Ryan

An echo bloomed in the room, that's what I heard or felt, whatever it was. I couldn't lift my eyes, even though I tried; my head felt like a pumpkin right now. After a few trials, I finally opened my eyes, only to close them again due to the light. Sighing, I opened them again, but this time I didn't feel the flash of light hitting my eyes; instead, it was a dim glow, which helped me register my surroundings. Blinking the dizziness away, all I could see was a figure standing near me, or analyzing me, and behind them, some other figures as well.

I gazed at the figures surrounding me. Alan, Daniel and even Chloe is here concerned, but I ignored them. My focus was on the girl beside me - the one I'd saved from those thugs. Her eyes, still hauntingly innocent, met mine. Now that the chaos had subsided, I truly saw her for the first time but soon I looked away cause after all she was just a debt settled.

'What happened?' I growled, my voice low and even.

The girl's eyes darted towards the door as the doctor entered, stethoscope in hand. "Please, everyone, give the patient some space; don't surround him," he said, his tone professional.

As the doctor approached to examine me, I saw her moving aside. Before she could step away, I held her hand, unsure why, but a sense of protectiveness washed over me. I felt she needed reassurance in this unfamiliar setting, surrounded by strangers. She didn't pull back, which suggested she truly needed comfort. My friends were taken aback by this uncharacteristic display, as they rarely saw their gruff boss show concern for someone outside his inner circle.

The entire time the doctor tended to my wounds, the woman I held seemed lost, panic etched on her face. Once the doctor left, having prescribed medication, I instructed Chloe to escort her to the guest room and keep her company while she freshened up. With a gentle nod, I gestured for her to follow Chloe.

As Chloe guided her away, I watched, my gaze lingering on the subtle tremble of her shoulders. Daniel's voice broke the spell, his tone low and curious, 'Hey, what's the story with her?' I shook my head, unsure how to respond, my mind replaying the events of the past few hours - her bravery in saving me from Russo's men, and then my own rescue mission when they turned on her. Alan chimed in, 'Yeah, you've never been one for damsels in distress.' I shot him a warning glance, but his words struck a chord. The truth was, she had stood up for what was right, saving me from Russo's men without hesitation. Now, she was tangled in this dangerous world, and I couldn't just leave her vulnerable. Russo would stop at nothing to exploit her connection to me, putting her life at risk unnecessarily .

"Russo.... again, I don't know her story but all I know was she and her friends were their for treating me or precisely they kidnapped them for my treatment. When I gained my senses I saw them fighting against the men with few knocked out and then I got into the picture meanwhile she rescued her friends but came back to help me out and that's how we ended up like this "

"Okay, but I don't understand why he treated you when he was the one who attacked you," Daniel asked all confused

"Maybe he doesn't want me to die quickly; he wants to see me slowly destroyed"

I finally turned to Daniel and Alan, my expression stern. ''Increase security detail around her. I want eyes on her at all times.'' Daniel nodded, already dialing a number on his phone. Alan raised an eyebrow, "You think Russo's going to make a move that soon?'' I nodded grimly, ''He won't hesitate. She's a liability now.'' My mind was racing with strategies to keep her safe, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was only delaying the inevitable. Russo wouldn't stop until he eliminated anyone who posed a threat to his empire.

"I want to talk to her," I said, making a decision. "Get her settled, then bring her to my office." Daniel nodded and headed out to arrange the meeting. Alan lingered, his expression curious. "You're not thinking of involving her, are you?" I shot him a warning glance. "Just get me everything you can on Russo's operations. I need to know what we're up against." Alan nodded and left, leaving me to ponder the implications. Protecting Elena meant involving her in my world, but I saw no other option. Russo would stop at nothing, and I couldn't let her become collateral damage.

Author

Elena fidgeted in the cold, sleek chair outside Ryan's office. She had no idea why he'd summoned her after that chaotic ordeal. All she wanted was to go home. Naples had been a necessary detour for her orthopedic medical exams, but now she was done. The events of the past few hours had left her shaken.

"Ms. Cassius," the man said, his deep voice pulling her back. "I apologize for the inconvenience. You're safe now." Elena's gaze snapped to his, her expression skeptical. "Inconvenience?" she repeated. "I was nearly killed. I just want to go home"

Ryan's expression remained calm, but a flicker of something crossed his face. "I understand. But first, we need to ensure your safety. Russo's men won't stop until they've eliminated anyone who's seen their operations." Elena's eyes widened. "What have I gotten myself into?"

He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "You've inadvertently stepped into a world you don't belong in." He said in his cold yet intimidating tone.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. He answered, listening intently. "Alan, what did you find?" Elena's ears perked up at the mention of a name. Ryan's expression turned grim as he listened to Alan's update. "Get here ASAP, Alan. We need to discuss strategy." He hung up, focusing on Elena. "Ms. Cassius, time is crucial. Russo's men will be looking for you." He said making her anxiety spiked.

"What do you want from me?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Ryan leaned forward, his eyes locked onto hers.

"I want to keep you safe. In exchange, I need your cooperation." Elena's wariness deepened. "What kind of cooperation?" Ryan's expression remained serious.

"Will explain everything once Alan arrives. But know this: you're under my protection now." Elena's instincts screamed warning, but she had no choice. 

Just then, the door opened, and Alan walked in, carrying a folder. "Ryan, we've got a problem." Ryan's gaze flicked to Alan. "What is it?"

"Russo's men are tracking her phone." he said, Elena's eyes widened as Alan mentioned her phone. "But...how will I contact my...friends?" Ryan's expression softened.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Cassius. You can't risk contacting anyone until Russo's men are neutralized." Alan said in firm yet gentle tone ,Elena's heart sank. She had no family, only a handful of close friends from medical school.

"I'm an orphan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't have anyone else." Ryan's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable as he said "Your safety is my priority, Cassius. But make no mistake, you'll do exactly as I say." His voice dropped to a low, commanding tone. "I won't tolerate any reckless behavior." Elena felt a shiver run down her spine. "I understand," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. 

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand yet. But you will. Russo's men won't hesitate to kill. And if you're not careful, you'll put yourself and others at risk." His words sent a chill through her but her eyes flashed with determination. "I appreciate your concern, Ryan, but I won't be dictated to. I'll cooperate, but I need explanations." Ryan's gaze intensified.

"You want explanations?" His voice dropped to a low, even tone. "Fine. Russo's organization will stop at nothing to eliminate witnesses. You're now a liability. My protection is your only chance at survival." Elena's jaw set.

"I understand the risks. But I won't hide indefinitely. I have a life, a future." Ryan's expression remained unyielding.

"Your future is exactly what I'm trying to protect," he said, his tone icy. Elena's eyes locked onto his.

Elena's mind reeled as Alan briefed her on the operation. She felt trapped, her life hijacked by Ryan's protection.

"Listen, Alan," Elena said, frustration etching her voice. "I don't care about Russo or Ryan's feud. I want my life back." Alan's expression softened. "I understand, Elena. But Ryan's the only one who can keep you safe." Elena shook her head. "Safe? You call this safe? I'm a prisoner." with a rough intimidating tone , Ryan said "You're not a prisoner, Elena. You're under my protection." Elena's gaze locked onto his. "Protection?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "You mean control." Ryan's jaw clenched.

 Meanwhile Alan left them alone and got back to his task.

"This isn't about control; it's about survival." Elena's shoulders sagged. "I just want to go home, finish my studies...live my life." Ryan's expression softened, barely. "That's not possible now." Elena's eyes flashed. "What do you want from me, Ryan?" His gaze lingered, then he spoke.

"Marriage ! Getting married is the only way to protect you and others from this mess" Elena's eyes widened in shock. "Marriage? You expect me to marry you?" Ryan's gaze remained steady. "It's the only way, Elena. Russo won't hesitate to exploit any weakness." Elena's thoughts raced. "This is insane. I don't even know you." Ryan's expression didn't change. "You'll learn." Elena's frustration boiled over. "This isn't a proposal, it's a dictate. I won't be forced into marriage." Ryan's jaw clenched. "You don't have a choice." Elena's anger flared." I always have a choice." Ryan's eyes narrowed. "Fine. Refuse, and you'll put yourself and others at risk. Russo will stop at nothing." Elena's heart sank.

Ryan's words hung in the air, heavy with consequence. Elena felt trapped, her freedom slipping away. "What makes you think I'll agree?" Elena asked, defiance etched in her voice. Ryan's gaze never wavered. "Because you want to live." Elena's heart skipped a beat. Ryan's phone buzzed, breaking the tension. He answered, listening intently. "What is it, Alan?" Ryan's expression darkened. "Russo's men have been spotted near Elena's university." Elena's blood ran cold.

"Keep me updated." Alan responded and hung the phone. Elena's gaze returned to Ryan. "What does this mean?" Ryan's eyes narrowed. "It means Russo's escalating. We need to act faster." Elena's heart sank.

Elena's eyes locked onto Ryan's. "What's the plan?" Ryan's expression turned resolute.

"We'll get married, and I'll ensure your safety." Elena's frustration simmered.

"That's not a plan; it's a prison sentence." Ryan's jaw clenched.

"You'll see it's necessary." Elena's doubts lingered.