Chapter 30 ۵ Regret

YARA'S POV

The evening air stung my lungs as I tore through the dense forest, my heart hammering so loudly it felt like it might burst from my chest. The twigs and branches snagged at my clothes, clawing at my skin, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. My escape from Alejandro's mansion had been so carefully planned, days, no, weeks of preparation boiled down to this dash for freedom. I had lied to the guards, claiming I needed a quiet walk to clear my head. I'd slipped my phone into a potted plant so it couldn't betray my location. I'd squeezed through a thorny, overgrown path by the back gates, scraping my arms and legs raw, but I didn't care.

I hadn't stopped running since.

The road stretched before me now, pale and endless under the faint glow of the moon. It felt like a lifeline, a promise. No more walls. No more locked doors. No more suffocating control. I was free, or at least, I was close enough to taste it.

My legs, trembling and weak, finally gave out as I approached the edge of a little town. I collapsed onto a cold wooden bench outside a darkened café, the windows boarded up as if it had been abandoned years ago. For the first time in what felt like hours, I allowed myself to breathe. My chest heaved, every inhale sharp and painful, but I didn't care. I was out.

I was free. I wasn't sure on what to do from here. Should I turn around? Or should I run and leave Alejandro.......My conflicting thoughts carried on as I caught my breath.

But the relief was short lived.

The low hum of an engine pierced the silence, and my blood turned to ice. I whipped my head toward the sound, my breath catching in my throat. A sleek black car crawled up the curb, its headlights bathing me in a harsh, blinding glow.

"No" I whispered, my stomach churning with dread. I scrambled to my feet, my body screaming in protest, but it was too late.

The driver's side door opened, and Alejandro stepped out. His tall frame loomed in the artificial light, his every movement deliberate and predatory. He wasn't wearing his tie, his shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his hair slightly disheveled, but his dark eyes were as sharp as ever, locked onto me with terrifying intensity. I froze. Panic rooted me to the spot as he strode toward me, his steps unhurried, calculated.

"Get up" he ordered, his voice low and sharp, cutting through the night like a blade.

"I-I didn't mean to-"

"Get. Up." The words were like a whip, leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated for a moment too long, and that was all he needed. He closed the distance between us in two long strides, his hand lashing out to grab my arm. His grip was unyielding as he hauled me to my feet like I weighed nothing.

"Please, I'm sorry!" I cried, twisting and struggling against him, but it was useless. He didn't even flinch.

He spun me around to face him, his other hand grabbing my face with brutal force. His fingers pressed into my jaw, tilting my head up so I had no choice but to look at him.

"You lied to my guards" he growled, his voice dripping with venom. "You ran. Did you really think I wouldn't find you?"

"I-I didn't-"

"Don't bloody lie to me!" he barked, shaking me slightly, his grip unrelenting. Tears spilled from my eyes, hot and uncontrollable, as my breaths turned to shallow gasps. "I just needed to get out" I sobbed. "I couldn't stay locked up anymore!"

His lips curled into a cruel smile, and the sight of it made my stomach twist. "And how far did you think you'd get, hmm?" His tone was mocking, laced with disdain. He released my face with a sharp jerk, and I stumbled back, barely catching myself.

"You can't outrun me, Yara" he said coldly. "You should know this by now"

Before I could respond, before I could even think, he grabbed my arm again, dragging me toward the car. I thrashed against him, but it was like fighting against a steel cage.

"Please" I begged, tears choking my words. "Alejandro, please!"

"Get in" he snapped, yanking the passenger door open and shoving me inside with such force that I hit the seat hard, the breath knocked out of me. The door slammed shut, and he rounded the car, slipping into the driver's seat with a frightening calmness. The silence during the drive back to the mansion was suffocating. Alejandro's hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white, his jaw clenched in rigid, furious determination.

I dared a glance at him, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm sorry......" I mumbled.

His eyes flicked to me, cold. "You will be" he said simply, and that single sentence made my stomach drop. I turned away, staring out the window as tears streamed silently down my face. The road stretched on, endless and dark, and the hope I had felt just hours ago was gone, crushed beneath the weight of his presence. When we pulled up to the mansion, Alejandro didn't bother saying a word. The car hadn't even come to a full stop before he was out, yanking my door open. His hand closed around my arm like a vice, dragging me out with no regard for how my knees buckled beneath me.

"Alejandro, please" I whimpered, stumbling after him as he marched through the grand front doors. He didn't respond. His grip was unrelenting as he hauled me through the entryway. We didn't stop in the main hall. Instead, he dragged me toward a narrow stairwell tucked behind a heavy wooden door I had never noticed before.

"Alejandro, wait" I begged, pulling against him, though it did nothing but make his grip tighten. He still said nothing. The silence was worse than any words.

The stairwell spiraled downward, the air growing colder with every step. By the time we reached the bottom, my skin prickled, goosebumps racing up my arms. The basement was dimly lit, a single flickering bulb casting erratic shadows across the bare concrete walls. My eyes darted around, landing on ominous tools and objects I couldn't identify.

And then I saw it.

In the center of the room was a metal chair, bolted to the floor, stark and foreboding in the eerie light.

"Alejandro" I choked, panic clawing at my throat. "What are you going to do?" Still, he didn't answer. His silence was deafening, his movements mechanical as he dragged me to the chair and shoved me down with enough force to make my teeth rattle.

"Stop it! please!" I cried, thrashing against him as he pulled a set of thick leather straps from the chair's sides. He ignored my pleading, securing my wrists to the cold armrests. His hands moved with infuriating precision, tightening the straps until they bit into my skin. He crouched by my ankles, locking them down as well. When he finally stood, towering over me, his face was a mask of calm. That eerie, detached calm that frightened me more than his anger ever could.

"Do you think I enjoy this?" he asked, his tone as smooth as ice.

"I didn't mean to run" I sobbed, my tears flowing freely now. "I didn't mean to-"

"Didn't mean?" His voice sharpened, cutting me off as he leaned down, his face inches from mine. His eyes were like dark pits, endless and unforgiving. "Every step you took away from me was a choice, Yara. Don't insult me by pretending it wasn't" I shook my head, trembling, but the truth in his words left me mute. He straightened, his eyes boring into me for one agonizing moment longer before he turned and walked out. The heavy door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing in the cold, empty space. I was alone.....

I tugged at the straps, twisting my wrists until the leather burned my skin, but they didn't give in. My breath came in shallow gasps, the cold air biting at my face and seeping into my bones. Minutes felt like hours. The silence pressed on, suffocating and endless.

When the door finally creaked open, I flinched.

Alejandro stepped inside, his presence filling the room like a shadow. In his hand, glinting under the flickering light, was a sleek knife. He twirled it casually between his fingers, his eyes fixed on me.

"I had plans tonight" he said, his tone almost conversational. "Plans that didn't involve chasing after you like some kind of fool"

"I'm sorry" I whispered, my voice trembling, barely audible.

He ignored me, continuing as though I hadn't spoken. "I was going to take you out to dinner" he said, the knife glinting as it caught the light. "It would've been a nice change, no?" I tried to shrink into the chair, but the restraints held me firm. My breath hitched when he stepped closer, the blade's cold edge brushing against my cheek.

"Alejandro" I whimpered, tears streaming down my face. "Are you going to hurt me?"

He tilted his head, a cruel smirk curling his lips. "Well only if you think you deserve it. Do you?" I sobbed, my voice breaking as the knife traced along my jawline, so close it sent shivers down my spine. It didn't cut, but it grazed just enough to make my skin tingle with the threat.

"Answer me cariño" he demanded, his voice sharp and unyielding.

"I don't know!" I cried, choking on my own tears. "I don't know what you want me to say" He chuckled, a low, dark sound that made my stomach churn. The knife pulled away, and he stepped back, watching me with a look that was almost amused.

"I wasn't planning on cutting you" he said, his tone mocking. "But it's good to know you think I might"

My chest heaved, relief and dread warring within me as he moved behind the chair. I flinched when his fingers brushed my wrist, but all he did was unbuckle the straps, one by one.

Once I was free, he grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet.

"Go upstairs" he ordered, his voice clipped. "Get dressed. We're still going to dinner"

I blinked at him, too stunned to move. "What?"

"You heard me" he snapped, his eyes narrowing with impatience. "Move, Yara" My legs trembled beneath me, but I nodded numbly, too afraid to do anything else. As he released my arm, I stumbled toward the door, my body stiff and unsteady.

My legs felt like jelly as I stumbled toward the stairs. Every step was heavier than the last, the weight of Alejandro's anger pressing down on me like a physical force. By the time I reached my room, I could barely turn the doorknob. I slipped inside and shut the door quickly, leaning against it as though it could somehow protect me. The weight of everything crashed down on me, and I slid to the floor, burying my face in my hands.

Fifteen minutes.

After a few deep breaths, I forced myself to my feet and moved toward the closet. My hands fumbled through the hangers, searching without really knowing what I was looking for. What kind of outfit did you wear for a man who had just dragged you out of a basement and threatened you with a knife?

My eyes landed on a sleek black dress hanging at the back of the closet. It was something I'd never worn before, expensive and elegant, the kind of thing Alejandro would pick out.

The fabric felt cold against my skin, a stark contrast to the heat still burning on my cheek where his hand had gripped me. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I pulled my hair into a low bun. Tears had left streaks down my face, and my makeup was smudged. I redid my makeup, the best I could with the time I was given.

A sharp knock at the door startled me, and I jumped, my heart leaping into my throat.

"Time's up" Alejandro's voice called from the other side. It was calm, almost indifferent, but there was no mistaking the authority in his tone. I opened the door slowly, keeping my eyes downcast. Alejandro stood there, dressed in a tailored suit, his hair neatly combed back. He looked completely composed, as if the man from the basement, cold, furious, and unrelenting was someone else entirely.

His gaze swept over me, lingering just long enough to make my stomach twist. "Good" he said simply. "Let's go"

I followed him silently, my hands clasped tightly in front of me to keep them from shaking. Alejandro's presence was overwhelming, his every movement deliberate and commanding. The click of his shoes against the marble floors echoed in the quiet house, each step tightening the knot in my chest. When we stepped outside, a sleek black car was waiting for us in the driveway. Alejandro opened the door and gestured for me to get in. I hesitated for a fraction of a second, but the slight narrowing of his eyes was enough to make me obey without protest.

The ride to the restaurant had been unbearable, the kind of silence that felt loud. As we stepped inside the restaurant, the eeriness hit me like a wall. The grand chandeliers cast a soft golden glow over rows of perfectly set tables, each one untouched except for a single one at the back. My stomach sank. He'd reserved the entire restaurant. His hand was firm on the small of my back, steering me forward with an ease that made me feel like I had no agency.

As we approached the table, a waiter appeared as if from nowhere, bowing slightly before pulling out a chair for me. I hesitated, glancing at Alejandro, searching his face for some hint of what he was planning. His expression was calm, too calm, his dark eyes unreadable as he gestured for me to sit.

"Go on, love" he said, his voice smooth, almost jeering. My legs felt like they might give out as I lowered myself into the chair.

The waiter poured wine into his glass and water into mines, Alejandro ordered for both of us without even glancing my way. His tone was polite but commanding, his choices confident. I sat there, silent, my hands twisting in my lap as the weight of his presence bore down on me.

When we were alone again, he picked up his wine glass, swirling the deep red liquid lazily. His eyes were on me, watching, studying.

"You look tense, Yara" he mused.

"I wonder why...." I muttered, my lips curled downward in disgust and hatred.

He leaned back in his chair, his lip curling in twisted amusement "what was that?" He raised a brow.

I blinked, struggling to meet his gaze. "Nothing. I......I'm fine"

His arched brow dropped, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Fine" he repeated, his tone dripping with disbelief. "You were crying not long ago, and now you're fine. Impressive" I opened my mouth to send a snarky comment his way, but no words came out. I tried my best to ignore his intense gaze.

"So" he said, setting his glass down and folding his hands on the table "what exactly was your plan out there? After you ran past my gates" My chest tightened, and I dropped my gaze to my lap. What could I say? I didn't have a plan. I'd been running on instinct, desperation. "I don't know" I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled softly, the sound laced with mockery. "You didn't know" he said, shaking his head. "You risked everything on a whim?" He let out a dry chuckle, mocking me.

"I wasn't thinking" I said quickly, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I just needed to get out"

"Needed to get out" he echoed, his fingers drumming softly on the table. His tone was quiet, almost reflective.

Tears welled up in my eyes but I pushed them back, instead trying to find the words to explain myself. "I didn't mean to ruin your plans" I said, my voice shaking. "I just-"

"Don't" he interrupted. His voice softened, but the authority in it was undeniable. "What's done is done. Let's not ruin this night with your excuses" I bit my lip and nodded, my fingers tightening around the edge of the tablecloth.

Then, as if a switch had flipped, his demeanor shifted. He leaned back again, his tone almost conversational. "Tell me, Yara" he said, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn't place. "What's your favorite thing to eat?"

The question caught me off guard. "I.....I don't know" I stammered, unsure of where this was going.

"You don't know?" he repeated, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You're full of surprises tonight" he said sarcastically.

The waiter returned with the first course, delicately arranged appetizers that looked more like art than food. Alejandro thanked him politely, his attention still fixed on me.

He asked more questions as we ate, seemingly innocent ones. My favourite drink. My childhood memories. My favourite movies. His tone was light, almost playful, but there was a tension beneath it, simmering just out of reach.

I answered as best I could, but each question felt like a test, each answer a potential misstep.

"Why black?" he asked suddenly, his eyes flicking to my dress.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "It felt appropriate" I said finally, my voice quiet.

"Appropriate?" he repeated, his gaze darkening slightly. "Interesting choice, considering the circumstances"

I flushed, my cheeks burning under his scrutiny.

"Relax, princess" he said, his tone smooth as he took another sip of wine. "I'm not going to bite....." Not tonight, I thought bitterly, though I kept the words to myself.

"Unless you want me to" he smirked, his tone set to mock.

I didn't even take a bite of my dessert "can we go?" I spoke, refusing to look up at him.

"Sure" he smirked.

Alejandro stood then, his movements smooth and deliberate, and held out his hand to me.

"Let's go" he said simply. I froze for half a second, my stomach twisting as I stared at his outstretched hand. But the moment of hesitation cost me. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a warning, and I quickly placed my trembling hand in his. His fingers closed around mine firmly, possessive. He led me out of the restaurant, his grip never wavering and I could feel the weight of his dominance in every step.

The car was waiting at the curb, its sleek black frame gleaming under the streetlights. Alejandro opened the passenger door for me, his gaze sharp and watchful. I slid into the seat without a word, my pulse quickening as he closed the door and walked around to the driver's side.

When we pulled into the long driveway of the mansion, the tension only deepened. The gates opened automatically, and the car glided smoothly to a stop in front of the grand entrance.

When we reached my room, Alejandro paused at the door. His hand lingered on my lower back, warm and I felt a shiver run through me.

"Goodnight Yara" he said, his voice low and calm. I turned to face him, searching his face for something, some hint of what he was thinking, what he wanted, what tomorrow might bring. But his expression was as unreadable as ever, his dark eyes giving nothing away.

"Goodnight" I murmured, my voice barely audible. I waited for him to do something but it seemed as if his anger from before had somewhat faded.

I stepped inside the room, my heart pounding, and before I could say or do anything else, he closed the door. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring. I didn't know if Alejandro's anger had been extinguished or if it was simply simmering, waiting for the right moment to resurface.

I ran to the bathroom, splashing my face with water, throwing my heels aside and roughly untying my hair.

"Fuck!" I whispered to myself, my nails clenching around the sink.

The vase on the bedside table was the first to go. I threw it to the floor, tears brimming my eyes as the ceramic shattered. Before I knew it I grabbed anything near me. My frustration got the best of me.

I hated his control over me. I hated him.

I crashed onto my bed, sobbing out to control.

🎀🎀🎀

I woke the next morning to the sound of movement, soft, purposeful, and entirely unwelcome. My eyes fluttered open, squinting against the sunlight streaming through the partially drawn curtains. My body ached, every muscle sore from the chaos of last night. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but the faint shuffle of footsteps and the rustle of fabric pulled me fully into consciousness. I sat up, the remnants of my destroyed room coming into view. A pair of house staff moved swiftly, cleaning up the shattered glass, replacing the torn bedding.

My stomach twisted. They didn't look at me, didn't acknowledge me as they worked. Their silence was deafening.

Pushing off the bed, I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to scrub away the lingering traces of last night's tears. By the time I dressed and made my way downstairs, the cloying scent of breakfast wafted through the air, guiding me to the kitchen.

Alejandro was already there, seated at the head of the table as if he were some kind of king. A plate of toast, and fruit was arranged before him, along with a steaming cup of black coffee. He looked immaculate, as always, his dark hair neatly combed, his tailored shirt rolled up at the sleeves.

"Good morning, cariño" he said without looking up, his voice dripping with that infuriating calm. I hovered in the doorway, unsure of how to approach him.

"Feeling shy?" he said, finally glancing up. His lips curved into a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Sit" I swallowed hard and moved to the table, sliding into the chair opposite him. The silence stretched between us as I poured myself a glass of water, avoiding his gaze.

He cut into his food, taking a measured bite before leaning back in his chair. "I hear you had quite the night"

My head shot up, heat rushing to my cheeks. "What?"

He chuckled, low and dark, setting his fork down. "Don't look so surprised, Yara. You didn't think I'd miss the sound of glass shattering and you crying?"

My throat went dry, and I glanced away, my fingers tightening around the glass in my hand. "I didn't think you'd hear"

"Oh, I heard, you weren't exactly quiet princess" I couldn't tell if he was mocking me or.......impressed.

"I was.......upset" I mumbled, my voice barely audible.

He laughed again, the sound rich and maddening. "Clearly. But I'll admit I didn't expect that from you"

I bristled at his tone, the smirk playing on his lips igniting a flicker of defiance in my chest. "I don't see why it matters. You've done worse when you're angry" his lip curled.

"It matters, Yara, because it tells me exactly how close you are to the edge. And that......" he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper "......is something I'll always care about" The air between us grew heavy, his words hanging like a challenge. I opened my mouth to respond, but he didn't give me the chance.

"Which is why" he continued, sitting back and taking a leisurely sip of his coffee "you won't be staying in that room anymore"

I froze, my stomach knotting. "What do you mean?"

"You're moving into my room" he said simply. "Starting today" The words hit me like a blow, and I stared at him, searching his face for any hint of a joke. But there was none.

"Your room?" I repeated, my voice trembling.

"Yes" He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. "It's the only way I can ensure there are no more incidents like last night" My heart pounded in my chest, and I shook my head. "I won't- Alejandro, you can't just-"

"I can" he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"This isn't fair!" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.

He raised an eyebrow, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh come on. Don't act like you don't enjoy sleeping next to me kitten"

"I'm not acting" he raised a brow, catching my lie.

"You move in by tonight, no questions" I wanted to argue, to push back but before I could he stood up from his chair and left the room.

🎀🎀🎀

The moment I reached my room later that evening, I froze.

The door was ajar, and inside, I saw a maid bustling around. She was arranging my last few belongings in Alejandro's room, the room I had previously spent my nights in was empty.

I walked into his empty room, yanking the massive walk in closet open to find my dresses hanging alongside his suits.The scent of his cologne lingering, sharp and dominating, mingling with my more delicate perfume.

I left the room not wanting to be in it anymore.

The room was dimly lit when I entered the room again later that night, the faint glow of the city lights spilling through the sheer curtains. The scent of his cologne mixed with the faint trace of tobacco, sharp and earthy. I paused just inside the doorway, my eyes adjusting to the dimness.

Alejandro was on the balcony, leaning against the railing, a cigarette balanced between his fingers. The ember burned bright as he brought it to his lips, the soft curl of smoke rising and disappearing into the night air. He was shirtless, the moonlight outlining the planes of his chest, the tense line of his shoulders. I swallowed hard, something unfamiliar stirring in my chest. His silhouette looked distant, almost vulnerable, a stark contrast to the overbearing man who had dominated my day.

He didn't turn to acknowledge me, but I knew he heard me come in. For a moment, I considered leaving. The room felt like it belonged to him alone, and I was an intruder. But my feet moved of their own accord, carrying me toward the bed. I sat down tentatively, my fingers brushing over the luxurious fabric of the comforter. Still, I couldn't take my eyes off him. The cigarette in his hand flickered faintly in the dark, his posture relaxed yet distant. He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, a man I couldn't quite decipher. I didn't know when it happened, but exhaustion crept over me, heavy and unrelenting. I laid back against the pillows, my limbs sinking into the mattress. The last thing I saw before my eyelids fluttered shut was Alejandro standing on the balcony, a shadow against the night.

I woke faintly to the sensation of warmth, a gentle touch brushing against my cheek. My breath hitched, but I didn't open my eyes, too caught in the haze between sleep and waking. Alejandro's hand lingered, rough but tender as it traced the line of my jaw. His touch sent a strange warmth through me, confusing and unbidden.

"I'm sorry" he murmured, his voice low and bitter, almost as if the words were being torn from him. "For treating you the way I do" The words were so quiet I almost thought I'd imagined them. There was no softness, no vulnerability in his tone, only a quiet, simmering regret.

His hand withdrew, and the absence of his touch left a strange emptiness behind. I heard the soft creak of the door opening and closing, his footsteps retreating.

I lay still, my heart pounding in my chest, unsure of what to make of his words or the way they made me feel.

A/n

Enjoy! Might take a few days for the next update <3 please feel free to comment and vote