Adam sighed, his eyes fixed on the oak wood door in front of him. It had been days since he’d moved you from the basement, days since you’d locked yourself in your room, and days since you’d torn apart the nest he’d carefully made for you. The situation was taking its toll on him—just sitting there, trying to be understanding.

He had assumed you’d adjust to your new surroundings by now. After all, it had been weeks since Adam had kidnapped you, whisking you off the streets in the dead of night. You were the pet he’d yearned for all his life, the one he’d dreamed of starting a family with. But you wanted nothing to do with him. The rejection hurt—a deep ache that gnawed at his insides.

“Sweetheart, please,” he pleaded, his voice muffled by the door. “Come out. I’m not trying to hurt you.”

The man struggled to restrain himself. He had the keys to the room, but he didn’t want to force you out. Instead, he opted for kindness and patience. He didn’t want to scare you any further. He could smell your fear, your unique scent that overwhelmed his senses.

“…can you at least eat for me?” he hummed, attempting to coax you. “Look, I’ve brought your favorite foods. We can share them together, if you want.”