Elena's pov

It's been two days and I'm still here in his mansion, feeling like a bird caged in a prison. The opulent room, adorned with lavish furnishings and dimly lit chandeliers, seems to suffocate me. I haven't had a conversation with anyone; the eerie silence is only interrupted by the soft hum of the air conditioner. I'm simply exhausted from all the happenings, and more than that, I'm concerned about my classes, which are crucial for my exams. Within two months, my exams will begin, and here I am, surrounded by his dark aura. Though he provided me with a laptop to attend classes online, I didn't respond to anything he said. He's no one to control me and order me what to do and what not to do.

My mind is not at all ready to come up with something other than running away, and in the past two days, I did try, but he caught me every single time. Each time, he was rewarded with kicks and cuts here and there, which I don't regret at all. If he thinks it's some kind of movie or novel where he can act like a dominating asshole and I'll be scared and listen to his nonsense, then he's wrong. I won't back down.

Sitting in this lavish room, surrounded by expensive furniture and artwork that seems to mock me. The large window, once a symbol of freedom, now taunts me with its bars. Outside, the perfectly manicured lawn stretches out, a stark contrast to my confinement.

The laptop he gave me sits open on the polished mahogany desk, my online classes waiting. But how can I focus? My mind keeps wandering to escape plans. I glance around the room again, searching for something, anything, to aid my escape. The door, solid and imposing, has a keycard lock that I've tried to hack, but no luck. The walls are adorned with framed paintings, their subjects seeming to watch me with judgmental eyes. A door to my left leads to an en-suite bathroom, its marble countertops gleaming. A small window, also barred, lets in a sliver of sunlight.

Back to the main room, my gaze falls on the bookshelf, stocked with classics and bestsellers. Maybe something there can help me.... but alas nothing. 

Lost in my thought , I didn't know when Jacob came to the room with food like he did from last 2 days. He served me food when something struck my mind.

"Jacob..." I called out 

" sì signora" he responded in his Italian, he accent. He is not quiet good with his English fluency

"There is a problem with the shower , can you please check it now . I need to get showered before studying " I said

"certo signora" responding , he made his way towards the bathroom while I sat their on the bed having the meal prepared for me. Once I ensured he was inside the bathroom, I swiftly made my move. I locked him and ran towards the door which was open. After locking the room, I quietly navigated the hallways, but I didn't know where to go . Even though I escaped from the small cage , I don't know how to escape from this prison. As I cautiously made my way through the hallway I found a slightly opened door which was far and in a corner without any other room attached on the way. That was the only room in the hallway. Assuming it might be a secret way I moved towards the room. As I reach before the door stood tall and imposing, its presence commanding attention. Crafted from rich, dark mahogany, the wood grain shimmered in the soft light, like the gentle waves of a moonlit ocean.

Mustering up all the courage I opened the door, its not a normal room rather its like an underground. Confusion etched, I walk down the stairs carefully without being caught. The stairs descended steeply, vanishing into darkness ,my eyes straining to adjust. Each step creaked beneath my feet, echoing off cold, damp walls. The air thickened with the scent of mold and decay. As I descended deeper, shadows swallowed the last remnants of light. I fumbled for a handrail to hold on but found none. My heart pounded in my chest thinking where this way will be leading. Finally, I reached the bottom, my curiosity was piqued by the tense atmosphere that filled the underground chamber. I could barely see silhouettes , to get a better vies of them I quietly moved formed without knowing them. As the light dim light fall on the figure I saw Ryan but to my utter disbelief he stood with his gun pointed at a figure tied to a chair, his eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. The captive trembled with fear, flanked by Alan and Daniel, their expressions cold and unyielding. When Ryan's gaze locked onto mine, his expression shifted, and I sensed a hint of surprise before his menacing demeanor took over.

Ryan took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "You shouldn't have tried to escape," he whispered, his voice low and menacing. The air thickened with tension as he closed the distance between us. Fear coursed through my veins, and I turned to flee, but Ryan dropped the gun and sprinted after me. Our footsteps echoed through the hallway, the sound amplifying my panic.

Crossing the hallway with trembling feet I reached the corridor leading to 2nd floor. As I moved forward he caught me exactly in front of his room and pushed me with him to his room. We reached his room, and he caught me, spinning me around. Ryan pinned me to the wall, his body pressing mine, his fingers tracing the curve of my waist. "You're so beautiful when you're scared," he breathed, his eyes blazing with desire. His warm breath caressed my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I've been waiting for this moment," he whispered, his voice dripping with anticipation. As I realized he was their with a gun, fear crawled in me and pushed him away.

"Who are you? You .....You are criminal.... Yes you are !"  my whole body trembling with fear yet I got myself together. His sinister lips curled showing his devilish smile. 

"I am not a criminal sweetheart" he paused , his finger tracing my nose and then to my lips , gentling caressing with his thumb pad . " Mafia, that's what my identity is but for the world , a rich , filthy businessman". All this while I thought he is some kind of criminal but it turns out to be ,more dangerous than that.

I pushed him, trying to break free, but his grip tightened. "You're safe with me, Elena," he said, his tone reassuring, yet his actions contradicted his words. His next phrase sent a chill down my spine: "Don't struggle, it only makes this harder." His lips brushed against my skin, and I felt trapped. "Do you understand now? You belong to me," he whispered, his gaze locking onto mine.

I shook my head, but his grip remained unyielding. "Nothing will change; you will be my legally wedded wife, and I will be the one to shield and protect you, now and forever, through our vowed promises."  he warned, his eyes burning with intensity. His words echoed in my mind, and I felt my resolve weakening. "Your fear excites me," he whispered, his touch deepening. "Surrender, Elena. It's futile to resist." His fingers intertwined with mine, our hands locked. "You're my obsession now," he whispered, his darkness consuming me. I feel numb right now, I can feel my feet's go cold and I don't even know how to respond to it all while he continued tracing his fingers seductively on my neck . Planting a sensual kiss on my neck he made his way inside my shirt. Completely numb by his words and action my body stood still but somehow I came out of it pushed him forcefully making him fall on the bed. I quickly run to the door but I didn't knew when he locked it. I tried unlocking it but it needs his finger print or pin code. As I tried  unlocking the door I felt his presence, chuckling at my distress. Pulling me in his arms he chocked me, gentle yet intimidating. 

"Your actions make me crave for you more and more" he said choking and caressing my waist under my shirt. In a swift moment , I turned and tried kicking on his groin but he was quick to catch my knee and wrap it around his waist and pinned me to the door wrapping my another knee as well.

"The things I want to do to you Elena....." his voice low , husky sending chills down my spine 

Our faces inch apart from each other and In a flick his lips came crashing to mine!!!!