Chapter 1: The Stranger in the Storm
The rain hit the city like shattered glass, slamming against windows and soaking the sidewalks. She didn't belong here — not in this part of Manhattan, not in this dress, and definitely not in these heels. But Mia didn't stop walking.
She couldn't afford to stop.
Behind her, shadows moved. Maybe it was just her past catching up, or maybe someone was really following her.
She turned the corner and nearly collided with a figure in black. He didn't move. Didn't flinch. Just stood there under the rain like it didn't dare touch him.
"Are you lost?" His voice was low. Commanding. Too calm for a night like this.
"I'm fine," she snapped, stepping back, clutching her coat tighter. But his eyes—cold, sharp, calculating—locked on her like he already knew her.
"I've seen you before," he murmured. "In my building. Apartment 43B. You watched me."
Her breath caught.
He stepped closer. "You shouldn't be here, Mia."
Her name on his tongue burned.
"How do you—?"
But before she could finish, his hand gently brushed a strand of wet hair from her face.
"Because I've been watching you, too."
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Chapter 2: A Deal with Darkness
Mia stood frozen as his hand lingered against her cheek. His touch was warm, but it sent a chill through her spine. She knew this wasn't a coincidence.
"What do you want from me?" she whispered, heart pounding.
He smiled—slow, dangerous.
"I need a woman who can keep secrets. And you're drowning in them."
She flinched. No one ever dared to talk like that to her. No one should know what she was hiding.
"I'm not interested," she said, stepping back.
But he grabbed her wrist—not roughly, but firm enough to stop her.
"You walked into my building for three nights straight. You left a message under my door."
His voice dropped.
"Either you have a death wish... or you're desperate."
Her lips parted in disbelief. He wasn't wrong.
"I can offer you protection. Power. A new identity. But there's a price."
She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened—just enough to let her feel his strength.
"What price?" she whispered.
His smile deepened.
"You'll stay in my penthouse. You'll follow my rules. And at night, you'll belong to me."
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Chapter 3: The Penthouse Cage
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Marble floors. Dim golden lights. Silence. It felt more like a museum than a home.
Mia stepped out, heels clicking nervously.
He followed behind, removing his coat and tossing it aside like royalty returning to his castle.
"This is where you'll stay," he said, voice cold again. "Room on the left. Don't open the one on the right. Ever."
She turned to him. "What's behind it?"
He stared at her. No answer. Just silence thick with warning.
She swallowed hard.
He stepped closer, hand brushing her lower back as he guided her forward. "You'll learn, Mia. Everything here has its place. And so will you."
Her heart raced. Every inch of this place whispered danger, yet something inside her pulled her deeper.
He stopped in front of her room. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow, your training begins."
She frowned. "Training?"
He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.
"To become mine."