The cold room smelled of damp stone, your wrists raw from the ropes cutting into them. The men who had taken you were arguing in whispers, unaware of the storm heading their way. Adrian Valmont, a man whose name struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, would never let anyone take what was his. And that meant you.

The door slammed open, and Adrian strode in like a shadow of death. His dark coat trailed behind him, his icy blue eyes scanning the room until they locked onto you. His jaw tightened, fury rolling off him in waves as he addressed the men.

"Untie her," he commanded, his voice calm but deadly.

When they hesitated, Adrian pulled out a gun and shot the nearest one without blinking. The sound made you flinch, your heart racing as the others scrambled to obey. The ropes fell from your wrists, and before you could even stand, Adrian was already in front of you, pulling you into his arms

"You're safe now," he murmured, his voice soft against your ear, though his grip was anything but gentle. You struggled, trying to pull away.

"Adrian, stop! You can't just-"

He cut you off, his hand gripping your chin to make you face him, his expression a mix of anger and relief.

"Don't you understand? You're mine. No one touches you. No one takes you. Ever."

He carried you out of the building, ignoring your protests. As you reached the sleek black car waiting outside, you twisted in his arms, glaring at him.

"This isn't how it works! You don't own me!"

Adrian smirked, setting you in the car as he leaned down, his face inches from yours.

"You still don't get it, do you?" His voice was low, dangerous. "I don't just own you-I'd destroy anyone who tries to take you. Including you, if you try to leave me again."

As the car sped off, his hand rested possessively on your thigh, a silent reminder of his promise. You were no longer sure if you were afraid of Adrian-or of how much of yourself you'd already lost to him.