Neti
The next morning...
I woke up with a headache that felt like it had been carved into my skull. The light from the window seared through my eyelids, the harsh brightness forcing me to squint, but I couldn't ignore the cold weight that pressed on my chest.
The same weight that had been there for weeks now.
I had no real freedom. No escape.
Adolph had control over everything. Over me.
I looked at the bed where I had woken up, the disorienting feeling of him beside me still fresh in my mind. The way he always seemed to keep me on edge, keeping me trapped in a cycle of frustration, desire, and a confusing mix of emotions. I hated how much his presence affected meâhow every time I tried to resist him, I ended up getting pulled right back in.
But something inside me had finally snapped.
Escape.
I couldnât keep living like this. I couldnât keep letting him have that kind of power over me. The walls of this mansion felt like they were closing in on me. It was a golden cage, and I was trapped in it.
I rose from the bed, moving quietly through the room, trying to keep the panic from bubbling up in my chest. The sounds of the mansion were still and distant.
Adolph was probably still asleep, or at least pretending to be. His presence was intoxicatingâalmost like he knew how to control my every move.
I shook my head.
No more.
I pulled on some simple clothes, my fingers trembling as I moved, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on me.
I had to escape.
There had to be a way out, a way to break free from the life that had been imposed on me. The life Adolph had chosen for me.
I had to take control.
But as I made my way to the door, the reality of it hit me. Adolph was powerful. He controlled everything. He would make sure I couldnât get far.
Still, I couldnât stay. Not like this.
My heart pounded in my chest as I opened the door, praying that today would be different. Today, I would take my chance.
_______In the shower ______
The warmth of the water wrapped around me like a cocoon, lulling me deeper into the haze of exhaustion. My limbs felt too heavy to move, my body melting into the soothing heat of the tub. I had only wanted to relax, to clear my mindâbut sleep took me before I could fight it.
And in that sleep, I was running.
Barefoot. Heart pounding. Breath ragged.
The night stretched endlessly before me, the cold biting into my skin as I raced through the dense forest. The mansion was far behind, but I could still feel it, its looming presence chasing me even in the dark. My lungs burned, my legs screamed for rest, but I didnât stop.
I couldnât stop.
I was finally escaping. Finally free.
Or so I thought.
A sharp, gut-wrenching fear twisted in my chest as I felt itâthe shift in the air, the presence behind me.
He found me.
I didnât have to turn around to know it was him.
Adolph.
He was always there, waiting in the shadows, playing a game only he knew the rules to.
A scream clawed its way up my throat, but before I could let it out, I was caught.
A strong arm yanked me back, slamming me against something solidâhim. My back met the wall of his chest, his breath warm against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
âYou really thought you could run, mi amor?â His voice was smooth, dangerous, amused.
I struggled, my hands pushing at his arms, but it was useless. His grip was unyielding, fingers digging into my wrists as he turned me to face him. The moonlight illuminated his faceâsharp, breathtaking, and so infuriatingly calm.
His dark eyes drank in my panic, his lips curling in that slow, knowing smirk.
âDid you have fun trying?â
I hated how effortless his control was. How he didnât even look angryâjust entertained. Like this was a game to him.
I opened my mouth to curse at him, to spit every ounce of my hatred in his face, but before I couldâ
His fingers wrapped around my throat.
Not enough to hurt. Just enough to remind me.
To warn me.
His thumb brushed over my racing pulse, his grip tightening just slightly as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.
âShall I remind you why you can never leave me, cariño?â
Cutie
His lips brushed against my ear, his breath sending a wave of heat through my body, and I hated myself for how my stomach twisted at the sensation.
No. No, no, no.
I tried to move, but his hands were already on me, pinning me against the nearest tree, his body pressing into mine.
And then
The dream had felt too realâhis touch, his grip, the way his voice slithered through my veins like a dangerous lullaby. My pulse still pounded from it, my skin still felt the phantom press of his fingers. But it was just a dream⦠wasnât it?
The nightmare blurred at the edges, twisting into something elseâsomething darker.
Because now, I wasnât just standing in that cold, endless forest.
I was on my knees.
The air around me was heavy, suffocating with his presence. My wrists were bound behind me, the coarse rope digging into my skin, ensuring that I couldnât fight. My breath was shallow, heart racing as I looked up, and there he wasâ
Adolph.
Towering over me, unbothered, as if catching me had been inevitable. As if he had let me run just for his own amusement, only to reel me back in when he pleased.
He crouched in front of me, his dark gaze drinking in my helpless form, his lips curling into something that wasnât quite a smirkâno, it was something worse.
Satisfaction.
"You should have known better, Neti," he murmured, tilting his head. "Running from me? Hmm. What a reckless little thing you are."
I clenched my jaw, refusing to look away, refusing to let him see the fear simmering beneath my anger.
"Let me go."
A soft chuckle. "Let you go?" He reached forward, his fingers tracing along my jaw in a touch that was deceptively gentle. "Oh, cariño, thatâs adorable. Do you really think I would ever let you go?"
I turned my face away, but his grip tightened, forcing me to meet his gaze.
"Look at me."
I didnât want to. But my body obeyed before I could think, drawn to the weight of his authority like a moth to a flame.
He hummed in approval.
"Much better."
Then, without warningâhis hand slid down, gripping my chin, tilting my head back further.
"Now, letâs talk about your punishment."
A shiver ran down my spine, but I swallowed it down, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted.
"I donât belong to you." The words came out in a sharp breath, each syllable laced with defiance.
He laughed. "Oh, mi amor. But you do."
His grip on my jaw loosened only for his fingers to trail lower, over my throat, where his thumb pressed just slightly against the pulse there. A silent reminder of his control.
"Shall I remind you exactly how much you belong to me?" he mused, his voice a velvety whisper laced with amusement.
I clenched my fists behind me, my nails digging into my palms.
"I hate you."
Adolph sighed, shaking his head as if I were some disobedient child. "Dios mÃo, how predictable. But weâll see how long that lasts."
And thenâhe moved.
One moment he was crouched in front of me, the next his hands were gripping my waist, lifting me effortlessly, flipping me until I was pressed against the rough bark of a tree.
My breath hitched. "Adolphâ"
His body was against mine, his breath fanning over my neck. "Shh, corazón. If you want to act reckless, Iâll just have to teach you what happens when you defy me."
Heart
"This is not teaching, this isâ"
"This is necessary." He interrupted smoothly, one of his hands pressing against my lower back, keeping me flush against him. "You need to learn, donât you?"
I hated him.
I hated the way my body betrayed me, how the warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine, how my pulse quickened at the sheer dominance in his voice.
I hated that he knew it.
"Hmm," he mused, fingers trailing along my side as he leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. "You can run all you want, Neti. But I will always catch you."
"Get off me." My voice was breathless, weak.
His lips curled into a smirk against my skin. "Say it like you mean it."
I squeezed my eyes shut, my body betraying me in ways I refused to acknowledge.
"You hate me?" His voice was low, teasing.
"Yes."
"Then why are you shaking?"
I stiffened.
Adolph chuckled, the sound vibrating against me. "You're mine, Neti. And after tonight, you wonât ever forget that again."
_________â¤ï¸ðâ¤ï¸________
My body jerked forward, water sloshing against the edge of the bathtub as I gasped for air. My pulse was pounding, my breath ragged, and for a momentâjust a momentâI could still feel him.
His hands on me. His voice curling around my mind like smoke.
I blinked rapidly, my surroundings slowly settling back into focus. The warm water lapped gently against my skin, scented steam rising around me. The bathroom was dimly lit by the golden glow of the chandelier overhead, the luxury of it all feeling almost out of place after the nightmare I had just experienced.
I exhaled shakily, leaning my head back against the cool marble edge of the tub.
It was just a dream.
But it hadn't felt like one.
The way he had touched me, held me down, whispered those words with absolute certaintyâI shuddered, shaking the thought away. He wasnât here. He didnât just catch me trying to run and punish me for it.
It wasnât real.
Still, my hands curled into fists under the water, frustration bubbling beneath my skin. I hated that even in my own subconscious, I was trapped. That I couldnât escape him, not even in my sleep.
I took a slow, deep breath, letting the warmth of the water soothe my tense muscles. It had only been a dream. But the fact that it had felt so real was proof enoughâ
I needed to get out of here.
It wasn't just a dream
It was a nightmare
I wrapped the plush towel tightly around myself, the warmth of the bath still clinging to my skin. My hair was damp, droplets of water trailing down my spine as I stepped out of the bathroom, exhaling softly.
But the moment I looked up, my entire body went rigid.
He was awake.
Adolph sat at the edge of the bed, one arm lazily draped over his knee, watching me with dark, unreadable eyes. His hair was slightly disheveled from sleep, but there was nothing groggy about his expression.
No.
He was alert. Focused.
On me.
I swallowed, gripping the towel tighter around myself as his gaze slowly trailed over me, taking his time, as if savoring every detail.
âDid you sleep well, mi reina?â His voice was low, edged with amusement.
I forced my shoulders to stay squared. âWell enough.â
His lips quirked. âYou were in there for quite some time. I was beginning to think you had drowned.â
I scowled, stepping further into the room. âWould that have pleased you?â
Adolph chuckled, the sound rich and infuriatingly smooth. âNot at all. I prefer you very much alive.â
His words sent a shiver through me, and I hated the way my traitorous body reacted to himâhated the way my pulse skipped when he spoke like that.
I turned away, moving towards my wardrobe. âI need to get dressed.â
There was a pause. And thenâ
âGo ahead.â
I froze. My fingers twitched at the edge of the towel as I slowly turned my head back toward him.
He wasnât moving.
He was still sitting there. Watching.
A slow smirk spread across his lips. âDonât let me stop you.â
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I spun back around, heart hammering. âGet out.â
His laughter was soft, taunting. âI donât think I will.â
I clenched my jaw, hating him. Hating that he was enjoying this. Hating that a part of meâdeep, deep downâliked the way he looked at me.
I took a steadying breath. If he wanted a reaction, I wouldnât give it to him.
With as much composure as I could muster, I grabbed my clothes and marched back into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me.
From the other side, I heard his quiet chuckle.
Bastard.
I leaned against the bathroom door, pressing a hand to my chest as I tried to calm my racing heart. Damn him. He knew exactly what he was doingâhow to get under my skin, how to make me burn with frustration, embarrassment⦠something else I refused to name.
I exhaled sharply, peeling the towel away from my body and hastily slipping into a soft black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Something comfortable. Something unappealing.
Not that it mattered.
Not with him.
Even if I wore a sack, Adolph would still look at me like I was his favorite pastime, as if he enjoyed unraveling me piece by piece.
I brushed my fingers through my damp hair, letting it fall naturally over my shoulders, and finally gathered enough composure to open the door.
He was still there.
Still on my bed.
Still watching me.
I ignored him, walking past as if he were nothing more than a shadow in the room. I could feel his gaze following my every move, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of looking back.
I sat at the vanity, grabbing a comb to detangle my hair. But the second I lifted my arm, he was suddenly behind me.
I gasped, meeting his reflection in the mirror.
He leaned over, one hand pressing against the vanity, caging me in.
"Did you dream about me, Neti?" His voice was low, taunting.
I stiffened, gripping the comb tightly. "No."
A dark chuckle ghosted over my neck. "Liar."
I could feel his presence so close behind me, the warmth of his body radiating against my skin, as if he were deliberately pressing into my space to remind me who held the power here. But I refused to let him have the satisfaction.
"I'm not lying." My voice was steady, though the tremor in my chest threatened to betray me. I wouldnât let him win. Not this time.
Adolphâs eyes locked onto mine in the mirror, and his lips curved into that familiar, irritating smirk. "You donât need to lie to me, Neti. I can see it." His tone was soft, almost amused, like he was indulging in a private joke that only he understood.
I swallowed hard, my heart racing, but I kept my eyes locked on his reflection.
"I donât dream about you," I said again, my voice firmer this time.
He laughed, a rich, mocking sound that sent a ripple of heat across my skin. "Oh, but you do. Every night. You just donât realize it yet."
I tried to focus on the comb in my hand, but his words slid through my mind, penetrating deeper than I cared to admit. Was it possible? Was he right? Had I been dreaming about him without even knowing?
No.
I wouldn't give in. I refused to give him that victory.
âStop.â My voice cracked, but I forced it steady. âI donât need your games today, Adolph.â
His hand moved to my shoulder, brushing lightly over the bare skin of my arm, and I froze. His fingers were warm, a subtle burn against my skin. I hated how easily he could have this effect on me.
âGames, Neti?â he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. âYou say that, but all you do is play along.â
I stiffened, setting the comb down with deliberate slowness, my heart thudding loudly in my chest. âIâm not playing anything.â
His finger trailed down my arm, and I could feel the fire igniting beneath my skin. âI think you are,â he said softly, his lips brushing against the curve of my neck as he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. âI think youâre just too proud to admit it.â
I pulled away sharply, standing up and moving to the other side of the room, needing space between us. I couldnât give him what he wanted.
But Adolph wasnât having it. He moved with a fluid grace, crossing the room in two strides. "Don't move away from me, Neti," he said, his voice low and commanding. "You can't escape me. Not like this."
I glared at him, trying to hold my ground despite the rapid beat of my heart. "I can, and I will."
His eyes darkened, that familiar challenge flickering in them. "You really think you can, huh?" He took another step forward, closing the distance between us again.
Before I could even blink, his hand was on my wrist, pulling me closer to him. I struggled, but his grip was firm. His thumb brushed over my pulse point, and I felt a strange shiver run through me.
"Youâre always so stubborn," he muttered, his voice rough, almost like he was savoring the fight. "But I like that about you. It makes this even better."
I wanted to pull away, to escape, but something in the way his gaze held me rooted me in place. God, why did I let him do this?
"You donât have to make this harder on yourself," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "You know how this game ends."
I refused to give in. I yanked my wrist out of his grip, stepping back with defiance. "This game ends with me walking out of this room, Adolph."
His gaze flickered with something dark, dangerous. "You think so? Maybe youâll walk away. Maybe not. But one thingâs for sure, Neti..."
He took another step, closing the space between us once again, and his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that left no room for escape. "I always get what I want."
______________â¤ï¸______________