Chapter 05: The Possesive Mafia

I couldn't breathe whenever I saw guns, armed men. Even though Austin and his goons were gone, their faces were still all around me. My chest felt tight, like someone was squeezing the air out of my lungs. The memory of cold metal against my skin, the cruel glint in Austin’s eyes before he pulled the trigger—it all haunted me. I needed to get out of this place, even for a little while. I needed to breathe freely again.

I quickly changed into the clothes Kael's guy had brought. I was surprised they fit me perfectly. Either they guessed my size correctly, or Kael had people who knew everything about me, down to the smallest detail. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. But right now, I had bigger concerns. I needed to get away.

The smell of exhaustion and fear clung to me, no matter how much I tried to shake it off. I needed space, noise, distraction—anything to silence the screaming thoughts in my head. That was when an idea formed.

I grabbed Kael's wallet, snagging a wad of cash because I knew I would need it to escape. I also took his fancy watch, thinking it might come in handy. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but desperation drowned out my guilt.

Tiptoeing downstairs, I spotted Zane. I pretended to head for the kitchen, but as soon as he looked away, I slipped out the back door, moving quickly through the fire escape. The cool night air hit my skin, and for the first time in hours, I felt like I could breathe.

I walked away from the villa, unfamiliar with the area. The trees seemed to huddle together like shadows, the breeze carrying the scent of the sea and unfamiliar flowers. The distant sound of music reached my ears, drawing me in. It led me to a crowded place, a club pulsing with life.

The music was loud, intoxicating, drowning out every thought in my head. I just wanted to drink, to get wasted, to forget everything. I wanted the tightness in my chest, the feeling of being unsafe, to go away.

I walked to the bartender and ordered a drink. He was a whirlwind of movement, a blur of practiced grace as he juggled bottles and shakers with ease. His hands moved with an almost hypnotic rhythm, each pour precise, each shake measured. He tossed a few cherries in the air, catching them deftly before they could fall. I watched, mesmerized, as he created a symphony of colors and scents, a masterpiece of liquid artistry.

He handed me the drink, and I took a sip, the flavors swirling on my tongue, a complex explosion of sweetness and warmth. For a moment, I forgot about my worries, lost in the artistry of a simple drink.

But then, the moment shattered. The flavors faded, replaced by the bitter taste of reality. The music, once a dizzying escape, became a relentless reminder of the situation I was in. I looked at the glass in my hand, the vibrant colors suddenly seeming faded and hollow.

"How am I going to stop this wedding with Kael?" I whispered to myself, staring at the alcohol. "I don't think I can keep thinking about this anymore."

I didn't realize I was drinking too much until the room started spinning. The bartender placed another glass in front of me, but I hadn’t ordered it.

"What's this?" I asked, blinking blearily.

"He gave it to you," the bartender said, nodding toward a man sitting at the end of the bar.

I turned and met the stranger’s gaze. He was watching me with a smirk, lifting his glass in a silent toast. His interest in me was obvious.

"Sorry, I don't want it. Just give it back to him," I said firmly.

The guy ignored the rejection and approached me anyway.

"Looks like you're all alone, dollface," he drawled, his breath reeking of alcohol.

I ignored him, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me. I needed to leave. As soon as I stood, my balance wavered, and before I could steady myself, the man grabbed me.

"Get your hands off me!" I shouted, trying to push him away, but he held my waist tightly. His grip was like iron, his intentions clear. I struggled against him, but he was stronger than I expected.

Fear surged through me. I wasn’t in full control of my body because of the alcohol, and the thought of being at someone else’s mercy made me panic.

Then, out of nowhere, a fist collided with the man's face, sending him crashing to the floor.

My eyes widened as I turned to see who had hit him.

Zane.

Before I could process what was happening, another presence loomed over me. An arm snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against a hard, familiar chest.

My heart stopped when I looked up.

Kael.

His expression was cold, dangerous, but his grip on me was burning with possession.

"Break that guy’s hand," Kael ordered, his voice calm, but the menace in it sent chills down my spine. "How dare he touch my fiancée."

The alcohol in my system seemed to vanish instantly.

“Are you serious, Kael?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His smirk was deadly. “From now on, no one is allowed to touch you. Because you’re mine, Athena. You’re mine.”

A shiver ran down my spine, but it wasn’t from desire. His words were like a cold wind, stripping away any illusion of freedom. His possessiveness was suffocating, and the thought of belonging to him forever sent a wave of panic through me.

Kael grabbed my arm, his grip unrelenting. “Let’s go, Athena.”

My heart pounded. I shook my head, trying to pull away. “No, I’m not going with you.”

He took a step closer, his voice lowering. "You're my fiancée."

I fought against him, but he was far stronger. "Let me go!" I yelled, my voice cracking.

He didn’t react. Instead, he pulled me closer, his arm tightening around my waist. The people around us were watching, their whispers blending into the loud music. Fear and helplessness settled in my gut.

Without another word, Kael lifted me up, throwing me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

“Put me down!” I screamed, kicking and pounding against his back, but he didn’t flinch.

Zane returned, dragging the guy who had touched me. The man’s face was white with fear, his eyes pleading for mercy.

Kael barely spared him a glance. "Make an example out of him. Let everyone know what happens when someone touches what’s mine."

Terror gripped me.

Kael wasn’t just a possessive man.

He was a dangerous one. And I had just willingly walked into his world.