Shackles of Desire
1180 Words
The rain pattering against the glass windows woke Celeste as the dull grey of the early morning stretched across the city skyline. Even though Damian was inside, the penthouse felt chilly—too silent, too deserted.f
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up. She was still caught up in the chaos of the previous night, with the weight of Damian's possessive gaze and the heat of Adrian's kiss.
Two males.
Each is dangerous in its own way.
They were both bound to her in a web from which she was unable to break free.
She swung her legs over the bed and stood up, letting out a bitter sigh. She refused to linger on the things she could not alter.
Not right now.
However, the bedroom door opened as she moved towards the lavatory.
Damian.
Wearing a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone and dark slacks, he leaned against the frame. The image of a man who owned everything he touched, he exuded power with ease.
She is among them.
He said, his eyes dragging over her like a burden, "You are up early."
Ignoring the tingle in her skin from his gaze, Celeste tightened the belt of her silk robe. "I could not sleep."
Damian grinned and took a step forward. "Is guilt keeping you up?"
She tightened her jaw. "Pardon me?"
Twisting a lock of her hair between his fingers, he reached for it. "You smelt like a different man when you got home last night."
She gasped.
Adrian.
Had he smelt it before? Or did he just play mind tricks again?
Celeste made herself look into his eyes. "I was in a club." You stated it yourself: I am free to do as I please.
Damian's hand slightly tightened. It is just possessive, not painful.
"I did," he whispered. "But, Celeste, you forget—I can always tell when someone is lying to me."
She took a step back and wrenched free. "So perhaps you ought to start wondering why I must lie in the first place."
Something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
Celeste did not wait for his answer for the first time in a long time.
Then she turned and left.
The Unexpected Meeting
As soon as she could, Celeste slipped out of the penthouse and into the black car that was waiting for her downstairs. As he pulled into traffic, the driver, who was undoubtedly one of Damian's men, remained silent.
She did not know where she was going. All she had to do was breathe.
to get away.
As she contemplated whether to text Adrian, her fingers lingered over her phone. Even though last night had been careless, she could not deny that it made her feel something.
She had been hiding it for too long.
The car slowed to a stop in front of a strange building before she could make up her mind.
She scowled. "Where are we?"
The driver remained silent. Rather, the door opened externally.
Adrian was standing there, appearing to be a storm that was about to break out.
Celeste felt her heart beat faster.
The driver gave him a nod. "The directives of Mr. Morgan."
Her blood froze.
Was she sent here by Damian? To Adrian?
Why?
Adrian's piercing, evaluating eyes met hers. He did not appear shocked to see her. He appeared, if nothing else, enraged.
"Leave," he said.
Celeste paused.
The driver did not even blink when she looked at him. All he was doing was obeying orders. orders from Damian.
Adrian took a step closer and sighed. Celeste, I will not drag you out. However, it seems to me that you would prefer to speak privately rather than have your husband's men listen in.
Her throat constricted.
husband.
The word hung around her neck like a chain.
She got out of the car without saying another word.
Adrian's apartment interior
With a gentle click, the door closed behind her, keeping them inside.
Celeste surveyed her surroundings, a sleek, contemporary room that was a far cry from the chilly, empty penthouse she and Damian shared.
It had a distinct leather scent that was unmistakably his.
Adrian folded his arms and leaned against the counter. Unspoken words burned in his grey eyes.
She took a swallow. "What sent me here, Damian?"
Adrian felt a muscle in his jaw tickle. "I had the same question for you."
Confusion tightening in her chest, Celeste shook her head. "I am not sure. I had no idea that he— She came to a halt as she realised.
It was a test.
Damian was aware.
Or, he suspected, anyway.
He was now observing.
Her stomach turned at the thought.
Adrian's features softened slightly, as if he noticed the change in her expression.
He enquired, "What did he say to you this morning?"
Celeste paused. "I smelt like someone else," he said.
Adrian's mouth clenched.
"Did he cause you any harm?" Even though his voice was low and controlled, it had a hint of danger that was just waiting to be let loose.
Celeste gave a headshake. "No. However, that does not imply he won't.
Adrian ran a hand through his hair and let out a slow exhale. "Celeste, you must leave."
There was no humour in her laughter. Adrian, where are you going? Damian does not simply let people go.
Adrian's eyes became gloomy. "Then we force him to release you."
She gasped. "We?"
She could feel his warmth as he moved closer. Do you really believe that I can just watch this happen? Observe him— He shook his head and let out a sharp exhale. "This is not fair to you."
Her chest grew constricted. "And Adrian, what do you deserve?"
He lightly touched her cheek with his fingers, sending chills down her spine.
"Nothin'," he whispered. "But I have always wanted you despite that."
The weight of unsaid words pressed down on them, thickening the air between them.
This was risky.
This was incorrect.
However, all of her warnings vanished when Adrian's lips hardly touched hers.
For an instant, she allowed herself to forget.
Give in to her desires.
However, then—
Her phone rang.
Damian.
Once more.
The return of reality was abrupt.
Adrian's eyes shifted from her to the screen and back again. "Respond to it."
After some hesitation, Celeste clicked "accept."
"Where are you?" Damian had a steady, smooth voice.
She gave Adrian a quick look. "Out."
A pause. Then—
"With him?"
Her stomach fell.
He was aware.
Damian chuckled before she could reply. "Celeste, make the most of your time here. Because we have unresolved business when you get home.
The call was cut off.
She lowered the phone with shaking hands.
Adrian's face was unintelligible. "What did he say?"
Celeste took a deep breath. "He is aware."
Adrian tightened his jaw. After that, it will not be long before he takes action.
She trembled. "Until then, what do we do?"
Something dark and relentless filled Adrian's eyes as he met hers.
“We prepare.”
- Writer
