A few minutes later, her phone buzzed.
I’m not scared of him, Celeste. But if you want me to stay away, I will.
Relief flooded her, but it was short-lived.
Because she had no idea if Damian was already one step ahead of her.
And if he was?
She had just made the biggest mistake of her life.
The Morning After
Celeste awoke to silence. Too much silence.
She dressed quickly, her gut telling her something was wrong.
When she stepped into the hallway, she immediately knew—something had happened.
Because Marco was waiting for her.
“Mr. Blackwood would like to see you,” he said.
Her heart pounded as she followed him downstairs.
She found Damian in his study, his back to her as he stared out the window.
“Good morning, Celeste,” he said without turning around.
She crossed her arms. “What did you do?”
Damian finally turned, and she knew.
Because his smile was sharp as a blade.
And his next words made her blood run cold.
“I warned you, Celeste.”
She took a step back. “No. No, Damian, tell me you didn’t—”
He tilted his head. “Relax. He’s not dead.”
A wave of nausea hit her. “Where is he?”
Damian walked toward her, slow, calculated. “That depends, Celeste. How badly do you want him to stay alive?”
Her stomach twisted. He was testing her. Playing with her.
“Tell me where he is,” she demanded.
Damian chuckled, brushing a finger along her jaw. “You know, Celeste, I always knew you’d try to fight me eventually. I was just waiting for you to realize…”
He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear.
“You’ll never win.”
She shoved him back, her breath coming in sharp gasps. “You’re a monster.”
Damian smiled. “And yet, you’re still here.”
Celeste clenched her fists.
She had made a mistake.
And now?
She would have to find a way to fix it—before it was too late.
- Writer
