BOUND BY DESIRE

Chapter 22 – Whispers and Warnings

Elena could still feel Victoria’s piercing gaze long after the woman had disappeared into the crowd. There was something unsettling about her, something that told Elena she wasn’t just another guest at this extravagant event—she was someone important in Damon’s world. And that alone made her dangerous.

Damon guided her through the sea of wealthy elites, his grip firm on her waist. She played along, offering polite smiles, nodding at introductions, but her mind was elsewhere. The deeper they waded into this world, the more she realized just how little she truly knew about Damon Blackwell.

A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne flutes, and Elena reached for one, needing something—anything—to steady herself.

“You’re thinking too much,” Damon’s low voice murmured near her ear.

She stiffened, turning her gaze up to him. “Is that a problem?”

His lips twitched. “Not yet.”

Before she could press him further, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Elena?”

She turned, her breath catching.

Nathan.

Her heart slammed against her ribs as she met the shocked gaze of her ex-boyfriend. He was dressed in a fitted black suit, looking every bit the polished businessman. His expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable as his eyes flickered between her and Damon.

Damon’s hold on her waist didn’t loosen. If anything, his grip became more possessive.

“Nathan,” Elena said, trying to keep her voice even.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Nathan said slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Especially… like this.”

Elena swallowed hard. “It’s complicated.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened. “I bet.” His gaze slid to Damon, assessing. “Blackwell.”

Damon gave him a slow, deliberate nod. “Harrison.”

So they knew each other.

Nathan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Elena, can we talk?”

Damon’s grip tightened just slightly, a silent warning.

Elena hesitated. She knew what Nathan was going to say—that she shouldn’t be here, that she didn’t belong in Damon’s world. But what did it matter? It was too late now.

Still, she nodded. “Just for a moment.”

Damon released her, but not before whispering in her ear, “Don’t keep me waiting.”

A chill ran down her spine at the quiet authority in his voice.

Nathan led her a few steps away, just out of earshot. His expression was tense, concerned. “Elena, what the hell are you doing with him?”

Her throat tightened. “It’s not what you think.”

Nathan’s brows furrowed. “Then tell me what it is. Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re trapped.”

Elena flinched. He wasn’t entirely wrong.

Nathan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Look, I know we didn’t end on the best terms, but I still care about you. And I know who Damon Blackwell is. He doesn’t have relationships, Elena. He owns things. And if you’re with him…” His voice dropped lower. “You’re just another possession.”

A lump formed in her throat.

“Are you here willingly?” Nathan asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

Elena hesitated for just a fraction of a second too long.

Nathan’s expression darkened. “Damn it, Elena—”

“Elena.”

Damon’s voice was calm, controlled—but laced with quiet authority.

Elena turned to see him standing just a few feet away, his gaze unreadable.

“Time’s up,” he said smoothly.

Nathan’s jaw clenched. “You don’t own her.”

Damon’s lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Don’t I?”

Elena felt the weight of both their stares, two men from different parts of her life, both trying to stake their claim in very different ways.

And for the first time, she wondered just how deep she had fallen into Damon Blackwell’s world.

And if she’d ever be able to climb back out.

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