The billionaires addiction

The Proposal

Chapter 4

I blinked, the shock slowly wearing off. Caspian's voice, cold as a winter wind, echoed in the forest. ‘’You thought you could escape me again?”

I looked back at the towering tree I'd scaled, then met Caspian's gaze. His dark eyes, devoid of any warmth, held a hint of something—satisfaction? My tongue felt like lead.

Desperation clawed at me, but defiance flickered too. "What makes you think I was escaping?" I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper.

Caspian didn't answer; the silence stretching between us was heavy with unspoken questions. He turned, his steps making a dramatic sound as he moved with an almost ghostly grace through the swirling mist. "Of course, I know this place," he muttered finally, his voice barely audible.

I sighed, the weight of my situation settling in. There was no point in resisting. I placed my head against his broad chest, a strange sense of calm washing over me. Wherever he was taking me, it seemed I was in for the ride.

We emerged from the mist into a clearing that took my breath away. Towering trees with long branches and colorful flowers surrounded a sprawling compound. Manicured gardens, bursting with vibrant colors, stretched out as far as my eye could see. The compound was surreal. It was unlike anything I'd ever encountered on all my many escapades.

"You own all this?" I blurted, my voice barely a whisper. My gaze swept over the compound, a stark contrast to the dingy apartment I called home.

Caspian's jaw clenched, but he remained silent. Frustration bubbled up in my chest. "This act," I spat, my voice tight, "is getting old."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before his usual stoicism returned. "You'll have to answer me eventually," I said, shrugging with indifference.

He cast me a single, icy glance, his gray eyes glittering with something I couldn't decipher. Then, with a sharp click of his fingers, a man materialized out of nowhere. Fear prickled my skin. The man looked like death personified, his pale skin almost luminous against his stark red hair. His dark eyes held mine with an unsettling intensity that sent shivers down my spine. Instinctively, I leaned closer to Caspian, the absurdity of the situation shaking my entire being. I recognized him. He was the one who woke me up the night before. Here I was, trapped between a billionaire and his personal grim reaper.

We entered a colossal building, the air thick with the scent of wealth and power. Caspian dropped me as soon as we set foot into the building, his long strides carrying him away. Alone, I felt a wave of panic. What was I supposed to do? Turning, I saw the redheaded man watching me, an unreadable expression on his face. An aura of mystery clung to him, causing my feet to run in the direction Caspian went.

Lost in thought, I didn't realize we were in an office until the heavy door slammed shut behind me. "Sit." Caspian's voice cut through the air. I obeyed mechanically, careful not to put pressure on my throbbing hand. The room was a study in brown and black, suffocating and intense.

"I have a proposition for you," Caspian began, his voice devoid of warmth. A knot formed in my stomach. "As long as it doesn't involve skydiving n***d," I retorted.

A ghost of a smile played on his lips. "It does," he replied, his gaze predatory. "But not in the way you think."

My sense of curiosity battled with apprehension as I watched the red-haired man place a file on the table. Meeting Caspian's eyes, I braced myself and opened the document.

"You've got to be kidding me," I choked out, slamming the file shut and shoving it towards him.

Caspian tilted his head, the smile still lingering on his lips. "Do I look like a joke, Ms. Delmonte?" He said, his voice a low growl.

My heart hammered in my chest. "No," I whispered, the weight of the situation settling on me. "But marriage? That's ludicrous."

"Three years,’’ He started, but I cut him off.

I shook my head and said, "Nope, not happening. Nothing in this world would ever make me marry you.’’

Caspian reclined in his chair, watching me with a guarded expression, before he spoke again. “You see, you do not have a choice in this situation. For one, what you stole is a family heirloom passed on through generations in my family. The chain you stole is worth over four hundred and nine million dollars. I am very sure you had no idea; otherwise, you wouldn’t be sitting calmly. Second, you owe me your life. A life for a life, they say’’

‘’Whose life for whose life?’’ I asked, but he ignored me as he continued.

“There are two very profitable ways I could make my money and more. I could sell you into a p**********n and baby factory ring, or I could just sell your organs. I bet my friends in the black market would be delighted.’’

‘’You are joking, right? You can’t do that. That is illegal.’’ I sat up immediately.

‘’Dare me, Ms. Delmonte.’’ He said it in a slow, sinister voice that made me swallow hard. He pushed the document in front of me again.

“We would be married for three years; your job would be mainly to attend functions and family events as my secretary, as that is the only source of money you would be getting. As repayment, you would bear me two kids. ‘’

‘’You got to be flipping crazy if you think I am going to ever let you touch me.”

Caspian’s face cringed with annoyance. First, let's get something clear, Ms. Delmonte. You would not insult me, or I would inflict pain on everyone you ever cared about, even though they are not so much. Second, I have no intention of consummating this marriage. You are just a means to an end. You will bear me heirs through artificial insemination. Am I clear?’’

Annoyance brewed within me as I stared at the egotistical man in front of me. ‘’You are very well not.’’ I glared at him defiantly.

‘’Get her best friend. Sell her to the black market.’’ He turned to the grim reaper, and I immediately stood up and yelled. “No, please leave Ella out of this.’’ Even though I was very pissed at her, she was the only semblance of family I had left. ‘’ I’ll sign it.’’ My voice broke.

“Anaf’’ He called out to the grim reaper.’’ I turned to look at him to ensure he was there before I picked up the pen on the table and signed the paper. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to fall, but I refused to let them drop. He might have stolen my freedom, but he would never be worthy of my tears.