A Game of Control

Ethan barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind replayed the moment Liam had locked him in this luxurious prison. You belong to me. Those words sent a shiver down his spine, a mix of unease and something he wasn’t ready to name.

By the time morning arrived, he was exhausted but determined. He needed to find a way out. He wasn’t about to let Liam Carter own him, no matter how powerful the man was.

A knock at the door made him jump. Before he could react, it swung open, revealing Liam standing there in a crisp dark suit, looking as infuriatingly composed as ever.

“Good morning, Ethan,” Liam said, stepping inside as if he owned the place—which, to be fair, he did. “I trust you slept well?”

Ethan scoffed, crossing his arms. “Like a baby. Locked in a gilded cage really helps with that.”

Liam’s smirk deepened as he moved closer. “You should be grateful. I could have thrown you into a cell, but instead, I’ve given you comfort.”

“Comfort?” Ethan gestured around the room. “Yeah, this is great. Real five-star service. Except for the part where I’m trapped.”

Liam studied him for a moment, then tilted his head slightly. “Walk with me.”

Ethan tensed. “Why?”

“I’d like to show you something.” Liam turned and walked out without another word, expecting Ethan to follow.

Ethan hesitated. He could refuse, but what good would that do? With a frustrated sigh, he stepped out of the room, his first time leaving since arriving last night. Two guards flanked them as Liam led him down the hallway. The mansion was even more massive than he had imagined. Grand staircases, expensive artwork, and a view of the sprawling gardens outside.

They entered a room that looked like a private study—floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a bar stocked with expensive liquor, and a massive mahogany desk where Liam took a seat. He gestured for Ethan to do the same.

Ethan stayed standing. “I’m good.”

Liam merely chuckled. “Suit yourself.” He leaned back, fingers steepled. “You’re probably wondering why you’re still alive.”

“The thought crossed my mind.”

Liam tapped the desk. “You have skills, Ethan. Skills I need. Your little stunt last night proved that.”

Ethan frowned. “If you already knew I was hacking you, why let me get that far?”

“Because I was testing you.” Liam’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “And you passed. Barely.”

Ethan clenched his jaw. He didn’t like being played.

Liam continued, “You’re going to work for me now. I have enemies who think they can outmaneuver me. I want you to ensure they don’t.”

Ethan let out a sharp laugh. “You kidnapped me and expect me to just… do your dirty work?”

Liam stood, stepping around the desk until he was inches from Ethan. His cologne was subtle, intoxicating, and it made Ethan’s head swim for a second.

“I expect you to survive,” Liam murmured. “Because the people you stole from? They won’t be as forgiving as I am.”

Ethan’s blood ran cold. He had hacked into a lot of places before, but this was different. He had underestimated just how deep Liam’s connections ran.

“What if I say no?” Ethan challenged.

Liam smiled, slow and dark. “Then I’ll let my enemies know exactly where to find you. And trust me, Ethan, they won’t be nearly as gentle as I have been.”

Ethan swallowed hard. He was trapped. Either he worked for Liam or he ended up dead.

Liam leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I don’t expect you to trust me yet. But you will.”

Ethan hated the way his body reacted to Liam’s closeness. The warmth of his breath, the confidence in his stance. It was infuriating.

“Fine,” Ethan muttered. “But I’m not doing this because I want to. I’m doing it because I don’t have a choice.”

Liam’s smirk returned. “That’s good enough for now.”

As Liam stepped back, Ethan knew one thing for certain—he had just made a deal with the devil, and there was no turning back.

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