A Cage of Silk

Lara barely slept.

Her mind replayed Ethan’s words on a loop.

"Let him try to take what’s mine."

"Not yet."

He was playing some twisted game—cold one second, almost possessive the next. And the worst part? She didn’t know what was real.

Morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows. The silk sheets felt soft, luxurious… suffocating.

She sat up and rubbed her face. “I have to get out of here.”

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called hesitantly.

A maid stepped in, bowing slightly. “The boss asked me to bring you this.”

She placed a tray on the table—fresh fruit, eggs, coffee, and warm toast. Not poisoned, hopefully.

Lara looked up. “Did he say anything else?”

The maid hesitated. “Only that you should eat. And that you’re not to leave the room without him.”

“Without him?”

“Yes, miss.” A nervous glance. “He said it’s for your safety.”

Lara stared at the closed door after the maid left. A silk cage. Beautiful. Controlled. Escape-proof.

She didn’t eat.

Later, as she paced by the window, a knock came again. This time deeper. Sharper.

The door opened before she could respond.

Ethan entered, black coat draped over one arm, phone in his other hand. He barely glanced at her as he spoke into the device.

“Tell Romano I don’t care if his shipment’s late. If he pulls that stunt again, I’ll send his head back in the box instead.” A pause. “No—don’t apologize for him. Handle it.”

He hung up, slipped the phone into his pocket, and finally looked at her.

“You didn’t eat.”

Lara folded her arms. “I’m not hungry.”

He walked past her and inspected the tray. “Not even the toast. Hm. You’re dramatic.”

“I’m not staying here.”

His tone remained flat. “You don’t have much of a choice, little one.”

“I’m not yours to keep.”

He turned to her then, slowly. “Funny. You arrived without warning. No explanation. And now you want to wander off into my world like some clueless child?”

“I’m not a child.”

He stepped closer. “You act like one.”

She flinched as his shadow fell over her.

He softened his voice, but not his expression. “This place isn’t safe for outsiders. Not even ones who fall from stories.”

“Then let me leave.”

“I already told you.” His jaw flexed. “You don’t belong here—but you’re here. And I don’t like leaving loose threads.”

“Then cut me loose.”

He smiled coldly. “I don’t like waste either.”

She stared at him, heartbeat thudding in her chest. “You want me gone.”

“I do,” he said, but something in his eyes betrayed him. His tone was too careful. Too cold. Like a lie dressed as the truth.

“Then why keep me here?”

Ethan stepped back, like she’d touched something raw.