"Strip"

A shiver ran down my spine when I heard the word that I was dreading. I was waiting for my hands to get free from the handcuffs and finally, when they were free the voice paralyzed me to my place because it sounded too familiar.

Every fiber of my being was urging me to escape from this nightmare but I found myself bound to my place with invisible ropes.

"Didn't you hear what I said?" The voice pierced through the air as he again spoke in his thick and authoritative voice which flinched me at my place, breaking the chain of my thoughts.

Slowly my shaky hands and fumbling fingers moved up to loosen the blindfold. As the fabric slipped away, my eyes widened in horror, my jaw dropped and my breath hitched in my throat looking at the man standing in front of me whom I was least expecting to be a part of this dreadful and sinful scenario.

Suddenly the room felt smaller as he looked tall and scary like a dark shadow looming over me.

"Strip!!" He ordered again, his voice tinged with impatience and I could feel a fresh wave of fear coursing through my veins.

My mind was still trying to grapple with the reality of the situation and what has transpired with me within a single, harrowing day.

Three months ago m, my brother was murdered by a Mafia gang which left me and my family completely devastated. The reason for his murder and the murderer is unknown. Even the police were not ready to help us in the matter and they dismissed us by calling it an accident. As a lawyer, I decided to collect the pieces of evidence against all the running mafia gangs and file a case against them in court.

Everything was going file and today I was about to win the case but in a nightmare twist of events I was abducted from my home, last night. And in the morning I found myself getting auctioned among those I dared to challenge and sold to the biggest highest bidder as the punishment of going against them.

I still couldn't shrug off the feeling when I woke up in a dark room, filled with masked men, whose eyes were moving on my body, vying for their chance to own me.

I protested and fought but nothing was of use because my hands and legs were tied tightly to the chair and my pleas went to dead ears while I was being auctioned like an object.

One million, two million, three million, the price of bidding are still echoing in my head and my final price is 70 million dollars. No one dare to outbid it as if the bid came from the mafia lord himself whom no one could defy.

I didn't have any idea where they were taking me because my eyes were blindfolded until now, engulfing me in the world of darkness which was waiting for me ahead.

But now that my eyes have opened and I could see everything I have become even more confused.

"Ansell?" The first thing that came out of my mouth was the name of the person standing in front of me. My voice quivered and the confusion was quite audible in my voice.

I blinked multiple times to make sure that I was not in any Haze and that what I was seeing was right.

"It's 'Sir' for you. I have bought you by paying the highest price" he wasn't sounding like the person I know. His words were harsh which blew me in the guts.

He was never so rude and inconsiderate. What happened to him all of a sudden?

And what baffled me, even more, was that he was among the mafias.

How and when?

My brain was filled with so many questions at the same time that I couldn't think of anything.

Is it possible that he has come here as my savior?

"You brought me here to protect me from all those me. Right?" I asked to confirm, staying positive even in the darkest times.

"I don't want to keep you in any misunderstanding"

He made himself comfortable on the couch, his posture oozing arrogance as he spread his arms and legs like a King on his throne, looking at me as if I was his slave.

"I haven't bought you to save you from anyone but to satisfy my needs. I wanted your body from the first moment I laid my eyes on you" he admitted with unsetting bluntness.

My heart sank in the pit of my stomach as his words sank in, revealing the side of him that shattered the image that I had of him in my mind.

There was not even one percent of emotions in those green orbs. He was looking at me as if I was a stranger to him which hurt me even more.

In these three months, he has changed so much physically and emotionally. Now everything about him screams darkness and danger, a shift that chills down my bones.

"Now come here" he commanded, patting his thigh, signaling me to sit on his lap.

I shuddered and I could feel the goosebumps rising on my skin. I always looked at him admiration but I never knew that such a devil was lurking behind that handsome face, his dirty intentions were now radiating off him.

William was right when he used to ask me to stay away from him. Maybe he knew his real face and now he is taking advantage of my brother not being with me.

The fact that I wanted to find Charming was now looking like a nightmare to me.

He was waiting for me to make any move but I stayed at my place, too afraid to move even an inch.

"Ansell, how could you do this to me when you know I am your friend's sister" I was on the verge of a breakdown.

"But not mine" he retorted sharply, his words crisp and harsh.

"But William?" I managed to blurt out, my throat tightening with my emotions as I shrugged to keep my composure "You know he has been killed brutally. Instead of standing by me, you---" "

Before I could complete myself, he lunged to his feet, his hand shooting out like lightening to wrap around my throat, cutting off my words and my breath. Panic surged through me as his grip tightened. Leaving me gasping for air.

"Don't take that wretched pig's name in front of me" his voice dipped with venom, his nails digging sharply into my skin. "Or I will make it more painful for you than it is already going to be"

I could see nothing else than raw anger and hatred in his eyes as they bore into mine. I could see his veins pulsing angrily on his neck and temple.

The once gentle emerald pools of his eyes have now transformed into a tumultuous storm, blazing with an intense fury that was enough to burn with a simple gaze.

Those eyes which once used to pull me like a magnetic force towards him with just a glance were filled with hatred for me, leaving me thinking about where I went wrong to receive this from him.

His hands, the very ones, which have helped me countless times were now wrapped around my neck, ready to squeeze the life out of me.

His closeness which used to fasten my heartbeat was now threatening me to the core.

I am sure my face has turned red due to the lack of oxygen. Just when I felt my strength waning and I thought I would die if he kept his hold for one more second he left me and I coughed loudly, gasping for air.

"What has happened to you?" I asked once I was fine. "You and William have spent your entire teenage together and you two were inseparable during those days. You have visited our house so many times, our mother used to love you so much but we never saw this side of yours before "

A sudden rage seems to urge through his veins listening to my words.

"Your brother is responsible for this!" He seethed through his clenched teeth.

William?

What has he done that changed Ansell so much?

"He is dead now" I reminded him ad the tears that I was holding all this time rolled down my cheeks as I missed my brother badly. I am still not over to his death.

"No one knows that better than me" his words slashed through the air. "because I am the one who killed him with my own hands!"

My eyes widened to the point of coming out of their sockets, the ground below me slipped and it seems like someone has thrown tons of bricks over me.

"And now you dear Leonara Eleanor "

His voice became chillingly intimate and I shivered as the temperature of the room suddenly dropped by several degrees. His finger which he might have used to kill my brother trailed down from my temple to my jaw and rested below my chin to lift it up.

"You are going to be plaything"

He was standing so close to me that this hot breath was fanning my face, chilling me with his proximity.

My abduction, auction, and now his changed personality came as such a surprise to me that I couldn't wrap my head around it. My eyes were still moving around his face, trying to accept his realty.

"I think you are not comfortable here. Let's go home, which is going to be a cage for you, for the rest of your life" his words were laced with a kind of calmness that sent shivers down my spine.

My heart pounded in my chest, my eyes widened, and I shook my head vigorously, but it had no effect on him.

He took a step back, and in a swift move, he grabbed my wrist In his tight hold, his fingers making an iron grip, and started pulling me with him, overpowering my strength. Digging my feet to the floor, I tried my best not to say away from his strength.

"I won't go anywhere with you" I protested, trying to make myself free from his deadly grip.

His head snapped at me sharply, his eyes shooting fireballs at me.

"Behave, or I won't hesitate to collar you and lead you out on a leash" he threatened me, chilling my every soul and draining the color of my face.

Every word from him is like a dagger to my heart. I can't believe him.

I am feeling ashamed of myself for having a crush on him. I didn't know that he was such a cheap person.

He kept on dragging me without a care, and I was already able to match his big steps. He let me through the hall, where I could see several men enjoying themselves with girls and drinks, and I am sure they are the same who must have seen the exhibition of my life. Tears welled up in my eyes as my ears rang with their cheers every time someone put a higher bid on me, reminding me of the humiliation I faced today.

As much as I wanted to cry, I decided not to because this would only make me weak. Now that I have found the real culprit behind the death of my brother, I should be taking revenge on him. But the first thing I need to do is get free from his clutches. I have to think of something really quick before it gets too late.

Never in my nightmare, did I think that my life would it take such a dark turn, and still I am not sure what we have done wrong.

He pushed me inside the car before following my suit and ordering the driver to take us home. I thought of jumping out of the car, but before I could put my plan into action, he pressed the child lock.

"Let me go!" I shouted out of frustration and thrashed around, but he remained unaffected by my pleas.

How could he be so cold and inconsiderate?

I can't believe he is the same person who could not see even a single cut on my skin.

Feeling desperate, I considered breaking the window, but his strong grip on my jaw stopped me. He turned my head forcefully, his eyes blazing with raw anger and passion locked onto mine, unbothered by the tears that were filling them.

"You can't escape now!" He growled in anger, "Accept your fate, you are mine"

My eyes widened when suddenly he slammed his on mine, and the tears that I was holding back spilled from the corner of my eyes as I squeezed them tightly.

I didn't want my first kiss to be like this. I had wished for something beautiful, not this nightmare.

Yes, I always dreamed of him, but not in a situation like this. As much as I wanted him earlier, now all I want is for him to let me go.

His lips were warm and soft, but they felt harsh against mine. Every touch of his lips against mine was a dark reminder that he is a murderer and the reason behind creating havoc in my life.

He bit my lower lip, but I kept my lips pressed tightly together. I wasn't giving in!

He pulled back, his thumb caressing the spot that he had just bitten. He pressed it, and I hissed in pain.

"Soon" he murmured against my lips, his eyes not leaving them even for a second.

His eyes were clearly indicating his intentions. No self-control worked at that moment, and tears streamed down my face, but his heart remained cold and unmoved by my pain.

He was determined to take revenge for the crime I never committed. I wiped my tears from the back of my palm because they were of no use. I need strength to fight him. I can't wasted my energy.

The car came to halt in front of a massive house that appeared to belong to the man who had just destroyed my beautiful life.

He didn't waste any time getting out of the car and walked around to open the door on my side. He extended his hand to me for support. My gaze trailed up to his, in a complete rage, my eyes still red from all the crying.

"Consider this the first and last time I will ever treat you so well!!"

The shift in his tone drew my attention and brought my brows together. When I didn't move, he just tooky palm in his and yanked me out of the car roughly, without caring that he could hurt me this way, which he actually did.

The thought that he murdered my brother with the same hands that are currently holding my palm, made me sick in my stomach.

"Welcome to my hell, Nara"

The way he called my full name made me shudder, but I shrugged off the feeling immediately.

I wanted to know why he murdered my brother and why he was so determined to ruin my life. But before I could ask him, he grabbed me and pulled me away, not allowing me to say anything other than follow him like a puppet on strings.

As we walked in, I was taken aback by the beauty of his mansion. We are rich as well, but not as much as he is!

He seems like a billionaire! I never visited his house, so I was unaware of his wealth or his profession.

I would have appreciated the beauty of his home if I had come here under different circumstances. Right now, the beautiful walls of his room appear to me to be a cage made by the blood and tears of innocents. The beautiful walls were suffocating me, engulfing me in their darkness.

I just wanted to kill him, exact my vengeance, and flee to a place where I could live peacefully with my parents.

When a woman emerged from the kitchen, my attention was drawn to her. I was surprised to see her because I assumed he lived alone. Her gaze was drawn to me, and she was surprised to see me. Her eyes then shifted to our hands, and she became even more perplexed.

"OUT!"

Ansell roared at the woman, and I flinched. Her gaze was drawn to him as well, as she had no anticipated the sudden outburst. The way he yelled was so fierce, it was as if he were possessed by some inner beast.

"I want this house empty in five minutes" he commanded, his words leaving no room for protest. "I intend to spend the night with her alone. I don't want a single soul around "

When he mentioned the night being spent alone, I gulped and shuddered.

Instead of moving, the woman looked up into my eyes, and I begged her no to leave me alone, telling her that I am being forced here and that I am not sure what this beast would do to me if she left me alone. I refuse to let her go at any cost! She understood my predicament and didn't move from her place.

"I said, GET OUT!"

The sheer force of his command compelled the woman to hastily retreat into the kitchen, leaving me alone with him, a captive to his whims, a pawn in his dark game.

As he roared, his grip on my wrist became so tight that I thought he would snap it in half. But he doesn't appear to mind. He intends to have only wanted to inflict more pain on me.

He has brought me here to make my life a living hell.

But why?

The question was coming to my head again and again.

I have never done anything to him other than observe him from a distance. I don't even know about his family.

The lady who appears to be the housekeeper then came out with two more people, and the three of them rushed out of the house as if they would be killed if they stayed for more than a second.

My body turned around, and my gaze followed them out, but he didn't wait for me and began dragging me somewhere I didn't know. The fear that had taken root within me was overpowering.

I was terrified!

Terrified for my dignity...

My life is already a mess, and I can't let him rob me of my innocence as well.

I know I am determined to exact my vengeance on him, but how could I fight him if he used his strength against me?

Before I could protest or say anything, he pushed me, and I found myself in a room where everything was gray. When my ears heard a clicking sound, my eyes stopped moving around the room. My head snapped in his direction, and I discovered that he had just looked the door, his eyes lustfully moving down my body.

I felt as I were nothing more than a slab of meant in his eyes, an object to satisfy his desires, and he did not attempt to conceal his attentions.

"Let's resume where we left off?" The sharpness behind his words was impossible to ignore, sending a cold shiver down my spine.

His gaze returned to my face, stopping me in my tracks, and his next words caught my breath in my throat because I could sense the harshness behind them.

"Strip"

After ordering me once again, he walked to his bed and sat on its edge. He opened the upper buttons of his shirt, waiting for me to start following his command. A heavy weight of her settled on my chest leaving me immobile once again.

"Strip before I decide to do it in my way" his voice was laced with a cruel warning, his palms bearing his weight as he leaned forward, "And believe me, it would be very painful, especially when I am not in the mood to go easy on you"

"Please, anything but this. Please, Ansell..." I tried my luck once.

"Sir" he corrected me before I could say anything, "I would like to hear you screaming my name only when I am inside you"

His words hit me like a cold wave of realization. I shuddered when the meaning behind his words hit me.

I am not getting why I am here in the first place. I didn't want them to sell me or anyone to make me his pet. I was an independent woman, and my only dream was to save enough money for further studies. But here I am trapped in the nightmare of despair and degradation as someone's plaything.

Just when I was about to take a step back to find some escape, his arm reached out to my wrist, and he yanked me towards him. I landed on his lap.

"No!" I wriggled, my desperation pushing me to escape his deathly grasp, but his firm hold on my waist left no room for me to break free. His arm around my waist felt like a thorny rope.

I can't cry! I can't!

I have to be strong. I need to fight against him.

"You want freedom?" His question abruptly halted my movement, and my head turned to meet his gaze.

I nodded my head frantically. I want it.

"The extent of your liberty depends on how you please me tonight" An evil smirk graced his lips, a display of his cruelty that made we want to scratch off his face.

Suddenly the arm that was holding me tightly against his body loosened, and he let me go. Taking it as on opportunity, I stood up immediately.

My eyes flickered around, looking for any way to escape from this monster.

"Don't even think about trying to escape because you can't!" He was quick to read my eyes and my intentions. "You are in my den, in my room!" He growled.

His eyes trialed down my body, looking at it with lust. The moment was so embarrassing for me that my eyes moved down. I didn't know he was so shameless.

"Dance for me!" His unexpected command took me off guard, and my eyes snapped up at him in pure horror. I could feel ears and cheeks turning red out of embarrassment.

He was sitting there with his legs wide spread on the bed, his palms resting back, taking the weight of his body with amusement dancing in his eyes.

How could he enjoy humiliating me?

"I think there is some problem with your hearing organ" he said when I didn't move from my place. "For your own good, I suggest you fix it soon because every time you made me repeat myself, you would have to pay heavy consequences, which would be pleasurable to me and painful to you"

He tilted his head as if he were giving me one more chance to comply with his order. I looked down, and the intensity of his gaze was pricking me, goosebumps rose all over my skin.

"I can't" I muttered, my voice low as I tried to control my tears with my eyes still on the floor.

"You can! I have watched you performing in the college" my eyes snapped up at him and I found him smirking at me, mockingly, "And you used to enjoy the attention you get from the boys. Didn't you?"

The tears that I controlled with so much difficulty again started to prick my eyes at his allegations.

Does he think so low of me?

I used to dance for my passion, not to gain attention! My dance was always decent, with my clothes properly covering me. It was his eyes that saw me that way.

"You are not understanding, how deep trouble you are in" he continued, his tone dripping with poison, "When I can kill your brother and bring you here than just imagine what I could possibly do to your parents"

His words took me by surprise. I still don't understand why he is doing this to me! To my loved ones! What we have done to him to get all this?

"You will no do anything to them" my voice came out stern and loud more than expected.

"I won't" he clicked his tongue, "Until and unless you behave"

Suddenly he stood up and started walking towards me. His posture was calm, but the fire in his eyes chilled me to the bone.

"Stay at your place!" I forewarned him, stepping back.

"How about if I don't?" He inquired in a challenging tone, his eyebrows cocked, and took a larger step this time, reducing the gap between us.

"I will call the police and tell him that you tried to touch me against my will " I threatened him.

I know I sounded stupid here but I was saying whatever was coming to my head. I just want to get free from this devil.

He burst into laughter, the sound chilling me to the core as he threw his head back.

"How adorable" he said, taking another step toward me. "Do you think the police will put me in jail for touching you if they can't catch me even after killing your brother? Huh?"

His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me close, and my heart raced as I found myself pressed against his chest.

"...and I am not trying, I am going to touch you in every way, whether you want it or not!"

My hands rose in response, and I tried to push him away with all my might, but the more I wiggled, the closer he pulled me to him.

"Why are you torturing me like this? I thought you were a good man" I said when I was tired of all the struggles and I was sure that I couldn't overpower him. I was frustrated and exhausted completely.

"You were not wrong, though" he replied calmly, but his actions were completely different from his words.

A sharp cry escaped my lips as his hand on my waist made its way under my top and pinched my skin, the pressure was ruthless, as he even twisted my skin, causing a surge of pain to radiate through me. A gasp escaped my lips, and my hands that had been resting on his chest dropped down instinctively, desperately attempting to pry his hand away. But his grip remained unyielding, refusing to budge even a fraction, his expressions pain. He was holding me against himself like a python coil.

"You are hurting me!" I cried out.

"I haven't seen started yet, and you are already complaining" he squeezed it even tighter if possible, "Huh?"

Leave me!" I yelled at the top of my lungs and tried to wiggle out of his python grip, but it did not affect him, he held me tightly against himself.

There was no doubt about why he was my crush. He is absolutely stunning, with a chiseled jawline, a flawlessly shaped nose, plump and inviting lips, and eyes of deep green framed by thick, captivating lashes. But now, whenever I see his face, all I can think of his my brother, and I could see nothing else but a murderer in him.

He hoisted me up with one arm, exhibiting his strength, and tossed me on the bed. It took me a moment to realise what he had done because I half expected him to be throwing me on the floor.

I was disheveled I took hold of myself immediately because I didn't have time to waste.

My gaze returned to him, his eyes filled with lust. When his fingers moved up to unbutton his shirt.

"Please" I almost cried.

But my cries did not have any effect on him as he came to the with firm determination in his that nothing was going to stop him from ruining me today.