Chapter 7 – Captive Under His Protection
1092 Words
Ariana left the office late that evening, exhaustion weighing on her bones. The day had been a blur—those photographs still burned in her mind, and Mark’s words “Because you’re mine” echoed in her ears like a haunting song.
She shook her head, scolding herself. No. He doesn’t mean it. To him, I’m just a responsibility. A deal. Nothing more.
Still, her heart betrayed her, thudding harder whenever she replayed the way his eyes had softened when he said it.
The city night was quiet as she walked home. The streetlights flickered, casting long shadows on the pavement. She hugged her bag close, trying to ignore the prickling sensation crawling across her skin.
Someone was watching her.
She quickened her pace. The sound of footsteps echoed behind her—too slow, too deliberate. Panic rose in her throat. She turned a corner, her hands trembling as she fumbled for her phone.
Before she could dial, a figure stepped out of the shadows.
“Going somewhere, sweetheart?”
Her blood froze.
Two men emerged, both strangers, their eyes glinting with something dark. One reached out, fingers brushing her arm. Ariana jerked back, fear tearing through her chest.
“Don’t touch me!” she shouted, voice cracking.
The taller man smirked. “Relax. We just want to talk. Pretty girl like you… shouldn’t be walking alone.”
Her heart thundered. Were these the same people who took those photos?
The second man moved closer, blocking her path. “Boss has his eyes on you,” he sneered. “Says you belong to him now.”
Ariana’s mind reeled. Boss? Who? Why her?
“Please—let me go—”
A sudden roar of an engine cut through the air. Headlights flared as a sleek black car screeched to a stop. The men barely had time to react before the driver’s door slammed open.
Mark.
His presence hit like a storm. He moved fast, lethal—grabbing the nearest man by the collar and slamming him against the wall. The second tried to flee, but Rafe was already there, catching him with brutal efficiency.
“You dare touch what’s mine?” Mark’s voice was a snarl, cold and merciless.
The man choked, struggling in his grip. “W-we didn’t—”
Mark’s fist silenced him, sending him crumpling to the ground. His glare swept to the second, who was now pinned by Rafe.
“Tell your boss,” Mark growled, his tone like steel, “if he ever comes near her again, I’ll bury every last one of you.”
The man stammered, nodding frantically, before Rafe tossed him aside. Both thugs scrambled away, disappearing into the shadows.
Ariana stood frozen, trembling violently. Her knees threatened to give out.
Mark turned to her, his chest heaving, fury still burning in his eyes. But when he saw her pale face, his rage melted into something else—fear.
He stepped closer, his voice softer. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head, though her tears betrayed her. “I-I’m fine,” she whispered. But the moment his hand touched her arm, the dam broke. Her body shook with sobs as she clutched at him, burying her face against his chest.
Mark’s arms wrapped around her instantly, holding her tight. For the first time, Ariana felt safe—not because she believed in his world, but because of the way he shielded her from it.
“You’re coming with me,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
“W-what?” she stammered, pulling back.
“It’s not safe here. Not anymore.” His dark eyes locked onto hers. “From now on, you stay where I can see you. My place. Until this threat is gone.”
Her heart raced. Stay with him? Live under the same roof as the man who turned her world upside down?
“I… I can’t,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I can’t just move into your house—”
“You can,” he interrupted sharply. “And you will.”
His tone was commanding, but his hand gently brushed away a tear from her cheek. “I won’t risk losing you.”
Her breath caught. His words sank into her like fire, leaving her speechless.
The ride to his mansion was silent, heavy with unspoken emotions. Ariana sat stiffly in the backseat, her mind a storm. She should protest. She should refuse. But deep down, the memory of those men’s words, their eyes, their hands—she knew Mark was right.
When the car pulled into the long driveway, Ariana’s eyes widened. His mansion loomed like a fortress, dark and intimidating. Guards lined the perimeter, their eyes sharp, their weapons visible.
Inside, the house was stunning—grand chandeliers, marble floors, walls lined with priceless art. But Ariana couldn’t enjoy any of it. She felt out of place, like a fragile bird trapped in a cage of steel.
Mark guided her upstairs, his hand resting lightly on her back. He opened the door to a spacious bedroom, elegant but warm.
“You’ll stay here,” he said. “No one gets in or out without my approval.”
Ariana glanced around, overwhelmed. “This… this isn’t right. I can’t live here. What will people say? What about work—?”
“You’re under my protection now,” Mark cut in, his voice low but firm. “Let them talk. Let them wonder. Your safety is all that matters.”
She turned to face him, frustration sparking through her fear. “You don’t get to decide my life, Mark! You can’t just lock me up here like some—”
His hand shot out, gripping her chin gently but firmly, forcing her eyes to meet his.
“I’m not locking you up,” he said, his voice rough, eyes burning into hers. “I’m keeping you alive.”
Her breath hitched. For a moment, neither of them moved, the air charged with tension. His gaze dropped to her lips, lingering there, but he forced himself to step back, releasing her.
“I’ll have Rafe bring your things,” he muttered, his voice husky, almost strained. “Get some rest.”
And with that, he left, closing the door behind him.
Ariana stood there, her heart pounding, her body trembling—not from fear this time, but from something far more dangerous.
Because deep down, she realized she wasn’t afraid of Mark anymore.
She was afraid of how much she wanted him.
- Writer
