I didn't sleep.
Not even for a second.
The clock on my wall ticked like it was counting down to my execution. Every sound outside made my heart jump. Every passing car felt like danger arriving early.
Sunrise was coming.
And with it… my answer.
I stood by the window, arms wrapped around myself, staring at a city that suddenly didn't feel like mine anymore.
Last night, I had been brave.
This morning?
I wasn't sure if I had just been stupid.
My phone buzzed again.
Unknown number.
I didn't need to guess who it was.
I picked up.
"You're running out of time."
His voice.
Calm. Smooth. Like he wasn't asking for my life in exchange for protection.
I swallowed. "You don't waste time, do you?"
"I don't repeat opportunities."
Typical.
I exhaled slowly, trying to steady myself. "And if I say no?"
A pause.
Not long.
Just enough to feel intentional.
"Then I hope you enjoy looking over your shoulder," he said. "Because the people coming for you won't be as patient as I am."
My chest tightened.
"Why me?" I asked. "You could ruin me. Silence me. Do anything."
Another pause.
But this one felt… different.
"Heard you were smart," he said finally. "I prefer to keep useful people close."
Useful.
Not safe.
Not protected.
Owned.
I clenched my jaw. "So this isn't about revenge?"
A quiet chuckle slipped through the phone, low and dangerous.
"Oh, it is," he said. "But I prefer long-term investments."
My stomach flipped.
This man wasn't just dangerous.
He was strategic.
"I'm not marrying you," I said quickly, forcing strength into my voice.
Silence.
Then—
"Open your door."
My heart stopped.
"What?"
"Now, Lena."
The line went dead.
For a moment, I didn't move.
Then—
A knock.
Soft this time.
Controlled.
Like he already knew I'd obey.
I walked slowly, every step heavier than the last, and opened the door.
And there he was.
Again.
Adrian Blackwood.
Standing like he had nowhere else to be but right in front of me.
His eyes swept over me, taking in the lack of sleep, the tension, the fear I couldn't completely hide this time.
"Rough night?" he asked.
I folded my arms. "You don't get to ask me that."
He stepped inside anyway.
Of course he did.
"You look like someone who finally understands consequences," he said, glancing around like my apartment was a temporary inconvenience.
"I understand that you're insane."
"And yet," he replied smoothly, turning to face me, "you're still considering it."
I hated that he was right.
That's what scared me the most.
Not him.
But the fact that a part of me was already calculating survival.
"What exactly do you get out of this?" I asked.
He walked closer.
Not rushing.
Never rushing.
"A wife," he said simply.
I laughed, sharp and disbelieving. "There are millions of women in this city. Pick one who doesn't hate you."
His eyes locked onto mine.
"I'm not looking for love."
Something about the way he said it made the room feel colder.
"I'm looking for leverage."
My breath caught.
"There it is," I muttered. "The truth."
"You exposed me," he continued, circling slowly like I was a problem he intended to solve. "Which means you understand how to dig where others can't."
I didn't respond.
"Imagine what we could do," he added, voice lower now, almost persuasive. "With you on my side."
"Or what you could force me to do," I shot back.
He stopped in front of me.
Close.
Too close.
"You still think this is about force?"
His hand lifted slightly, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.
The touch was… gentle.
Unexpected.
And somehow more dangerous than anything else.
"I'm giving you a choice," he said quietly.
"A choice where one option gets me killed?"
His gaze didn't waver.
"Yes."
At least he was honest.
Silence stretched between us again.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
"Say I agree," I said finally, my voice softer now. "What happens next?"
Something shifted in his eyes.
Victory?
Relief?
No.
Something darker.
"Then you move into my world," he said. "My rules. My name."
My heart pounded.
"And in return?" I asked.
His lips curved slightly.
"I make sure you live long enough to regret exposing me."
I stared at him.
This man was unbelievable.
Dangerous.
Infuriating.
And somehow…
the only shield I had left.
I closed my eyes for a brief second.
Then opened them.
"Fine."
The word tasted like surrender.
"I'll do it."
For the first time—
he smiled.
Not the cold one.
Not the cruel one.
But something quieter.
Satisfied.
"Smart girl," he murmured.
I swallowed hard.
Because deep down…
I had a feeling I hadn't just saved my life.
I had just signed it away.