My legs refused to move.
"M-My things…" I managed to whisper.
He scoffed. "You won't need them."
I turned to my father—one last time. If there was any part of him left that still l had power this is the time to do anything.
But he didn't even look at me, his gaze was already turned away and that was the moment I knew—I wasn't just leaving the house, I was leaving my life behind
The cold air gave me goosebumps as the Don led me out of the house, but I knew it wasn't solely the air, it was part of the effect I didn't know he had on me. His grip was firm but not essentially cruel or tight, I mean he hadn't tied my hands, hadn't shoved me forward in any way but his mere presence was enough of a leash.
"Don't do anything stupid," he warned me in a very low and dangerous way.
I said nothing and only lifted my chin in my own silent way of being defiant.
Then I saw it, the most expensive car I had seen in my life. The sleek black Cadillac V sat at the end of the driveway like a beast waiting to be fed. I wasn't a car person but I was impressed.
The car had a glossy exterior that reflected the moonlight, and the sharp exterior made it look chic. The tinted windows revealed nothing inside just like the man standing beside me.
The Don pulled the driver's side door open with ease stepping inside without hesitation.
I waited not knowing exactly why I was doing so.
He turned his head, dark eyes locking onto mine through the windshield. A smirk tugged at his lips as he reached for the passenger-side door handle.
"Would you like me to open it for you, princess?" He taunted.
I rolled my eyes and yanked the door open myself as I slipped inside with as much dignity as I could manage.
The seats were smooth and obviously expensive, and the interior smelled like leather, spice, whiskey and of course his scent.
The engine growled to life with the low rumble vibrating through my chest as he pulled onto the road.
I folded my arms, staring out the window to snap myself back to reality.
What the hell had I done? I had offered myself to the devil and he accepted me with open arms.
The silence was thick as every mile that passed felt heavier and even more suffocating.
Then without warning his fingers brushed against my cheek, I jolted not expecting his touch that was soft in a complete contrast to the harshness in his voice and demeanour.
I slapped his hand away very fast as my breath was shaky. "Don't touch me."
The don only chuckled. "You know you will have to get used to it, I own you after all."
No he didn't.
I just made a stupid mistake out of adrenaline rush and my father would come and fix it. I know he will.
I hated the way my skin tingled when he had touched me and the way my pulse betrayed me, skipping a beat at his proximity.
No! I had to be strong, I wouldn't fall into whatever game he was playing.
The rest of the drive was silent as I just stared at my reflection in the window, at the girl who had traded her life away in the span of a single breath to save her father. I was trying to convince myself that it was worth, seeing that I had given my father time to look for the Don's money.
But still I had no idea what awaited me and that terrified me more than anything.
***
The car slowed as we approached a set of towering iron gates. The estate beyond was nothing like I expected.
No bloodstained walls, billion armed guards and guard dogs, no prisoners and still no underground cells.
But instead, his estate was… breathtaking, I was lost for words.
The mansion was sleek and modern with dark stone and glass panels reflecting the night sky. The driveway stretched long and winding, it lined with trees and flowers that swayed under the moonlight.
Security lights cast shadows over the hedges and the massive water fountain with a statue in the middle. I swallowed hard trying to hide the fact that I was impressed.
This wasn't a prison, It was a kingdom, Adrian DeLuca's kingdom and I was his prisoner.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the entrance and before I could move, my door was already swinging open.
The Don stood there watching me.
"Get out."
I hesitated for a fraction of a second, then stepped onto the cool pavement.
The mansion doors opened, and a man walked out. I didn't need anyone to tell me who he was, from the scar that ran through his face I knew.
Elias Carter.
I didn't know how I knew his name, but the moment I saw him—his sharp jaw, piercing eyes, and the dangerous ease in his step I just knew from the rumors.
He was the second-in-command and he was nothing like Adrian.
While the Don was cold and calculating, Elias was different from what people said he was. He was more muscular, there was roughness around him, and a casual arrogance that screamed that he had seen death and laughed in its face.
His gaze swept over me like he was assessing me and then finally when he was done he still looked unimpressed.
"So this is the collateral?" His voice was smooth as whiskey. I didn't realize that the Don had briefed him on what happened, and the word collateral was too harsh. He was clear that I was not a guest, not even a prisoner, I was just a bargaining chip.
I flinched.
The don didn't even react to Elias' words. He just walked past him, leading me through the grand double doors.
Inside, the estate was just as luxurious as the outside with polished marble floors, chandeliers dripping with crystals, walls adorned with paintings that probably cost more than my entire existence.
It was too much.
"You'll stay here," Adrian said, opening a door to the left.
I stepped inside.
The suite was massive, as I walked in my mouth almost dropped in wonder. It had a space larger than my entire house. A king-sized bed with silk sheets, a walk-in closet, a private bathroom with a soaking tub and gold accents.
I turned to him as my brows furrowed. "This isn't what I expected."
His smirk returned. "What did you expect?"
I hesitated before muttering quietly. "Chains, maybe a cell and of course a jailer."
He just chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't need to chain you to make you know that you are mine, Sienna."
The way he said my name sent shivers down my spine.
"You'll get clothes soon," he continued, glancing at my outfit as if already planning how to replace it. "Until then, rest. You'll need it."
For what? Before I could ask, he turned to leave but then he stopped giving me a single glance over his shoulder.
And then he opened his mouth to talk.
"A choice," he murmured.
I frowned. "What?"
He faced me fully now, his expression still unreadable.
"You can stay here, in your prison locked away for a year." His voice lowered, as a wicked smirk appeared on his face "Or you can earn your freedom another way."
A heavy silence fell between us. I knew what he was offering was devilish. I just didn't know which choice was worse.
And I knew I had to make a choice or he would make it for me.