CHAPTER 5: HIS PROTECTION
352 Words
The words echoed in Aria's ears.
They're coming for you.
She pulled her hand from Damian's grip.
"My grandmother..." she whispered, tears blurring her vision. "Where is she?"
"We're still tracking her location."
"You expect me to stand here while she's in danger?"
Damian stepped closer until only inches separated them.
"No."
His voice was low and steady.
"I expect you to stay alive."
Aria glared at him.
"You don't get to order me around."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You signed the contract."
"I haven't signed anything."
"Not yet."
His dark eyes locked onto hers.
"But you will."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The air between them felt heavy.
Every heartbeat seemed louder than the last.
Damian slowly brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.
His fingertips barely grazed her skin.
The gentle touch sent an unexpected shiver through her.
She quickly stepped back.
"Don't."
His expression softened for the first time.
"I needed to make sure you were real."
"What does that even mean?"
He looked away.
"You remind me of someone I lost."
Before she could ask another question, his phone buzzed.
One glance at the screen erased every trace of warmth from his face.
"They've moved."
"Who?"
"The people who took your grandmother."
Within minutes, Damian's security team filled the penthouse.
Black SUVs lined the entrance to Blackwood Tower.
Damian handed Aria a small velvet box.
She frowned.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
Inside was a delicate silver bracelet set with a tiny sapphire.
"It's beautiful..."
"It's also a tracking device."
Aria looked up.
"So you can keep an eye on me?"
"So I can find you before anyone else does."
She hesitated.
Then, without a word, Damian fastened the bracelet around her wrist.
His fingers lingered for a brief moment.
Their eyes met.
For the first time since they'd met, Aria didn't look away.
A sharp beep shattered the silence.
One of the guards rushed toward them.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
"We've located the kidnappers."
Damian's gaze hardened.
"Where?"
The guard swallowed.
"They're waiting..."
"For you."
End of Chapter 5
- Writer
