Chapter 7: Bound by Rules
Akin stared into Rolex's dark eyes, his heart hammering so hard he could barely breathe. For a moment, time seemed to stop, their faces inches apart, Rolex's strong arm holding him up after catching him from falling. Then, without a word, Rolex set him on his feet and walked out of the bathroom, his boots echoing on the tile. The door clicked shut, leaving Akin alone, his skin tingling where Rolex had touched him.
He stood there, confused, his mind racing. What just happened? One second, Rolex was cold, mocking, and the next, he was catching him like he cared. Akin shook his head, his hands trembling as he turned off the shower. The water was still steaming in the tub, but he didn't care about bathing anymore. He just wanted to understand why his life was falling apart. Slowly, he peeled off his torn clothes, his body aching from bruises and the weight of everything. He stepped into the tub, letting the hot water burn away some of the fear, but not the questions. Why was Rolex keeping him? What was that look in his eyes?
After the bath, Akin wrapped himself in a towel, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders. The door opened, and Droko, the man who'd dragged him here, stood there, his cold eyes glinting. "Come on," Droko said, his voice flat. "You're moving to a new room."
Akin's stomach twisted. "A new room?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "Why? What's going on?"
Droko didn't answer, just grabbed Akin's arm and pulled him out. They walked through the mansion's cold halls, past doors that looked like they hid secrets. Droko shoved him into a larger room, darker than the last, with heavy curtains and a massive bed in the center. "Stay here," Droko said, his tone sharp. "Don't try anything stupid." He walked out, the door locking behind him.
Akin stood in the middle of the room, his bare feet cold on the stone floor. The space was big, but it felt like a cage. The walls were dark, the furniture heavy, like everything was meant to remind him he was trapped. He glanced around, his heart racing. The door was locked, but there was a window, its curtains half-open. Could he run? Could he get out before anyone noticed?
He took a step back, his hands shaking. "I have to try," he muttered to himself. "I can't stay here." He turned, ready to bolt for the window, but froze. A broad chest blocked his path. He looked up, his breath catching as he met Rolex's eyes. Those dark, piercing eyes that made his knees weak.
"Where do you think you're going?" Rolex asked, his voice low, almost a growl. He stepped closer, his tall frame towering over Akin.
Akin stumbled back, fear choking him. "I—I wasn't—" he stammered, his words tripping over each other. "I just—"
"You just what?" Rolex said, closing the distance. His coat was gone, his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing strong arms. "Thought you could run? From me?"
Akin's back hit the wall, his heart pounding. He closed his eyes, bracing for a hit, a yell, something. "Please," he whispered. "Don't hurt me."
No pain came. He opened his eyes, and Rolex was still there, staring at him, his face unreadable. For a moment, neither of them moved, the air thick with tension. Then Rolex walked past him, brushing so close Akin felt the heat of his body. He went to the king-sized bed and sat down, his movements slow, deliberate. He started unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes never leaving Akin.
Akin stood frozen, his breath shallow. He couldn't look away as Rolex's shirt fell open, revealing a chest marked with faint scars, like he'd fought battles Akin couldn't imagine. Rolex stood, tossing the shirt aside, and walked toward him again. Their eyes locked, and Akin felt that strange pull again, like something inside him was tied to this man, this monster.
"From now on," Rolex said, his voice cold but steady, "you belong to me. My house, my rules. Break them, and you'll be punished."
Akin's throat tightened. "Punished?" he asked, his voice shaking. "What… what are the rules?"
Rolex's lips curved into a small, chilling smile. "Listen carefully, boy," he said. "Rule one: you never run. I'll always find you. Always. Rule two: keep this room clean. I don't tolerate filth. Rule three: don't speak unless I ask you a question. Rule four: you can go back to school, but don't even think about talking to anyone. And rule five: when I tell you to do something, you do it. No arguing, no questions."
Akin's hands clenched, anger rising through his fear. "You can't control me like that!" he snapped, his voice louder than he meant. "I'm not your slave!"
Rolex's smile vanished. He stepped closer, so close Akin could feel his breath. "You are whatever I say you are," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're here because your father didn't want you. You're mine now."
Akin's eyes burned, tears threatening again. "Why are you doing this?" he asked, his voice breaking. "What do you want from me?"
Rolex tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "I want you to obey," he said. "That's all you need to know."
Akin shook his head, his voice rising. "I'm not some dog you can train! I have a life! I have—"
Rolex grabbed his chin, forcing Akin to look up. His grip was firm, not painful, but it silenced Akin instantly. "Do you understand the rules?" Rolex asked, his voice low, almost a whisper, but heavy with authority.
Akin's heart pounded, tears spilling down his cheeks. He wanted to scream, to fight, to run, but he was trapped. Rolex's eyes held him, cold but searching, like he was looking for something in Akin's face. The room was silent, the air heavy, and Akin felt that pull again, stronger now, making his chest ache.
"Yes," Akin said, his voice small, broken. "I understand."
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