Chapter 6: A Cage with Golden Bars
Some prisons have chains. Others have silk sheets and golden locks.
The first thing Sophia felt was softness.
A bed. Warm. Expensive. The kind she had never laid on before.
Then came the faint scent of leather and smoke. Masculine. Unfamiliar. Dangerous.
Her eyes snapped open.
The room was too large, too extravagant. The walls were dark, lined with bookshelves and artwork that looked old enough to belong in a museum. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, its golden glow casting eerie shadows.
Where the hell was she?
She pushed herself up, but the moment she moved, dizziness slammed into her. Her head ached.
Memories came rushing back.
The alleyway. The cold fingers brushing her hair. The words that shattered everything.
I want you.
Panic surged through her. She shoved the blankets off and ran for the door, gripping the handle locked.
No. No. No.
She banged against it. "Let me out!"
Silence.
Then a voice. Deep. Controlled. Right behind her.
"That's not how this works, Sophia."
A shiver crawled down her spine as she turned.
Adrian stood near the window, hands in his pockets, watching her. He looked perfectly composed, like he hadn't just stolen her from her life. Like he hadn't just shattered her world.
Her voice shook. "Where am I?"
"My home."
She swallowed hard. "Take me back."
A slow, almost amused smirk. "No."
Anger flared beneath her fear. "You can't do this! My family"
"Your little brother is safe," he cut in smoothly. "Liam, too."
She froze. He knew about Noah?
A flicker of something dangerous passed through Adrian's eyes as he stepped closer. "I told you, little one. I know everything about you."
Sophia's chest heaved. "Why me?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a small velvet box, and flicked it open.
A ring. Huge. Elegant. Trapping.
Her stomach twisted.
"I've been patient," he said. "But now, you belong to me."
Sophia took a step back, shaking her head. "No"
Adrian closed the distance instantly. He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"This isn't a choice, Sophia." His voice was soft, but his grip was unrelenting. "You'll marry me."
Terror burned in her throat. "And if I don't?"
His thumb brushed over her bottom lip. Almost gentle.
Then his next words sent ice through her veins.
"I'll start with Liam."
Sophia stopped breathing.
Adrian tilted his head, watching the horror seep into her features. "And if that doesn't convince you… Noah will be next."
A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Adrian caught it with his thumb, his voice mockingly soft.
"Now, be a good girl and say yes."