It was late, the moon hung low with a few stars scattered around. That stupid big dog out front had just been taken away to eat, so I quietly slipped out of the hall.
As expected, two guys in black trailed behind me.
I was already getting annoyed, barely holding back my temper. "You can go now. I'm not gonna try to run."
The bodyguards didn't say a word, arms behind their backs, just standing there stone-faced. No sign they planned on leaving.
The dog came back after eating. The moment it realized I wasn't in the room, it went nuts, barking its head off, spitting foam everywhere.
Surprisingly, I wasn't even scared this time. I'd checked-the chain tying it up was so strong, not even bolt cutters could snap it.
I glared at the mutt, ready to scream at it-and its jerk of an owner while I was at it.
Before I could open my mouth, the front door swung open out of nowhere.
Theodore was back.
Through the dim light, he walked in slowly. Every sound his leather shoes made echoed with pressure, like each step was stomping down on my nerves.
The dumb dog shut up immediately and started wagging its tail at him.
"Good boy," Theodore said, giving the dog a few pats, then shot me a glance out the corner of his eye.
"Oh yeah, super obedient-barking nonstop just like its lovely owner," I snapped back, practically grinding my teeth.
He suddenly straightened and walked right up to me, closing the distance fast. "Natalie, how many times do I have to remind you not to act all high and mighty in front of me? Still think you're the pampered princess of the Reynolds family?"
I didn't back down, took a step forward too. "If I'm so unbearable, then let me go. Out of sight, out of mind!"
His gaze darkened, locking on my face full of defiance. "Trying to walk off before I'm done making you pay? Dream on. Go ahead and run if you think you're slick-if one Cupcake isn't enough, I'll get a whole squad of those wolves to track your every move."
Cupcake?
So that drooling idiot of a dog was actually called Cupcake. What a joke.
I was so angry I could barely stand it. "Think I'm scared of that? You better be careful-if I stay too long here, I might just never leave. Let's see who regrets it then!"
For a second, Theodore looked thrown. Then, out of nowhere, he smirked, a twisted grin crawling up his lips. "Suit yourself."
The next second, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me back inside.
Once we were in the room, he shoved me straight onto the bed.
"Stay put. If you step one foot past that door, forget about ever seeing the outside world again."
With that chilling warning, he turned and walked right into the bathroom.
I blinked, stunned. Wait-was this him backing off?
A while later, I heard the sound of water. He had actually gone in to shower.
I shot up and darted toward the door.
But then his voice boomed out from the bathroom, sharp and icy, "Walk out that door and I swear you'll regret it."
His words felt like a bucket of ice water, freezing the air and freezing me too. My hand was already on the doorknob, but I couldn't bring myself to turn it.
The bathroom door slammed open. He came out with only a towel wrapped around his waist, steam still trailing his skin, droplets dripping down his chest.
My breath caught, out of nowhere. I averted my eyes, cheeks burning, trying to pull myself together.
But he wasn't letting me off that easy. He came straight at me, slow, firm steps.
I backed away. "Don't come near me!"
Too late. I hit the wall behind me. Nowhere else to go.
He pressed against me, his firm chest flush with mine-then suddenly, something hot and hard pushed against my lower abdomen.
He leaned down to my ear and said lowly, "Natalie, so you do know how to be scared."
As he spoke, his fingertips brushed lightly past my ear.
A sharp shiver ran down my spine, like a jolt of electricity. My voice trembled, "W-What do you think you're doing?"
"What do you think I'm doing?" His lips curled into a cruel little smirk, voice low and dripping with sarcasm. "Natalie, don't tell me you're actually hoping I'll sleep with you?"
"You're insane!" I snapped, giving him a hard shove as I sidestepped away. Another second spent talking to this twisted man and I swear I'd blow a fuse.
He calmly walked past me, headed to the bed like he owned the place and said lazily, like he was talking to Cupcake, "Come here."
I turned around and saw Theodore already stretched out on the bed.
"No way!" I shot back without hesitation.
"This isn't up for debate." In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward and yanked me into his arms, dragging me onto the bed with barely any effort.
"Keep it down."
His voice was deep and heavy, enough to crush any resistance.
After a long pause, he shifted slightly, and surprisingly, tugged the blanket over me. Then he wrapped one strong arm around me from behind, pulling me tight into his chest.
I lay with my back to him, eyes wide in silent shock. My mind was spinning-what was he doing?
"Theodore?" I called out cautiously, wanting answers.
But instead of replying, he suddenly rolled over, arms locking around me as he pulled me to face him. His sleeping face was up close-handsome and peaceful, none of the usual edge in sight.
His breaths were slow and steady against the top of my head. The room was dead quiet, with only the fading night around us. Somehow, that silence crept into me too, and before I knew it, I was closing my eyes.
Against all odds, I actually slept soundly that night.
No idea what kind of switch flipped in Theodore's brain, but for several days straight, he came home right on time for dinner, ate with me, then forced me to sleep beside him. I had tried to refuse, even went off on him a couple of times, but in the end, I gave in.
Time passed. No drama, no accidents.
I put on such a good act those few days, even the housekeeper dropped her guard.
Honestly, even I started to think I wasn't planning to run.
But this morning, out of nowhere, I found out Theodore would be stuck at the office all day. Might even hop on a private jet for some overseas meeting. If there's ever been a perfect chance to escape-this is it.
I strolled into the living room, casually checking out the place. The housekeeper didn't even glance my way anymore, which meant she thought I was a harmless little bunny.
Except this bunny? Totally up to no good.
"For freedom!" I screamed silently in my head.
I walked up quietly behind her.
She jumped a little. "Why aren't you in your room resting? What are you doing in the kitchen?"
I rubbed my stomach and said, "I got hungry. Thought I'd find something to snack on."
"Oh, sure thing. I'll get something ready."
She was about to leave when I quickly stopped her. "Actually, I want Amsterdam Gummy Bears, and the chocolate-filled Oreo cookies, and..."
"Wait, what?" She blinked in confusion. "Those are all snacks, right? Never even heard of some of them."
I gave her a mischievous grin. "I haven't had them in forever. Been craving them like crazy."
She chuckled and covered her mouth, "You're a grown woman and still into junk food? Nope. Not a good idea. Too much sugar's bad for you-Mr. Sterling would have my head for it."
