Chapter 3 No Way Out

The whole car ride felt like being stuck in a pressure cooker. The silence was heavy, like it was pushing down on Emma's chest. No one said a word, but you could feel the tension between them, like a live wire-you just couldn't miss it. Each second seemed longer than the last, stretching on forever.

Emma sat up straight, her back stiff against the car seat. Her hands were clenched so tight in her lap that her knuckles were white. She stared straight ahead, not even glancing at Damien Blackwood. But it didn't matter. She could feel him there. His dark presence filled the whole Jeep, like he owned the place.

Even the air felt different, charged with something she couldn't put her finger on. It was like standing too close to a storm, dangerous and unpredictable. She thought she could hear him breathing slow and steady, like it was no big deal. But her breaths were quick and shallow, and her heart was pounding.

The city lights went by outside the windows, but Emma barely saw them. Her mind was spinning, trying to figure out what was going on and how to get out of it. But no matter what she thought of, it always ended the same way-with Damien in charge.

That thought sent a shiver down her spine. It was not a good feeling being controlled by anyone, let alone Damien. The way he carried himself, always so calm and collected, was unnerving. Emma had known him for a while now, mainly through business dealings, but there was always something about him that made her uneasy. Maybe it was how he always seemed to be one step ahead, or maybe it was the look in his eyes that suggested he knew more than he let on.

Whatever it was, Emma knew that being alone in a car with him like this was not good. She needed to think of something, anything, to break the tension and regain some control of the situation. But as she looked out at the city lights once again, she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever she did, it wouldn't be enough. Damien always seemed to get what he wanted, one way or another. Emma steeled herself. She had to at least try to stand up to him.

As the car continued its onward movement through the city, Emma tried to piece together where things had gone wrong. She'd always prided herself on being a good judge of character, capable of reading people and predicting their next move. But Damien Blackwood was different. He was like a puzzle she couldn't solve, a maze with no exit. She thought back to the arrangement that had led her to this point. It had seemed like a win-win situation, a chance for both of them to achieve their goals. But somewhere along the way, things had shifted, and she'd found herself trapped in a web of his making.

Now, as she sat beside him in the confined space of the Jeep, she realized the true scope of her misjudgment. The silence was not just uncomfortable; it was strategic, a tool he was using to unnerve her. His presence was not just imposing; it was calculated, designed to remind her of the power he held.

Emma took a deep breath and tried to steady her racing heart. She knew she couldn't afford to let fear consume her. She needed to focus, to think clearly, and to find a way that gave her the upper hand. The car ride stretched on, each minute adding to the weight of the silence and the feeling of being cornered. But within that tension, a spark of defiance ignited within Emma. She might be trapped in this moment, but she refused to surrender completely. She would not let Damien control her fate. She would fight back, and whatever it took, she would find a way to regain her independence. The battle had begun, and Emma was ready to meet the head on.

Chill out, Damien's voice rumbled, breaking the silence like a dropped bowling ball.

Emma's jaw tightened. Was he serious? How could she chill out when she was being kidnapped by a guy who basically said she was the payment for her dad's crazy debt?

I have no idea what you want from me," she mumbled, clinging to her purse like a lifeline.

Damien turned to look at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. I want you to listen, for once.

Emma scoffed, finally turning to face him. Listen to what? How you're planning to sell me off? My dad made some stupid deal, not me.

A tiny smirk played on his lips, and a shiver went down her spine. And yet, here you are, in this car with me, Emma.

Her stomach twisted into knots. He was right. She was stuck here. And as much as she wished she had a say in any of this, deep down she knew she didn't.

She turned back to the window, watching the city lights turn into streaks of color. Where are you even taking me?

Damien leaned back, acting like he didn't have a care in the world. Somewhere we can talk without all the noise.

A wave of cold washed over her. What if I don't feel like talking?

His face changed a little, but his voice stayed calm. You don't get a choice.

Emma swallowed hard, her heart pounding. Every part of her screamed at her to bail as soon as possible, but where could she even go? Damien Blackwood wasn't just some random dude-he was powerful, a real shark. He practically ran this city.

The car stopped so smooth you could barely feel it. They were in front of some fancy hotel, the kind you only see in magazines. Some valet guy came running to yank open Damien's door, then hesitated for a second when he saw Emma.

Get out, Damien said, his voice low and hard.

Emma took a breath. What if I don't want to?

He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. Then I'll just carry you.

Her pulse went crazy. She didn't doubt him for a second.

Swallowing her anger, she got out of the car, wrapping her arms around herself as the cool night hit her. Damien walked ahead, like he just expected her to follow. She thought about running right then and there, but before she could even make a move, she spotted two of his goons hanging back.

Trapped. Again.

Her heels clicked on the shiny marble floor as they walked inside. The lobby was huge, over-the-top fancy, full of suits who didn't even give them a second glance. Damien walked like he owned the place-and honestly, he probably did.

They got into some private elevator, and as soon as the doors closed, Emma finally lost it. Why are you doing this?

Damien sighed, like he was dealing with a bratty kid. Because, Emma, your father screwed up big time. And now, you're going to fix things.

Her stomach dropped. How am I supposed to do that?

The elevator pinged. The doors opened to some crazy penthouse, and Damien walked out first, telling her to follow. She did, her eyes going wide at the sheer size and flashiness of the place.

Then he turned to her, his eyes serious. You're going to be my wife.

Emma felt like she couldn't breathe. What did you say?

Damien took a step closer, and she backed up until she hit the wall. You heard me. Your dad owes way too much cash to ever pay it back. But you--you're worth a lot more to me.

She shook her head, starting to panic. You're nuts if you think I'm just going to--

I don't need you to say yes, he snapped, his voice even and dangerous. This isn't up for discussion, Emma. This is how it is. You become my wife, and your dad's debt vanishes, just like that.

Tears welled up in her eyes. What if I say no?

Damien tilted his head, looking over her. Then, cold as ice, he said, Then your father will face the music.

She gasped. You wouldn't.

His eyes locked on hers. Go ahead and try me.

Emma's world went sideways. This couldn't be real. This wasn't her life.

But as she looked into the eyes of the dude who now controlled everything, she knew one awful truth.

She was completely screwed.