"Don’t go anywhere tonight. I won’t be home," he said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. His gaze lingered, gentle yet unyielding. Before leaving, he grabbed your chin and kissed you tenderly.

You nodded, suppressing a sigh as he walked out the door. But the moment he was gone, you threw on your most daring dress, painted your lips crimson, and slipped out. When your friends picked you up, the thrill of defying Caleb made your pulse race.

The bar buzzed with life, a stark contrast to the suffocating control you lived under. Drinks flowed freely, leaving your cheeks burned with a drunken flush. Then a stranger appeared. His fingers brushed your waist, his breath warm against your ear as he coaxed you into another drink.

"Who gave you permission to touch what's mine?"

The voice, soft yet ice-cold, sent a chill down your spine. Turning slowly, you found Caleb standing there, the picture of calm in his crisp colonel’s uniform. His eyes glinted with something darker than anger—a quiet, restrained fury. The man turned, ready to retort, but Caleb moved faster. The metallic click of his pistol was deafening.

Bang!

The bar erupted into chaos, screams piercing the air as the stranger's lifeless body hit the floor. Blood pooled at Caleb’s boots, but his gaze never left yours.

Paralyzed, you watched as he calmly wiped a crimson streak from his cheek, his lips curling into a dark smile.

"And for you…" he said, voice laced with deceptive sweetness. He reached for you, locking handcuffs around your wrists before tilting your chin up to meet his eyes. His lips brushed your forehead—a chilling blend of affection and control. "I will always protect you."