Elena couldn’t sleep, my mind rumbling. Morning came so quickly that she got dressed and walked into the office. The day started the same.

It was late, Elena should have been home hours ago, wrapped in her thin blanket, far from Adrian’s presence, but Adrian would never let her go unless he was done with her.

She dropped the last file on his table with force. “There. Every detail triple-checked. I’m leaving now.”

His chair turned, and he stared at her like he had long been waiting for this moment.

“No,” he simply said in a soft but commanding tone.

Elena clenched her hands “You don’t need me here anymore.”

Getting up slowly from his chair like a predator, he replied “You assume I keep you here for need.”

Her chest rose sharply. “Then why?”

Adrian stepped around the desk, closing the distance between them.

Her pulse faltered. “If this is another game—”

“It’s not a game, it's a test “. He said interrupting her.

Elena stood there surprised. “ Test of what?”

His eyes grew dark as he stopped inches from her. “Your limits.”

The air reduced, her lungs squeezing tight. She wanted to move, but his presence pinned her in place.

“You think you can control me,” she spat, though her voice shook.

His lips curved, cruel and intense. “No, Elena. I know I can.”

Her anger broke through her fear. “You’re wrong.”

He moved close to her very fast.

Her back slammed against the wall, and she let out a sharp gasp. Adrian’s body stood over hers, one hand above her head, the other capturing her wrist and pulling her closer.

She could feel the cold wall in her spine. She was trapped.

Her breath came quick, low. “Let me go.”

Adrian smirked. “Say please.”

Her eyes burned with resistance. “Never.”

He lowered his head, his mouth brushing her jaw, his words burned against her skin. “Careful. That word might feel like surrender when you finally say it out.”

She shook. Hatred fought with the fire blooming under her skin.

She forced out a whisper. “You disgust me.”

His mouth brushed her cheek, moving close to her lips. “Lie to yourself all you want. But your body knows the truth.”His thumb pressed against the racing pulse at her neck.

Her knees became weak, betraying her. “You don’t own me.”

“Don’t I?” His lips moved so close to her lips, so close her mouth prickled.

Her chest tossed, anger knotted with hunger. She hated him. God, she hated him.

And she wanted him to kiss her.

For a suspended heartbeat, he nearly did. His lips barely touched hers, just enough to make her crave him. Her eyes shut, her hands betraying her, squeezing at his shirt.

He suddenly stopped, and he pulled back a bit. His look went back to being cold and cruel.

A smile curved his mouth, mocking and merciless. “Shameful, one touch, and you melt.”

Her eyes opened fast, anger and shame clashing in her chest. She pushed him with both hands, breaking free.

“Go to hell,” she hissed.

He let out a low laugh, adjusting his cuffs as if nothing had happened. “You’ll follow me there, Elena. Begging.”

Her heart rumbled so hard it hurt. She grabbed her bag and ran toward the door before he could see the truth in her eyes.

Because he was right.

At that moment, she had wanted him.

And that frightened her more than anything else.