Tristan sprang to his feet, his fingers working swiftly to button up his blazer. "Are you sure?"

I nodded silently, unable to tear my gaze away from the underbrush where the shadow had been. "I'm sure."

His brows furrowed as he scanned the area I pointed to. "Do you think it could've been a trick of the light?"

I shook my head. "No, Tristan, I swear I saw someone." There was a figure lurking in those bushes. I saw it. "Please believe me."

"Fuck." He exhaled, raking his fingers through his hair. "Alright, you know what, stay here and tidy up, I'll check it out."

When I nodded slowly in agreement, he started toward the bushes, his movements purposeful. As I watched him disappear into the darkness of the garden, my heart pounded louder in my chest and my mind raced with fear and uncertainty.

It couldn't have been anything else; I knew what I saw.

Left alone in the eerie stillness of the night, I started to tidy up, rearranging my underwear and straightening my disheveled attire.

Minutes felt like an eternity.

I fidgeted with my dress, trying to calm my nerves while I waited for Tristan to return. The fear of being watched lingered, making every rustle of the leaves feel like a potential threat. After a while, he emerged from the shadows, surprisingly cradling a small, pouting dog in his arms. "I couldn't find anyone," he announced softly, his eyes on the black baby Shepherd as he stroked its fur. "But I did find this little guy roaming around."

A dog?

I stared at it in disbelief, my confusion deepening. "But..." I could have sworn I saw a person, not a harmless puppy.

"I think he's lost his owner," Tristan added, meeting my eyes. "He has a collar on. Maybe it was just the dog moving in the shadows that you saw, not a person, Sienna."

The rational part of me wanted to accept his explanation, but the memory of that dark statuette was too vivid.

"I saw a human figure, Tristan."

"It could've been a mistake."

"It wasn't."

"It could've."

"I know what I saw, okay!" I snapped, feeling a surge of desperation. "Someone watched us; they might have even recorded us. It wasn't the damn dog."

Tristan sighed. "Baby, you need to calm down."

"No." I squeezed my fists. "I know what I saw, I'm not crazy."

"I know, baby." Gently setting the dog down, he crouched beside me. "It's just that sometimes fear and adrenaline can do strange things to our perception. It could have simply been your imagination."

I bit hard into my bottom lip, struggling to reconcile what I saw with his explanation.

I hadn't realized my hands were shaking until he held them still between his. "Princess, this place is entirely secure. I made sure of it myself before bringing you here."

I stared at him. I wanted to argue, to insist on what I had seen, but his calm demeanor started to wear down my resistance.

Maybe he was right; maybe it was just a trick of the light, a figment of my fear.

The dog whined beside us. I turned to him. The poor thing must need something. Reluctantly, I nodded to Tristan. "Maybe you're right..." I murmured, though the doubt still gnawed at me. Even if I didn't believe it completely, for now, I agreed with him, hoping he was right and it was nothing more than a figment of my imagination running wild amid our passionate encounter. "I'm sorry, I just felt so overwhelmed."

"It's alright, my love." Smiling softly, he got up and cradled the dog back in his arms. "I'll take him to security, and then we'll go back in, okay?"

"Yeah..."

He leaned forward and kissed my temple. "Everything's going to be fine."

***

"Where in God's name did you two run off to?" Stefan scowled, his tone sharp with irritation as he materialized in front of us. "We've been looking all over for you."

I cleared my throat and gaped at Tristan. He looked unbothered by his friend's interrogation. "We, um, went out for a little air," I said, attempting to sound casual, though my nerves were still frayed.

"Air?" Stefan's scowl deepened as his eyes flickered between us. "Surely, you could have picked a more clandestine spot to get a little air because, in case you both haven't realized it, you smell like dead leaves and saliva."

My cheeks heated with embarrassment. Of course, he would figure us out within seconds.

Tristan chuckled beside me, still unfazed. "Alright, Stefan, what's going on? Get to the point."

Stefan huffed, clearly annoyed by the deflection. "The Prime Minister has been asking for you. He wants to leave."

Tristan's expression shifted to one of understanding and mild concern. His arm around my waist, which once offered a sense of security, left me. "I'll be right back, princess," he promised, his voice soft in my ear.

I nodded and watched as they walked together, weaving their way through the crowd. The minute they disappeared into the sea of people, a lingering sense of unease settled over me again.

The thought of someone having seen us in the garden, someone who wasn't the dog, gnawed at my mind again, and I found myself scanning the room nervously, my eyes flitting from face to face, searching for any hint of recognition or suspicion.

But everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations, oblivious to my anxiety.

Maybe I was just being paranoid.

A server passed by, carrying a tray laden with glasses of champagne. I grabbed one, the cool stem of the glass was a welcome contrast to my clammy hands. Seeming to understand my distress, the server offered me a polite smile before walking by. I smiled back at his receding figure and downed my glass. The cool, fizzy liquid provided a momentary distraction, its bubbles dancing on my tongue.

I closed my eyes briefly, willing myself to relax and let go of the troubling thoughts. Opening my eyes, I took in the party around me again—the glittering dresses, the animated conversations, the music softly playing in the background—nothing was wrong. Nothing seemed out of place. I just needed to calm down and enjoy the rest of the night.

Not long after, Tristan returned. He found me sitting alone in one of the corner tables and took my hand. I accepted with a smile. Having a reassuring presence by my side made me feel a lot better. Together, we navigated through the crowd, engaging in the obligatory networking with various guests who were ready to leave. Per usual, I forced myself to blend into the scene, smiling at passing acquaintances and nodding politely at rich people's jokes I barely even understood.

At some point, the air started to feel stifling. The incessant chatter, the clinking glasses, and the suffocating press of bodies were too much. I needed air. I needed to breathe.

"Tristan," I whispered to him. "My heels hurt, I need a break."

"It'll be over soon." He whispered back, his hand flexing around my waist. "Stay."

"Just give me a moment." I pleaded, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

He didn't let me go.

"Tristan I just need to catch my breath. Please."

Concern etched across his face. "Sienna, can't you wait a bit longer? We're almost done. I don't want you branching out on your own. It's not safe."

"Why not?"

"Because—"

"Is everything alright?" The middle-aged man in front of us asked with a smile.

Tristan cleared his throat and pushed out a smile of his own. "Of course." He turned to me, leaning in. "Please don't wander too far." He kissed my cheek, releasing his hold on my waist.

I smiled at his words and turned to the men watching us with curious eyes. "Gentlemen," I called. "If you'll excuse me."

With nods of approval, I turned and started towards the exit door. The second I disappeared behind it, I felt a breath of relief escape my lungs. I continued down, walking the length of the hallway which eventually led to an elevator. I remained alone on the elevator as it stopped on every single floor until it reached the 21st.

The doors slid open with a soft chime and I stepped out onto the terrace. The cool night air wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, making me sigh.

It was a little reckless being alone in the wide vacant space but the stars shun so bright from up here and the rhythmic hum of conversation from the party below had become a distant murmur, bringing about a certain type of peace I hadn't felt all day.

I walked slowly to the banister, my heels clicking softly against the stone floor. I leaned over, inhaling deeply. For a moment, it was just me and the night. I closed my eyes, letting the breeze sweep over my face, wishing I could disappear into the darkness. I could feel the tension in my shoulders begin to ease. All I wanted right now was to retreat to the sanctuary of my bed. I couldn't wait for the night to be officially over. I'd give anything to sink into my bathtub and take an hour-long bath. Just the thought of finally falling asleep and leaving tonight's unsettling affairs behind made my body tingle. I was exhausted.

Opening my eyes, I looked down. I could see the garden from up here. My stomach clamped at the recounter of our sinful sport. All this time I had avoided thinking about how I still had Tristan's cum leaking out of me and soiling my panties. I still couldn't believe we did that. It was inevitable, day by day that man drove me nearer to insanity.

A faint click echoed in the silence, startling me. I jerked my head up and turned, scanning the terrace. At first, I saw nothing, but the more I looked, the more I noticed a figure in the corner, partially hidden in the shadows.

My heart raced with panic. I swallowed. "Who's there?"

The silence I got in return was deafening. I made an effort to take a step forward even if every part of my body screamed for me to just leave. "I said who's there?"

A small flame suddenly flared to life, accompanied by the glow of a cigarette tip. The flame flickered and died, but I had already seen enough to recognize who it was.

Alaric.

"We meet again, little one."

His deep words wrapped around me like a vice. A shudder racked through my body.

What was he doing here? How long had he watched me?

He stepped out from the shadows, his eyes fixed on me as he exhaled a plume of smoke into the air.

"Alaric," I straightened, trying to hide the sudden surge of fear that gripped me. There was something about this man that always put me on edge. Everything about him was just too much. "What are you doing up here?" I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.

He took another slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke that dissipated into the night. "I could ask you the same thing, Sienna."

His reply was calm and measured and his eyes never left mine as he started to walk towards me.

"I needed some air," I replied, gripping the railing behind me. I wished he wouldn't come any closer but he kept walking until he was right in front of me, right where he towered effortlessly over me, making me feel helpless.

I cleared my throat. "I'm guessing you needed space as well."

His reply was a small shrug of his shoulder. He remained silent, regarding me as he drew into his cigarette. There was something perilous about him, something that made me want to flee but I stayed and watched him watch me.

"Do you care for?" He asked after a while, extending his half-spent stick my way.

I shook my head.

He cocked a brow. "Why?"

"I don't smoke."

"Of course." He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he flicked his cigarette over the railing behind me. "Should've known to expect nothing less from a Larsen wife."

What did he mean by that?

"You seem to know a lot about my husband." I pointed.

"And it seems you know so little him."

"I know enough." I defended.

He looked down at me. "You say that but your eyes tell me something different."

I lifted my head, holding his gaze even if I was a little frightened by its intense steadiness. "What do they tell you?

He leaned forward, his eyes searching mine. I could feel his breath on my lips. His musky scent wasn't helping my lightheadedness. "You're curious. You sense the tension between us and you want to know why."

"Are you going to tell me?"

Dragging his stick, he straightened and began to walk around me, disappearing from my view. "With a price...yes."

My throat was so dry I had to swallow. Why did it feel like I was a prey being taunted before slaughter? "And what might that be?" My voice was almost nonexistent at this point.

"Hmm..." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I felt his breath behind me. He was standing close. Too close. "You, Sienna." He whispered into my ear. "I want you."

My body stiffened.

Huh?

Caught off guard, I started to turn, but he gripped my shoulder, preventing me from moving.

My heart pounded in my chest. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Tell me, Mrs. Larsen..." He drawled, his breath hot against my skin. "Would you offer yourself to me in exchange for the truth?"

Panic surged through me. What the hell was happening? I tried to veer around but his grip on my shoulder remained firm, keeping me from turning to face him. "Stop this right now and let me go!"

But his hand tightened even more. "Stay still, save your energy, you'll soon need it."

I could feel sickness spreading to my gut. "This isn't funny, Alaric."

All of a sudden, he freed my shoulders and spun me so I was staring into those dark piercing eyes again. I immediately moved back, putting as much distance as I could between us. "What do you think you're doing touching me like that?!"

A hint of a smirk played at his lips. "Did I scare you?"

I squeezed my trembling hands tight by my side. I was so done. "I'll pretend this didn't just happen and return back in. I advise you to do the same."

"Sure."

To my greatest surprise, he stepped aside, permitting me to pass through. "After you."

Instant relief flooded through me. "Goodbye." I spat, but as I made a few steps towards the entrance, he caught my hand and pulled me back against the railing.

My eyes widened. I squealed. "What are you!—"

His hand clamped over my mouth, stifling the sound of my scream. "Be quiet," he warned, all traces of his grin gone, but I struggled against his hold, desperate for escape.

It was futile. He had too much power. Too much strength.

My heart raced as I considered my options, hell, I had none. My instincts kicked in, frustration and desperation made me bite down hard into his hand. He groaned in pain and recoiled. I pushed him off and made a run for it.

Too slow.

He caught me again and careened me into the nearest wall and the next thing I felt was a stinging slap across my face.

The force of the impact twisted my head to the side. My vision blurred momentarily. I gasped, holding my throbbing cheek.

He slapped me...

He just slapped me.

"Seems like my brother forgot to teach you manners."

My eyes stung with tears. "You asshole..." I cursed, my body trembling from complete shock.

"I barely even touched you, don't be dramatic." He clucked his tongue. "And I wouldn't do anything stupid again if I were you, except, of course, you want me to throw you off the terrace. It would fascinate you to know I have contemplated doing so a few times already."

"Why?" I managed, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. "Why are you doing this to me? What the hell did I do to you?"

"Oh darling, you did nothing wrong. Your husband on the other hand." He shook his head. "Can't say the same."

My ears rang from how hard blood was rushing to it. "Please just let me go," I pleaded calmly, not trying to push him to do anything crazy. "I won't say a word about this."

"I can't, little one, I'm invested." He stepped even closer, pressing his body into mine. We were chest to chest, his mouth inches from mine, so close that I had nothing to breathe but him.

"At first I thought your marriage with my brother had to have been an unreal one. That idiot didnt seem like he had it in him to ever love a woman not to talk of settling with one. But then...I saw the way he looked at you all night..." His fingers traced down my face. I flinched at his touch and tried to turn away but he cupped my chin and kept my face in place. "I felt his obsession for you, Sienna; felt it deep in my gut. And as if that wasn't evident enough, I got to watch the way he touched you when no one else was looking..."

My breath caught in my throat. Oh my God. "You were—"

"The Larsen bastard I knew was never that unhinged to do something so reckless." He interjected. "But thank the heavens he did because now I know the truth. My brother is in love."

My eyes widened, I wasn't crazy, someone had watched us. "You're insane." I managed to spit, more tears sliding down my face. "You're crazy!"

"Insane?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm insane? I haven't even done anything yet."

My fingers flexed behind me. I wanted to hit him so badly. "Tristan isn't going to let this slide!"

His laughter echoed. "And what's that bastard going to do to me? I taught him everything he knows. I mentored him on how to channel his rage. I taught him how to be the DOM he is today. And how did he repay me? He...He—" His expression darkened just as his grip tightened. "He took what was dear to me. You have no idea how long I've waited to do the same."

Air rushed out of my lungs when he started to pull me along.

"Wait! Where are you taking me?!"

"We're going to play a game."

He shoved me into the elevator and pressed the button for the underground parking garage.

Fear shot through me as the metal doors closed with a foreboding clang, enclosing us in a small, claustrophobic space. I struggled to breathe. "Alaric, please!" My heart was racing as I watched the numbers on the display panel tick down. I knew I had to stay calm and think clearly, but the terror of the situation made it almost impossible. "Don't do this! Just let me go!"

"Be quiet. Save your energy, you'll need it."

Why did he keep saying that? What did it mean?

Oh God. Tears streamed down my eyes as I prayed that someone would stop the elevator, that someone would intervene, but each floor passed without incident.

Who was I even kidding? Fate had never been on my side.

The cool night air hit my face with a slap of reality when we reached the underground car park.

The echo of our footsteps was the only sound heard as Alaric dragged me toward a sleek, black car with its engine already running.

Conclusions formed in my brain. Did he already plan all this?

The sight of the vehicle only heightened my panic and I tried to pull back, digging my heels into the ground.

"Alaric! This is crazy! Let me go!" I shrieked, kicking and screaming.

He stopped and spun around, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and determination. "Get in the car."

I shook my head, struggling against his grip. "No!"

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be." His voice was cold and unyielding. "Get in the car, Sienna. Now."

"I don't know what Tristan did to you but you don't have to do this to me! You both can settle it! He's a changed man, he will—!"

He suddenly let go of my arm and grabbed a handful of my hair. "God, you talk too much." He yanked hard on it, forcing my head back. I screamed. "I was going to be lenient with you but since you want it the hard way, you'll have it the hard way."

Dragging me towards the back of the car, he yanked open the trunk with one hand.

I thrashed. "No no no, Alaric, no! Let me go! Don't do this!" I screeched, trying to pull free. "Please, Alaric, stop!"

Ignoring my pleas, he pushed me inside with a forceful shove and slammed the trunk shut, plunging me into complete darkness.