Chapter 2
Ava woke up to the unfamiliar feeling of emptiness beside her. Her hody ached, a testament to the previous night’s events. As she stumbled to the bathroom, her gaze fell on the mirror, her reflection marred by the evidence of Ethan’s possession.
“Ethan,” she whispered, the name both a curse and a prayer on her lips.
Pushing aside the shame and confusion, she stepped into the shower, trying to wash away the memories of the night before. As she dressed in the fresh clothes she found thoughtfully placed beside the bed, her phone buzzed with notifications. Two news headlines flashed across the screen, each word a hammer blow to her already shattered heart.
#BREAKING: Smith Enterprises Declares Bankruptcy
#BREAKING: Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Smith CEO and Wife
The world tilted on its axis. Panic surged through her, the need to get to the hospital overriding everything else. But as she reached for the door handle, it swung open, revealing Ethan standing in the doorway, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
“Curious about how your parents died in such a timely accident?” he purred, his voice laced.
with malice.
Ava froze, her initial instinct to thank him for the other night dissolving into suspicion. She glared at him, her voice raw with grief. “Yes.”
Ethan chuckled, enjoying the fear he’d ignited in her. “Then you’ll come with me.”
He turned to leave, but Ava hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. He noticed and turned back, his eyes softening deceptively. “Don’t worry, someone’s looking after them. Come with me.”
Ava, torn between her need for answers and the gnawing suspicion surrounding Ethan, took a deep breath. “Fine. Let’s go.”
He led her to a secluded warehouse on the outskirts of town. Ava’s unease grew with every passing moment. As they reached the entrance, he offered her a bottle of water. “Here. You
92.8%
must be thirsty
Ava, her throat patched, accepted the water and drank deeply. Ethan watched her intendy a flicker of triumph in his eyes.
“We need to set some ground rules,” he said, his tone conversational. “I’m Ethan.”
She met his gaze, her initial fear replaced by a steely resolve. “Ava.”
“I know.” he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
She frowned, puzzled. How could he…? Then it hit her. The water. The sudden wave of dizziness that washed over her. “You…” she began, but the words died in her throat as darkness consumed her.
When Ava next opened her eyes, she found herself in a dimly lit room. The windows were boarded shut, the air thick with the musty scent of disuse. Panic welled up inside her as she realized she was trapped.
She rushed to the door, pounding on it with all her might. “Help! Someone, please! Let me
out!”
Her cries echoed in the silence, Just when she was about to give up, the door swung open, revealing Ethan standing in the doorway. Before she could react, he locked the door behind
him.
“Dinner time,” he announced, his voice deceptively gentle as he placed a tray of food in
front of her.
Ava glared at him, her fear replaced by a surge of anger. “What is the meaning of this? Tell me the truth! Let me go!‘
He ignored her outburst, picking up a napkin to casually wipe his hands. Ava, pushed to her
you what limit, swept the tray of food to the floor, her voice trembling with rage. “I asked you want! Let me go!”
Ethan finally looked at her, a cruel smile spreading across his face. He approached her slowly, backing her into a corner until she was trapped between him and the wall.
“Stay here. Be a good girl,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
13.14
Chapter 2
Ava turned her head sharply, putting as much distance between them as she could. “No! I can’t! Jason will be worried sick,” she pleaded, grasping at straws. “And I have to…I have to arrange my parents‘ funeral.”
“I already took care of your parents‘ funeral.” He paused, his gaze turning predatory.
“Jason?”
Ava, oblivious to the shift in his demeanor, pressed on, thinking she had found a workable excuse. “Yes, Jason. My boyfriend. I need to get back to him.”
Ethan chuckled humorlessly. “What do you need to get back to him for? You can stay here, with me.” He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“Let go of me! I have a life, a boyfriend!”
“Oh? Then I’ll just have to get rid of them. Problem solved.” His voice was ice cold, his eyes
blazing with a possessiveness that sent a shiver down Ava’s spine.
“You wouldn’t!” Her voice shook, but she stood her ground, refusing to cower before him.
He laughed, a chilling sound devoid of any warmth. “Wouldn’t I? Watch me.”
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards the bed.
“What are you doing?” Ava struggled against his grip, fear finally eclipsing her anger.
“What does it look like?” he growled, his patience snapping.
Before Ava could react, he had her wrists bound with his tie and was pinning her to the
bed, his weight a welcome but terrifying pressure on her body.
“Stop it! Don’t!”
“Quiet,” he commanded, his voice a low rumble as he lowered his head.
Any further protests died on her lips as his mouth captured hers, his kiss demanding and possessive. Ava had never been kissed like this before; it was exhilarating and terrifying all
at once.
Chapter 2
her best intentions, responded to his touch, betraying her with its weakness.
Ten minutes later, he finally pulled away, leaving her breathless and shaken. But it was clear he was far from finished.
His eyes, now dark with desire, held her captive. “Be good,” he murmured, his voice a husky whisper that sent chills down her spine, “and enjoy.”
And enjoy she did, though perhaps not in the way he intended. Because as he took her again and again that night, a plan began forming in her mind, a desperate gamble for freedom.
