BOUND BY DESIRE

Chapter 29 – A Caged Bird

Elena paced the length of the living room, her frustration growing with every passing minute. The penthouse, as luxurious as it was, felt like a prison. Every time she glanced at the locked front door, she was reminded of her reality—trapped in Damon Blackwell’s world.

She tried reading, watching TV, even wandering out onto the balcony to take in the view of the city. But no matter what she did, her mind kept circling back to him.

Damon.

The way he looked at her was as if he could see through her. The way his presence made her feel caged in ways she wasn’t ready to admit.

The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor made her turn sharply.

A woman stood in the entrance of the living room—tall, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful. She wore a fitted red dress that hugged every curve, her dark hair cascading over one shoulder.

Elena frowned. “Who are you?”

The woman smirked, crossing the room with effortless grace. “So, you’re the latest one,” she mused, eyeing Elena up and down as if assessing her worth.

“Elena,” she said stiffly, refusing to let this stranger intimidate her.

The woman’s red lips curled into an amused smile. “I’m Victoria. Damon’s… old acquaintance.”

Something in the way she said made Elena’s stomach twist.

“I wasn’t aware Damon had visitors,” Elena said carefully.

Victoria chuckled. “Oh, darling, I don’t need an invitation. Damon and I go way back.” She took a step closer, tilting her head. “But I am curious… what makes you special?”

Elena stiffened. “I never said I was.”

Victoria’s gaze sharpened. “Yet you’re living here.” She let the words linger before shaking her head. “A word of advice—don’t get comfortable. Damon doesn’t keep anyone around for long.”

Elena’s heart pounded, but she kept her expression neutral. “I’m not here for Damon.”

Victoria laughed softly. “That’s what they all say at first.”

Before Elena could respond, the front door opened.

Damon stepped inside, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Victoria. His expression darkened.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Victoria turned to him with a smile. “Relax, darling. I was just getting to know your new pet.”

Damon’s jaw clenched, and in two strides, he was in front of Victoria. “Get out.”

Victoria pouted. “So cold, as always.” She cast one last glance at Elena before sauntering toward the door. “Be careful, sweetheart. The higher you fly, the harder you fall.”

And with that, she was gone.

Elena stood frozen, her mind racing.

Damon exhaled sharply before turning to her. “Ignore her.”

Elena crossed her arms. “Who is she?”

“No one that concerns you.”

She scoffed. “She seemed to think otherwise.”

Damon’s gaze darkened as he stepped closer. “Do you believe her?”

Elena hesitated.

Did she?

Did it even matter?

Instead of answering, she turned away.

Damon didn’t stop her, but she could feel his eyes on her, burning into her back.

And she hated that, despite everything, part of her still wanted to turn around.

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