Reapers Sweet Obsession

chapter five

Mia stared at the ceiling as weak morning light filtered through the barred windows. She had been unable to get any proper sleep because every sound in the room startled her.

She could still feel Reaper’s presence even after he had left early. The folded blanket on the couch reminded her that this was real. She was trapped in the Savage Reapers’ compound, taken by a man whose name alone made people whisper in fear.

She sat up slowly and took a warm shower to ease some of the tension in her back, then she dressed in the fresh clothes

She chose soft black leggings and a simple gray t-shirt. They fit well, which only unsettled her more. Reaper had guessed her size perfectly. Everything about this felt calculated.

A knock came at the door. “It’s me,” Raven called before stepping inside. She carried a mug of coffee and a small plate with toast. “Figured you might want something before you start baking. Reaper’s already out handling business.”

Mia accepted the coffee with both hands, grateful for the warmth. “Does he ever sleep?”

Raven gave a short laugh. “Not much. Especially not now. The Vipers are causing trouble again. Everyone’s on edge.”

Mia sipped the coffee. Every mention of the rival club reminded her how deep she had fallen into someone else’s war. “What if they come here?”

“They won’t get far,” Raven said confidently. “But it means Reaper will be stricter about you staying inside the main building.” She paused, watching Mia carefully. “You holding up okay?”

Mia looked down at the mug. “I keep thinking about my bakery and my regulars who expect their usual orders. Sarah must be overwhelmed.”

“She’s managing,” Raven replied. “Reaper has eyes on the place. There's no trouble so far.”

The reassurance didn’t comfort Mia. Knowing Reaper had people watching her life from the outside only made her feel more exposed. She finished the toast quickly and followed Raven to the kitchen, eager to lose herself in work again.

The large space had become her only escape. She started on cinnamon rolls this time, kneading the dough with focused energy.

Raven stayed nearby, sometimes helping, sometimes just sitting quietly. A few club members passed by the doorway, drawn by the smell, but they kept their distance. Word about Reaper’s claim had clearly spread.

By mid-morning, the rolls were baking and the sweet scent of cinnamon filled the air. Mia wiped her hands on her apron and allowed herself to have a small moment of peace.

Baking was the one piece of her old life she could still touch.

Tank appeared in the doorway, looking unusually serious. “Raven, Prez wants you at the gate. Something about a delivery. I’ll stay with Mia for a minute.”

Raven nodded and left. Tank leaned against the wall, with his huge arms crossed over his broad chest. He didn’t step inside the kitchen fully.

“Those smell incredible,” he said, trying to keep his tone light. “The boys are placing bets on what you’ll make tomorrow.”

Mia gave a small, nervous nod but stayed focused on cleaning the counter. Tank seemed friendlier than most, but he was still Reaper’s vice president. Still part of the world that had taken her.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me,” Tank added quietly. “I know this situation is messed up. Reaper… he doesn’t do anything halfway. When he decides something, that’s it.”

Mia finally looked at him. “He decided I belong to him after five seconds. That’s not normal.”

Tank scratched his beard. “No. It’s not. But the way he looks at you… it’s like he saw something he’s been missing for a long time.” He straightened as footsteps approached. “Speak of the devil.”

Reaper walked in, his presence immediately sucking the air out of the room. His dark eyes scanned the kitchen before settling on Mia. There was a fresh cut on his forearm, barely bandaged.

Tank gave a quick nod. “I’ll head out, Prez.”

Once they were alone, Reaper stayed near the doorway, respecting the invisible line Mia needed. His gaze moved over her slowly, the flour on her apron, the way she gripped the counter, the tension in her posture.

“You’ve been working hard again,” he said, that low, rough voice carrying a teasing edge. “Trying to sweeten up my men so they’ll help you escape?”

Mia’s breath caught. “I’m not trying anything. I just… need to keep myself busy.”

Reaper’s lips curved slightly. “Good answer. Because if you were planning something, I’d have to keep a closer eye on you.” He tilted his head. “Closer than I already do.”

The teasing words sent a shiver down her spine. Mia turned back to the oven, checking the cinnamon rolls even though she knew they still needed time. Anything to avoid looking directly at him for too long.

“How long do I have to stay here?” she asked quietly, her back to him.

“Until the threat passes.” Reaper’s voice was closer now, though he hadn’t crossed the full distance. “The Vipers are getting bolder. They lost three men the other night. They’re looking for payback. I won’t give them an easy target.”

Mia closed her eyes. “I never asked to be part of this.”

“No. But you’re in it now.” His tone softened just a fraction. “And I protect what’s mine, Mia. Even if you hate me for it right now.”

She turned around slowly. Reaper stood a few feet away, watching her with that intense, unreadable stare. The air between them felt thick with unspoken tension. He didn’t move closer, but his presence wrapped around her anyway.

“I don’t hate you,” she whispered, surprised by her own words. “I’m terrified of you.”

Reaper’s dark eyes flashed with something like satisfaction. “Good. Fear keeps you careful. Keeps you alive.” He took one slow step forward, then stopped. “But one day, sugar, that fear might turn into something else. And when it does, I’ll be right here waiting.”

Mia’s heart slammed against her ribs. She gripped the counter behind her. The teasing promise in his voice was almost worse than threats. It left her imagining things she didn’t want to imagine.

Reaper seemed to sense he had pushed enough for now. He nodded toward the oven. “Save two of those rolls for me. I’ll eat them later.”

With that, he turned and left the kitchen, his heavy boots echoing down the hallway.

Mia released a long breath and leaned against the counter. Her legs felt unsteady.

Raven returned shortly after. They worked together in comfortable silence until the rolls came out perfect and golden. Mia set two aside exactly as Reaper had asked.

The rest of the afternoon passed with more baking and quiet thoughts. Outside, the compound stayed busy. Motorcycles came and went. Voices rose and fell.

In the evening, Reaper returned to the room later than usual. Mia was already curled up on the bed, facing the wall, with the blanket pulled high. She heard him shower, then settle on the couch. The room fell into heavy silence.

“You saved the rolls,” he said into the darkness. There was quiet approval in his voice. “Thank you.”

Mia didn’t answer. She stayed still, pretending to sleep, but her mind raced.

Reaper’s low chuckle drifted across the room. “Still ignoring me?That’s fine. Sleep, little baker. I’ll keep watch.”

His teasing words lingered long after he went quiet. Mia lay there in the dark, her heart was beating too fast in fear.

She was still very scared of the ruthless man who had taken her.

But the slow, careful way he was never touching, always watching and always teasing, made her wonder how long her fear could remain her only shield.

Inside the locked room, the tension between captor and captive grew tighter with every passing hour.

And Mia had no idea how much longer she could hold on before something inside her started to bend