Chapter 4 Bound by Chains

The car was incredibly quiet, so thick with tension that it was suffocating. Emma sat up straight, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She stared straight ahead, avoiding Damien Blackwood's gaze. Still, she could feel him there, his presence dominating the small space between them. It was impossible to ignore the magnetic pull between them. She could feel her heart beating faster and her skin tingling, but did her hate of him cause this, or something else?

Try to relax, Damien said, his voice deep and resonant, slicing through the quiet.

Emma's jaw tightened. Relax? Seriously? How am I supposed to relax when I'm being driven off by a man who just told me I'm the solution to my father's mess? She was seething inside, but she was trying to remain calm.

I have no idea what you expect from me, she blurted out, clutching her purse like a lifeline.

Damien turned to face her, his eyes intense and unreadable. I expect you to listen.

Emma huffed, finally turning to meet his gaze. Listen to what, exactly? How you plan to use me like some kind of pawn? My father made this deal, not me! It was unbelievable that her life had come to this, like some bad daydreams come to life.

A faint smirk played on his lips, which sent chills down her spine. And yet, here you are, sitting in this car with me, Emma.

Her stomach twisted into knots. He was right. She was here. And as much as she wanted to think she had a choice, a small part of her knew she didn't. Not against Damien Blackwood anyway. She had heard the dark whispers about him since she was a child.

She looked back out the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of color. Where are you taking me? she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Damien leaned back in his seat, looking completely at ease like he was on a Sunday outing. Somewhere we can talk without being interrupted.

A shiver went down her spine. And what if I don't want to talk? she asked, already knowing the answer.

His expression darkened, just a little, but his voice remained even. You don't have a choice in this, Emma.

Emma swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. Every instinct screamed at her to run, but where could she even go? Damien Blackwood wasn't just some rando; he was powerful, calculating, and ruthless. He basically owned this city and everyone in it. Even the cops were rumored to be on his payroll.

The car pulled up smoothly in front of a giant, fancy hotel, the kind she had only ever seen in magazines. A valet rushed over, opening Damien's door first before hesitating at Emma's side, waiting for Damien's cue.

Get out, Damien said, his voice low and firm, leaving no room for argument.

Emma inhaled sharply, gathering her courage. And if I don't want to?

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

Her pulse spiked. She didn't doubt him for a second, and that was what scared her the most.

Swallowing her anger, she got out of the car, hugging herself as the night air nipped at her skin. Damien walked ahead, assuming she would follow. For a split second, she thought about making a run for it, but before she could even consider it, she noticed two of Damien's guys standing nearby, watching her every move.

She was trapped again. She had never felt so alone and isolated in her entire life.

Her heels clicked on the marble floors as they walked inside the hotel. The lobby was huge, filled with people who looked like they had money to burn, none of whom even gave them a second look. Damien walked through like he owned the place, and he probably did.

They stepped into a private elevator. As soon as the doors closed, Emma finally lost it. Why are you doing this to me? she demanded, her voice trembling.

Damien sighed, like he was dealing with a child throwing a tantrum. Because, Emma, your father made a mistake. And now, you're going to need to fix it.

Her stomach churned. But how?

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to a ridiculously luxurious penthouse suite. Damien stepped out first, gesturing for her to follow. She did, her legs shaky, her eyes widening at the sheer opulence of the place. It was bigger than her entire apartment.

He turned to face her, his eyes intense and cold. You're going to be my wife.

Emma's breath caught in her throat. What did you just say?

Damien took a step closer, and she instinctively backed away until she hit the wall. You heard me perfectly well. Your father's debt is too big for him to ever pay off. But you... you're something I want.

She shook her head in disbelief, panic rising. You're crazy if you think I'll just go along with this.

I don't need your permission, Emma, he cut in, his voice smooth but deadly. This isn't a request. This is a deal. You become my wife, and your father's debt disappears. It's as simple as that.

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

Damien tilted his head, studying her like she was some kind of bug under a microscope. Then, with a chilling certainty, he said, your father suffers. You wouldn't want that.

She gasped sharply. You wouldn't do that, would you?

His eyes locked onto hers, and there was no warmth or remorse, and she knew at that moment that he meant everything he said and more. Go ahead, push me. See what happens.

Emma's head was spinning. None of this could really be happening. This couldn't be her life. It felt like a nightmare, but she could not wake up.

Looking into the eyes of the man who now held her life in his hands, she realized a devastating truth: she was trapped.