chapter five: rules of control

Kayla's pov

The silence in the car is driving me crazy as we drive back to Adrian's mansion. My mind is all over the place, from the extravagant club to the dimly lit rooms and the exotic dancers, to the morally inappropriate activities going on in the rooms. And according to Adrian, it's where I'll be working, for him..

I feel his eyes on me but the stare didn't last long. Every nerve in my body is about to burst. I'm full of questions . I keep remembering how he said " you belong to me" like it's some privilege being his.

Finally, I can’t keep it in any longer. “What exactly do you stand to gain from this , Adrian?"

He glances at me, and a smirk tugs at his lips. “Careful, Isabella. Questioning me isn’t a good behaviour baby girl."

"Like I care. I'm really trying to understand this, I'm supposed to work and pay you back but why are you in it?"

His gaze sharpens, a glint of intrigue mixed with something darker. “why do you think there's always something to what I do?"he asks, his voice smooth like butter

“Isn’t it?” I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “ I mean, you are forcing me to work for you and serve you in a place like that, definitely you are gaining something "

" You don't have to understand everything baby girl. But with time, you'll get it"

The answer leaves me more frustrated and confused more than before. Adrian’s gaze linger on me, his smirk growing as if he can sense my frustration. I look away, he sure does know how to annoy me. And guess what- I keep falling for it.

When we arrive back at his mansion, I step out of the car quickly, eager to return to my room, because I don't want to see him. But Adrian is already at my side, his hand took my hand while he guides me inside the house. His touch feels reassuring and firm.

Once inside, I turnl around to face him. “So, what’s your plan here? You just expect me to accept this stupid working arrangement just like that?"

Adrian watches me, unfazed by my question or actions. He steps closer, closing the small space between us. “Let’s be clear, Kayla, you signed the contract remember. This is exactly how it's meant to be and guess what, you have no choice here."

His voice is low, a soft threat that prickles across my skin. I feel my heartbeat race as he reaches out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The touch is gentle, almost intimate, a stark contrast to the steel in his eyes.

“You belong to me now. Whether here or at the hotel, you’ll be wherever I want you,” he murmurs, his voice laced with possessiveness. “Do you understand?”

I feel my breath hitch as his fingers trail down my neck, lingering just a bit too long, making my skin heat. “Adrian… this is insane.”

“Is it?” His hand moves to my shoulder, his grip firm, grounding me yet pulling me deeper into this strange, intense energy between us. “Or maybe, Isabella, you’re afraid of how much you like it.”

The words hit me hard, my heart racing as I try to keep my composure. His gaze is so close, his scent filling my senses. My cheeks flush, and I hate that he can see my reaction, that he’s so smugly aware of the effect he has on me.

“You’re delusional,” I manage, barely holding onto my bravado.

He tilts his head, a smirk curving on his lips. “We’ll see.”

Suddenly, he releases me, his expression hardening again. “Go to your room, Isabella. Rest. Tomorrow, your work starts. And I expect you to be prepared.”

I take a shaky breath, his words washing over me with a finality that leaves no room for argument. I quickly turn away to my room,as I go I feel like his gaze never left me. As soon as the door closes behind me, I break down in tears . I clench my chest so hard to ease my pain.

I have to call Rissa. I pick up my phone and dial her number. She picks up right away.

“Kay?” she says, her voice a soothing balm in the chaos. “Are you okay?”

“Clarissa…” I pause, unsure how to even begin. “It’s… so much worse than I thought.”

Adrian’s POV

I watch her disappear down the hall, her presence lingering like a spark in the air. The defiance, the way she fought against her own attraction—it’s exactly what I expected from Isabella. She’s different, sharp in a way that challenges me, that tempts me to push her limits. She doesn’t know what she’s walked into, but I can tell… a part of her wants to find out.

I allow myself a brief smirk, already anticipating tomorrow. The look in her eyes tonight will haunt her, twist her own emotions against her. I'm not expecting her to be submissive, but she will learn to be.

I turn back to the living room, head straight to the bar for a glass of whiskey . The spark, the tension. It’s definitely there, it's only a matter of time before she succumbs to me.

Kayla's POV

”Rissa, I definitely can't do this. Adrian, he's crazy, he's... He's...."

“He’s what?” Her voice is gentle, urging me on. “What happened?”

I swallow, the weight of it pressing on my shoulders. “It’s not just the money anymore. He’s dragging me into his world, making me a part of… of his life. He took me to a hotel tonight, some private place where I’m apparently supposed to work for him.”

“Work for him? Like, in what way?”

“He wants to control me. He wants me at his mercy"

She lets out a low hum, absorbing everything I’ve told her. “Kay… are you okay?”

The memory of Adrian touching me send waves to my brain “I feel angry, tensed, sad. There’s something about him that gets under my skin, that…”

“That what?”

I shake my head, feeling stupid. “Nothing.Tomorrow, I start whatever work he has planned, and I can’t afford to lose focus. He’s cold, calculating, and… I don’t even think he has a soul.”

Silence settles over the line before Clarissa finally speaks. “Kay, just… be careful. Promise me that you won’t let him get inside your head.”

I nod, even though she can’t see it. “I promise.”

I may be in this to save my family but Adrian is not going to make it easy. And whether I like it or not, I’m starting to realize… he’s not done with me yet.