Chapter 11 – Victor Strikes Again
653 Words
Serena hadn’t realized how much the mansion had become her shield until she stepped beyond its gates.
The city looked the same—crowded streets, flashing lights, people moving in every direction—but she felt different. Exposed. Unprotected. Every passing face made her heart race.
Adrian walked beside her, tall and unbothered, his presence commanding the sidewalk to quietly part for him.
“Stay close,” he said.
“I am,” Serena replied, even though she was already half a step behind him.
They were headed to a high-end clothing boutique. Adrian insisted she needed appropriate attire for an upcoming gala. Serena suspected it was also a test.
A test of whether she could function outside his walls.
Inside the store, warm lights gleamed off polished floors and glass displays. Soft music played in the background.
For a moment, Serena relaxed.
Until she felt it.
That familiar sensation.
Someone watching.
Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag.
“Adrian,” she murmured.
He didn’t look at her. “I know.”
Serena’s pulse spiked.
They moved deeper into the store. A sales assistant approached, greeting Adrian nervously.
“I’ll browse,” Adrian said calmly. “Bring her anything she wants.”
Serena turned sharply. “You’re leaving me?”
“I’ll be ten steps away,” he replied. “You need to learn awareness. Not dependence.”
She didn’t like it.
But she nodded.
The assistant led Serena toward a rack of dresses.
That was when a hand brushed her arm.
Light.
Intentional.
Serena froze.
“You still look beautiful when you’re scared.”
Victor’s voice slid into her ear like poison.
Her breath caught.
She turned slowly.
Victor stood far too close, wearing a casual smile that did not match the coldness in his eyes.
“How did you find me?” she whispered.
Victor chuckled. “Did you really think Adrian could hide you forever?”
Serena stepped back.
Victor stepped forward.
“Relax,” he said. “I just want to talk.”
“I don’t.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
Her heart pounded painfully.
She glanced toward where Adrian had been standing.
He wasn’t there.
Victor leaned closer. “You chose the wrong protector.”
Serena forced herself to remember Adrian’s words.
Fear is only useful if you control it.
“Move away from me,” she said, her voice trembling but firm.
Victor’s smile widened.
“Or what?”
Serena swallowed.
She lifted her hand suddenly and shoved him in the chest.
Victor stumbled back a step, clearly not expecting resistance.
Serena turned and ran.
“Serena!” Victor called.
She dodged between racks of clothes, knocking into hangers, breath burning in her lungs.
Hands grabbed her wrist.
She screamed.
The grip vanished instantly.
Victor slammed into a clothing rack with a loud crash.
Adrian stood between them.
His face was calm.
His eyes were not.
“You touched what belongs to me,” Adrian said quietly.
Victor straightened, rubbing his jaw.
“Still pretending she’s yours?”
Adrian didn’t answer.
He punched Victor.
The sound echoed through the store.
Shoppers screamed.
Security rushed forward.
Adrian grabbed Serena’s hand.
“Now.”
They exited through the back door and into the alley.
Serena was shaking so badly she could barely stand.
Adrian pulled her against his chest.
“Look at me,” he said.
She lifted her face.
“You did well,” he said.
Her eyes filled with tears.
“I was scared.”
“You still ran,” he said. “You still fought. That matters.”
She clutched his jacket.
For the first time, Adrian didn’t push her away.
He held her.
Victor was no longer just a shadow.
He was actively hunting her.
And Serena finally understood the truth.
This wasn’t just a contract anymore.
This was survival.
And Adrian Blackwood was the only man standing between her and hell.
- Writer
