Bound with His Mad Love

My brother, Alec Barnett, was a yandere, and right now, he had locked me in the dressing room.

"Don't call me Alec but call me Mr. Barnett, hmm?"

He rudely pulled me into his arms.

I wriggled uncomfortably, glancing around with wide, wary eyes, and grabbed his arm almost pleadingly. "Someone might come in."

"Do you think I care?"

He didn't mind at all, his hand gently stroking my back.

When he felt the cold sweat on my back, his hand paused. "Are you afraid of me?"

Since I didn't answer, Alec lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Why are you crying?

Such a buzzkill."

He slowly wiped away my tears. "No one will come in. Aimee is at the door."

I anxiously crossed my arms and sniffled softly. "Why are you doing this to me?"

01.

The first time I met Alec, he smiled with crescent-shaped eyes and extended his hand to me, dimples appearing at the corners of his mouth. "Ramona, I'm

your brother."

Holding my breath, I gazed at him, trying to smile gracefully.

Alec had been snatched back from the jaws of death, but he never showed any sign of it. While I was still thinking about how to interact with him, he had already seamlessly blended into my family.

In just a year, he had changed how he addressed my parents, naturally treating them as his own.

And just like when Alec first met me, he treated me as his sister.

Alec had been seriously injured and had stayed in the hospital for an entire year. His face was pale, his lips a soft pink, and his whole presence exuded a harmless aura.

Who in this world could dislike Alec.

At least, that was what I thought.

June was the hottest month in Broughton. I fidgeted with a small fan, wishing I could press it right up to my face. Alec was doing his assignments with one hand and lightly fanning me with a book in the other. I stole glances at him with my head lowered, my blush deepening.

Alec smiled as he gently brushed the stray hair off my face, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, and those dimples of his looked especially tempting.

Pretending to be nonchalant, I turned away from him, but the pink tint on my ears betrayed me.

It wasn't until the teacher stood at the podium with lesson plans that the fluttering in my heart finally settled.

I could see the teacher's facial muscles twitching. He was clearly holding back.

"The director Erik Sullivan is planning to cast the lead actress for his new movie at our school. Any students interested can audition."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. I grabbed Alec's arm in excitement. "I want to go too."

Alec's eyes instantly turned cold, the sudden change catching me off guard.

He threw his book down in front of me, hard. "No."

"Why not?"

Alec lowered his gaze, lips pressed tightly together, muttering to himself, "If you don't behave, I will punish you."

My dream couldn't be extinguished by a few words from Alec.

Besides, such verbal threats were like child's play to me, completely harmless.

I went ahead and auditioned and made it to the second round.

When I excitedly returned home, I found Alec waiting downstairs. I had no idea how long he'd been there. I quickly ran over and jumped onto him. "Alec, I

got in!"

Realizing his health wasn't the best, I quickly jumped off him, awkwardly adjusting my hair. "Are you okay?"

Alec's expression remained indifferent, unreadable.

His hand wrapped around mine, his fingers casually rubbing the back of my hand, before silently leading me to the balcony of his room.

I'd never put up any defenses around him.

After a long silence, he finally asked, "Ramona, do you think someone would die if they fell from here?"

I glanced down at the height and instinctively stepped back a few paces.

"If not dead, seriously injured."

After I answered, a hint of malice crept into Alec's eyes. "So, you need to behave."

Before I could react, his hand was already on my face, slowly sliding down before gripping my chin firmly. "Do you understand what I say?"

02.

Alec was a natural-born actor. His eyes, full of untold stories, could draw anyone to the theater willingly.

While I was still struggling to climb up from the bottom, Alec had already won the Golden Awards for best actor with his exceptional acting skills.

How unfair! I was, after all, one of the Bond Girl.

But...

After my debut, I peaked and then immediately faded into obscurity. After the film's release, I was forgotten.

To break into even a minor level of fame, my agent had to tie my contract to Alec's studio. Now, he was my boss.

Being an actor was my dream, but I didn't understand why Alec had to enter the entertainment industry, effortlessly achieving everything I'd ever wanted.

It was just so unfair.

"Ramona, come with me to this variety show." Alec's tone was more of a command.

I felt a surge of resentment. Actors should cherish their reputations, making more quality films, not wasting time on variety shows just for easy money.

If I had such resources, I'd treasure them.

Inwardly, I rolled my eyes. "How much are they paying you?"

"Fifty million dollars."

"I'll start packing."

It rained a lot in Ulrith, and ever since the car accident, Alec had been left with lingering effects. Whenever it rained, he'd break out in cold sweats, enduring severe pain.

I discovered this after that incident on the balcony when he threatened to push me off.

I truly believed he might push me, and my legs trembled as I tried to run. But just as I neared the door, I heard a noise behind me.

Despite my stubbornness, I caught a glimpse of Alec collapsed on the floor, curled up in pain.

After a moment of hesitation, I stomped my foot in frustration and helped him to bed.

Holding onto me seemed to ease his pain. With my back turned to him, I bit my lip and asked, "Do you often hurt this badly?"

"Yes, it hurts a lot."

A thin sweat was already seeping down my back where I was pressed against him. I didn't dare turn around, let alone meet his gaze.

Alec was my brother, after all.

"Ramona, don't make me angry, okay?"

His fingers brushed the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by invisible hands, making it hard to breathe or think.

My body was burning up, and the strange sensations made me want to run.

With a flushed face, I turned to look at him. "Alec, what are we doing?"

Alec glanced at me quickly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine, silencing my question.

"Only I can do this to you."

The sound of the rain pulled me back to reality. Tossing and turning in bed, I couldn't shake Alec's face from my mind. Before I knew it, I was standing outside Alec's room.

I knocked, but there was no answer.

Swallowing nervously, I felt increasingly uneasy. I pulled out my phone and tried calling Alec, but there was no response.

Alec was a top star. I couldn't just go to hotel staff for help. Panicking, I dialed Aimee Wells' number. "Alec isn't answering the phone, and he's not opening the

door either."

Aimee didn't know Alec was my brother, and as a fading star, I had the sense to keep a low profile.

Aimee chuckled. "He's probably sleeping. Check on him tomorrow."

I frantically denied it, "No, it's raining. He wouldn't be asleep."

Aimee didn't understand the weight of my words, but because of Alec's special treatment toward me, she trusted me. "Don't cry. I'll ask the hotel manager to bring you a room key."

With trembling hands, I opened the door with the key and found Alec stepping out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. He squinted at me.

Anger surged through me as I walked over to confront him. "Why didn't you open the door?"

"I didn't hear it."

I lowered my head, feeling wronged. "You didn't answer the phone either."

"I was showering."

Why was he showering?

Why shower so late at night?

"Then continue."

Relieved that he was okay, I turned to leave.

"Wait."

Alec grabbed my arm and pulled me back toward him.

"What's wrong?"

He held me close, his fingers brushing over my eyes. "Why are your eyes red?"

His coaxing voice made me sniffle in frustration.

As I took a closer look at him, I suddenly realized that he was shirtless. Water droplets from his wet hair were rolling down his jaw, across his chest, and continuing to slip into the towel wrapped around his waist. "Why didn't you put on any clothes after your shower?"

I scolded him but quickly looked away, feeling both guilty and embarrassed.

Alec's lips curled into a charming smile, revealing his dimples. He raised an eyebrow, refusing to loosen the hand around my waist, even as my face turned red.

"Ding."

A phone call came in. He answered it on speaker with one hand, while the other continued to rest on my waist.

"Alec, are you alright?"

It was Aimee.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Good, as long as you're fine.

Ramona called me crying, saying it was raining, and you didn't answer the door or the phone. I'm not too worried about you though. You're not like Deanna, who's always causing trouble for me."

I hurriedly covered Alec's ear, hoping he hadn't heard that.

After the call ended, Alec seemed lost in thought, zoning out.

I bit my lip and quickly tried to free myself from his grip,

but he effortlessly pulled me back. "Where are you going?

Sit still."

I kept my head down, too afraid to look at him.

"Are you worried about me?"

His hand rested on my head. "The way you look right now...

it's hard to resist bullying you.

But remember, only I'm allowed to bully you.

Got it?"

I slowly raised my head, meeting his damp eyes, which glinted like a predator eyeing its prey.

03.

When we arrived at the recording site of Acting Lab, Alec had transformed once again into the graceful and gentle gentleman, with a polite yet distant smile on his face.

Thanks to Alec, his leg accessory, me, also became a guest on the show. Sitting across from Alec, I struggled to control myself from constantly glancing his way.

Alec was pale, slightly unhealthily so.

His seductive charming eyes were closed, yet the shape of them was still captivating. His long lashes cast a shadow over his face, and his lips were soft pink, with his dimples faintly visible at the corners. Looking down, his white neck and the sexy collarbones peeking out from his shirt made my mind wander.

That was just how he was-standing there without a word, a single glance felt like an electric current running through me.

I must've been staring too intently because Alec suddenly lifted his head and looked at me. His half-smiling gaze sent my heart racing, and I quickly looked away, trying to cover my flustered state by taking a sip of water.

Acting Lab aimed to recreate classic scenes. The resident guests and special guests were divided into groups to film iconic scenes, with the final showdown deciding the winner.

Alec and I were placed in opposing groups.

This was good news for me. I could work with more talented actors and learn from them, striving for artistic perfection.

I eagerly awaited my collaborations but was unexpectedly called away by Alec's assistant.

Alec had his own private dressing room. When I entered, I found him flipping through my script.

"Ramona." His finger tapped the highlighted section. "You're going to kiss someone else in this scene."

I frowned slightly, worried by the coldness on his face and the indifference in his eyes. "That's what the script says," I replied.

Actors must respect the art.

Alec walked toward me, placing a hand on the doorframe. Then he locked the door from inside.

I instinctively stepped back, feeling uneasy under the pressure he exerted. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the inner room, roughly pinning me against the wall.

"Ow!" The pain made me wince. "Alec Barnett."

It was rare for me to call him by his full name.

Alec didn't care. His hand, which had been pressed against my waist, started to move upward, making me shiver with cold. I tried to pull away, but he kept reaching for me, relentless.

I pushed him to his limits. "Alec, I hate you."

His hand, which had been gripping my waist, froze. "Hate me?"

A sly smile curled his lips as his fingers pinched my soft flesh. "That's fine. All of your emotions can only be directed at me."

I knew I couldn't push him further. Knowing when to stop was my golden rule for staying safe around him all these years.

Alec hated seeing me cry, and he feared it too.

I was already scared of him, so the tears I had been holding back spilled out instantly. "Why do you always bully me?"

Alec irritably picked me up and placed me in a chair. He pressed his forehead against mine. "Stop crying, or I'll throw you off the balcony."

"You always scare me."

A cold smile appeared on his innocent face. "I've never scared you."

Hearing his words, I shivered instinctively, cold sweat breaking out across my back. He raised an eyebrow and smiled tenderly as he hugged my trembling body. "So, you need to be obedient."

"But how long do you expect me to obey?"

I grabbed his shirt, glaring at him. How much longer would this ambiguous, unclear relationship drag on?

Alec pried my fingers off and held them in his hand. "I don't want to see your little tricks happen a second time."

"What?"

"I asked the assistant to arrange for us to be in the same group, but not only did you secretly switch, you're also going to kiss another man, Ramona."

Alec's voice was quiet but sent chills down my spine. "No matter what you do, you can't escape my sight, and you can't escape me."

I hurried to explain, "I did switch groups, but the scene was chosen by the director. I didn't know beforehand."

If I had known about the kiss scene, I wouldn't have dared to switch groups.

Alec ran his fingers through my hair. "No need to explain. What's done is done. If it happens again, I'll have to punish you."

If I didn't explain, I'd probably be bullied right now.

As my thoughts raced, Alec pressed my head down, his dark eyes staring straight at me, while his hands began caressing my legs. "Your legs are so white, Ramona."

I looked at him in confusion. "Hmm?"

He bit my ear with his teeth, then let go.

"I don't want this," I whispered timidly.

The desire in Alec's eyes made me shrink back a little.

"If you don't want it, stop moving."

Blushing, I sat stiffly on his lap, too upset to speak.

"Looking at you like this, all I can think about is how to bully you even more."

As soon as he finished speaking, he bit down on my lips, the pain making me want to escape even more.

It was only after a long time that he finally let go of me. His fingers touched my swollen lips, a smug look on his face. "That was just rehearsal. I'll be doing the kiss scene with you."

04.

I covered my swollen lips and hurriedly fled from Alec's dressing room, but I accidentally tripped on the steps and fell.

"Ouch" I squinted my eyes, wincing in pain as I rubbed my leg. Luckily, the injury wasn't too bad. In the past, I would cry for a long time after a fall, but ever since Alec changed, I would learn to endure the pain no matter how bad it was.

The more I cried, the more he indulged in it.

It was a vicious cycle.

I smirked at myself mockingly. Just as I was about to stand up, a hand reached out to me. Looking up, it was Archie Dobson.

The warm sunlight cast a glow on Archie, and his eyes shimmered with a gentle, broken light. He had a charming smile on his face, bright and approachable yet striking.

Unlike Alec, who became famous at a young age, Archie had struggled for years at the bottom of the entertainment industry before reaching his current status. I had seen his breakout work, and I must say, respect.

One of the perks of participating in this variety show was that I could interact with my idols up close. Reverently, I wiped my hands before reaching out to him. "Hello, Archie. I've seen your films."

Archie's smile widened. "Hello."

When he spoke, his voice was clear and deep, with an irresistible charm. "Your knee is red from the fall. Can you still walk?"

I had been fine on my own, but after hearing him say that, I suddenly felt like I couldn't walk anymore.

But Alec...

I was afraid of Alec.

"I'm fine. Nothing serious." To show I was okay, I flashed a grin and even hopped a few times in front of him.

Archie smiled and nodded, withdrawing his gaze. Not wanting to disturb him, I quickly left. As a fan, I knew my place. "I must keep my distance from idols."

Muttering to myself, I walked around the corner, catching a glimpse of Archie in my peripheral vision. He hadn't left yet?

Curious, I turned back and met his gaze. In his eyes, I saw stars twinkling.

"Ramona, I've seen your film The Cage. It was outstanding."

In that instant, all the noise around me disappeared, and all I could hear was his praise. My mind buzzed, and I was left in a daze. Archie said I had potential.

By the time I snapped out of it, Archie had already left.

I even wondered if he had really been there at all.

During the afternoon recording, it turned out that I was indeed paired with Alec, while Archie ended up in the opposing team. When Archie arrived, he nodded at me in a familiar way.

Before I could return the greeting, Alec blocked my view, pretending to fetch some props. His rudeness annoyed me. How impolite.

Alec's aura grew colder by the second as he lowered his voice, "You seem close with him?"

"Not at all."

Alec's gaze was like he wanted to devour me on the spot. "Then why were you smiling at him?"

"I smile at everyone."

"Did I give you permission?"

Afraid that Alec would cause a scene, I had no choice but to appease him. I tugged at his sleeve, pleading, "Alec, we're still recording. Let's talk about this later, okay?"

Why should I need your permission for anything? Why did everything I do have to be approved by you?

Throughout the entire recording, Alec remained silent, radiating an icy aura that kept everyone away from him.

Whenever someone tried to talk to me, one look from Alec would make them back off instantly.

Alec had no friends, and he didn't allow me to make any either. Was there anyone who could control him?

During a break in the restroom, I overheard some minor actors gossiping. "Alec looks terrible today. I wonder who pissed him off. He's like a completely different person."

"Yeah, even his little sidekick Ramona doesn't dare bounce around near him today."

Sidekick?

When did I become a sidekick? Alec was my boss. If I didn't bounce around him, should I do it around you?

How annoying!

After they left, I angrily huffed at my reflection in the mirror. How unfair.

I returned to the recording site quietly. Alec was sitting on the sofa, hands clasped, head bowed, lost in thought. He looked so out of place amidst the bustling scene.

"Alec?"

I pressed my lips, sitting next to him and offering him a cup of water. "What are you thinking about?"

Upon hearing my voice, Alec slowly lifted his head. His eyes were tinged with a seductive red, and after accepting the water, he took a small sip. "Ramona, come here."

I swallowed and leaned a little closer.

He licked his lips. "Closer."

Looking around nervously, I noticed no one was paying attention to us, so I inched closer.

"I want to mark you as mine."

"Huh?"

I looked up at him with innocent confusion, unsure of what he meant.

He lightly tapped my lips with his finger. "Don't pout, or do you want me to mark you right now?"

I wasn't pouting. I didn't mean that.

Stop saying things like that.

A wave of heat spread through my body, especially since we were about to film a kissing scene. The blush on my face wouldn't fade.

Our scene didn't come up until late at night. By then, the crew was visibly tired, and most of the other actors had already left. Archie from the B-team remained, sitting next to the director by the monitor.

I paced back and forth, drinking water nervously.

Just before going on set, Alec took my hand. Even though he didn't say anything, I could see the trust in his eyes.

That trust melted all my anxiety away.

05.

Alec and I were portraying star-crossed lovers, a couple rejected by society.

I was the seductive enchantress who fell for him at first sight, relentlessly pursuing him, while he played the celibate wizard, focused on his spiritual path.

He saw me as his greatest temptation, wishing for my disappearance, but after I vanished, he became the only monk unable to escape worldly desires.

The scene we were filming took place after the great battle between the gods and demons. My character, the enchantress, was willing to sacrifice her energy to save the wizard, ultimately fading away completely.

At the moment when all my spiritual energy was gone, I looked at him longingly. "Little wizard, would you kiss me?"

He held my head in his hands, and for the first time, his usually calm eyes flared with a passionate desire. He lowered his head, swallowing my whimpers. The kiss grew deeper, and I found myself responding uncontrollably.

His breathing became heavier.

"Cut."

"Cut."

"Cut."

The director's call snapped me out of the moment. This was just acting. He was Alec. He was my brother.

I quickly pushed Alec away, but he pulled me back into his arms,

"Don't move."

Nervously, I glanced around. Luckily, only the director and a few staff members were present, and they were awkwardly looking elsewhere, avoiding our eyes.

The director cleared his throat and praised our dedication. Blushing, I couldn't bring myself to look at Alec. Alec, on the other hand, remained composed. "Ramona, you're quite

the actress."

I gritted my teeth, my face respectful. "Thank you, Alec, for being such a great

scene partner."

Underneath, I sneakily pinched Alec's waist. It was our first on-screen kiss, and the experience was a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

Since Alec had more business with the director, I left first. Not long after I left, I received a text.

"Wait for me in the room."

After sitting on the sofa for about half an hour, Alec returned. He tossed his jacket onto the bed, raising his eyebrows mischievously. "Showered yet?"

"No."

"Want to shower together?"

"No way."

I stared at Alec, body tense. Despite everything, he had never actually crossed that final line with me.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up, preparing to leave. Alec's smile turned dangerous. "You dare leave?"

He had me completely under his control. I didn't dare.

I was afraid he would go crazy.

My contract was tied to Alec's studio. If he forcibly terminated it, I would lose everything.

After seeing my expression, Alec looked at me smugly, his gaze suddenly stopping at my knees. "What happened?"

"I fell."

He placed me on his lap, patiently took off my shoes, held my foot in his palm, and started massaging it. A wave of goosebumps spread across my body.

"My foot is fine."

The intense tingling sensation forced me to stop Alec's mischievous hand. He paused, his warm hand moving up to my knee. "Does it hurt?"

The moment he asked, the pain surged through me.

I nodded pitifully. "Be gentle."

Alec's lips curled into a smile, and his charming dimples appeared again.

I bit his shoulder. What kind of nonsense was swirling around in this man's head?

"You're being disobedient again today."

Even a casual sentence from him sent a chill down my spine.

I deliberately shifted the topic, "It's because you were mean to me again."

Alec caught my fingers, narrowing his eyes dangerously. "If you dare smile at someone else again, I'll..."

"What about girls?"

He waved his finger slightly.

"What about friends?"

He stayed silent, so I pressed further.

"What about our parents?"

I turned my head away, challenging him on purpose.

Alec straightened my head, his Adam's apple bobbing. "You're being too rebellious, Ramona."

He buried his face in my neck. "No one is allowed to covet what's mine."

"Alec, you're my brother."

"So what?"

As I drifted into a daze, I heard Alec's low murmur in my ear. "I never wanted to be your brother."

06.

After filming the latest episode of the variety show, a group of entertainment reporters came to interview us. It seemed the show was highly regarded in the industry, and it didn't even need the director to spend money on marketing.

Outside the interview prep room, a few of us lesser-known artists sat obediently on chairs, waiting for Alec to finish his interview.

Just as Alec was about to finish, Archie arrived.

Well, like Alec, Archie was a big name in the entertainment industry, so there was no need for him to wait with the rest of us.

However, considering his seniority, shouldn't Archie be interviewed first, before Alec?"

I sent the question to Caroline Wells.

"You don't get it, do you? Your boss ranks higher than Archie,"

Caroline's response felt like she was mocking me. As if saying, "How can you be his lackey and not know this?"

I knew Alec was popular.

"But Archie's name always appears alongside Alec's. Aren't they on the same level?"

This was the first time Caroline patiently explained something to me, "Archie's on-screen persona is similar to Alec's. Their resources may look comparable, but in reality,

you know."

Wait, know what?

Before I could ask, Alec came out. When he passed Archie, Archie's face had a friendly smile, but Alec looked utterly indifferent. How arrogant. Alec's lack of emotional intelligence was truly worrying.

Alec stood in front of me and kicked my foot lightly. I quietly shifted to the side.

"When's your turn?"

The gossips nearby noticeably leaned in to eavesdrop.

I frowned and mouthed to him, "Afternoon."

Alec nodded and pulled me away in front of everyone. I quickly raised my voice, "Are you giving me an assignment?

Got it, got it!"

As we left, I could hear the whispers behind me. "Ramona is such a bootlicker."

I tugged on Alec's sleeve. "Alec, where are we going?"

"Interview prep this afternoon. What are you waiting around for?"

We were clearly in different leagues.

I muttered under my breath, "But everyone else is sitting there too."

Alec held my hand and motioned for me to press the elevator button. "You're with me. You're different from them."

So, this was what it was like to have connections. Could I flaunt this a little?

I excitedly clung to Alec's hand and mumbled, "You were pretty rude to Archie

just now."

Alec turned his head, squinting at me. "Talking about another man when you're with me?"

I was watching out for Alec.

"After all, he's your senior. Shouldn't we be a bit more humble? Besides, he's a top-tier actor in the industry, and you two will inevitably cross paths. You should be more low-key."

Alec remained silent. Could there be a misunderstanding between them?

I tried to mediate patiently, "Archie is actually a good guy. If you spend more time with him, you wouldn't dislike him."

"Ding."

The elevator arrived.

Alec walked in and glanced at the posters on the wall. A dimple appeared beneath his lips. I kept chattering in his ear, and he raised an eyebrow, holding my head still and turning my face towards the poster.

This...

I widened my eyes. Why was Archie endorsing a mop?

Despite holding a mop, Archie's slightly upturned lips didn't look out of place at all.

On the way back to the room, I could clearly see the smile on Alec's face. Even his steps seemed more cheerful. I hurried behind him, "Alec, wait for me."

I sat on the sofa, confused, and picked up my phone to search for Archie's endorsements. At some point, Alec had walked up in front of me and tossed his jacket, landing it squarely on my face.

The jacket smelled like him, making my face flush. Flustered, I pulled it off and glared at him angrily. "What are you doing?"

"You."

Alec leaned down and wrapped me in his arms. I pouted in frustration. "You always do this."

"Do what?"

His fingers brushed over my lips, biting down hard. "You want me to kiss you?"

Before I could refuse, he cupped my head and kissed me, claiming what he wanted. "That's your punishment."

I gasped for air while Alec remained calm. He picked up my phone, scrolling through something with a smug look on his face.

Curious, I circled behind him to take a peek. Upon closer inspection, it was a comparison ad: Alec was modeling with a luxury Rolex, while Archie held a mop in one hand and a cleaning cloth in the other.

Alec turned to look at me, deliberately holding the phone up to my face, clearly pleased with himself.

"Seen enough?"

Before I could respond, Alec raised his hand, pinched my head, and gently pushed me forward. Naturally, I fell into his lap. He glanced at the phone again, then looked at me. "Looks good?"

Without hesitation, I nodded. "Looks good."

Who looks good?"

"You."

The gloom on Alec's face finally lifted.