Chapter 3 Caged In Velvet

Cassian didn't say a word after I signed the agreement. Just stared down at the paper like it held more weight than he was willing to admit. Then he stood, adjusted his cufflinks, and walked toward the door.

"You'll be moved in tomorrow. Pack light. My driver will come at noon."

He didn't wait for my reply.

The door shut softly behind him, but the silence he left behind felt loud. Like my life had just shifted on an axis I couldn't control.

---

By noon the next day, a black car pulled up outside the apartment. Mateo was at school, and I had lied-again. Told him I'd gotten a new job that required me to travel, but I'd be sending money regularly. His eyes lit up at the news. That part alone made the lie almost worth it.

The driver-tall, dressed in all black, and polite-opened the door without a word. I carried just one suitcase and a duffel bag. It was all I had anyway.

As the city disappeared behind tinted windows, I felt the weight of the contract settle onto my shoulders. The deeper we drove into the hills, the quieter everything became. No more honking taxis or shouting vendors. Just trees, winding roads, and silence.

Then we arrived.

---

The estate didn't look like a house-it looked like something out of a billionaire's fantasy. Wide stone steps, sleek walls of glass, and heavy dark wood doors. It was modern, intimidating, and cold. Just like him.

Jaxon greeted me at the entrance. No smile, no small talk. Just a quick nod. "Follow me."

The inside of the estate was breathtaking-wide spaces, high ceilings, minimal décor in muted tones. It felt like everything inside was chosen for control, not comfort.

He led me down a hallway and stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. "This is your room."

I stepped inside.

The room was large-too large for someone like me. A queen-sized bed with dark gray sheets, a walk-in closet already filled with designer clothes I hadn't bought, and a window that overlooked a silent garden below.

"Your schedule will be sent to your phone," Jaxon said from behind me. "You'll meet with Mr. De Rossi at dinner. Six sharp. No delays."

I turned. "Do I get to explore the house?"

He blinked once. "Only with permission. The east wing is off limits."

"Why?"

His jaw ticked. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to."

And just like that, he left.

---

I stood in front of the mirror for too long, staring at the girl in silk and shadow. The dress I found on the bed was simple-black, off-the-shoulder, ending just above the knee. Expensive, clearly. But it didn't feel like mine.

Dinner was in a dining room the size of our entire apartment. A long table, too many chairs, and a crystal chandelier that glittered like frost. Cassian sat at the far end, a glass of something dark in his hand.

"You're on time," he said.

"I try."

His eyes swept over me-not in lust, but in silent study. "Sit."

I did. A plate was placed in front of me by a silent staff member. Steak, wine, something green and expensive-looking on the side.

We ate in silence. Or rather, I did. He barely touched his food.

When I finished, he set his glass down. "You've been assigned your personal hour. It's between 3 and 4 p.m. daily. No interruptions. That includes me."

My brows lifted slightly. "Surprised you honored that."

"I said I would."

"Most powerful men break promises when no one can hold them accountable."

His gaze sharpened. "I'm not most men."

There was something dark behind his eyes. Something he didn't say, and I didn't ask.

He stood. "The first scheduled night is tomorrow."

I swallowed. "Okay."

He leaned forward slightly, eyes never leaving mine. "You're here because of necessity. Not desire. That makes this easier for both of us. I don't want games."

"No games," I said.

"No feelings."

"None."

"No expectations."

I smiled faintly. "You already said that in the contract."

Something flickered in his gaze-amusement, maybe? Or warning?

Then he turned and left.

---

The next day passed in strange silence. I explored only what I was allowed, learning the corners of the estate like a maze. I didn't see Cassian once. Not until 3 p.m.-my hour.

The garden was where I went. Quiet, hidden. A little stone bench under an old tree.

For the first time in days, I sat and did nothing. Just breathed.

And it was there-quiet, wind brushing my face, birds in the distance-that I remembered what peace felt like.

---

That night, I was ready.

The room was dimly lit. Cassian stood at the window again, just like the first day. But this time, he wasn't a stranger. He was something else.

Powerful. Cold. Untouchable.

I didn't wear lingerie-I wore silence. That's what the contract asked for. No words. No resistance.

When he approached, he didn't touch me like I was fragile or adored. He touched me like I was his. Claimed, not courted. But never cruel.

It wasn't rough. It wasn't soft.

It was... contained.

Like everything about him.

Four times a week. That was the rule. No more. No less.

When it was over, he left without speaking.

And somehow, that silence said everything.

---

Two nights later, I found Jaxon in the hallway. He was on the phone but paused when he saw me.

"You're adjusting," he noted.

I nodded. "Still feels like a cage. Just with gold bars."

He raised a brow. "Some cages are safer than freedom."

I tilted my head. "And some cages convince you they're safety until you forget how to run."

He smiled at that-barely. "You're different. I see why he picked you."

"Does he?"

"He won't admit it. Not to you. Maybe not even to himself."

I frowned. "What does that mean?"

Jaxon was quiet for a moment, then said, "Melissa will be arriving in about two weeks."

The name sounded unfamiliar until he added, "His grandfather's friend's granddaughter. They've known each other for years."

"Is she staying here?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"She always finds reasons to visit. She still believes she can make him love her."

I stared. "Can she?"

Jaxon gave me a long look. "Cassian doesn't do love."

"Maybe he just hasn't met the right person."

"He's met everyone. He just doesn't feel."

I walked past him then, back to my room, heart quieter than before.

Because that's what scared me the most.

Not that he didn't feel.

But that I might start to.