Bound By Hate

Under His Protection

Melanie’s POV

It was a disaster. Everything that happened after the gunshots became blurry pieces of noise and movement.

The security were communicating frantically through their earpiece. I could see cars and ambulances lining up on the street. It was hectic.

I heard multiple police sirens. Through it all, Philip never once let go of me, not until I was safe in one of the cars. It was somewhat comforting.

I wondered if he noticed how sweaty my hands were. The door shut heavily behind us muting the chaos going on.

I sat still in the car, no one said a word. We all were trying to figure out what had just happened and I was trying to know what happened to the book, but I let my thoughts get the best of me.

“Did you just have people shooting outside my apartment,”

“Are we being deadass?” He seemed shockingly upset by this.

“You think I would put myself in the middle of danger just to prove a point to you?”

Philip loosened the tie around his neck slightly.

“Just think about it, if I wanted to send guys to attack you, I would not have come here.”

“You expect me to believe this wasn’t connected to you?”

Philip rolled his eyes.

“This again?”

“It was connected to you Melanie.”

Hearing that made my head ache.

“They took something that meant a lot to me and we better find it.” He stared at me and just kept quiet.

I looked out the tinted windows as we drove. The rain had gotten heavier making it unsafe to be driving but it was the least of my worries.

A few hours ago, my biggest issue was figuring out how to be normal again, trying to regain my passion for writing my blogs. Now I am faced with a marriage contract with the man connected to my family’s ruin and armed men trying to kill me for reasons I know nothing of and they might have taken something very dear to me and somehow it was like Philip remained a step ahead.

“You knew this would happen,” He didn’t give an answer instantly. He knew I wouldn’t believe him anyway.

“I don’t want this, I don’t deserve to be dragged into whatever this shitshow is.”

“I’m trying to keep you alive Mel, when will you actually believe me?” His voice softened.

“But you are trying to gain control over my life, is that also your own way of protecting me?”

He let out a heavy sigh “You still think this is about control because you aren’t seeing the situation with clear eyes.”

“Then explain whatever it is! Stop being mysterious, I deserve to know.”

I could see the driver pretending not to listen in on our conversation, Philip adjusted towards me and I noticed the exhaustion in his eyes that he tried to hide. I recognized it, it was the look of someone carrying too much emotional weight.

“There are people searching for something your father hid before he died.”

I frowned,

“My father was not involved in criminal activities though.”

“I didn’t say he was Mel.”

“Then what are you saying, what did my father hide?”

He studied my face carefully and I did the same and I had too many thoughts running through my mind but I ignored them because I couldn’t think that way about someone I hated.

“Are you listening?”

“Huh? Um yes I am. As you were saying?”

“What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing, let’s just focus on the topic.” I answered awkwardly.

“Anyways, your parents discovered information that could destroy several powerful individuals.”

“You’re wrong.” I said confidently.

“My parents were so passionate about their work, what would they be doing poking around in other people’s business.”

“That I don’t understand yet but I will, with time. Your father trusted the wrong people.”

“And how do I know your family wasn’t among those they wanted to expose?”

I guess that question had hit somewhere personal because he became mute. Part of me liked it, I wanted him to feel uncomfortable too. The car slowed down before turning into a private street and that led to these enormous black gates. I looked out the window and gasped.

HARRINGTON MANOR was plastered on the gates. It looked like something off a movie. I was impressed. The gold street lights glowed over us as we drove in. It felt magical.

I stared in disbelief “You live here alone?”

“Yes” he said

“Hm, seems lonely.” He had a strange reaction to what I said and turned away to look elsewhere then the car stopped at the entrance.

His staff were all waiting beneath the steps, holding umbrellas for us.

“I’m not staying here."

“Your face when you arrived said otherwise.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever Mr knows it all.”

“You’re not returning to your apartment tonight, not until I can be sure it’s safe for you to.”

“Why do you think it’s your decision to make?”

“Well, it’s not but since you’re letting your emotions get in the way, then I’ll be calling the shots.”

He got out first before one of the security opened my door. I finally felt the rain as I exited the car. His house was enormous and beautiful.

“Come on.” I hesitantly followed him. My shoes were wet and the dirt stained the floors as I walked in.

Everything inside screamed money. The chandeliers, the ridiculously large staircases. I

wondered how many bad things may have occurred here.

A woman dressed corporately walked up to us,

“Welcome back, Mr Harrington.”

She looked at me politely,“And Miss Smith”

“How do you know my name?”She smiled professionally “Everyone here does ma’am.”

“Of course they do.”

“It’s almost dinner time, would you like to freshen up first sir?”

“Yes, I will.” Philip removed his coat slowly and handed it to her.

“Give me and our guest a bit of time, but in the meantime prepare the east wing for her.”

“Right away sir, this way ma’am.” She directed her arms towards the steps.

“That’s where you will be staying for now.” Philip said.

“Sure buddy” I said sarcastically

He stared at me,

“You’re not leaving.”

“I’m not your prisoner.”

“No, not yet.” He smirked. I instantly felt heat rushing through my body but I took a deep breath, I didn’t want to lash out again.

“You’re insane.”

“Oh am I now? Well, you’re the one in danger.” Our eyes locked together. But I quickly looked away.

I saw that vague smirk he had, we both knew what he was trying to do. I wanted to get mad, but I couldn’t.. I didn’t.

“You can keep fighting me if you want, Mel but if someone wanted you dead today, it means they’re desperate.”

“I still don’t trust you.”

“I know, but with time you’ll know I’m on your side.”

“I do not belong here, you don’t even know me.” He reached into his pocket slowly. I was unsure of what could be in there. A weapon maybe or another contract.

Instead he brought out a silver necklace that looked familiar. But this wasn’t just any jewelry, water filled my eyes.

It was my mother’s necklace.