Elena looked at Damian her chest heaving with anger and despair. The words your brother just uttered, Elena, squeeze your neck like a noose.
"Marry you?She said again, barely above a whisper.
"Yes," Damian said coldly, as he moved in closer. "I Don't Make Offers Twice Elena" "This is your opportunity to get your father treated, save your bookshop and get rid of all miseries." The only thing I want is you.
His voice had such audacity that it made her blood boil. You want my life, huh? My freedom! You can't just stake a claim on someone!".
Damian tilted his head and smirked. "I'm doing that, though." He smirked and tilted his head.
She tried to push past him, but her eyes shimmered with tears. Damian caught her wrist, a gentle but firm grip.
"Let me go!" she hissed.
"I can't," he murmured, his tone warming for the first time. "Don't you understand, Elena? I have allowed you in far too deep. I can't turn back now. You are meant to be with me even if you don't see it yet.
Elena pulled her hand back in anger, glaring at him in the best way possible. "You're delusional, Damian. This is not love, whatever you may think. It's obsession. You can't have me and never will.
As Damian's jaw clenched, his eyes turned dark and dangerous. Do you think you have a choice here, little bird? You don't. Say yes, or I will take everything away. Everything you love will be taken from you.
His words made her heart sink. "You wouldn't…".
This is no surprise given that she's the heroine who upturned the whole kingdom. "Try me.".
Elena clenched her fists at her sides and held in a scream. Elena wanted to smack him; push him away, but she was too afraid of what would happen next.
"You're a monster," Elena finally said, her voice quaking.
"And you are my salvation," he said "I may be a monster, but I'll take anything you give me so long as I can have you."
The past in their life has now started chasing them once again. Do you want to know why I am like this? Why I cannot let you go?".
Elena crossed her arms and spoke venomously. "Enlighten me.".
Damian faced the window, shoulders rigid. When I was young, betrayal destroyed my family. Those I trusted and those I loved turned on me without a second thought. I learned that love can be a weakness, and living effectively, is a fool's game. Until I saw you.".
Elena frowned, confused. I don't see how that is relevant.".
"I first saw you at your bookstore," he said, his voice sounding far away You were smiling at a child who couldn't afford to pay for his book. You didn't turn him away and instead, gave it to him free of charge. That's what/whom you are, Elena. You're the most selfless and kind person, everything I thought could never exist in the world. You became my fixation because you're everything I'm not.
Elena looked at him, dumbfounded. "That's insane, Damian. You barely knew me.".
"Maybe," he said as he turned back to her. "But I don't need years to know what I want." And I want you.".
Elena stepped back, feeling her heart race. "This isn't love, Damian. It's control. You're attempting to turn me into a puppet who will die for your dream.".
Damian's lips twisted into an unpleasant grin. You can name it as you wish, but soon you may realize that no one is ever going to love you as I do. I can show you the way, if, that you want.
She was angry. Do you believe this is safety? You're suffocating me!".
For just a moment, Damian's eyes softened, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability. You're the reason I'm suffocating," Elena said. Don't you see? You're the only breath of life I'd need. Without you, I have nothing left.
The rawness of his voice took her by surprise, but she shook it off quickly. "You cannot make me do this Damian." "I can," he simply replied, his voice cold again. "And I will. However, I'd prefer it if you come freely. So, I'll give you three days to decide.""What happens after three days?"She enquired, her voice barely above whisper. His smirk returned sharp and dangerous. "You'll find out." Damian stepped closer, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Little bird, you are gonna say yes. Not because it's forced upon you, my bird, but because you will learn that I am the only one who can truly protect you." She shivered at his touch, hating that her body betrayed her. "You don't know me as well as you think." He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "And you don't know me at all. You won't know me at all. With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Elena trembling.