Logan

Several days had passed since we discovered Daphne's use of the tunnels to avoid detection. My men were swiftly deployed to each entry point. From there, they meticulously recorded her movements and observed her typical routes. It was only a matter of time before our patience and preparation paid off, and we finally apprehended her.

I sat in my car, the engine idling softly as I gestured for Noah to approach. He hurried over, his footsteps echoing in the empty street as he reached my window.

I turned to Noah, my trusted lieutenant, and issued my orders with a steely determination. "Today's the day," I declared, my voice low but firm. "We're capturing Daphne. Make sure the men are ready and the safehouse is prepared for their arrival."

Noah nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "Consider it done, boss," he replied, his tone reflecting the seriousness of the task at hand. "We'll be ready for her." 

I exited the car with a sense of anticipation burning through my veins, my steps purposeful as I approached the familiar pile of debris that marked the entrance to Daphne's hideout. With practiced ease, I scaled the heap, memories of our previous encounters flickering in my mind.

Everything about her has kept me on my toes; her fear, determination, confidence, intelligence, desperation, observation. I see myself in her maybe that's why she has my attention. Daphne will be a great asset to my business and she will definitely fit in with the gang, well after I threaten them to welcome her. They were just as mad when she stole from us but they don't know her quite well like I do.

Pushing open the creaking wooden door, I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the interior of her makeshift home with a mixture of surprise and admiration. The space was surprisingly organised, a testament to Daphne's intelligence and resourcefulness. Despite the harsh conditions of the world outside, she had managed to carve out a sanctuary for herself and her sister, a feat that spoke volumes about her resilience.

This was her life before me, I am quite impressed. She did well for herself.

I poked around the room with practiced stealth before my presence towered over the sleeping figures of Ryan and Ava. Before Ryan could stir awake, Ava, still drowsy, engaged in a brief exchange with me, her innocent trust evident in her words. "The nice man is here," she murmured, causing me to smirk in amusement. 

I crouched down beside her bed, my imposing figure softened by a rare glimpse of tenderness. "Yes, Ava, the nice man is here," I replied gently, brushing a stray lock of her golden hair from her face. "But we have to go on a little adventure now, okay?" Ava nodded sleepily, with trust in me.

Ava, I missed you. I promise, I will do my best to protect you. I can't wait for Ryan's reaction, this will be fun.

Ryan's eyes fluttered open, his expression shifting from grogginess to alertness as he realised my presence. He sprang up from the bed with a defensive stance, his eyes narrowing as he took in my presence.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Ryan's voice soured with bitterness, his posture tense as he faced me down.

I raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his hostility. "Just paying a visit," I replied casually, my tone tinged with amusement. "You know, checking up on things."

Ryan scoffed, standing defensively in front of sleeping Ava. "You're not welcome here," he spat, with a disdained voice.

A smirk played on my lips as I took a step closer, my gaze locking with Ryan's. "I don't need your permission to be here," I retorted, my voice dropped an octave. 

The confidence on this motherfucker is astounding. He really gets on my nerves.

"But you need to understand something, Ryan," I continued, my tone intimidating, "You don't get to steal from me, stay in my house, looked after by my men and then betray me. No one escapes from me".

Ryan's defiance melted into defeat, his shoulders slumping as he met my gaze. "You would never have let us go anyway," he muttered under his breath, a bitter resignation in his tone. "You overworked Daphne and showed no interest in letting us go."

I regarded him with a cold stare, his words stinging with truth. "Maybe you're right," I conceded, my voice tight with suppressed anger. "But that doesn't change the fact that you're standing in the way of what needs to be done".

I took a step closer, my breath hot against his ear as I leaned in, my voice unshakeable. "You have two choices, Ryan," I warned as I whispered icily, "You can leave peacefully, or I can make you leave. And trust me, you won't like the latter option".

Ryan seethed with anger, his movements sharp and deliberate as he began to pack his and Ava's belongings. With a heavy heart, he woke Ava gently, her sleep-filled eyes widening in confusion. Before leaving the room, Ava surprised me with a hug, catching me off guard. The unexpected gesture softened my features for a moment, before I quickly composed myself.

She really is precious. Daphne is just trying to be a big sister, raising Ava in this shitty world, but no need to protect Ava from me.  I know I threatened you Daphne but that was just to keep you in check. I could never hurt a child, especially Ava.

As the men escorted them to the car, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. With just an hour left on the clock before Daphne returned, I wasted no time. I began to explore her home, my eyes scanning every corner as I took in the surroundings. Ordering my men to clear out the space, we swiftly removed all furniture, supplies, and valuables—everything apart from Daphne's personal belongings.

"Alright, listen up," I commanded, my voice firm as I addressed my men. "Daphne will be back soon, and I want us out of sight. Hide yourselves well, but keep an eye out. I don't want her suspecting a thing until it's too late. Understood?" My men nodded in agreement, dispersing quickly to find suitable hiding spots throughout the house. With each of them concealed from view, we waited in silence, ready to pounce the moment Daphne walked through the door.

I hate waiting, I can already imagine the look on her face when she sees me. I can't fucking wait to bring her back. I will teach you a lesson Daphne, I will make sure this time, you will never escape from me  ever again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Daphne returned, her face turned ashen as she surveyed the empty rooms. Panic flickered in her eyes as she called out for Ryan and Ava, her voice tinged with desperation.

I waited silently in the kitchen, concealed in the shadows. As Daphne entered, her footsteps echoing in the empty house, I watched her closely, relishing the fear that radiated from her trembling form.

With a sudden movement, I rose from the stool, stepping into the dim light. Daphne's breath caught in her throat as she recoiled in shock, her eyes widening in terror.

"Impressive, Daph," I said, my voice cutting through her. "But not impressive enough."

Daph. Just came out without me thinking of it. I like it.

Daphne's hand trembled as she fumbled for the makeshift knife tucked into her socks, her tears mingling with the anger in her eyes. "Where is she?" she demanded, her voice cracking with desperation. "Where is Ava?"

I met her gaze with a chilling calmness, the corner of my lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, she's safe, for now," I replied cryptically, my tone dropped lower. "But whether she remains that way depends on you, Daphne."

Her grip tightened on the knife as she took a step forward, her resolve wavering against the weight of uncertainty. "What do you want from me?" she whispered.

As if, she still doesn't know. Does she not know her value to me? Is she really playing dumb right now? Now is not the time Daph. I want everything from you.

I took another step closer, the distance between us narrowing with each passing moment. "Everything," I breathed, my eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "I want your loyalty, your obedience, your undivided attention. And if you fail to comply..." My voice trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air like a tangible force.

I remained silent, allowing the tension to hang heavy in the air as Daphne's breaths came in ragged gasps. She took a step forward, her eyes ablaze with fury. 

Her expression ran cold.

Daphne's mocking laughter echoed through the room, each note like a dagger to my pride. Her words cut deep, tearing down the facade of confidence I had carefully constructed.

Okay, that's new. I have not seen this side to her. Fuck, she really does remind me of me. I have goosebumps.

Her expression remained icy, her eyes daring me to challenge her. "I will just slip from you again, Logan," she taunted, scoffing. "Took you awhile to catch me. I am not your puppet, watch me escape again. In fact, I will very well tell you myself my escape plan since you didn't do your job properly. I was right under your nose, and your men didn't even suspect a thing."

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK DID SHE JUST SAY!? ESCAPE FROM ME AGAIN? CHALLENGE ME AGAIN? HAS SHE LOST THE FUCKING PLOT?  YOU WILL NEVER SLIP AWAY FROM ME AGAIN DAPHNE.

My patience snapped like a brittle twig. With a guttural growl, I lunged forward, pushing her knife out of the way, my hand wrapping around her throat with a vice-like grip. "You think you can defy me?" I snarled, my eyes burning with fury. "You're mine, Daphne. And you'll never escape me again."

Daphne's defiant glare faltered, fear flickering in her eyes as she struggled against my hold. But I held her firm, my grip unyielding as I vowed to never let her slip through my fingers again. 

Never again.

Daphne's bravado crumbled in an instant, replaced by a raw cocktail of terror, confusion, and defeat. Her eyes widened in alarm as my hand closed around her throat, her breath catching in her throat. The knife clattered to the ground, forgotten in the face of my overpowering rage.

I scared her. Stupid me. I fucking hurt her. I shouldn't have put my hands on her. Maybe I overreacted. I can't believe I did that to her. I really need to control myself. I can be such a fucking mess sometimes. I am sorry Daphne. 

In a moment of rare vulnerability, I released her with a sympathetic look, a pang of shame cursing me for putting my hand on her. A swell of guilt tightened my chest as I watched her gasp for air, her eyes wide with shock and terror. The realisation of my own brutality struck me like a thunderbolt, and for a brief moment, I felt the weight of my sins bearing down on me.

As I met Daphne's gaze, a flicker of remorse softened my features, a silent apology for the fear I had instilled in her.

She whispered, "I will just grab my stuff then and make my way to the car," she murmured, her words laden with defeat. Too distraught to notice my men emerge from their hiding spots, they moved to assist her, gathering her belongings as she stood frozen in place, her hands trembling as she fought back tears.

In that moment, the reality of what I had wrought settled heavily upon me. Though victory was within my grasp, it felt hollow and empty in the face of Daphne's despair.

Not worth the power and control I have stolen from her now. Really not worth it. I will never forget the look on her face. I will never forgive myself.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I approached the entrance to the safe house, my thoughts were consumed with the logistics of maintaining control over Daphne, Ryan, and Ava. However, my focus was abruptly interrupted by the sight of Noah waiting for me.

I should separate Daphne and Ryan. Keep Daphne and Ava together so Daph can still raise Ava, but under my roof. I just have to make su- why is Noah standing there? What is going on now?

"Noah, what's the situation?" I inquired, my tone clipped with urgency.

Noah's expression was grave as he relayed the news. "Daphne is still in the car," he reported, his voice filled with concern. "She's refusing to come inside."

My jaw tightened at the revelation, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Damn her stubbornness," I muttered under my breath. 

I honestly don't blame her for not getting out of the car after I hurt her, maybe I should bring Ava and Ryan out to bring her back.

"Noah, bring Ava and Ryan out here," I instructed firmly, my voice carrying an edge of authority. "Daphne needs to see that they're okay. It might coax her out of the car."

Noah nodded in understanding before moving to carry out my orders. As he disappeared to fetch Ava and Ryan, I remained near the car, my gaze fixed on Daphne, who was clearly avoiding eye contact, awaiting her response.

As Noah returned with Ava and Ryan in tow, I watched Daphne closely, noting the relief that washed over her as she caught sight of her sister and friend. Ava rushed towards Daphne, her face breaking into a bright smile, while Ryan approached with a more guarded expression.

"Daphne, they're okay," I called out, my voice layered with a deceptive gentleness. "Come out of the car and join them."

Daphne hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Ava, Ryan, and me. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she stepped out of the car, her movements tense and guarded. I watched her closely, noting the subtle shift in her demeanour as she approached Ava and Ryan, her protective instincts kicking in.

Great, it worked. I am genuinely glad they are altogether again. Let's talk business now.

"Now that we're all here," I began, my tone authoritative, "Let's discuss our next steps."

As the trio gathered around me, I made my intentions clear. "Ryan," I addressed him directly, "You'll be working closely with my men from now on. You will be watched at ALL times so don't get smart." 

Ryan's jaw clenched as he met my gaze head-on. "I won't work with you," he spat.

My lip curled into a predatory smile, my patience wearing thin. "Very well," I replied, my voice, with malice. "But I'm sure you'll change your mind once you see what happens to those who oppose me." 

Tom's finger in that pretty wooden box will make you rethink your decision again. I don't have time for this.

As Noah led Ryan away, I leaned in close and whispered into his ear, "Show him the box." Noah nodded silently, understanding my intent.

I watched as they disappeared from view. Ryan needed a reminder of the consequences of challenging me, and Tom's severed finger would serve as a potent warning. With that thought in mind, I turned my attention back to Daphne and Ava, ensuring they remained within my sight at all times.

As Ryan was led away, Daphne's voice rang out in the tense silence. "Ryan!" she called, her tone filled with concern.

I turned to face her, meeting her gaze squarely. "He'll be fine," I assured her, though my words lacked conviction.

Daphne's eyes flashed with panic. "What's going to happen to him?" she demanded, her voice filled with worry.

"Daphne," I stated firmly, my annoyance evident in my tone, "Ryan will be unharmed. Hopefully, he'll come to his senses soon." 

Turning  face Daphne, I spoke with a bold resolve. "You'll be staying with me at all times," I stated. "Let's see if you will "slip" from me again this time", I scoffed confidently.

Back within my reach again. I will not let you go again. I swear, Daph.

As Daphne's expression shifted with a mix of defeat and depression. I turned my attention to Ava, my voice softening with warmth. "But Ava," I said gently, "you can have whatever you want, whenever you want." 

As Ava embraced me with a brave hug, I was caught off guard once more. The men around me stopped in their tracks, visibly shocked to witness the bond between Ava and me. I cleared my throat loudly, a deliberate warning for my men to return to their tasks.

How is this little girl so innocent? How can Ava not see who I really am? I really can't help but feel just as protective over Ava. Daphne's look just softened. Maybe, I should hug Ava longer to get into her good books. 

Seeing the softness in Daphne's expression, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of satisfaction at having earned a moment of respite in her eyes.

Earning her feels much more powerful than owning her.