BOUND BY THE BILLIONAIRE LAWYER

Chapter Six.

Sophie woke up to the blinding light streaming through the window. It felt like she’d only just closed her eyes, but the day was already here. A new day in the hell that Drake had trapped her in.

Her phone buzzed. A message from him. Be ready in an hour. We have somewhere to be.

Sophie wanted to throw the phone across the room. But she didn’t. She knew better than to act out now. If she was going to survive this, she needed to keep her cool.

She threw on a dress, something simple, nothing too flashy. She didn’t want to give him any reason to look at her more than necessary. But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t matter. He looked at her like she was a puzzle to be solved—a toy to be played with.

When she walked into the living room, Drake was already waiting, his usual cold expression plastered on his face. He stood by the door, hands in his pockets, looking like a goddamn statue. His gaze met hers, and for a split second, something flickered in his eyes. But then it was gone, replaced with his usual calculating stare.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low, barely any emotion in it.

Sophie crossed her arms. "Where are we going?"

"You’ll find out soon enough," he said, and she hated that he was so damn mysterious about everything.

They got in the car, the silence between them thick and uncomfortable. Sophie could feel the tension building in the air, but she didn’t know how to break it. It was like they were both trying to play a game, and neither one of them was willing to show their cards first.

After a while, the car pulled up in front of an enormous mansion. It was grand, almost intimidating. As if everything about Drake's life had to be bigger, better, and more powerful than anyone else's.

Drake stepped out first, his sharp suit making him look like the king of his own kingdom. Sophie hesitated for a moment before following him, her legs suddenly feeling unsteady under her.

As they walked up the steps, a woman appeared at the door. She was older, but still striking, with dark hair and sharp features that resembled Drake’s.

"This is Vivienne," Drake said, introducing her with a nod. "My aunt."

Vivienne smiled at Sophie, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "Welcome to the family," she said, her voice smooth, but there was an edge to it that made Sophie uneasy.

"Thanks," Sophie muttered, unsure of what else to say.

Drake turned to his aunt. "We need to talk," he said, his voice dark and serious.

Vivienne gave him a long, measuring look before stepping aside to let them in.

Inside, the mansion was just as impressive. It felt like stepping into another world. A world where Sophie didn’t belong.

Vivienne led them to a large, elegant sitting room. Drake sat down first, his posture impeccable, his eyes locked on Sophie.

"Alright," he said, his tone suddenly cold. "We need to get something straight. You’re not a wife. Not in the traditional sense. This is a business arrangement. You’re here to help me—help us—and in return, I keep you safe."

Sophie’s stomach twisted. "Safe from what?"

"From everything," Drake replied. "From the people who would love to see you behind bars, from your past catching up with you. But you have to follow my rules, Sophie."

Her blood ran cold. "And what happens if I don’t?"

Drake’s lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "You’ll learn quickly enough," he said, his eyes dark with unspoken threats. "You’re mine now. Don’t forget that."

Sophie’s heart raced. The fear was back, sharper than ever. But she wasn’t going to let him see it. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of breaking her.

"And what exactly do you expect from me?" she asked, her voice steady even though her insides were in turmoil.

Drake leaned back in his chair, eyes never leaving hers. "Stay out of my way. Don’t get involved in anything that doesn’t concern you. Just… stay quiet, and everything will be fine. I’ll take care of the rest."

Sophie’s mind raced. How could she stay out of his way when her life was already so tangled in his?

"And if I don’t listen?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes darkened. "You won’t like the consequences."

Vivienne, who had been standing quietly in the background, finally spoke. "Drake’s right. This arrangement works only if you stay in your lane. There’s no room for mistakes. Not in this world."

Sophie felt like the walls were closing in on her. There was no escape from Drake’s grip. Not now, not ever. He was right. She was already tangled in his web, and the more she fought, the tighter it got.

But there was something else in the way he spoke to her. A possessiveness, a control that was almost suffocating. And yet, it did something to her. Made her want to fight even harder.

Vivienne’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. "We’ll discuss more later," she said, her tone brisk. "For now, let’s get you settled in."

As Vivienne turned to leave, Sophie looked at Drake, her mind swirling with confusion and frustration. What the hell was this? What did he really want from her?

Before she could ask, Drake stood up, his eyes still locked on her. His gaze felt like a brand, like he was marking her, claiming her.

"Remember what I said, Sophie," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Stay out of my way, or I’ll make sure you regret it."

And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving Sophie standing in the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

This wasn’t just a marriage. This was a game, a game she didn’t know how to play.

And Drake Hazelwood? He was the one making all the rules.