Just as Ben and Alana stepped out of the car—
BANG!
A gunshot suddenly pierced the air, hitting the car tire and causing it to burst!
Alana was startled half to death and immediately ducked in fear.
"Miss!"
"Stop and don't touch her or I'll shoot your hand, Ben!"
Sean was already standing, spinning a gun in his hand.
Ben had no choice but to step back, giving Sean space to approach Alana, who was still in shock.
"Alana..."
---
ALANA'S POV
I nearly screamed out loud—I was absolutely terrified when Sean walked toward me and crouched down, holding both of my shoulders.
I forced myself to look at him, but the man smiled with such an innocent face. That smile terrified me even more, and I instantly backed away—even if it meant falling down.
"Where are you going, Alana?" Sean stood up and walked toward me.
"If you take even one step away from me, don't blame me if Ben ends up suffering the consequences," Sean said firmly, making Ben break into a cold sweat.
With trembling hands, I typed something on my phone and sent the message.
Sean smiled and immediately put away his gun. I had no choice but to approach him and allow him to carry me.
---
"You should've told me if you needed anything. I don't like seeing you around other men, Alana."
I immediately turned to him and gave him a look that he would surely understand.
"I only did it because I was afraid you'd get kidnapped," Sean replied casually.
(What did he just say? I'm furious with this man. Isn't he being overly dramatic? Who does he think I am to him?)
I reflexively threw a pillow at him, pouting.
"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO KIDNAPPED ME, MR. SEAN!"
I typed in all caps on purpose so he could read it clearly.
"You've got it all wrong, Alana. I just wanted to save you. Didn't you ask me to save you?"
"Since when? I don't even know you."
Sean chuckled briefly and adjusted his glasses.
"Then who was the girl who begged to get into a stranger's car that day? Wasn't that you, Alana?"
I gasped as the memory hit me. How could I have forgotten?
"Fine. For that, I sincerely thank you for your help. So now, can you just let me go?"
Sean's expression turned sour. He snatched the phone from my hand and threw it to the floor, cracking it. He then pinned my wrists down and hovered over me—I couldn't move at all.
"Don't even think about it, Alana. You're not going anywhere. You're mine—now, tomorrow, and forever!" Sean growled, causing me to cry instantly.
"Say something, Alana. I miss your voice so much. I know you've been pretending all this time."
Sean pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and showed it to me.
"You should remember who you gave this to, Alana."
He gently wiped away my tears with the pink handkerchief.
My mind tried to recall... then suddenly, a memory flashed.
"So, you're the boy who used to come to the beach every day just to cry?" I asked in a slightly hoarse voice.
Sean smiled with joy. "You finally remember me."
He gazed at me deeply, leaning closer until I could feel his breath on my face. I turned my head away as he tried to kiss me.
"Why are you turning your face away from me? Am I not good enough for you? Alana, I can give you anything you want—as long as you stay by my side."
I looked up at him with tear-stained eyes.
"Sean, please... just let me go. I'm begging you. You deserve someone better than me."
He suddenly stood and punched the mirror on the dressing table, shattering it into pieces. I reflexively covered my mouth when I saw fresh blood dripping from his hand.
---
"Hold this for a moment," I said, handing him the handkerchief and rushing to find the first-aid kit in every drawer until I finally found it.
"I know you're rich, but could you please stop breaking things around me? You're scaring me," I scolded as I wrapped the bandage around his wounded hand.
"Look, your shirt is stained with blood now," I muttered, trying to wipe it off.
"You should change your clothes and get some rest."
What's with his eyes? Why does he keep staring at me like that?
"Take me to my room," he said simply.
"Huh?!" I almost squeaked. "I mean, your legs are fine, Mr. Sean."
"I need you to enter the door code. Or do you think I'd try anything with you?" he said, standing up and walking out of the room first.
I let out a deep sigh. Looks like I'm going to have a rough time from now on. Still, I'll find a way to escape this palace-like house.
"What's the code?" I asked, ready to press the keypad.
"180897."
I entered it right away. Wait a second... Isn't that my birthday? I mean, the date I was first found in front of the orphanage?
Click.
The door opened, and Sean pushed me inside, closing the door with one foot.
Sean spread his arms. "Unbutton it for me," he said, like I was his wife or something.
I gulped. Is he trying to trap me now?
"Didn't you say I should change and rest, Alana?" he said, then took my hand and placed it on his chest.
---
Fine, just to escape his tricks, I'll do it quickly and get out of here.
I began unbuttoning his shirt one by one and helped him take off the white shirt.
"Where's your change of clothes? I'll get it for you," I asked.
Damn it. My eyes were tainted by the sight of his perfectly sculpted abs.
Ugh, what are you thinking, Alana?! Focus!
I went into the wardrobe room and picked one of his clothes.
"Why are most of them black and white? Is he from another dimension?"
Finally, I grabbed a plain black T-shirt and brought it out.
I was startled and clutched my chest when I saw Sean lying shirtless on the bed, covering his face with his left hand.
"Is he... asleep? That fast?"
Alright, I'd better head back to my room.
"Don't go!"
Suddenly, Sean pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly.
"F-Fine! But at least put on your shirt first!"
I was nearly out of oxygen from his habit of touching me so freely.
"Don't go... Please, don't go... I'm tired... don't go..."
I looked up at him. He had his eyes closed. Was he sleep-talking?
Ten minutes passed, and I almost fell asleep in his arms too. I slowly tried to remove his hands from my waist.
"Why is he this strong even while sleeping? What on earth does he eat?"
"Sean? Mr. Sean?" I whispered, trying again to free myself. But instead, he shifted his position, lying sideways and still holding onto me.
If this keeps up, I might actually fall asleep beside him.
Just look at his face while he sleeps. Why does he look so handsome—even while snoring?
My hand moved to remove his glasses, and I could see every inch of his face up close.
His thick eyebrows, perfectly sculpted nose, the tiny mole beside it that added sweetness to his expression, his thin lips, and flawless pale skin... Oh God! My heart feels like it's about to explode!
"Isn't this crazy?"
How did I end up sharing a bed with a man who claims I'm his... when I don't even love him?