Elowen's POV

I blinked awake, disoriented and groggy, the shadows of the room wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The faint glow from the city outside spilled into the penthouse, casting soft light on the walls. My heart raced slightly, still caught in the remnants of sleep, when I heard the low murmur of Zephyr's voice cutting through the silence.

I strained to listen, but the words were muffled, the conversation seemingly urgent. A sense of unease prickled at the back of my mind, but I fought to push it away, willing myself to slip back into slumber. Just as I was about to succumb, I heard Zephyr's voice rise slightly, sharper now.

"Just handle it. I'll be there as soon as I can," he said, the edge in his tone causing a flutter of worry in my stomach.

The call ended, and I watched as Zephyr walked into the dim light of the room. He looked intense, his features taut with focus and determination, the air around him heavy with urgency.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and soothing, but I could sense the tension in it. He moved closer, brushing a lock of hair from my face, his touch sending a warm shiver down my spine. "I need to talk to you for a second."

"What's going on?" I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep as I struggled to push myself up into a sitting position. "Where are you going?"

Zephyr's expression was serious. "I have to leave for a bit. Something's come up, and it's important."

Panic flickered in my chest as I stared up at him. "But—"

"Shh," he interrupted, placing a finger gently to my lips, silencing me. "You need to stay here. Just go back to bed. I promise I'll be back soon." His eyes softened, filled with a mix of affection and intensity that sent my heart racing. "You're safe, Elowen. Just trust me."

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Lysander stepped inside, looking like he had just rolled out of bed, his hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. There was a seriousness to his demeanor, though, as he glanced between us.

"I'm here," he said, his voice steady. "I'll stay with her tonight."

Zephyr nodded, still focused on me, his gaze lingering. "You'll be okay with him, right? Just behave for him. Don't do anything reckless."

"Zephyr..." I started, wanting to protest, but he cut me off.

"Just trust me." He leaned down, capturing my lips in a quick, firm kiss that made my heart flutter. "I'll be back."

With that, he stepped away, and I felt an empty space where he had just been. As he turned to leave, the weight of his presence lingered, making my heart feel heavier than before.

"Wait, what's happening?" I called after him, my voice laced with worry, but he paused at the door, glancing back with an unreadable expression.

"Just some business, Elowen. You don't need to worry about it." And with that, he was gone, leaving a swirl of uncertainty in the air.

Lysander walked over, his expression calm yet focused, and without a word, he slipped under the covers beside me. He groaned softly as he pulled me closer, his warmth wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. Instinctively, I snuggled into him, feeling the tension in my body start to ease.

"I don't like this," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like him leaving like this."

"He'll be fine," Lysander murmured, his voice a soothing balm against my worries. "You should try to get some sleep."

I nodded slowly, still feeling the unease in my gut. The room felt quieter now, almost too still without Zephyr's presence. I let out a soft sigh, the worry swirling in my mind as I nestled deeper into Lysander's side, comforted by his warmth.

"Get some sleep, Elowen," he urged gently, tucking the blankets around us. As I closed my eyes, I felt him lean down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'm right here, goodnight sweetheart," he whispered, the sound lulling me further into the embrace of sleep.

As exhaustion began to pull me under, the feeling of safety enveloped me. I trusted Zephyr, but the tension still lingered in the air. With Lysander beside me, I felt a sense of comfort wash over me, and I surrendered to the darkness, hoping that everything would be alright when morning came.

____

As I lay in bed, still basking in the warmth of Lysander's presence, I felt a sense of comfort that was hard to put into words. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow around us. I turned to face him, admiring the way the sunlight danced across his features. He looked so peaceful, but then I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes—like he had something important to say.

"Lysander?" I asked softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

He shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow, his expression turning serious. "I need to tell you something."

Curiosity piqued, I nodded. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath, his brow furrowing slightly. "After the day we ran into your stepmother, I had someone take care of them."

Surprise washed over me, and I sat up a little straighter. "What do you mean, 'take care of them'?"

Lysander rolled his eyes, a hint of frustration mingled with a protective fierceness. "They're still alive, Elowen. But they're penniless and left with nothing."

My heart raced, and I looked at him, unsure of how to process his words. A wave of conflicting emotions surged within me—shock, concern, and an overwhelming sense of love for this man who was willing to go to such lengths to protect me.

He must have seen the uncertainty in my eyes because he continued, his tone slightly softer but still resolute. "I won't apologize for what I did to them. They deserved it for treating you like that."

I remained silent, my chest swelling with affection and admiration. 

Lysander looked at me, a hint of worry creeping into his gaze. "Are you... okay with that?"

Before I could respond, I leaned in and kissed him, feeling a rush of warmth enveloping me. It was a sweet, lingering kiss, filled with everything I wanted to say but couldn't find the words for. I wanted him to know that I understood his intentions, that I recognized the depths of his feelings for me.

When we finally pulled away, he searched my eyes, trying to gauge my reaction. "Elowen..."

I placed a finger against his lips, silencing him. "I get it, Lysander. You did what you had to do. And honestly, I can't say I'm sorry for them either. I j-just can't believe you did that for me..."

A slow smile spread across his face, and I felt a rush of warmth in my chest. In that moment, I knew I could trust him completely.

"I won't let anyone hurt you again," he promised, his voice low and sincere. "You're everything."

"Thank you," I whispered, feeling grateful for the man beside me. "For everything."

His smile widened just before he leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was intense, filled with a raw passion that took my breath away. His hands were firm as they roamed my body, possessive and demanding. I could feel the dominance in his touch, the way he controlled every movement, every breath.

Lysander's kiss grew rougher, his tongue exploring my mouth with a fervor that left me dizzy. He nipped at my lower lip, pulling a gasp from me that he swallowed with another deep kiss. His hands slid down to my waist, gripping me tightly as he pulled me even closer.

I was completely lost in the sensation, my mind hazy with desire. I could feel his need, his desire to possess and dominate me, but there was also a sense of control. He knew exactly how far to push, how to balance the roughness with just enough gentleness to keep me on the edge.

His hands moved to my breasts, squeezing and kneading them with a firm grip that sent shivers down my spine. I moaned into his mouth, my body arching into his touch, craving more. Lysander's kisses trailed down my neck, his teeth grazing my skin in a way that made me shudder with anticipation.

"You're mine, Elowen," he growled against my throat, his voice rough and possessive. "No one will ever hurt you again."

I couldn't speak, couldn't think. All I could do was feel. His hands were everywhere, caressing, teasing, igniting a fire inside me that I couldn't control. His mouth found my nipple, sucking and biting gently, making me gasp and cling to him.

"Do you understand?" he demanded, his eyes dark and intense as he looked up at me. "You belong to me."

"Yes," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I understand."

His hand slid down my body, fingers slipping between my thighs. I moaned again, unable to hold back the sounds of pleasure that escaped me. Lysander was relentless, his touch both rough and controlled, driving me wild with need.

"Good girl," he murmured, his fingers moving in a rhythm that had me trembling. "Take everything I give you."

I was lost in him, in the overwhelming sensations he was creating. His lips found mine again, kissing me deeply, passionately, as his hand worked its magic. His fingers slid inside me, moving with a relentless rhythm that drove me wild. Each thrust, each curl of his fingers sent waves of pleasure crashing over me, leaving me gasping and moaning against his mouth.

"Lysander," I breathed, clutching at him, my body straining towards release. "Please..."

"Not yet," he whispered against my lips, his voice a dark promise. "You're going to wait. You're going to come when I say."

I whimpered, the need almost too much to bear. My entire body trembled with the intensity of it, the tension coiling tighter and tighter. Lysander's other hand continued to knead and squeeze my breasts, his thumb brushing over my sensitive nipples in a way that made me cry out.

"You feel so good," he murmured, his lips grazing my ear. "So wet for me. Do you like this, Elowen? Do you like being mine?"

"Yes," I gasped, my voice barely audible. "Yes, I love it."

His teeth grazed my earlobe, sending shivers down my spine. "Good girl," he said, his voice rough and commanding. "You're going to take everything I give you. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I whispered, my head spinning with the pleasure and the power of his words.

His fingers moved faster, deeper, pushing me closer and closer to the edge. The world around me faded away until there was only Lysander, his touch, his voice, his presence overwhelming me.

"Lysander, please," I begged, my voice shaking. "I can't hold on."

"You can," he said, his voice firm. "And you will. You'll come when I say, and not a moment before."

I whimpered, the need almost too much to bear. But I trusted him, trusted that he would take me to heights I had never known before. His mouth captured mine again, kissing me deeply, his tongue exploring, dominating. His fingers continued their relentless assault, driving me wild with need.

And then, just as I was on the brink of release, he stopped. His fingers stilled inside me, and he pulled back slightly, smirking as he looked down at me.

"No," I gasped, looking up at him with pain and desperation. "Please, Lysander, don't stop."

His smirk widened, a dark, satisfied look in his eyes. "Not yet," he said, his voice a low growl. "I want to see you beg for it, Elowen."

I whimpered, the need almost too much to bear. "Please," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Please, Lysander, I need it."

"Not good enough," he murmured, his fingers teasing me mercilessly. "You can do better, sweeetheart."

"Please," I said, louder this time, my desperation clear. "Please, Lysander, I need to come. I need you. Please, let me come."

He watched me for a moment longer, then his smirk turned almost cruel. "No," he said, pulling his hand away completely. I gasped at the sudden emptiness, looking up at him in shock and desperation.

Lysander stood up, his gaze never leaving mine, and walked over to the couch. He sat down, spreading his legs wide, his muscular chest on full display. The bulge in his pants was unmistakable, a stark reminder of his arousal and the power he held over me.

"Touch yourself, sweetheart," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I want to watch you."

I swallowed hard, my body trembling with need and frustration. My hands moved tentatively, unsure of what to do. I could feel his eyes on me, watching every movement with a condescending smirk.

"Look at you," he mocked, his voice a dark, seductive whisper. "Pathetic. You can't even pleasure yourself without me. Is that how useless you are?"

I bit my lip, my fingers moving between my legs, trying to find the same rhythm and intensity he had given me. But it was no use. My fingers felt awkward and clumsy compared to his, and I couldn't seem to get the same pleasure.

"That's right," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You need me, Elowen. You're nothing without me. Look at you struggling. It's almost sad."

Tears of frustration and humiliation welled up in my eyes. "Please, Lysander," I begged, my voice breaking. "I can't do it. I need you. Please, help me."

He leaned back, his gaze dark and intense, enjoying my desperation. "Beg me again," he commanded, his voice a low growl. "Beg me like you mean it."

"Please," I whispered, my voice shaking. "Please, Lysander, I need you. I can't do it without you. Please, make me come."

His eyes glittered with satisfaction. "That's better," he said, standing up and walking over to me. He cupped my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Remember this, Elowen. You belong to me. You need me for everything."

Lysander's eyes were filled with a primal hunger as he pushed me back onto the bed, his fingers ruthlessly plunging inside me. "You're fucking helpless without me, Elowen," he growled, his voice rough and dominant. "Pathetic, needy little thing. You can't even make yourself come."

I cried out, my body arching against him, overwhelmed by the intensity of his touch. "Please, Lysander," I whimpered, my voice barely audible. "I need you. I need you so much."

"That's fucking right," he snarled, his pace increasing, pushing me closer to the edge. "You're mine. You can't do anything without me. Say it."

"I'm yours," I gasped, feeling the pressure building within me, threatening to break. "I need you, Lysander. I'm yours."

A dark, satisfied smile crossed his face as he watched me come undone. "That's it, good girl," he whispered harshly, his breath hot against my ear. "Come for me. Right. Fucking. Now."

The command shattered me. Pleasure tore through my body, leaving me trembling and gasping, clutching at him as I cried out his name. Lysander's grip tightened, his fingers never relenting until I was completely spent, panting and trembling beneath him.

"Look at you," he said, his voice dripping with contemptuous pride. "Fucking desperate for me. You need me to do it all for you, don't you?"

He stood up, swiftly undressing, revealing his powerful, muscular form. My eyes widened, my breath catching in my throat as I saw the raw desire in his eyes. "Get up," he ordered, his voice leaving no room for disobedience.

I struggled to my feet, still weak and trembling from my release. Lysander sat on the edge of the bed, spreading his legs wide, the bulge in his pants making my mouth go dry. He grabbed me by the waist, pulling me onto his lap, positioning me so I was straddling him.

"Look at you," he taunted, his hands roaming possessively over my body. "Completely helpless. You fucking need me, don't you? You can't even fucking touch yourself right."

I nodded, unable to speak, overwhelmed by the intensity of his presence. His hands moved to my breasts, squeezing and kneading them roughly, making me gasp and arch against him. "You're mine, Elowen," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Every inch of you belongs to me. Say it."

"I'm yours," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Every inch of me belongs to you, Lysander."

"Good girl," he muttered, his lips crashing down on mine in a bruising, possessive kiss. His hands continued their rough exploration, leaving me breathless and aching with need.

Lysander's grip tightened on my waist, his eyes dark and stormy. "I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk, until you remember exactly who you belong to," he whispered fiercely. "You're mine, Elowen. Don't ever fucking forget it."

I whimpered, the roughness in his voice sending shivers down my spine. He didn't wait for a response, his lips crashing down on mine in a bruising, possessive kiss. His hands moved over my body, squeezing and kneading with a roughness that left me breathless and aching with need.

His hand wrapped around my throat, pressing just enough to make me gasp. "You're breathing because I'm letting you," he snarled, his eyes filled with a feral intensity. "Remember that, Elowen. Every breath, every heartbeat, every fucking ounce of pleasure you're feeling is because of me."

I could only nod, my voice caught in my throat as his grip tightened. He shifted, positioning himself at my entrance, and without any further warning, he thrust into me with a force that made me cry out.

"Fuck, you're tight," he growled, his voice rough and filled with primal satisfaction. "You feel that? That's me, filling you up. You take it, all of it, because that's what good girls do."

I moaned, my body trembling against him, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of his movements. "Lysander," I gasped, the sensation almost too much to bear. "It's too much, I can't—"

"You can," he interrupted harshly, his hand on my throat tightening just enough to make me see stars. "You will. You'll take every fucking inch of me, and you will thank me for it."

He began to move, his thrusts deep and relentless, each one pushing me closer to the edge. "Look at you," he spat, his voice dripping with contemptuous pride. "So fucking needy. You can't do anything without me. You need me to make you feel this good, don't you?"

"Yes," I cried out, my body arching against him, completely at his mercy. "I need you, Lysander. I need you so much."

"That's right," he growled, his pace increasing, each thrust more punishing than the last. "You're mine. Every inch of you, every fucking breath you take, belongs to me."

Lysander's hands moved over my body with a rough possessiveness, squeezing and kneading my breasts with a ferocity that made me gasp. "These are mine too," he growled, his voice a dangerous rumble. "You'll take it all, Elowen. I wanted to be gentle with you, but I can't. That;s what you get for making me wait this long."

I could only whimper in response, my body trembling against his. His hands moved from my breasts, one wrapping around my throat again while the other gripped my hip tightly. "You feel that?" he snarled, thrusting into me with brutal force. "That's me, fucking you until you can't think straight. You'll take it all, every single inch."

I cried out, the roughness of his movements sending waves of intense pleasure and pain through me. "Lysander," I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. "Please, it's too much."

I gasped for air, my body shaking with the intensity of his thrusts, each one sending waves of pleasure and pain crashing through me. "Please," I whimpered, the desperation in my voice clear. "Please, Lysander."

"Please what?" he mocked, his voice filled with a cruel satisfaction. "Please fuck you harder? Please make you come? Tell me what you want, Elowen. Beg for it."

"Please," I sobbed, my body on the verge of breaking. "Please, make me come. I need it, Lysander. I need you."

"Good girl," he muttered, his pace becoming even more brutal. "My perfect little slut. No one can fuck you like this, only me. Fucking remember that."

The pressure in my core built to an unbearable level, and with a final, punishing thrust, I shattered, crying out his name as waves of pleasure consumed me. Lysander continued to move, driving me through my release, his grip on my throat never loosening.

He let out an animalistic groan as he emptied into me, overstimulating me as I felt him fill me up with his release. He panted into my neck as I lay there, blissed out.

As the wave of pleasure receded, I found myself relaxing against him, blissfully hazy and completely spent. He brushed his fingers through my hair, and I could feel the warmth of his body surrounding me, wrapping me in safety.

As the warmth of our shared moment lingered in the air, I could feel the tension in my body start to melt away. Lysander wrapped his arms around me, drawing me closer as if to shield me from the world outside. The roughness of earlier was gone, replaced by a softness that made my heart swell.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice low and gentle as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Good," I whispered, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. The aftermath of our connection was filled with an overwhelming sense of safety and love. I leaned into him, resting my head on his chest, where I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Lysander ran his fingers soothingly down my back, tracing gentle patterns on my skin. "You did so well, Elowen," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth. "Took me so fucking well. My perfect little girl."

He cupped my face, his touch gentle yet firm. "I love you, Elowen," he confessed, his voice unwavering. "I didn't think I could ever find love, but you've broken down those walls. I'll do anything for you, even if it means being the monster they think I am."

His confession settled around us like a warm embrace. I felt my heart swell, realizing just how much I had fallen for this man—the fierce protector, the one who had shown me what real strength and love looked like.

Lysander's gaze remained steady on mine, his eyes searching for something more. I felt my cheeks flush as I looked down, the weight of his confession and the intimacy of the moment overwhelming me.

"I... I love you too," I said softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. My heart raced, each beat echoing my feelings for him. I was thinking to myself about everything these men had done, how it all began in such a tumultuous way. But despite it all, their care and respect for me had been undeniable. They had shown me a side of themselves that was fiercely protective, and in that, I had found an immense and unexpected love.

I glanced up at him again, seeing the shock in his eyes. He seemed unable to fully grasp my words, his expression a mix of disbelief and hope.

"Say it again," he urged, his voice trembling slightly, as if he needed to hear it to believe it.

"I love you," I repeated, this time a bit more confidently. The words felt right and true, and saying them again made them all the more real. I could see the impact they had on him as his eyes widened, a mixture of relief and joy flooding his features.

He reached out, cupping my face gently in his hands. "I can't believe you love me too," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought... after everything... but hearing you say it..."

I could see how deeply my confession had touched him, and I felt a rush of warmth knowing that my feelings were appreciated. The love we shared, despite its unconventional beginnings, was real and strong.

Lysander pulled me into a tight embrace, his heart beating steadily against mine. "You're everything to me, Elowen," he whispered into my hair. "You've made me believe in something I thought I could never have."

I nestled closer, feeling the strength and warmth of his embrace. In that moment, all doubts and fears seemed to melt away. Despite the tumultuous path that had led us here, our love felt pure and unwavering.

We remained like that for a long while, simply holding each other, the depth of our feelings clear and undeniable. The world outside seemed distant and irrelevant compared to the connection we had found in each other's arms.