Prisoner?

Xander gripped the iron bars, his dark eyes locked onto Valeria, who stood just beyond his reach. The golden light filtering through the prison cell made him look even more infuriatingly handsome, his suit still pristine despite his current predicament.

He sighed, tilting his head slightly.

“Valeria, prison is for prisoners.”

She crossed her arms, smirking.

“Exactly.”

Xander raised a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze.

“And do I look like a criminal to you?”

Valeria took a slow step closer, pretending to examine him.

“Well… you do have that dangerously charming vibe. And let’s not forget the mischief in those eyes.”

He exhaled a dramatic sigh.

“Ah, so I’m guilty of being attractive and mischievous? Harsh sentencing.”

Valeria shrugged. “Justice must be served.”

Xander leaned forward slightly, his fingers curling around the bars.

“Then I appeal my case. On the grounds that keeping me locked up is cruel and unusual punishment.”

Valeria smirked.

“For who? You or me?”

His lips curved into a slow smile.

“Both.”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“Nice try, but you’re staying put.”

Xander’s smirk deepened.

“Then at least do me the courtesy of visiting often, jailer.”

Valeria turned away, heading for the door.

“We’ll see if you behave.”

As she exited, Xander watched her go, his fingers lightly drumming against the iron bars.

“The door isn’t even locked,”

he muttered, swaying it slightly. Then, with a smirk, he leaned back against the cold metal, perfectly content to play prisoner a little longer; if it meant keeping Valeria entertained.

Day one; handsome prisoner

07:00 AM – Wake-Up Call

Xander stretched against the hard prison bench, the golden morning light seeping through the narrow window. His suit remained immaculate, his tie still knotted to perfection; because even in captivity, he refused to look anything less than devastatingly handsome.

He blinked lazily at the iron bars. He could open them anytime. But why would he? Being her prisoner felt oddly fitting, as if this confinement only magnified his existence. He smirked to himself. A prisoner of beauty, held captive by a woman who thought she had control.

08:00 AM – Morning Leisure

Leaning against the bars, he absently swayed the door back and forth with his fingertips, creating a soft, rhythmic creak. It was amusing how easily he could escape; yet chose not to.

“Are you entertaining yourself?” Valeria’s voice interrupted his musings.

Xander turned, his smirk deepening. “You locked me up, yet you’re the first to check on me. Missing me already?”

She rolled her eyes. “I was just making sure you hadn’t done anything stupid.”

He let out a mock sigh. “I’m wounded. Do I look like the kind of man who causes trouble?”

Valeria crossed her arms. “Yes.”

09:00 AM – Breakfast, Prison-Style

She brought a tray, sliding it through the bars. Xander glanced down at the meal; plain toast and black coffee.

He lifted a brow. “What, no silver platter? No wine pairing?”

Valeria smirked. “You want wine? Get arrested somewhere fancier.”

Xander took a slow bite, keeping his gaze locked on hers. “Ah, so you plan to keep me here long enough for me to demand a menu change?”

Valeria didn’t answer. She simply watched as he ate, her eyes narrowing slightly as if debating something.

10:00 AM – Boredom (or Something Like It)

Xander leaned his back against the cold wall, his hands lazily tucked in his pockets. “You know, most prisoners yell for freedom,” he mused.

Valeria scoffed. “Then why aren’t you?”

He tilted his head, his smirk playing at the edges of his lips. “Because I like being your prisoner.”

She stiffened for half a second—just enough for him to notice. But before he could revel in it, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Xander chuckled under his breath. Interesting.

12:00 PM – Nap or Daydreaming?

He lay back on the bench, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. If he listened closely, he could hear the soft sounds of Valeria moving around outside.

He closed his eyes, smirking to himself. She thought she was in control. But wasn’t she the one constantly coming to check on him?

02:00 PM – Distraction

Xander sat up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Valeria stood outside the bars, holding a book.

“I figured you’d get bored,” she said, tossing it toward him.

He caught it effortlessly. “Ah, so you do care.”

“Just don’t lose your mind in there.”

He flipped through the pages, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve survived worse fates.”

Valeria hesitated for a moment before walking away.

Xander smirked. She’s fun.

04:00 PM – Evening Exercise?

Standing, he stretched, then paced the small space. Not out of restlessness; just for the effect.

He gripped the bars, testing their weight. The door swayed slightly under his touch. He could walk out at any time. But he didn’t.

Instead, he leaned his forehead against the cold metal, exhaling softly. This game was far more entertaining.

06:00 PM – Dinner & Unexpected Affection

Valeria returned, this time carrying a slightly better meal; grilled chicken, rice, and vegetables. She hesitated before sliding the tray through.

Xander smiled. “Improving my conditions already?”

She huffed. “I just don’t want you dying in there.”

He took the tray but didn’t eat immediately. Instead, he looked at her with something softer in his gaze.

“You don’t have to be so tough, Valeria.”

She frowned. “I’m not—”

Before she could finish, he reached through the bars, his fingers brushing against hers. For the first time all day, she didn’t immediately pull away.

08:00 PM – The Late-Night Game

As the night deepened, Xander remained by the bars, watching the dimly lit space beyond.

Valeria returned one last time, standing just beyond his reach.

“You’re not going to escape?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Why would I? Being locked up makes me look even more intriguing, don’t you think?”

She rolled her eyes but smirked. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you keep coming back.”

She didn’t deny it. Instead, she turned, walking away without another word.

Xander smirked to himself, resting his hand against the iron bars. Day one as her prisoner, and she was already slipping.

Day Two: The Handsome Prisoner’s Routine Evolves

07:00 AM – Waking Up in Style

Xander woke up to the sound of footsteps approaching his cell. He stretched lazily, his black vest slightly undone, giving him an effortlessly disheveled yet still devastatingly handsome look. He ran a hand through his dark hair, tousling it just enough to appear like he’d just survived a romantic war with sleep.

Valeria stopped outside the bars, arms crossed. “Still here?”

Xander smirked, voice husky from sleep. “You sound surprised.”

“I thought maybe you’d get bored of playing prisoner.”

Xander chuckled. “Oh, but the company’s too entertaining to leave.”

She rolled her eyes and tossed a fresh set of clothes through the bars. “At least change. You may be a fake prisoner, but you don’t have to look like one.”

He caught the fabric with ease, his lips quirking. “Ah, so you do care.”

She didn’t respond; just turned on her heel and walked away.

Interesting.

08:00 AM – Breakfast & A New Game

The tray slid through the bars again; this time with a slight improvement: eggs, toast, and coffee.

Xander picked up the fork, inspecting it as if it were a rare artifact. “Hmm. First better food, now real cutlery? You’re getting soft, Valeria.”

She shot him a glare. “I just figured starving you wasn’t worth the headache.”

He took a slow bite, watching her. “Or maybe you like keeping me around.”

She didn’t reply, just shifted her weight slightly, which was answer enough.

10:00 AM – The Art of Doing Nothing

Xander leaned against the bars, spinning the fork between his fingers.

“You know, you could at least give me something to do,” he mused. “Perhaps a puzzle, a deck of cards… or are you afraid I’d outsmart you?”

Valeria, sitting at a nearby desk, barely looked up from her paperwork. “I’m not worried about that.”

Xander chuckled. “Then entertain me.”

“Entertain yourself.”

He exhaled dramatically. “Ah, how cruel. Caged like a beast, left to languish in solitude…”

“Xander.”

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

He smirked.

12:00 PM – Midday Observations

He studied the way Valeria moved; her focus, her occasional glances toward him when she thought he wasn’t looking.

She was careful. Composed. But cracks were beginning to show.

“Are you always this serious?” he asked.

She sighed. “Are you always this talkative?”

“When I have an audience.”

Valeria finally looked up. “This isn’t a show.”

Xander’s lips curled. “Isn’t it? You keep coming back.”

She stared at him for a beat too long before shaking her head and returning to work.

He was getting to her.

02:00 PM – The Escape That Never Happens

Xander stood, walking to the cell door. He ran his fingers over the lock, testing it with ease. With the right pressure, he could slip free.

He didn’t.

Instead, he leaned against the bars and exhaled. He wanted to see how long she would keep him.

04:00 PM – A New Dynamic

Valeria returned with a book.

“You looked like you were going insane,” she muttered, tossing it through.

Xander caught it midair. “Ah, literature. A sign of affection.”

“Don’t push it.”

He flipped it open, noting the title. “The Psychology of Captivity? How fitting.”

Valeria smirked. “Thought you’d appreciate the irony.”

Xander chuckled. She was playing along now.

06:00 PM – Dinner & An Unspoken Truth

The meal was warm again. Better than the first day.

“Do you regret locking me up yet?” he asked between bites.

Valeria didn’t answer immediately.

Then, quietly: “Not yet.”

That intrigued him.

08:00 PM – Nighttime Conversations

As the world outside grew darker, Xander remained by the bars, watching Valeria as she lingered.

“You don’t have to stay,” he murmured.

She hesitated. “And leave you unsupervised?”

Xander smirked. “Or maybe you just enjoy my company.”

Silence stretched between them.

Then, in a barely audible voice; so soft he almost missed it; she muttered:

“…Maybe.”

Xander smiled.

Day two, and she was slipping even further.

Day Three: The World Thinks He’s Dead

07:00 AM – A Death Without a Body

Xander woke up to the sound of hurried footsteps. The air felt different—tense, urgent. He sat up, stretching, his muscles rippling under the thin fabric of his shirt. His cell door remained locked, yet something had shifted.

Valeria stood outside his bars, arms crossed, gaze unreadable.

“You died,” she said simply.

Xander raised a brow, amused. “I don’t recall that happening.”

“The world does.” She slid a newspaper through the bars.

He picked it up, scanning the headline:

XANDER ALEKTO—PRESUMED DEAD IN EXPLOSION

A smirk tugged at his lips. “Dramatic.”

Valeria didn’t look impressed. “It means no one’s looking for you anymore.”

He met her eyes, tilting his head slightly. “Then why are you still keeping me?”

She didn’t answer.

09:00 AM – Handcuffed

Xander had barely finished his morning routine when the clinking of metal filled the air.

Cool steel snapped around his wrists.

He lifted his hands slightly, testing the weight of the cuffs. “I see you’ve grown fond of me,” he mused.

Valeria tightened them, her fingers brushing against his skin for a second too long. “I’m not taking chances.”

“You’re afraid I’ll leave?” His voice was smooth, teasing.

She met his gaze, unwavering. “I just want you to remember who’s in control.”

Xander chuckled. “Oh, I never forget.”

12:00 PM – The Irony of Captivity

He sat on the cot, handcuffed yet entirely at ease. Valeria watched him from her chair, flipping through her reports.

“Tell me,” he started, shifting slightly, “do you feel safer with me like this?”

She didn’t answer.

Instead, she tossed a bottle of water toward him. He caught it effortlessly, despite the restraints.

“You’re enjoying this,” she muttered.

Xander grinned. “Am I?”

She rolled her eyes and turned away.

He watched her closely. She was starting to realize that keeping him here might be more dangerous than letting him go.

03:00 PM – A Whispered Confession

The handcuffs were tight, but not unbearable. He leaned back against the wall, eyes half-lidded.

“You should’ve let me die with my reputation,” he murmured.

Valeria paused. “Why?”

Xander exhaled. “Now I’m just a ghost in a cage.”

For the first time, her expression softened.

“…You’re not dead to me.”

Xander stilled.

Her words lingered in the air, more binding than any chain.

06:00 PM – The Weight of an Unspoken Truth

Dinner arrived. He ate slowly, methodically, the cuffs making every movement deliberate.

Valeria remained by the door, arms crossed.

“You’re keeping me because you don’t know what to do with me, aren’t you?” he asked, voice lower now.

She didn’t deny it.

Instead, she turned away and said, “Get some rest.”

But Xander didn’t sleep.

Not that night.

Because, for the first time, he realized; he wasn’t the only one trapped in this game.

Day Four: Bound Like a King in a Cage

07:00 AM – The Crowned Chains

Xander stood in the dimly lit cell, his hands now bound by something new.

Crown cuffs.

Gold-plated restraints, intricately designed like a monarch’s final shackle. They weren’t just handcuffs anymore—they were a statement.

He tilted his wrists slightly, feeling the weight of the metal. A smirk ghosted his lips.

“You’re getting creative, Valeria.”

Outside the bars, Valeria remained silent. Her gaze was unreadable, but something flickered in her eyes.

Xander chuckled softly. “You know, if you wanted me to feel special, a throne would’ve sufficed.”

She didn’t react.

Only after a moment, she said, “You don’t deserve a throne.”

His smirk widened. “Yet, you crown me anyway.”

09:00 AM – The Silent Watcher

He moved carefully, testing his range of motion. The cuffs weren’t just for restraint—they were meant to remind him of something.

Something he hadn’t quite figured out yet.

Valeria watched from her chair outside his cell, sipping coffee. She hadn’t left his side since morning.

“You’re watching me a lot today,” Xander mused.

She took another sip. “I don’t trust you.”

He exhaled, tilting his head. “And yet, you make me look like royalty.”

Her fingers tightened around the mug. Maybe she hadn’t realized how much power she was giving him.

12:00 PM – A King’s Meal

Lunch arrived—steak, potatoes, a perfectly plated dish.

He raised a brow. “Are we celebrating something?”

Valeria didn’t answer.

He took a bite, savoring the taste. “This is hardly prison food.”

Silence.

He let the moment stretch before speaking again. “Valeria…” He leaned against the bars, voice lower now. “What am I to you?”

She froze.

Then, with careful precision, she replied, “My prisoner.”

But the way she said it—it sounded more like a confession than a statement.

03:00 PM – The Weight of Gold

The cuffs began to feel heavier as the day stretched on. Xander knew this wasn’t just about keeping him still.

It was about reminding him who held the key.

Valeria didn’t speak much, but her presence alone was enough.

He exhaled slowly, glancing at her. “You’re afraid of something.”

She didn’t deny it.

Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the key.

Dangling it in front of him, she said, “And you should be, too.”

06:00 PM – A Prisoner by Choice

The sun dipped below the horizon. Xander remained standing, cuffs glinting under the last traces of light.

Valeria hadn’t left.

Neither had he.

He could’ve escaped days ago. The door was never truly locked for him.

But the truth was, he wasn’t sure what would happen if he left.

So he stayed.

Bound. Crowned. And waiting.

Day Six: The Weight of Silence

06:00 AM – The Awakening

Xander stirred before the first light touched his cell. The crown cuffs were still there—tight, unforgiving. They left faint imprints on his wrists, a constant reminder that he was here because she wanted him to be.

Or maybe because he wanted to be.

08:00 AM – The Visitor

Valeria entered without a word. She carried a tray—a silver one this time.

“Something new today?” Xander asked, voice smooth despite the stiffness in his body.

Valeria set the tray down on the small table just outside the bars. She didn’t answer.

He smirked. “Silent treatment now? I almost miss the threats.”

She finally spoke, eyes locked on him. “Eat.”

He tilted his head. A command.

He didn’t mind those.

He took his time reaching for the plate, his movements deliberate, watching for any flicker of emotion on her face. But Valeria remained impassive. Composed.

As if she wasn’t the one keeping him caged.

As if she wasn’t the reason he stayed.

12:00 PM – The Chains Tighten

The cuffs were adjusted.

She did it herself.

Fingers grazing his skin as she secured the locks. The metal was colder today—or maybe that was just his imagination.

She never lingered. Never let her hands tremble.

But Xander noticed the way her breath caught for half a second when her fingers brushed his pulse.

He let her think he didn’t.

03:00 PM – The Echo of a Name

The world outside believed he was dead.

The newspapers said so.