Chapter 3: Bound in Black Velvet
799 Words
Chapter 3: Bound in Black Velvet
(Desire blurs the lines)
The ride back was silent—too silent.
Cade’s jaw was clenched so tight it looked like it might crack. One hand gripped the steering wheel; the other lay tense in his lap. Aria sat beside him, stiff as a board, heart still hammering from Damon’s words and Cade’s icy claim.
Mine.
The way he said it—like staking a claim, like marking territory—no man had ever spoken of her like that before. Not with fury, not with possession.
And not like he truly meant it.
They pulled into the underground garage beneath his penthouse. Aria finally broke the silence, voice barely steady.
“Tell me what that was about.”
Cade didn’t meet her eyes. “Stay away from him.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He killed the engine and turned slowly, predator scenting blood.
“Damon destroys everything I care about.”
Aria blinked. “But you don’t care about me.”
His eyes darkened. “No. But you’re mine.”
That possessive edge sent a shiver racing down her spine—equal parts fear and something far more dangerous.
Excitement.
He opened her door, his presence a low warning. They rode the elevator in tense silence, electricity crackling between them.
His gaze pinned her when the doors closed.
“Why were you alone with him?”
She scoffed. “I went for air.”
“And he followed.”
“I’m not your possession, Cade.”
“You signed the contract,” he growled. “You wear my ring. You show up on my arm. In public, you belong to me.”
“And in private?”
No answer. Instead, his hand reached out slowly, giving her a chance to pull away.
She didn’t.
His fingers brushed her jaw, tilting her face up. The touch was gentle and searing all at once.
“In private? I haven’t decided what to do with you yet.”
The penthouse lights flicked on, casting cold shadows over the sleek, sterile luxury she was beginning to hate.
Cade poured a drink, swallowed it down, then poured another—without offering her one.
Aria moved to the window, watching the city’s glittering skyline. Her reflection stared back—flushed cheeks, wary eyes, a woman draped in blood-red silk and regret.
“This isn’t what I expected,” she murmured.
“Romance?” Cade’s laugh was sharp, humorless. “Candlelight and roses?”
She met his gaze. “Something human.”
He shrugged. “Then you shouldn’t have sold yourself to the devil.”
Her breath caught.
“Is that what you are?”
He didn’t answer. Just drank.
Then, suddenly, he was close—too close.
Hands braced on either side of her against the glass, breath hot against her lips.
“You know what it costs to stay on top in my world?” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “How many knives I’ve taken. How many I’ve had to drive in first.”
She swallowed hard. “Is that why you don’t trust anyone?”
He smiled—twisted and lonely. “I trust one person. Myself.”
And then, his eyes locked on hers—stormy and raw.
“You? You’re a problem I can’t afford to want.”
Her body froze, but inside, the fire burned.
Because between them, the air was charged with something fierce.
And she wasn’t sure who would burn first.
“Kiss me,” she whispered before she could stop herself.
Shock flared in his eyes. Then darkness.
He stepped back.
“No.”
The rejection hit colder than ice.
Her lips parted, confusion and anger mingling. “Why not?”
“Because you want control,” he said darkly. “And I don’t play fair.”
Aria’s cheeks flushed. “So you’ll chain me to your side in public, touch me like I’m yours—but in private, I’m off limits?”
“Yes.”
“That’s twisted.”
He smiled—no warmth. “That’s the deal.”
She stormed past him, furious. “You’re a coward.”
His face hardened—storm clouds behind his eyes.
But he didn’t stop her.
She slammed the guest bedroom door behind her, breath ragged.
Alone in the dark, she lay awake for hours, Cade’s voice echoing:
You’re mine.
You want control.
But what if she didn’t?
What if, for once, she wanted to let go—not to the devil, but to something else entirely?
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number:
> Did he hurt you?
Her heart leapt.
She typed back before thinking.
Aria:
> Who is this?
Unknown number:
> You know.
She did.
Damon.
Another message:
> Meet me tomorrow. Observatory. Midnight. Come alone.
- Writer
