chapter 1

Chapter 1: Tormented Desires

Alexia

The sound of chains rattling was the first thing I heard when I woke up. My head throbbed, and my throat burned as I tried to swallow. Panic surged as I opened my eyes and found myself in a dimly lit room with cold, stone walls. My wrists were bound, and my arms ached from being restrained above my head.

“Where am I?” I croaked, the words barely escaping my dry lips.

“You’re in my world now,” came a deep, menacing voice from the shadows.

I squinted, trying to focus on the figure that emerged into the dim light. The man was tall, his broad shoulders and sharp features exuding a predatory dominance. His dark eyes bore into mine with a mix of hatred and something I couldn’t name—something primal.

Jayden Newton. I recognized him from pictures in magazines. A ruthless billionaire, known for his cold business tactics and reclusive lifestyle. What could he possibly want with me?

“Why am I here?” I demanded, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.

Jayden stepped closer, his polished leather shoes clicking against the cold concrete floor. He crouched in front of me, his eyes narrowing.

“Why?” His voice was low, a growl that sent a chill down my spine. “You’re here because of your father. Because of what he did to my family.”

“My father?” My brow furrowed as confusion swirled in my mind. “I don’t even speak to my father. Whatever he’s done, it has nothing to do with me.”

Jayden’s laugh was cold, devoid of humor. “Do you think I’m stupid, Alexia? Your blood ties you to him, whether you want to admit it or not. You’re just as guilty as he is.”

I shook my head, panic rising in my chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I haven’t seen him in years. Please, you have to believe me.”

Jayden’s hand shot out, gripping my chin with surprising force. He tilted my head up, his dark eyes scanning my face as though searching for a crack in my defenses.

“Do you know how many times I’ve heard that excuse?” he sneered. “You’re a good liar, Alexia. I’ll give you that. But I’ve spent years hunting down the people responsible for my family’s destruction. Your father tops that list, and you—you’re the key to making him pay.”

Tears welled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “If you want him, go after him! I have nothing to do with his crimes!”

Jayden released my chin and stood, towering over me. “Do you think I haven’t tried? Your father is a coward, hiding behind layers of protection. But you…” He paused, his gaze raking over me, sending a shiver down my spine. “You’re vulnerable. And I’ll use you to lure him out. In the meantime, you’ll pay for his sins.”

“What does that mean?” I whispered, my heart pounding.

Jayden didn’t answer. Instead, he walked to a small table in the corner of the room and picked up a silver bowl. When he returned, he knelt in front of me again, his expression unreadable.

“You’re thirsty,” he said, his tone devoid of emotion.

I hesitated, unsure of his intentions, but my parched throat begged for relief. Nodding slowly, I opened my mouth as he tilted the bowl toward me.

But the water never came. Instead, Jayden yanked it back, smirking as I gasped in frustration.

“Lesson one,” he said, his voice laced with cruelty. “You don’t get anything from me unless I allow it.”

“Bastard,” I hissed, glaring at him through tear-filled eyes.

His smirk deepened, but for a moment, something flickered in his eyes. Curiosity? Amusement? Whatever it was, it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“You’re strong,” he murmured, almost to himself. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Jayden stood and turned his back to me, his broad shoulders blocking the dim light. My gaze involuntarily traveled down his frame, noting the controlled strength in his movements. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I cursed myself for noticing.

“You won’t break me,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Jayden paused, his hand resting on the doorframe. He glanced over his shoulder, his lips curling into a wicked smile.

“Don’t be so sure, sweetheart,” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “I’ve broken stronger than you.”

The door slammed shut, leaving me alone in the darkness.

---

Jayden

I leaned against the heavy oak door, my heart pounding in a way I hadn’t expected. Alexia’s defiance had surprised me, even intrigued me. Most people crumbled under my glare, but she… she had fire.

I ran a hand through my hair, willing the conflicting emotions away. She’s just like her father, I reminded myself. Manipulative. Deceptive. Dangerous.

And yet…

The image of her, bound and vulnerable, flashed in my mind. Her wide, tear-filled eyes, her trembling lips as she tried to stand her ground—it stirred something dark and unfamiliar in me.

No. I clenched my fists, the sharp edges of my nails biting into my palms. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. Not now. Not when I was so close to avenging my family.

I descended the stairs to my study, where Vicker waited with a file in hand.

“She’s strong,” I said, grabbing the file and flipping through it.

“She’s her father’s daughter,” Vicker replied, his tone neutral.

“Or she’s innocent,” I muttered under my breath.

Vicker raised an eyebrow, but I ignored him. The file contained everything I needed to know about Alexia—her childhood in Spain, her estrangement from Bob Damon, her rise in the art world. On paper, she seemed harmless, but I knew better.

Everyone has a breaking point.

“Keep an eye on her,” I ordered, closing the file and tossing it onto my desk. “I want to know everything—how she moves, what she says, how she reacts.”

“And if she’s innocent?” Vicker asked, his voice cautious.

I met his gaze, my jaw tightening. “No one is innocent.”

---

Alexia

The darkness in the room was oppressive, pressing against me like a weight. Time lost all meaning, and I had no idea how long I’d been there—hours? Days?

The sound of the door creaking open startled me. Jayden stepped inside, his presence filling the room.

“Ready to talk?” he asked, his voice cold.

I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze with all the defiance I could muster. “I’ve told you everything. I have nothing to do with my father’s crimes.”

Jayden crouched in front of me, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “You expect me to believe that? You’ve lived a comfortable life while my family was destroyed. Someone had to pay for that.”

“Then go after him!” I snapped, tears spilling over. “Stop punishing me for something I didn’t do!”

Jayden’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of doubt in his expression. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“I’ll decide when you’ve suffered enough,” he said, his voice hard.

Before I could respond, his hand shot out, gripping my thigh. My breath hitched as a jolt of electricity shot through me. His touch was firm, almost punishing, but it ignited a heat deep within me that I couldn’t explain.

Jayden leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. “You can hate me all you want, Alexia,” he whispered. “But your body? Your body won’t lie.”

My heart pounded as his words sank in, but I refused to let him see my fear—or my confusion.

“You’re sick,” I spat, trying to pull away.

Jayden smirked, his hand trailing down to my knee before he stood and stepped back. “We’ll see who breaks first, sweetheart.”

He turned and left the room, leaving me trembling—not with fear, but with something far more dangerous.