LOGINShare
Chapter 18: Afraid Of The Dark
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Adrian’s POV
The ballroom was bustling with energy, but there was an undercurrent of tension that I couldn’t shake off. Emily stood at the center of it, a beacon of attention as people crowded around her, some offering congratulatory words, others probing for answers. After all, she was being reinstated as the CEO of her own hotel after Nathan’s scandal, but everyone knew it wasn’t just a celebration—it was a battlefield.
I’d warned her about coming here, warned her that this was exactly what Camille wanted—a public event where Emily would be exposed, vulnerable. But Emily, with her stubborn pride, wouldn’t back down. And as much as I hated to admit it, her determination only made her more... captivating.
“You’re not running away from this, are you?” I murmured to her as she glanced at the guests, her grip tightening on her wineglass.
She shook her head, her chin held high. “I can’t hide forever, Adrian. If I don’t show up, they’ll see me
Related chapters
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 19 - Camille 1 - Emily 2
Emily’s POVThe lights flickered back on, and the ballroom surged with whispers, startled laughter, and the tinkling of glassware. For everyone else, the blackout had been a mere hiccup in the night. But for me, it was something far more chilling. The dark, the suffocating silence—it had all dragged me back to a place I fought hard to escape.But in Adrian’s arms, for the briefest moment, I hadn’t been completely lost. His presence was grounding, the solid feel of him against me calming my racing heart. I clung to him for a second longer, burying my face in his chest, the soft scent of his cologne a lifeline to reality.“You’re okay,” Adrian murmured, his voice barely audible over the noise around us. He pulled back slightly, just enough to search my face, concern etched in the hardened lines of his jaw.I wasn’t okay, not entirely, but I had no choice but to be. There was no room for weakness—not with Camille watching, lurking somewhere in the shadows.
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 20: Tension at the Mansion
Adrian’s POV“Damn, boss,” Vincent groaned dramatically as he lounged against the office door. “I think I might have a thing for pregnant women.”I didn’t bother looking up from the reports in front of me, keeping my voice flat. “You’re insane, Vincent.”He chuckled, completely unbothered. “No, seriously. Claire looked amazing last night. Glowing and everything. You ever notice how pregnant women just have that... thing about them? Maybe I should rethink my entire dating strategy.”I finally raised my head, giving him an exasperated glare. “Get married, have seven kids for all I care. But let me make one thing clear—no vacations. Not even a minute off.”Vincent pouted dramatically, crossing his arms. “No time off? Even with seven kids? Man, you’re heartless, boss.”Rolling my eyes, I leaned back in my chair, pressing my finger
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 21 - I'll kiss you now
Emily’s POVThe mansion was quiet, the kind of eerie silence that made you aware of every little sound. After the wine we had to celebrate our small victory, I couldn’t sleep. My mind kept racing back to Adrian—the way he looked at me, the way his voice had softened when he spoke my name. My skin still tingled from the moment we brushed hands at my door. I was flushed, warm, and restless, so I got out of bed to get some water and maybe warm milk.Padding barefoot down the hallway, I could hear my own heartbeat in the stillness. As I neared the kitchen, something caught my attention—a soft glow coming from the end of the corridor. Curiosity prickled my senses.Adrian had never mentioned that certain parts of the mansion were off-limits, but he hadn’t exactly given me a grand tour either. Maybe now was my chance to explore a little. Glass of water in hand, I walked toward the light, each step quieter than the last.Just as I ne
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 22 - Adrian 1 - Emily 0
Emily's POVThe morning sunlight streamed into the room, casting soft shadows across the dining table. Despite the warmth, the cold silence between Adrian and me made the room feel hollow. He sat across from me, nursing a cup of coffee like nothing had happened. Like he hadn’t kissed me senseless last night, pinning me to the wall, his hands everywhere.I tried to ignore the tension that hung between us like a dense fog. We both knew it was there—thick, undeniable—but neither of us dared to address it. Instead, we played this game of polite indifference.I cleared my throat, picking up my fork but barely able to focus on the plate of food before me. “Thanks for breakfast,” I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.He didn’t even look up from his coffee. “It’s nothing.”I bristled at his casual dismissal. Nothing? Was last night nothing to him? Was the kiss we shared ju
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 23 - The Elephant In The Room
I approached the courthouse steps with confidence. I was ready for the final step to freedom.There was Nathan, his face showing a desperation I hadn’t seen in years.“Emily!” he called, his voice trembling as he came closer. “Please, let’s talk.”I raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on my lips. “What’s there to talk about, Nathan?”He winced but kept moving closer, his eyes wide with something like panic. “Emily, I know things got complicated. Camille… she’s talking about leaving me. She twists everything,” he whispered, as if we shared some tragic secret. “She manipulates, lies, uses me. Can’t you see that?”A sharp laugh escaped my lips, anger bubbling up with every word. “So, now that your perfect little mistress might abandon you, you’re running back to me? Unbelievable.” My voice was bitter, laced with every ounce of anger I’d held back.“No,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s not like that. Emily, you and I… we had a real connection. We had a life together.”“Did we?” I til
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire 24 - More On Camille
The new office looked like a tornado had ripped through it, with papers stacked high, files overflowing, and not a single aide in sight to help. I sighed, massaging my temples as I glanced at the massive workload ahead of me. It was my first day as CEO, and the weight of duty felt both exciting and exhausting. But as my gaze fell on the finalised divorce papers, a rush of relief washed over me. At least that chapter in my life was now over. One load was relieved, but so many others remained.Camille, the properties and most importantly, Adrian. It was way past noon and almost time for the staff to clock out when I suddenly felt an overwhelming thirst.Unable to ignore my dry throat, I stood to get a glass of water, but a sharp pain surged through my abdomen, causing me to wince. I wanted to dismiss it, telling myself it was just stress as I always had a nervous stomach whenever I was feeling stressed, but with each step that I took towards the dispenser, the pain increased and I bega
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 25: Can't Let Go
Adrian’s POVI’ve made my decision. Exposing my rival’s sordid dealings isn’t exactly clean business, but it’s necessary. I’ll keep my hands out of it, letting it unravel on its own while I remain behind the curtain, anonymous but watchful. I have sources, and I have silence. The rival’s own mistakes will be his undoing, and it won’t trace back to me.But while I keep my focus trained on the fallout, an irritating thought keeps nudging into the back of my mind. I can still see her eyes, the way they lingered on me before she turned away that last time. The empty apartment that greets me confirms it—Emily is gone.I pour a drink, hoping the burn will ease something, anything. But the quiet of the room and the scent of her perfume that still lingers makes it worse. I thought letting her leave would bring me some relief. Instead, it feels like something hollowed out my chest. I down another drink, then another, trying to dull whatever it is that won’t let me rest.A knock interrupts my t
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 26: The Last Favor
Emily's POVI’m still adjusting to life without Adrian. The days are long, filled with the mundane rhythm of work and the quiet hum of my apartment. I fill my time with meetings, deadlines, and the occasional late-night brainstorming session with my colleagues. Each day, I inch closer to reclaiming the independence I had lost in the whirlwind of our entangled lives.But the shadow of Adrian’s rival still looms large. The fallout from the scandal is a spectacle, and I can’t help but watch as the media unravels the sordid details. It’s fascinating and horrifying, a reminder of how deeply rooted the corruption is in our industry. I sip my coffee, scrolling through headlines, noting the subtle ways Adrian’s name flutters through the articles, like a ghost that refuses to be laid to rest.At a recent company function, someone asks about my history with him, and I carefully craft my response. “We had a professional relationship,” I say, my tone measured. Inside, though, memories cascade—his
Latest chapter
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 51: Between Passion and Reality
Emily's POVAdrian’s hands were all over me the second the rooftop doors clicked shut behind us. My back hit the cold wall, and I let out a startled laugh, muffled when his lips claimed mine again.“Adrian,” I gasped between kisses, trying to catch my breath, “we’re still... still outside.”He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, a wolfish grin spreading across his face. “Then let’s go inside before I make you scream right here.”The boldness of his words sent a wave of heat straight to my core. I let him pull me down the hallway, his hand firmly gripping mine, his stride full of purpose. We barely made it into the bedroom before his mouth was on mine again, hungry and unrelenting.I fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, my fingers trembling from both the intensity of the moment and the sheer need coursing through me. When I finally tugged the fabric open, he shrugged it off impatiently, and I couldn’t help the soft giggle that escaped my lips.“What’s funny?” he murmured against
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 50: Chicks Before Dicks, or So I Thought
Emily's POVI watched Claire’s face light up as the doctor gave her the all-clear to go home for the night. “You can return tomorrow for the tests,” he said, his tone calm but firm, “but make sure you rest.”Just as relief started to ease the lines on her face, Vincent spoke up. “Someone needs to stay with her. She’s pregnant, and I’m not leaving her alone.”I rolled my eyes. Typical Vincent. I admired his protective streak, but sometimes it was too much. “I’m here,” I said firmly. “I can stay with her.”Claire shook her head, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Emily, you have work tomorrow. You’ve already done enough for me today.”“But—”Claire raised a hand to stop me. “Don’t argue with me.” Her tone was soft but resolute. “Go home, freshen up, and come back tomorrow.”Her words stung, though I couldn’t exactly say why. I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a near whisper. “And where’s your... military boyfriend in all of this?” I asked, careful not to draw Vincent’s attenti
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 49: Love vs Loyalty
Emily's POVThe vineyard was enchanting, a private oasis where time seemed to stand still. I couldn’t help but feel at peace as Adrian’s piercing gaze held mine. He had a way of making everything else disappear, and in that moment, I wanted to let him in—fully.We sat on the soft picnic blanket, our wine glasses glinting under the fading sunlight. “So, tell me,” Adrian said, his voice warm and inviting. “What’s your dream, Emily? What do you want out of life?”His question caught me off guard, but the sincerity in his eyes encouraged me to open up. “I want... more than just success,” I began, my fingers tracing the rim of my glass. “I want to create something lasting, something that matters. A business that supports people, helps them grow. And maybe one day…” I hesitated, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny.“Go on,” he urged gently.“Maybe one day, a family. But only if it’s with someone who sees me as an equal, someone who... values me for me.”His expression softened, and for a m
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 48 - Official
Emily's POVI woke up to the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains, warming the edges of the bed. Stretching languidly, I let the events of the last few days wash over me. Adrian—his intensity, his protectiveness, and that maddening charm of his—was all I could think about.But my responsibilities called, tugging me back to reality. The hotel wouldn’t run itself, and I had left so much undone. My team deserved more than me hiding away, no matter how tempting it was to let Adrian keep me cocooned in his world.As I made my way to breakfast, I resolved to convince him I needed to return to work. Easier said than done, I realized when his piercing gaze met mine over the table.“You’re not going back without security,” he said before I could even get the words out. His tone left no room for argument.I tried to keep my voice calm, measured. “Adrian, I’ll be fine. Really. I’ll be careful.”“That’s not enough,” he replied, his voice softening but still firm. “Emily, I can’t t
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 47 - safety
Emily's POVI woke slowly, the warmth of the sheets cocooning me, creating a shield against reality. The faint ache in my body was a bittersweet reminder of everything that had transpired—fear, rescue, and the man who refused to let me face any of it alone. Adrian. His presence lingered in the air, as palpable as the cedar and citrus scent that clung to the bedding.The room around me wasn’t mine. It was too masculine, too pristine, yet somehow inviting in its simplicity. My gaze drifted to the bedside table, where a note sat propped against a steaming cup of tea."You’re safe here. Rest. I’ll be back soon."The sight of it made my chest tighten. He’d thought of everything, even my favorite tea. As I reached for the cup, its warmth seeped into my hands, steadying me. The taste was familiar, soothing, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. How could someone so powerful, so complicated, care this much?The sound of the door opening startled me, and I turned just as Adrian steppe
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire 46
Emily’s POVWhen I woke, the first thing I noticed was the faint golden light streaming through the curtains. It painted the room in warm hues, but the warmth didn’t extend to my chest. There was a dull ache there, a reminder that the horrors of last night hadn’t been a nightmare.I sat up slowly, my muscles stiff and aching, and the events of the previous evening washed over me like a cold wave. The hands that had grabbed me. The cruel laughter. The helplessness. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists against the surge of emotions threatening to drown me.But then I remembered him.Adrian.My gaze flicked to the chair by the window, where he had sat the last time I drifted off, his presence a silent shield against my spiraling thoughts. But now, the chair was empty.He’s gone.The thought was like a knife twisting in my gut. I shouldn’t have expected him to stay. He had done enough, hadn’t he? Stayed through the worst of it, comforted me when I couldn’t even face myself. It wasn
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 45 - recovery
Adrian’s POVThe silence in the penthouse was unnerving. My steps echoed faintly as I moved through the dimly lit space, the weight of the night pressing down on me. Emily lay asleep in my bed, her delicate form wrapped tightly in the blankets, as if shielding herself from the world. Her face was calm now, a stark contrast to the fear and pain I’d seen etched into it only hours ago.My hands curled into fists at the memory. Those bastards had dared to lay a hand on her—to hurt her. Rage simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over, but I forced myself to exhale slowly, grounding the storm. I couldn’t afford to lose control now. Not when she needed me steady.I sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her, though my gaze lingered on the faint bruises marring her skin. Her breathing was soft, even, a rhythm I found myself syncing to as the tension in my body eased ever so slightly.But the guilt? That didn’t fade.I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees a
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 44: you matter to me
Adrian’s POVThe rain lashed against the windows of the penthouse, each droplet pounding as if it were trying to pierce through the glass. The storm outside mirrored the tempest inside me—a raging, relentless fury that no amount of whiskey could dull.I stood in the living room, swirling the amber liquid in my glass, but its heat did nothing to thaw the icy anger gripping my chest. Emily was safe now—that fact should have been enough. Yet every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. Bound. Bruised. Terrified.My Emily.The image tore through me, a fresh wound every time it resurfaced. They had dared to touch her, dared to hurt her, and now every fiber of my being demanded retribution.My knuckles throbbed, the raw skin splitting where I had thrown punch after punch. The satisfying crunch of bones under my fists should have brought me some peace. It hadn’t. Not when there were still unanswered questions. Not when I knew the threat wasn’t over.“Adrian.”Her voice was soft, hesitant, yet it
Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire Chapter 42 - The Adoption
**Emily’s POV** The rain poured relentlessly, soaking me to the skin as I thrashed weakly against the ropes binding my wrists. My heart pounded in my chest, and every slap of thunder echoed the terror racing through my veins. I screamed until my throat felt raw, my voice lost in the howling wind. “Shut her up!” one of the men growled, raising his hand again. I braced for the impact, but the sharp sting across my face was no less shocking. I bit my lip to keep from crying. They couldn’t see my tears. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. But I was losing hope. The dark room, the rough voices, the oppressive weight of fear—I didn’t think I’d make it out of here whole. Then I heard him. “EMILY!” Adrian’s voice cut through the rain like a blade. It wasn’t a call—it was a command, filled with frantic desperation and unyielding fury. “Did you hear that?” one of the men hissed, stepping toward the door. Another laughed. “Doesn’t matter. He’ll be dead before he gets to her.”
