The Billionaire Dark Obsession

The Safe Room

chapter five

Elena's breath came in searing, panicky gasps as the men hurried her down Blackwood Estate's dusky corridors. Panic gradually turning her legs to jelly, she stagger on the glossy floors. Every quick step carried her closer to an unfamiliar fate; her brain still grappling to keep up with the hurricane of events occurred in the last few hours.

With perfect precision, they moved. Now in the front, the man who had originally alerted her about the risk was rather massive, his body obstructing her view as he closely watched every door they went by. Damien trailed behind, his calmness normally supplanted by a gaze of subdued force. His eyes never left Elena, as though she were a delicate object that might break at any time.

But the great uncertainty rather than only fear kept Elena in place. None of it made any sense: the truth about her art, the people observing her, now the secure room they were hurrying her toward? What had she fallen upon? How did an innocent piece of her art become a life-or-death high-stakes game?

At the far end of the hall they found a little, nondescript door. The guy in front of them knocked sharply, a covert gesture that felt out of place in a large estate. Elena's heart fluttered as the sound of keys jangling floated from near the door.

"Come inside," someone inside called out.

Stepping aside, the man who had been leading her motioned for Elena to enter. Damien went first without pause, Elena hesitantly followed, her hands shaking as she entered the room.

Inside, the safe room appeared not at all like she had envisioned. The room was sparsely but comfortably decorated— not a fortified bunker or some sophisticated hideout. Bookshelves full of different volumes covered the walls, while a large desk in the middle had papers strewn all over it. The only thing that distinguish it from every other office was the atmosphere of quiet menace permeating every corner.

Damien motioned for Elena to sit at the desk, his Quick, relaxed movements. His tone somewhat commanding, his voice low, he said, 'We have next to no time.'

Elena seated her renaissance mind. She pleaded, almost horse, "what’s happening? " "Who's coming after me? For what reason? None of this makes any sense to me."

This was Damien's reaction for several seconds, unreadable. They were obviously strained, like a thread pulled too tight. Her tone made him relent, even though he did not seem willing to reply.

Finally, his vision turned "these people are not only criminals. They fit in with something much larger that has been in development for years. You are now in the middle of it.

Elena's breath stopped mid-throat. "Really, what does that affect me? I only paint. A nobody.

Damien's eyes softened, but the force of his words remain obvious. "Far from a nobody, Elena; Your creativity is connected to something that has been secret for centuries. Something many people would kill for.

Elena became stiff. Her pulse quit. "How do you define linked to something else? My sketches are simply illustrations. They're only fantasy.

Damien shooked his head "Absolutely not. And you even don't exactly what it has caused.

Pacing leisurely across the room, he got up. He had a powerful presence, the sort of energy that made it hard not to pay attention to him. Elena observed him closely, trying to interpret his every move, but all she could see were the questions amassing before her, darkening and becoming more intricate by the minute.

They want what you already unwittingly have to offer. You have opened doors, Elena. . And once those doors are opened, closing them becomes impossible.

Her head spun, and she felt for a second like she would drop under the impact of his comments. The feeling of being stuck, of having no say over her own destiny, was almost unbearable.

Before she could reply, the door was firmly knocked and someone came clearly thereafter. The woman in the tight black suit came into the space, Elena's eyes breaking at her.

"Mr. Blackwood," the lady said sharply. They have actuated themselves together. The team has been set. We need to act now.

Damien's eyes narrowed, his face stiffened. He regards Elena with a blend of resolve and worry. "it's beginning."

Elena wondered, agitation infusing her voice, "What's occurring?"

Damien answered late. Rather, he headed for the woman. "Circle the perimeter firmly. Ensure nobody enters or departs without my approval.

The woman turned back toward the door; Understanding.

Elena was perched suddenly. "Damien, please, you have to tell me what’s going on! Who are these people? What do they want with me?

But before he could react, the house twitched softly, a far-off noise resonating through the walls. For a second the lights flickered, and Elena's heart leaped up into her neck. Her heartbeat accelerating with anxiety, the room's tension increased.

Damien stated solemnly. "Remain down." Don't speak. No matter what happens, leave not this room."

Elena could hardly breathe. With the noise outside increasing and the footsteps clearly coming—advancing fast, the walls seemed to be enclosing on her.

A loud explosion rang down the corridor, then further crashing sounds led as if a fight was occurring just outside the secure room.

"Stay with me, Elena, Damien said, his gaze fixed on hers, his face inches away from hers. "I will keep you safe, but you have to believe me." This is now not about art. This is all about living.