The mansion was beautiful.
That was the cruelest part.
Crystal chandeliers shimmered above her head, casting soft golden light across marble floors so polished she could see her reflection in them. Velvet curtains framed towering windows. Paintings older than her existence lined the walls wars, kings, blood disguised as art.
Luxury.
Power.
A cage disguised as paradise.
Two armed guards escorted her down the corridor, their boots echoing in rhythm. Every turn felt intentional, as though the house itself had memorized her path.
When the doors to her room opened, she stopped walking.
The bedroom was enormous.
A king-sized bed draped in black silk. A balcony overlooking the city. A vanity stacked with jewelry that probably cost more than entire villages.
She laughed.
A soft, broken sound.
"You expect me to be grateful?" she asked without turning.
One guard avoided her eyes. The other said nothing.
The door shut behind her with a quiet click.
Locked.
She walked slowly around the room, fingers brushing the furniture. Everything was perfect and that terrified her more than chains ever could.
This man didn't want her dead.
He wanted her controlled.
She moved to the balcony and looked out at the city below. Lights glittered like stars. Somewhere out there was her family unaware that their strongest weapon had become leverage.
Her jaw tightened.
"I won't break," she whispered to the night.
Behind her, the door opened.
She turned sharply.
He stood there, jacket removed, sleeves rolled up, dark hair slightly undone. He looked less like a mafia lord now and more like temptation wrapped in danger.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people," she said coldly.
"This is my house," he replied calmly. "You're the one sneaking."
She scoffed. "Is this how you punish your enemies? Silk and chandeliers?"
"No," he said. "This is how I study them."
He stepped inside, eyes sweeping over her like he was memorizing every line of her face.
"You're not afraid," he observed.
"I'm furious."
A faint smile touched his lips. "Good. Fear makes people boring."
She folded her arms. "What do you want from me?"
He stopped a few steps away.
"For now?" he said. "Obedience."
She laughed sharply. "You captured the wrong woman."
"I know," he replied. "That's why I captured you."
Their gazes locked.
And for the first time since her capture… something dangerous stirred beneath her anger.