As Elena woke up to the sunlight pouring into the bookstore, she stacked away the wooden shelves with books. She was trying hard to keep her mind on her task but it kept going to Damian. Even his absence felt dark, intense, and constant, and no matter how she attempted to ignore it, she was always aware of the eyes watching her closely.
Her attention was drawn to the sound of the doorbell. She turned to see Victor entering the store, the right-hand man of Damian. She found his demeanor somewhat unsettling despite his calm expression. It made her stomach tingle slightly.
"Elena," Victor greeted politely. "Mr. Steele sent me.".
She stiffened. Why is he here now?".
Victor gave her an envelope. "This is for you. He asks you to look at ii.
Her hands shook as she took the envelope. Victor didn't wait for her reply, just nodded and left the shop. She continued to stand there.
She opened the letter and pulled out a handwritten note. She felt like something was off with him.
"Little bird, since you wish to push me away, I will show you how joined we are. Please come at this address by 8 p.m. tonight You will understand why you belong to me finally.- Damian
Underneath the note was a card with an address printed on it. Elena's heart raced. What could he possibly mean?
At the address that Damian gave her stood Elena, nervous. This building was a mansion with tall gates.
Elena hesitated, her heart racing as she considered turning back when a voice told her Damian wouldn't let her ignore him.
After a deep breath, she strode through the gates, walking right up to the door. Before her knuckle reached the door, it opened to reveal Damian. His dark eyes flashed with expectancy.
"You arrived," Damian remarked in a low-sounding volume.
"I am looking for answers," she said firmly. Why did you call me Damian?".
He smiled and stepped aside for her to enter. "Come inside, little bird. All will be revealed.".
She finally stepped in the grand foyer and gasped at the opulence that surrounded her. The jail cell was an elegant and beautifully decorated suite. Its walls adorned with art. It was one, which she didn't belong in, but Damian did command it easily.
He walked her down a corridor to a room filled with pictures. She stood still, unable to breathe for a moment.
There were a lot of pictures of her in the room. Some were recent when she went to work or sat in the park. There were even older ones from high school. There was even one of her little, with a huge happy smile as she held up her favourite book.
Her hands shook as she turned towards the Damian. "What is this?".
"This," he said as he inched closer, "is proof of my love for you. Every moment of your life has mattered to me, Elena. I've seen every smile and every tear.
"Things can't get any crazy than this." "You've been stalking me.".
"I never gave up on you, which is what I've been doing" From a world that is not for you. From individuals that can harm you.
She took a step back, heart racing. "This isn't love, Damian. This is obsession.".
He took hold of her wrist, firmly but not painfully. Regardless of what you call it, the truth doesn't change. You're mine, Elena. You always have been.".
She tried to pull away, tears coming in her eyes. "You don't own me.".
He bent down until his face was near hers. "You're wrong, little bird. I own you—every part of you, your fears, your dreams and your heart. Someday, you will realize that.
Elena left the room in a rush, her mind swirling. She was in a little library with the walls lined with books. While trying to think, she noticed a frame on the table.
There was a photo of Damian as a boy with an older man who looked just as cold and powerful as Damian was now. The boy had such sad eyes that tugged at her heart.
Damian entered the room with no expression. You weren't supposed to see that," he said.
"Aren't you gonna ask," she confronts him. "About what?" he shrugs. "Who is he?".
"My dad," Damian said, his voice emotionless. He was the one who taught me everything I know. She began to feel an increasing pressure in her chest. After so many years, she saw a crack in his armor. A glimpse of a man beneath all that darkness. "You don't have to be like him," she said quietly. His jaw clenched. "It's too late for that." As the night continued, Elena felt fear and a small pit of pity for Damian. He was brutal, bossy, and dangerous, but she noticed a vulnerable side to him. At the door, his gaze softened slightly as he takes her to the door. "I'll see you soon, little bird." She didn't say anything as her mind was a mix of emotions. As she stepped out into the night she realized getting away from Damian Steele was not going to be easy.