Chapter 1: Trapped in His World

The first time I met Pierce James, I knew he was dangerous.

Not the kind of danger that came with fists or guns, but something far worse—the kind that came with power, wealth, and an obsession that burned too intensely.

I never wanted to be in his world. Yet, standing in front of him now, trapped under his cold, calculating gaze, I realized there was no escape.

"Elsie Lorraine."

His voice echoed through the vast, luxurious room, far too extravagant for someone like me. His tone was calm, almost casual, but there was something beneath it that made my skin crawl. Like a predator savoring the moment before striking its prey.

I bit my lower lip, trying to suppress the unease creeping up my spine. I wasn't supposed to be here. I wasn't supposed to stand in this room, facing this man—a billionaire whose name alone could make people bow.

Pierce James leaned back in his chair, his veined hands resting on the sleek glass desk. His dark eyes studied me, scrutinizing every inch of my being as if assessing whether I was worthy of his attention.

"Sit."

It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command.

Swallowing hard, I took slow steps forward, my movements heavy under the weight of his gaze. The plush leather chair in front of me felt too expensive for my skin to touch, but I sat down anyway, keeping my back straight, ready to run if I had to.

But I knew I couldn't run.

I could feel the gravity of his presence—so powerful, so suffocating. The air in the room felt thicker, swallowed by the intensity of his existence.

Pierce rested against his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. Then, he smirked. A slow, deliberate smirk, almost mocking.

"You're nervous."

I didn't answer, but he must have noticed how my fingers clutched the hem of my worn-out skirt. I might not be wealthy, but I wasn't stupid. A man like him wouldn't speak to someone like me without a reason.

And that terrified me the most.

Why am I here? What does he want from me?

Before I could find the answers, Pierce James spoke again.

This time, his voice was lower, deeper, more dangerous.

"You belong to me now, Elsie."

"Stop for now."

The words slipped from his lips calmly, as if it was a fact that had been established long ago. But I knew better. No one could claim someone just like that.

I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry. What did he really mean? Was this some kind of psychological game?

I didn't have time to search for an answer. Pierce James stood up slowly, his tall frame looming over me, casting a shadow that almost swallowed me whole. His movements were graceful—like a large predator approaching its prey.

"You don't need to be afraid."

His baritone voice was smooth, yet it only made my body tense up even more.

I was afraid.

I was afraid because there was no reason for a man like him to pay attention to me—a simple girl with a messy life. I was afraid because of his eyes, those dark, deep eyes, holding something far more terrifying than just wealth or power.

Pierce stepped closer. My breath hitched as he stopped right beside me, his hand reaching out, fingers brushing the ends of my hair. A small movement, almost like a caress.

"Look at me, Elsie."

I didn't want to. I didn't want to sink further into the depths of this man.

But I did it anyway.

My eyes met his—a sharp, unyielding gaze that swallowed me whole. There was no mercy in them. No lies.

Only a claim.

"I'm not asking for your permission," he whispered, as if those words were meant only for me. "I'm merely stating a fact."

My heart pounded too fast, almost painfully.

I had to leave. I had to get out of here.

But before I could stand, before I could figure out a way to escape the overwhelming presence before me, Pierce James spoke again.

This time, his voice was softer, more dangerous.

"Tell me, Elsie… are you more afraid of me or of the world out there that could crush you in an instant?"

His question hung in the air, almost like a trap. I could feel the undertone—a veiled challenge, as if he wanted to see how far I could last in this game.

I bit my lip, trying to steady the trembling in my fingertips. The world out there was cruel. I knew that better than anyone. I grew up in it, surviving off scraps of luck and hard work that sometimes weren't enough.

But I also knew—he was just as dangerous.

I swallowed, forcing my racing heart to slow. I didn't want to show fear in front of a man like him.

"I'm afraid of both," I finally said, my voice quieter than I intended but firm nonetheless.

Pierce let out a small smile—a smile that wasn't entirely kind.

"A clever answer."

I frowned, unsure if that was a compliment or mockery. But before I could ask, he moved.

He leaned down slightly, his face close to mine. I could smell the faint scent of his expensive cologne—dark, intoxicating, and intimidating.

"But, Elsie…" His whisper almost brushed against my skin. "Being afraid of me won't help you. Being afraid of me will only make me want to be closer."

My heart dropped.

I wanted to move away. I wanted to run. But I knew—if I ran, it would only make him enjoy this game even more.

So I stayed still, holding his gaze directly.

"Why am I here, Mr. Pierce?"

My voice no longer wavered. I wanted to know his reason. Why would a man like him go through the trouble of bringing someone like me into a world that was never meant for me?

Pierce raised an eyebrow as if entertained by my remaining defiance.

Then he smiled—a smile more terrifying than his piercing gaze.

"Because I want you to be here."

His words echoed in my mind, locking my body in a tension that was almost painful. I didn't like the way he said it—as if his desire was an unshakable law.

I clenched my fingers tightly, trying to steady myself. I needed to keep thinking clearly.

"Mr. Pierce…" I forced my voice to stay level, even as my chest tightened. "What exactly do you want from me?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked slowly around my chair, his steps calm, almost arrogant. I could feel his presence behind me—so close yet untouched, like a shadow watching my every move.

"I want you to stay here."

I blinked, a chill running down my spine.

Stay here? What did he mean?

I turned, searching his face for an explanation, but Pierce only stared at me with that unreadable expression.

"Sir…" I took a deep breath, forcing down the growing unease. "I don't understand. I'm nobody. I have nothing you can use. Why me?"

He stepped closer.

"You think too much, Elsie."

His hand reached out, fingers grazing my chin, tilting it up gently so I couldn't avoid his gaze. His touch was cold, but there was fire in his eyes.

"Don't ask too many questions. The only thing you need to know is…" His lips curled slightly. "You are here because I decided so. And you're not going anywhere."

I swallowed.

There was something in his voice that made me want to fight back, but at the same time, I knew this man wasn't playing.

I wanted to move away. I wanted to protest. But what could I do?

I was just an ordinary girl, while he was Pierce James—a man who could have anything he wanted, including someone like me.

I bit my lip.

"Sir… this isn't right."

He chuckled softly, his expression remaining calm yet threatening.

"You still think you have a choice, Elsie?"

I froze.

I knew the answer. I could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice.

I had already stepped into his world. And I wasn't sure if I could ever leave.

I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.

Pierce was still standing so close, making the air between us heavy and suffocating. I knew I had to say something, but my mind felt blank.

"Mr. Pierce…" My voice was weaker than I wanted, almost a whisper. "I can't stay here. I have my own life."

I tried to gather whatever courage I had left, even though I knew my words meant little to a man like him.

And sure enough—he only looked at me, his expression unchanged: cold, controlled, and terrifying.

"Your life?" He repeated my words, as if they were amusing. "You call struggling every day to survive a life?"

I pressed my lips together.

"A life where you live in fear every day, wondering if you'll have food or not? A life where you beg for chances just to make it to the next day?"

His words struck deep. How does he know?

Pierce didn't give me time to deny it.

He stepped even closer, trapping me between him and the desk behind me. I felt like a small animal caught in the lion's den.

"I'm giving you something better."

His tone was final, as if his decision was absolute.

I shook my head quickly. "I didn't ask for this, sir."

He chuckled—his low voice so deep it echoed in my ears.

"But I did, Elsie."

His voice was dangerous, soft yet filled with warning.

"I didn't choose you for no reason. You're here because I decided it. And I never change my decisions."

My palms grew sweaty.

"What do you want from me?" I asked again, even though I knew the answer wouldn't be pleasant.

Pierce stared into my eyes, searching for every flicker of fear on my face.

"I want you to stay here. I want you to get used to me."

I swallowed hard. Get used to him?

"Why?" My voice barely came out.

His gaze darkened.

"Because I don't like the thought of you being out there… unprotected."

I stiffened.

Protection?

Something in his voice made me realize—this wasn't just about me. This was about him.

Pierce James would not let me go.

I had to do something.

I had to find a way out… before I was completely trapped in his world.

Pierce James looked at me as if I were something fragile—something that could shatter at any moment in his hands. But there was also something deeper in his eyes, something more dangerous than mere attraction.

I could feel the air around me tighten as he stepped closer, erasing the last bit of space between us.

"You're not going anywhere," his voice whispered, almost like a promise that couldn't be broken.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. "You can't keep me here, Mr. Pierce."

He didn't react the way I expected. There was no anger, no mockery. Just a small smile that made it seem like he had just heard something amusing.

"You still think you have control in this situation?" Pierce lifted his hand, the tips of his fingers brushing lightly along my jawline. The touch sent a shiver down my spine. "I want you to stay, Elsie. And when I want something, I make sure it happens."

My chest rose and fell with unsteady breaths. "I don't want this."

Pierce let out a slow sigh, as if disappointed by my answer. "You haven't realized it yet, have you? This isn't about what you want. It's about what I need."

I frowned, trying to grasp his meaning. "What do you mean?"

Pierce pulled out a nearby chair and sat down, his expression now more relaxed but still completely in control.

"I've watched this world long enough, Elsie," he said, his tone so calm it only made my anxiety grow. "I know how it works. Nothing is given for free. Everything must be fought for, protected, or taken."

He paused, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for something only he could see.

"You are something valuable," he finally said.

I clenched my hands together under the table, trying to stop them from trembling.

"I don't understand," I whispered.

Pierce smiled slightly, but it wasn't a reassuring smile—it was the kind of smile someone wore when they were enjoying a game they were destined to win.

"You don't need to understand now," he said softly. "You just need to know one thing…"

I held my breath as he stood up again, stepping closer until our bodies were nearly touching.

"I won't let you go, Elsie."

I tried to take a breath, but my chest felt tight.

"Why?" I asked in a barely audible voice.

Pierce looked at me deeply, his expression dark yet unwavering.

"Because I've already chosen you."

His voice was so certain, so absolute, that I knew—this wasn't just a game to him. This was a decision. A decision he had made, and I wasn't sure if there was any way out for me.

I had to do something… before I completely lost control over my own life.

I took a shaky step back, my breath caught in my throat. But Pierce didn't stop me. He only watched, his dark eyes holding something unreadable—something that made my stomach twist with unease.

"You're afraid," he observed, his voice smooth yet edged with something sharper.

I clenched my hands into fists. "Shouldn't I be?"

His lips curved slightly, but it wasn't a smile. It was amusement, laced with a challenge. "That depends on what you fear more—me, or the things I protect you from."

My heart pounded. "Protect me?"

Pierce tilted his head slightly, stepping forward again, slow and deliberate. "You have no idea, do you?" His voice was almost gentle, but it sent chills down my spine. "You're standing on the edge of a world you don't understand, Elsie. And I'm the only one keeping you from falling."

I swallowed hard. "I never asked for your protection."

"You didn't have to." His eyes darkened. "Because once I set my sights on something, I don't let it slip away."

A shiver ran through me, but not just from fear—there was something deeper, something more dangerous pulling me toward him. His presence was overwhelming, his intensity suffocating.

"I should go," I whispered, barely able to hear my own voice.

Pierce exhaled a slow breath, his gaze never leaving mine. "You still think you have a choice?"

Something in the way he said it made my stomach drop. My body screamed at me to run, but I knew—I knew that no matter how far I went, Pierce James wouldn't let me escape.

He had already chosen me.

And something told me… he never lost what he claimed.

I tried to steady my breath, struggling to stay upright despite the weakness spreading through my body under Pierce's gaze. There was something about the way he looked at me—a certainty, an unshakable belief that I wouldn't be going anywhere.

I needed to think. I needed to find a way out of this situation.

"Why me?" I asked again, this time with a steadier voice, though I could still feel the tremor in my fingertips.

Pierce gave a small smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Why not?"

That wasn't the answer I was expecting.

"You talk as if I'm something you can just take," I whispered, frustration starting to coil inside me.

He stared at me for a moment, then lifted his hand, his fingers brushing against my chin. The touch was light, but enough to make me tense.

"I'm not taking you, Elsie," he said slowly, as if making sure I heard every word. "I'm choosing you."

His words sent a strange sensation twisting in my stomach. There was something so final in his tone, as if the world had no choice but to bend to his will.

I tried to pull my face away, but his fingers remained, firm yet gentle—strong enough to tell me I couldn't escape, but not enough to hurt me.

"Let me go," I whispered, even though I knew how weak my request sounded.

Pierce stared at me for a long moment before finally pulling his hand away.

"I could let you go," he said, but before I could feel any relief, he added, "but I won't."

I looked at him warily.

"You might think this is unfair," he said quietly, stepping back just enough to give me room to breathe. "But the world has never been fair, Elsie. You know that better than anyone."

I bit my lip, refusing to respond.

"You can hate my decision," he continued, "but believe me… if I hadn't made it, something far worse would have happened to you."

I frowned, confusion creeping into my mind. "What do you mean?"

Pierce watched me for a moment before sighing softly, as if deciding whether or not to tell me.

"There are people out there who wouldn't give you a choice," he finally said. "People who wouldn't offer you protection—only destruction."

A chill ran down my spine.

"And I," he murmured, his voice dropping into a low whisper that sent shivers through me, "am the only one who can make sure you stay whole."

I swallowed hard.

I didn't know if I had just walked into protection… or into a much bigger trap.

The weight of his words pressed down on me like a silent storm, heavy and inescapable. I wanted to believe that Pierce's intentions weren't as dangerous as they seemed, but something in his gaze told me otherwise.

"You're lying," I whispered, though even I wasn't sure if I believed that.

Pierce tilted his head slightly, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. "I don't lie, Elsie," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "If I wanted to manipulate you, I wouldn't be standing here telling you the truth."

The truth.

What even was the truth anymore?

I took a slow step back, needing distance—needing space to think. But Pierce only followed, his movements unhurried, patient.

"You're afraid," he observed, his tone holding no mockery, no amusement. Just a simple fact.

I swallowed hard. "Of course, I'm afraid."

He exhaled softly, running a hand through his dark hair. "I don't want you to be afraid of me."

"Then let me go."

Pierce stilled. For a long moment, he didn't move, didn't even breathe. Then, very slowly, he leaned forward, his voice a quiet whisper against the silence.

"If I let you go, Elsie…" His fingers brushed against my wrist, light as a feather, yet enough to make my pulse stutter. "Someone else will take you. And they won't be gentle about it."

A chill crawled down my spine.

I hated that part of me believed him. That part of me wanted to trust him, despite every warning bell screaming in my head.

"You think you can keep me safe?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Pierce's gaze locked onto mine, unwavering. "I don't think," he murmured, his thumb tracing over my skin with unnerving softness. "I know."

A dangerous promise. One that could either save me… or destroy me completely.