BOUND BY DESIRE

Chapter 21 – A Game of Power

The night of the gala arrived faster than Elena was ready for.

She stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at the woman reflected in her. The deep red gown hugged her body perfectly, the slit revealing just enough legs to make a statement. Damon had chosen well—too well. The fabric was soft, delicate, but she felt like it was just another kind of chain wrapped around her.

A prisoner dressed like a queen.

A knock sounded on the door, and before she could respond, Damon stepped inside.

Elena stiffened. "You really have a problem with knocking, don’t you?"

He ignored her comment, his dark gaze sweeping over her. His expression remained unreadable, but there was something in the way he looked at her that made the air grow heavy.

"Good," he murmured. "You look exactly as you should."

She lifted her chin. "Like a woman being paraded around?"

"Like a woman who belongs at my side," he corrected, stepping closer. He reached for the bracelet on the vanity, a delicate diamond piece, and took her wrist in his grasp. As he fastened it around her wrist, he spoke low, his voice like silk laced with steel.

"Tonight is important, Elena. Eyes will be on us. Play your part, and there won’t be problems."

"And if I don’t?"

His fingers tightened ever so slightly around her wrist. "Then I’ll remind you why I always get what I want."

A shiver ran down her spine, but she refused to show weakness.

She yanked her hand away. "I don’t need reminders, Damon."

His lips curved, but it wasn’t amusement—it was something darker. "Good. Then let's go."

---

The gala was a whirlwind of glittering chandeliers, murmured conversations, and champagne flutes clinking against each other.

Elena felt the weight of the attention as Damon led her through the crowd. He had one hand possessively on the small of her back, his grip firm but not forceful. A silent claim.

She knew what they saw—a powerful man with his beautiful companion. A woman who looked like she belonged, even if she didn’t.

They didn’t see the war raging inside her.

"Mr. Blackwell," a smooth voice interrupted their path.

Elena turned as a tall, elegant woman approached. Dark-haired, dressed in a navy-blue gown, her smile was sharp as a blade.

"Damon," the woman said, her eyes flickering briefly at Elena before returning to him. "It’s been a while."

Elena felt Damon’s grip on her tighten slightly. "Victoria," he acknowledged.

Ah. So, this was someone important.

Victoria’s gaze slid towards Elena again, this time with open curiosity. "And who is this?"

Damon didn’t hesitate. "Elena Carter."

There was something in his tone that made Elena glance up at him. He didn’t introduce her as a guest. Or a friend. He had simply stated her name—as if that alone carried weight.

Victoria’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Interesting. I didn’t know you had company those days."

Damon’s smirk was subtle. "I suppose I enjoy surprises."

Victoria let out a low hum, her gaze lingering on Elena a little too long before she excused herself.

As soon as she was gone, Elena turned to him. "Who was that?"

"Someone who likes to play games," Damon said simply.

"And are you playing back?"

He glanced down at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Always."

A cold unease settled in Elena’s stomach.

This night wasn’t just about appearances.

It was a game.

And she had just become one of the pieces.

---