His Terms, My Surrender

eyes, and looked at him. He was trying to sit up, but he winced in pain. "Pa

put you in this situation with Theo." "Papa, that's not your fault. You were desperate and he took advant

water." I got up and headed to the kitchen. I cracked open the cupboard and brought out some ingredients to make pancakes. As I was don

e soon. I felt a knot in my stomach as I thought about what was to come. I tried to push the thought aw

inutes away. I hastily cleared the dishes, my movements fueled by a sense of urgency. My mind

placed it on the drying rack, I glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. 11

ning the street. A sleek black sedan was parked outside our modest home, its tinted w

enger side door. He was a towering figure, his imposing physique and menacing scowl making him look lik

elt a sense of dread wash over me as I realized that our time was up. I had to act fast

to go. Now," he growled. "I need to pack my things," I pleaded, trying to stall. "No t

ot well." The henchman sneered. "Theo has already made arrangements. Your father will be ta

sneered. "You should have thought of that before you crossed Theo. Now, let's go." "If you

jacket. As I opened the door, the henchman dragged me out, I glanced back at my father, who was lying on

ble to help him or even say goodbye. T

ring into the distance. The henchman threw me into the car, and w

ed into a long driveway, and a modern, sleek mansion came into view. It was a stark contra

rance. I stumbled, trying to keep up with his pace. We entered the m

e said, his voice drippi

out of the car, and we

ck to us. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his brunette hair perfec

voice dripping with mali

owing wider. "This isn't the type of mansion you were e

on my arm, and I rubbed my sore

om me and sat down, taking a moment to adjust his suit jacket before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigarette. He lit th

ren't you? I mean, most people would be trembling with fear by now, bu

g with malice. He took another drag on hi

th know why you're here. You're here because y

tell me, Sofia... what do you have to offer me? What could

, trying to thin

could speak,

dy know the answer. You have nothing to offer me, Sofia. No

see, Sofia, I've been looking for someone like you. Someone who can... e

here with me, in this house, until I tire of you. And in return... well, let's

aid, his smile growing wider. "Rules you

t seemed to consume him whole. "First rule, anytime I want to see you, Sofia, you must dress pleasantly, more like the clothes provided here, and not

his words hung in the air. I had no c

house without my permission. You will not try to conta

yes seemed to bore into my soul as if he

chair, taking another

t was not to be questioned, and I knew that if I violated it, sev

No questions, no arguments. You wil

defiance. I knew I had to play along, at least for now, but I was det

"And finally, fourth rule, you will not try to leave me. Ever. You are mine now,

, his breath cold and menacing. "Do you unde

ep my voice steady. "Y

e spreading across his face. "Good. Then

reached out and

h malice. I tried to protest, but my voice was caught in my throat. His hand reached for the buttons on my shirt. Suddenly, a loud no