The Billionaire's Secret Desire

caught In The Crossfire

Chapter 4: Caught in the Crossfire

Before I could even draw a breath, a large, powerful hand closed around my wrist. The grip was inescapable, instantly pulling me away from Caleb’s gentle hold with brutal efficiency.

"Mr. Vale—" Caleb started, stepping forward with a frown, but Damian cut him off with a glare cold enough to freeze fire.

"Stay out of this, Caleb," Damian commanded, his voice a low, dangerous growl.

Without another word, Damian yanked me down the hallway, dragging me behind him as he marched straight toward his private master suite. My frantic steps stumbled over the polished floor, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs.

The heavy double doors of his room slammed shut behind us, locking with a sharp, echoing click.

Before I could catch my breath, Damian whirled around and slammed me against the nearest wall. His large hand moved instantly from my wrist to my throat, pressing firmly against my neck with just enough weight to cut off my breath, pinning me in place.

"You disobeyed my order again," Damian whispered, his face inches from mine, his dark eyes burning with a furious, possessive rage. "I told you that the only person you are allowed to talk to in this house is me."

"I... I wasn't trying to—" I choked out, gasping for air against his hand. "Caleb stopped me... I was just trying to go downstairs to my department..."

Damian didn't care about my excuses. Instead, he leaned in closer, his hot breath brushing against my skin before his lips grazed the shell of my ear.

"Listen to me, Yvonne," he murmured, his voice a low, raspy threat that vibrated straight down my spine. "You're only mine to touch."

Even through the sheer terror choking me, a traitorous, involuntary shiver rippled through my body at his proximity. Damian felt it. A dark, wicked satisfaction crossed his features.

Suddenly, his teeth grazed the sensitive tip of my ear, biting down hard enough to draw a sharp wince of pain from my lips. I let out a stifled gasp, my hands flying up to push against his hard chest, but he didn't budge an inch.

Abruptly, as if growing bored of the punishment, Damian released my throat and stepped back, straightening his jacket with chilling calm.

"Get out of my sight," he dismissed coldly, turning his back to me. "And if I ever catch you speaking to my brother again, your sister's hospital bills will be the least of your worries."

Tears of humiliation and raw fury stung my eyes, but I didn't wait to be told twice. I scrambled toward the doors, unlocked them, and practically fled the master suite.

Once I was out in the hallway, I broke into a run, rushing down the stairs and out of the main house. I stumbled into the secluded back garden, collapsing onto a stone bench beneath the canopy of sprawling oak trees.

The cool night air washed over my burning skin, but it couldn't cool the turmoil raging inside my chest. I pressed trembling fingers to my ears, staring blankly at the manicured flower beds.

Is he even human? I wondered, a sob catching in my throat as the cruel reality of my life set in. Does Damian Vale even see me as a person, or am I just a living, breathing play toy meant to be used and broken at his whim?