Elena barely slept that night.
Every sound inside the enormous mansion made her uneasy.
The ticking of the clock.
Footsteps in the hallway.
Even the wind brushing against the tall windows.
This place felt alive… and dangerous.
She sat on the edge of the large bed, staring at the door.
Was this really her life now?
Sold to a man she barely knew.
A Mafia King.
Suddenly—
Knock.
Knock.
Elena stood up quickly.
"Come in," she said carefully.
The door opened and a maid stepped inside.
"Good morning, Miss Elena."
Elena frowned.
"Miss?"
The maid smiled politely.
"Mr. Russo asked us to treat you with respect."
Elena didn't know whether to laugh or get angry.
Respect?
After kidnapping her?
"Mr. Russo is waiting for you downstairs," the maid continued.
Elena hesitated.
"Waiting… for me?"
"Yes."
The maid nodded.
"For breakfast."
A few minutes later, Elena walked down the massive staircase.
The dining hall was enormous.
And at the end of the table…
Sat Adrian Russo.
The Mafia King.
He looked calm, elegant, as if nothing in the world could shake him.
Elena slowly took a seat across from him.
"You kidnapped me," she said immediately.
Adrian calmly sipped his coffee.
"I prefer the word protected."
Elena rolled her eyes.
"From what?"
Adrian placed the cup down and looked at her seriously.
"From the people who are already looking for you."
Her heart skipped.
"What do you mean?"
Adrian leaned back in his chair.
"Your father didn't only owe me money."
Silence filled the room.
"He owed dangerous people."
Elena felt cold.
"So now I'm your shield?"
Adrian smiled slightly.
"No."
He leaned forward.
"You're my responsibility."
Elena crossed her arms.
"I don't belong to you."
Adrian's gaze darkened.
"That's where you're wrong."
He stood up slowly.
His tall figure cast a shadow over the table.
"If you're staying here," he said calmly,
"You follow my rules."
Elena narrowed her eyes.
"And if I don't?"
Adrian leaned closer.
Close enough that she could feel his breath.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Then the world outside this mansion will eat you alive."
Elena's heart pounded.
He wasn't threatening her.
He was warning her.
Adrian straightened his jacket and walked toward the door.
Then he stopped.
Without looking back, he said—
"Your first rule, Elena…"
She waited.
"You never try to escape."
He turned his head slightly.
Because if you do…
A dangerous smile appeared on his lips.
"I'll be the one coming after you."
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