Damian’s voice was still rough when he ended the call with the police, jaw tight, eyes colder than Ariana had ever seen. He slipped his phone into his pocket and scanned the room again as if expecting a masked intruder to materialize from the shadows.
“From now on, no windows stay unlocked, no doors unbolted. You don’t step outside without me.” His tone left no room for negotiation.
Ariana, still standing in her silk robe, folded her arms. “So I’m a prisoner now?”
His gaze flicked to her, sharp as steel. “You’re alive. That’s the point.”
The fire that had carried her through award shows and ruthless interviews surged up in her chest. “Damian, I have rehearsals, endorsements, a concert in three weeks. You can’t just put my life on pause because some creep decided to play mind games.”
H
