Obsession in the shadows

Chapter 3

I don't know your name, you f**king asshøle! You’re fired!” she yelled.

“It's Aaron, and I warned you,” Aaron said, his hands pinning her to the bed.

✯✯✯

“I swear, if you try anything with me, my father will end you—and your entire family,” she screamed, her voice cracking but still sharp enough to cut.

Aaron didn’t flinch.

He pressed her down, face flattening against the silk sheets that bunched beneath her cheek.

One hand locked her spine, the other moved with deliberate calm, sliding his tie free from his collar.

The sound of fabric whispering through his fingers was louder than her threats.

He bound her wrists with practiced precision—tight enough to immobilize, loose enough to remind her he was in control. Not rushed. Not angry.

Controlled.

Ariel thrashed beneath him, nails digging into the sheets as she tried to push herself up. The more she struggled, the harder his weight came down, forcing the air from her lungs.

Outside the room, hidden cameras captured everything.

On a tablet screen, the Aurora Suite played in real time.

The chief guard stood still, eyes locked on the display.

One of the guards stepped forward instinctively.

“Chief… the president would be furious if that guy does anything to the Miss.”

Connor didn’t look away.

“Let’s watch,” he said calmly, the corner of his mouth lifting—not quite a smile, not quite concern.

Inside the room, Aaron’s hands moved to his waist.

Metal clicked.

Leather slid free.

Ariel’s breath hitched.

“Ahhh… you want to r**e me from behind?!” she screamed, twisting violently, trying to turn her head, her pulse pounding wild beneath her skin.

Aaron said nothing.

That silence burned hotter than words.

Stepping into her line of sight, he folded the belt once around his fist. His gaze was unreadable, cold, flat, final.

“I don’t give second chances,” he said. His voice didn’t rise—but authority wrapped every syllable, sinking straight into her bones.

“Apologize. Now.”

A shiver crawled down her spine.

“Go to hell!” Ariel spat.

Whip—

The sound cut through the room.

Pain exploded.

“Ahhhh!” Her scream tore free as the belt struck her, heat and shock colliding in one brutal second.

Outside, Connor’s eyes widened.

More guards crowded behind him, staring at the screen. One pressed his lips together, fighting laughter. Others watched, stunned, unsure whether to intervene or pretend they hadn’t seen anything at all.

Whip—

The second strike landed harder.

Sharper.

Relentless.

“Aaron! I’m sorry!!!” Ariel screamed, tears spilling unchecked, her voice breaking completely.

The short, tight mini skirt rode higher as she struggled—nothing beneath it. No protection. No shield.

The pain didn’t just bite her skin. It cracked something deeper. Her pride. Her certainty. Her belief that she was untouchable.

She went still.

“Good girl,” Aaron said quietly.

He released her.

Unwound the tie from her wrists.

Straightened his shirt.

Buckled his belt back into place like nothing had happened.

Ariel rolled onto her side, gasping, clutching herself.

“My @ss!” she cried, unable to sit, pain pulsing with every movement.

She forced herself up, legs shaking, eyes blazing with humiliation and fury as she glared at him.

“You’re dead meat,” she hissed. “I’ll make sure you die a painful death.”

She stormed out of the room.

The hallway fell silent as she faced the guards.

“All of you were here,” she snapped, her gaze locking on Connor. “And you watched him harass me?”

Connor met her stare without blinking.

“You’re all dead,” she said, voice trembling with rage, before turning away and disappearing down the corridor.

Aaron stepped out moments later.

Unhurried.

Untouched.

His expression hadn’t changed.

“That’s some nerve you’ve got there,” Connor said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Aaron didn’t respond.

Connor pointed to a door opposite the Aurora Suite.

“If the president makes his final decision and you stay, that’ll be your room.”

Aaron nodded once.

“I’m Connor,” the chief added. “But everyone calls me Chief.”

His phone buzzed.

“The president’s assistant,” Connor muttered, stepping away to answer.

Aaron turned his gaze on the remaining guards.

One look.

That was all it took.

They lowered their heads.

Connor ended the call and gestured sharply.

“Follow me.”