Chapter 5 Unhinged affection

Mikhail's POV

Colton stood in front of me, the light casting sharp shadows over his chiseled features. His strong, angular jawline seemed carved from stone, sharp enough to cut through anything in its path, and his lips-full, but always set in a grim line-held an air of dominance. His piercing eyes, cold and calculating, were the most dangerous feature of all. They were a sharp, ice-blue, glowing with an unsettling intensity, always watching, always judging, as though he could see right through me, right into the core of my being.

His thick, dark hair fell just short of his shoulders, messy but styled in a way that screamed effortless perfection. It was the kind of hair that was meant to be touched, to be admired, but never by someone like me. His broad shoulders and towering height made him seem larger than life, as though he was a force of nature that couldn't be contained. He wore a tailored black suit that clung to his form, the fine fabric highlighting every muscle and contour. His presence alone was enough to command attention, to silence any room-an undeniable force that no one could ignore.

He was a man of wealth, a man of power, and yet, every ounce of him exuded a terrifying cruelty. His handsome face, though angelic, was nothing more than a mask to hide the monster beneath. He moved with the grace of a predator, every step calculated, every motion deliberate.

And yet, despite all of this, it wasn't just his physical attributes that made him terrifying. It was the way he carried himself-like a man who had everything at his disposal, and nothing was beyond his reach. His world was built on control, on power, and he was the puppet master of everyone around him, including me.

I couldn't look away, even though every fiber of my being screamed for me to do so.

Colton's voice was low, almost hypnotic, as he leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my skin. "Those rare eyes... they captivated me from the very first moment. You've always had this... effect on me, Mikhail." He spoke as if he were savoring the words, each one dripping with a dark, possessive intensity.

His thumb traced the line of my jaw, slowly and deliberately, before moving to my lips. His touch was gentle at first, but I could feel the weight of his dominance in every movement, the unspoken promise of control in his every action. His fingers were cold, but his gaze burned into me, and I could feel his eyes analyzing every reaction, every breath I took.

I held my breath, trying to keep my body still, desperately trying not to flinch away from his touch. I knew that any sign of resistance, any hint of defiance, would only provoke him further. Colton was unpredictable, and I couldn't afford to test the limits of his patience.

His fingers slid over my lips, gently pulling at the corners in an almost tender motion, though the look in his eyes told a different story. "You're so fragile," he murmured, voice laced with amusement. "So beautiful... and so broken. But that's what makes you mine, isn't it?"

I couldn't speak, couldn't even find the strength to look him in the eye. I stayed silent, letting him have his moment, praying that somehow-somehow-I could endure this. I just had to survive.

Colton's smirk deepened, a cruel glint dancing in his eyes as he took my trembling hand in his. His grip was firm, almost possessive, as he brought it to his lips. He kissed my hand slowly, deliberately, savoring the contact as if it were something sacred to him. His lips, warm and insistent, lingered for just a second longer than necessary, sending an uncomfortable shiver through my body.

His eyes, dark and predatory, never left mine. There was something in them-something twisted and dangerous-that made my heart race in both fear and confusion. It was an admixture of admiration and control, an unsettling fascination that made my skin crawl. Colton didn't just want me; he needed to break me, to mold me into something that served his dark desires. His gaze spoke volumes, a chilling promise that he would stop at nothing to claim me fully, body and soul.

"You're shaking," he murmured, his voice low, almost amused by my reaction. He caressed the back of my hand, his thumb brushing over the delicate skin, sending another wave of dread coursing through me. "Why do you tremble, Mikhail? You know there's nowhere to hide, nothing left for you to fight."

The words, though softly spoken, were laced with venom, and I couldn't help but wonder how far he would go to prove that point. The admiration in his eyes was not like anything I had ever seen before-it wasn't love, or care, but something far darker. It was the admiration of a hunter for his prey, a twisted obsession that would never release its hold.

I swallowed hard, doing my best to steady my breath, but the terror that coursed through me was unrelenting. This man, this monster disguised as an alpha, was far more dangerous than I had ever imagined.

I averted my gaze, trying to distance myself from Colton's overpowering presence. My fingers instinctively pulled away from his touch, but before I could even make a move, his expression shifted from that of barely contained fury to something more... calculating. It was as if I had unknowingly triggered some deeper instinct within him. His brows furrowed, and for a brief moment, his eyes flickered with irritation-before quickly morphing into something colder, darker.

But before his anger could fully surface, a low rumble interrupted the tense silence-my stomach growling audibly. I froze, feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. My body was betraying me, reminding me of my vulnerability. I pressed my hand against my stomach, trying to quell the hunger that had been gnawing at me for days. I hadn't eaten anything substantial in what felt like forever, and the emptiness inside me was starting to feel unbearable.

I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding his eyes. Maybe if I just asked one of the servants, they'd give me a bit of leftover food-just something to ease the gnawing hunger. I didn't need much, just enough to keep me from feeling like I might collapse at any moment. But I knew the moment I spoke, he'd find a way to twist it against me.

"You're hungry," Colton stated flatly, his voice like ice. There was no question in his tone, just a cold observation, almost as if he enjoyed pointing out my weakness.

I nodded silently, still refusing to meet his gaze, my throat tight with a mixture of shame and fear. He was watching me so closely, his presence pressing in on me like a suffocating weight.

"You're not getting any food unless I allow it," Colton continued, his tone unnervingly calm, but the promise of control behind his words was unmistakable. "You don't get to decide when you eat. Not anymore."

His words stung, and for a moment, I wanted to say something-to fight back, to ask for just a scrap of dignity-but I knew better. The moment I opened my mouth, I was at his mercy, and right now, I was far from having the strength to challenge him. The idea of standing up to him felt like a distant dream, a fantasy that had long been shattered under the weight of his power.

With a deep, resigned breath, I lowered my head. "Please..." I signed, barely made it because of my shaky hands.The word slipped out without me even realizing, an involuntary plea for something I knew would never come-mercy, kindness, or at the very least, a bit of food. But I didn't dare say more.

Colton's gaze lingered on me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched my silent submission. His expression was unreadable for a moment, before his eyes softened, but not in a way that reassured me. It was more like he was pleased by my obedience, the way I had bowed my head in defeat.

"You better," he said, his voice low and controlled, almost patronizing. "You're starting to understand your place. Good."

I kept my head down, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. The weight of his words crushed me, suffocating any ounce of hope I had left. It wasn't just the hunger anymore-it was everything. The endless cycle of pain, control, and hopelessness. I had become so used to being trapped, to his twisted form of care, that the thought of ever being free felt impossible.

My hand trembled slightly as I signed again, the only way I could express myself without drawing his wrath. "I understand," I signed, my heart aching with each letter. I wanted to scream, to beg for mercy, to demand my freedom, but the fear of what he would do to me if I did held me silent.

Colton studied me for a moment, his cold eyes scanning my face. The silence between us stretched, heavy and oppressive, before he finally stood up, towering over me once more.

"Good. Now get some rest," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth. "Tomorrow, we have more to discuss."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence of my room, the hunger still gnawing at me.

I closed my eyes and let myself fall asleep, morning came and I opened my eyes and sighed. I'm hungry, I gently moves my bruised and wounded hands and tried to get out of the floor, my legs starts shaking when I got myself up.

I winced as I stood, my legs shaking under the strain, the pain from last night's events still fresh in my body. My hands, bruised and scarred, felt like dead weight as I tried to steady myself. Every movement reminded me of my fragility-of how I was nothing but a pawn in his twisted game.

The room was still cold, the silence oppressive. I staggered toward the door, my stomach growling loudly, betraying how desperately I needed food. My mind raced, trying to come up with a plan, anything that could help me escape this nightmare, even just for a little while. But I knew better than to think I had any power here.

I placed my hand on the door, hesitating. Should I try to find someone? Maybe one of the servants could help me? My body trembled, but not just from hunger-the fear of facing Colton again gnawed at me.

I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my racing heart, and finally pushed the door open. The hall outside was quiet, eerily so. I couldn't see anyone around. I hoped maybe I could slip by unnoticed, get to the kitchen, and find something to eat. It was a faint hope, but it was all I had.

My feet shuffled across the floor, each step careful, making sure I didn't attract attention. I was almost there when I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. My heart skipped in my chest.

I went inside the bathroom and open the shower to drink some water. I don't have any choices, I need water more than a food. I filled up the tub even though it's hurts when I move my body and my hands, I slowly sat down to the tub and let my clothes soaked along with my body.

The coolness of the water provided a temporary relief from the burning sensation in my body, but it couldn't numb the pain that was constantly there, gnawing at me. As I sat in the tub, I let my clothes cling to my skin, weighed down by the water that pooled around me. Every inch of my body ached, a reminder of everything I had endured.

I dipped my hands into the water, flinching when the water touched my bruises and wounds, but I was too desperate for the small comfort it offered. My chest tightened as I let out a shaky breath, trying not to think of Colton, his smirk, his cold gaze, the way he had broken me piece by piece.

I needed something to distract me from the thoughts that swirled in my head-thoughts of him and of the twisted bond we shared. How had it come to this? I had once dreamt of a life full of possibilities, full of light, but now I was submerged in this suffocating darkness with no way out.

I closed my eyes, leaning my head back against the tub, letting the cold water seep into my hair, hoping for a moment of peace, even if it was fleeting.

But I knew I couldn't stay here forever. Eventually, I'd have to face him again.

The water around me slowly shifted, turning from its clear, cool hue to a deep red-my blood staining the once-pristine surface. I stared at the color, unable to look away as it spread like a cruel reminder of the pain I had endured. My wounds, fresh and old, bled into the water, the crimson liquid mixing with the warmth of my body. It should've been something I could ignore, but the sight of it made my chest tighten with a painful ache.

I reached out, touching the water, my fingertips brushing against the red fluid as if trying to erase the reality of it, but I knew I couldn't. The physical pain was nothing compared to the way I felt inside-the emptiness that gnawed at me like a hunger I couldn't satisfy. My hands trembled as I pulled them back, wiping away the tears that had begun to fall once more. The sorrow, the loneliness-it was suffocating.

I missed my mom. I longed for the warmth of her embrace, the comfort of her soft voice, telling me everything would be alright. She had always been the one to soothe me, to tell me I was special, that I was more than what I had become. But she was gone. And now, I was alone-alone with my thoughts, my pain, and the man who had twisted everything about me.

I closed my eyes, the sting of fresh tears blurring my vision. If only she were here, I thought. She would know what to do. She would know how to make everything stop hurting. But she wasn't. And I was left with nothing but the weight of my suffering, the hopelessness that seemed to settle deeper into my soul with each passing day.

I let the water wash over me, pretending it could cleanse me, even though I knew the stains would never fully come out.

The sound of Colton's voice echoed through the house like a thunderclap, filling the air with tension. His anger was palpable, raw-every word laced with fury, and it made my heart race in fear. I stayed frozen in the tub, my body trembling uncontrollably despite my best efforts to remain still. I knew better than to make a sound.

I heard the crash of glass and the sound of things being thrown, the noise sharp and violent. The walls felt like they were closing in, each sound amplifying the reality of what I was living through. I pressed myself deeper into the corner of the tub, hoping he wouldn't find me, hoping he would somehow forget about me, even though I knew that was a foolish thought.

His voice-thick with rage-cut through the air again. "Mikhail!" Colton bellowed, the anger in his tone growing even more intense. "Where the fuck are you?!"

I squeezed my eyes shut, clenching my fists, desperate to hold back the tears. I hated this. I hated the fear that gripped me every time his voice grew more dangerous, every time I was reminded of the monster I was forced to live with.

I knew I couldn't hide forever. Colton always found me, always seemed to track me down when I least expected it. I had no power here, no control over what happened next. All I could do was wait, to brace for the storm that was about to hit.

Colton kicked the bathroom door opened making me shrank into the corner of the tub, I trembling cover my head if ever he would hit me. "There you." He said while panting so hard. I sobbed and hugged myself while shaking my head.

Colton's presence filled the room like a suffocating cloud, his anger almost tangible. The door splintered with the force of his kick, sending a wave of panic through me. I pressed myself further into the corner of the tub, hoping the small space would shield me, even though I knew it wouldn't protect me from him. His footsteps were heavy, calculated, each one sounding like a warning.

I couldn't control my shaking. My hands trembled violently as I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to make myself as small as possible, as if that would somehow make him go away. My breath hitched as I tried to hold back the sobs, but they broke free, escaping before I could stop them.

His gaze was sharp, like a predator spotting its prey. "There you are," Colton said, his voice low and controlled, though I could hear the heavy panting from his earlier outburst. It made the air thick, suffocating. "Look at you... pathetic."

I couldn't look at him. I couldn't meet his eyes, not when I knew what was coming. I just shook my head, whispering a plea between sobs. "Please... please don't hurt me." I signed, barely audible over the rapid beating of my heart.

But Colton didn't answer right away. He stepped closer, his figure looming over me. I could smell his minty scent growing stronger, invading my senses, mixing with the fear that clung to the air. He crouched down to my level, his eyes cold, calculating. My body tensed in anticipation, waiting for whatever torment he had planned next.

His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with a force that made me flinch. "You think you can hide from me?" His voice was soft, but there was a venomous undertone that made my stomach churn. He pulled me up with ease, dragging me out of the tub as though I weighed nothing.

I tried to pull away, but it was useless. His grip was unyielding. "You're mine," he hissed, his face inches from mine. "And you will never escape me."

The fear in my chest rose, suffocating me. I had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

"I-I just take a bath." I signed shaky. "I-I'm sorry.."

Colton's gaze hardened as he looked down at me, his grip tightening on my wrist. He didn't respond right away, his eyes scanning me with an unsettling intensity, as if searching for any sign of defiance. But instead of speaking, he yanked me closer, causing me to stumble, the cold water still dripping from my clothes.

"You think you can just take a bath and everything's fine?" he growled, his voice laced with anger and something darker. "You think you can hide in here and pretend like nothing's wrong?"

I flinched, every inch of me trembling in his grasp. I tried to sign again, my hands shaking too much to form the words clearly, but all I wanted was for him to stop, for him to just leave me alone. "I-I just... needed to clean... I'm sorry..."

But my apology seemed to make him more agitated. His eyes darkened, and his fingers dug into my skin. "You're sorry? You're sorry for what? For disobeying me again?" His voice grew louder, the anger in it rising with each word.

I didn't know how to respond. The words stuck in my throat, and I could feel the weight of his presence pressing down on me, suffocating me with every breath I took. I wanted to run, to escape, but there was no way out. Not now. Not with him here.

His face twisted into something cruel, and before I could react, he shoved me against the wall, the impact rattling my bones. "Don't you dare apologize to me," he spat, his voice cold. "You're mine. And I'll remind you of that every chance I get."

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes again, my body shaking uncontrollably. The pain, both physical and emotional, was becoming too much to bear.

"You must do what I say, and don't you dare to defy me. I'm the only one you will follow. And If I tell you to stand up! Stand fucking up!" He shouted. I hurriedly stood up while shaking.

Colton's gaze never left me as I stood there, my legs unsteady beneath me, my hands trembling at my sides. His command felt like a weight pressing down on my chest, and the fear coursing through me only made it harder to move. The sting of my wounds and the rawness of my emotions left me feeling fragile, but I knew better than to defy him. I could feel his eyes burning into me, expecting obedience.

"I'm waiting," he growled, his voice like a threat hanging in the air.

I bit my lip, fighting back the sobs that threatened to break through, but my body obeyed without question. I shakily pushed myself upright, my legs wobbling beneath me. My hands instinctively pressed against my bruised body, as if that would somehow shield me from his gaze.

"Good," Colton muttered, his voice dripping with a mix of approval and menace. He took a step closer, his presence towering over me, and I couldn't help but shrink back, the space between us feeling like a vast chasm of power and fear. "Now, don't forget your place."

The words stung, and the tears I had been holding back finally escaped, rolling down my cheeks. I could feel his dominance weighing heavily on me, suffocating me from every direction. I couldn't even move without his permission, couldn't even breathe without it feeling like an act of defiance.

He reached out, his fingers trailing along my bruised arms, and I flinched. "You belong to me, Mikhail," he said quietly, but the words were still a threat, wrapped in the guise of possessiveness. "And you'll learn that. Eventually."

My heart pounded in my chest, the sound of it drowning out everything else as I stood there, trembling under his touch. His presence was overpowering, and I couldn't escape it-no matter how much I wanted to.

All I could do was stand there, obedient, defeated. The battle within me felt endless, but I had no choice but to endure it.

I stumbled forward, my legs nearly giving out beneath me as I tried to regain my balance. The shove came so suddenly and violently that I couldn't even prepare for it. My breath caught in my throat, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around my body, as if trying to protect myself from what might come next.

I heard Colton's footsteps behind me, heavy and calculated, each one echoing like a warning in the silent room. His presence loomed over me like a storm, and I could feel the tension in the air grow thick, suffocating.

"Didn't I tell you to move?" he growled, his voice low and dark, full of a dangerous authority.

I barely had time to respond before he shoved me again, this time harder, sending me crashing onto the edge of the bed. The pain shot through my body like a bolt of lightning, and I gasped, biting down on my lip to stifle the cry that threatened to escape.

"Stay there," Colton spat, his words cold and final.

I nodded quickly, not trusting myself to speak. My body ached all over, but the fear of angering him again kept me rooted to the spot. Every part of me wanted to scream, to run, to fight back, but I knew the consequences would be too much to bear.

So, I lay there, trembling, as he stood over me, watching. The silence stretched on, broken only by the sound of my shallow breathing, and I felt more helpless than ever before.

Colton left once again leaving me alone, I sighed hardly and slowly, I'm not really feel well and I'm hungry. I'm burning up too. Someone open the door and I instantly hugged myself but it's not Colton. It's-he looks exactly like Colton.

The man who opened the door, smells like strawberry. I almost vomit because of his scent. "Oh dear." The man said and went inside my room, I shrank away and hugged myself from any harm coming from the guy.

"What did he do to you?"

The man's voice was soft, almost gentle, but there was something about his presence that made me instinctively want to pull away. He looked almost identical to Colton, but his demeanor was different-calmer, less volatile. He took a slow step forward, his eyes scanning the room as if trying to piece together what had happened.

I couldn't help but flinch as he neared, my body reacting out of sheer instinct. The scent of strawberries hit me like a wave, and I fought the urge to gag, trying to steady my breath. My heart pounded in my chest, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. Who was this man, and why did he look like Colton?

He crouched down in front of me, his eyes softening with concern as he observed my bruised and battered form. "What happened to you?" he asked again, his tone tinged with sympathy, though I couldn't tell if I could trust him.

I shook my head weakly, not trusting my voice, and felt tears well up in my eyes again. The pain, the fear-it was all too much.

"I-I didn't do anything," I signed shakily, my hands trembling. "I just... I didn't do anything wrong."

The man reached out slowly, as if he was trying not to startle me, and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. His touch, though soft, sent a wave of tension through my body. "You don't have to say anything if you're not ready," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "But I can help you. I won't hurt you."

I looked up at him, my eyes searching his face for any hint of deception, but all I could see was sincerity. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that being near someone so similar to Colton was dangerous. But I was too weak, too hungry, to resist the possibility of someone helping me.

"What can you do?" I signed weakly, my hands barely moved. "Will you make him stop?"

His gaze darkened for a moment before he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what Colton's been doing to you, but I swear I won't let him hurt you anymore. I can't make promises, but I can try to help."

I wanted to believe him, but after everything I'd been through, I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Still, a small part of me hoped, desperately hoped, that maybe someone else-someone who wasn't Colton-could offer me a sliver of the safety I had been deprived of for so long.

And in the middle of the conversation, stomach growl. I gulped and looks away.

"Did you already ate?" He asked and stares at the chains in my hands. He sighed and shake his head. "I don't know what Colton been doing but this is not right." He said. "I heard he locked and left you in the closet. Did he already fed you?" He added

My stomach growled louder, the sound echoing in the silence of the room, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I hugged myself tighter, my face burning with shame. I didn't know why I was so embarrassed about being hungry, but it felt like another reminder of my helplessness, of how far I'd fallen.

I shook my head slowly, not trusting myself to speak. My hands were still trembling from the chains around my wrists, and I couldn't even look at him without feeling weak. I wanted to be strong, but everything was falling apart.

"No, he didn't feed me," I signed, avoiding his gaze. "I've been here for... I don't know how long. I'm not sure when I last ate. I just... I just want something to eat."

The man's eyes darkened as he looked at my chained hands, his expression hardening for a brief moment. He sighed, exhaling sharply, and ran a hand through his hair. "This is wrong," he muttered under his breath. "No one should be treated like this. I'll make sure you get something to eat. You need it."

His words were kind, but they didn't erase the fear that still gnawed at me. Colton's absence didn't mean I was safe. It just meant I had a brief moment of respite.

The man stood up, and I tensed, afraid he might leave. But he didn't. He turned to me, his gaze softening. "I'm going to get you some food, and we're going to take those chains off. No one deserves to live like this."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. He was offering me something I hadn't dared to hope for-a moment of kindness, a chance at safety, even if only temporary. "Thank you..." I signed, though my voice was barely audible, more out of instinct than belief. I wasn't sure if I could trust him yet, but the idea of food, of warmth, felt so far out of reach that it made my head spin.

He nodded, though his face was grim. "I'll be back soon. Don't move, and don't try anything stupid, okay?" he said, his tone softening.

I nodded, too exhausted to say anything more, my head swirling with conflicting thoughts. All I could do was wait, hope, and cling to the fragile hope that maybe-just maybe-there was a way out of this nightmare.