CHAPTER FOUR: UNDELIGHTED.

Sienna blinks away the memories, pulling herself back into the present. It’s been two weeks since Noah King stepped into her world like some kind of savior—a knight in shining armor, or so it seemed at first. But now, she’s not so sure. There’s no such thing as debt-free salvation with men like Noah. He saved her that night, but his presence in her life afterward feels like shackles she can’t escape. And the chains are tightening.

Noah has taken her out to dinner more times than she can count since then. Each time, she waits for the moment he’ll demand something in return. That’s how it works, right? Men like Noah always want something—always feel owed. But strangely, he hasn’t asked for anything. Just dinner. That’s all. He makes sure she’s fed, then either escorts her home himself or sends his driver to drop her off.

It should comfort her, but it doesn’t. The small acts of kindness only deepen her unease. It’s like standing beneath a guillotine, waiting for the blade to drop. She knows a trap is being set, but she keeps walking toward it anyway. Fear drives her, of course. Fear of Noah, of what he’s capable of. But there’s another reason—one she’s not proud of. She likes his company. His presence is intoxicating, and no matter how dangerous he is, she can’t seem to tear herself away.

In the backseat of his sleek car, Noah finally sets aside the iPad he’s been working on and turns to her. His hand reaches out, brushing against her fingers. The touch startles her, and she stiffens.

“You always look like you’re being dragged out against your will,” he says, his voice low and calm, his eyes studying her face. “Relax, Sienna. Enjoy the moment. Smile, even. I’m not holding you hostage.”

She doesn’t reply as the car pulls up to the restaurant. It’s lavish—far beyond anything she could afford. Noah handles the bill like it’s nothing, while Sienna mentally calculates how many of her problems that kind of money could solve.

He opens the car door for her, as he always does. The gesture is gentlemanly, but it feels practiced, part of a routine he’s perfected. She hasn’t figured out his endgame yet. Why all of this? Why her?

His hand rests on the small of her back as they enter the restaurant, guiding her like she belongs in this world. The manager greets Noah with the reverence of a man greeting royalty, but Sienna is invisible, unacknowledged. She feels out of place among the chandeliers, the marble floors, the murmured conversations. To the staff and the other patrons, she’s nothing more than an accessory to the powerful man beside her.

They are led to a secluded garden area, where white wooden tables are scattered beneath an iron dome draped in vines. The flowers bloom in wild abundance, filling the air with their sweet scent. It’s beautiful, like something out of a dream, but Sienna can’t shake the feeling that she’s still trapped in a nightmare. All eyes are on them. On him.

Noah pulls out her chair and waits for her to sit, his hand grazing hers as she lowers herself into the seat. He sits across from her, exuding control and confidence, as if the world bends to his will.

A waiter appears, offering Noah two menus. Expecting him to hand her one, Sienna reaches out, but Noah gives them back without a glance. “A sweet wine for the lady, whiskey for me,” he says smoothly. “And tell Gabriel we’ll have whatever the chef’s prepared.”

Sienna raises an eyebrow. “Sweet wine?”

“You’re with me tonight. Trust me.” He leans forward, his fingers brushing hers again. The touch sends a shiver through her. She doesn’t pull away, though part of her wants to. His control is everywhere—over what she eats, drinks, even what she feels. She can hear Mia’s voice in her head: “Sienna, get out. Run before it’s too late.”

The waiters return with silver platters, their eyes downcast, never meeting Noah’s gaze. It’s as if they’re afraid to look at him. But they don’t look at her either. Sienna feels invisible in more ways than one.

She focuses on the food, savoring each bite while avoiding conversation. The dishes are exquisite, far more decadent than anything she’s had in months. But the silence between her and Noah is suffocating. She stuffs her mouth with food just to avoid speaking.

Then, out of nowhere, Noah breaks the silence. “What are your plans for winter break?”

Sienna hesitates. “I’m thinking of signing up for a sketching trip my college is organizing.”

Noah cuts her off before she can finish. “Come with me to Paris.” His tone is casual, but the words carry the weight of a command. “I have business in Europe, and we could stay there for a while. I know some artists I could introduce you to.”

It’s not a suggestion. It’s a decision. Like she has no say in the matter. The weight of it presses down on her, making the air around her feel heavy. She tries to swallow the bite of food in her mouth, but it’s like lead sliding down her throat.

As the meal winds down, Noah reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. He opens it, revealing a diamond necklace that glitters in the soft light of the garden. Sienna’s breath catches in her throat, but before she can react, Noah stands and moves behind her. She feels the cool weight of the diamonds as he fastens the necklace around her neck.

To the outside world, they must look like the perfect couple—young, beautiful, in love. But Sienna feels trapped. The necklace, though beautiful, feels more like chains tightening around her throat. Noah, with his calm, calculated demeanor, is the predator, and she... she is the prey.

Noah returns to his seat, his eyes never leaving her face. The necklace sparkles, but Sienna can barely meet his gaze. She knows this is all a game to him, a dangerous game with her at the center. And yet, she’s still here, unable to run, unable to break free.

The night presses on, but Sienna’s mind spins with questions. Noah’s control over her life is growing, suffocating her under the weight of his expectations. Yet, a small part of her wonders: what would happen if she lets herself fall deeper into his world? Would she lose herself entirely, or find something she didn’t know she was looking for?

The answer remains elusive, just like the man sitting across from her, watching her with those cold, calculating eyes.