The walls of the mansion felt suffocating. Heaven sat by the large window in her room, staring out at the endless view of the city. She had been here for what felt like an eternity, trapped in a world she didn't belong to, yet unable to escape.
Dylan was keeping her in the dark, and she hated it. She had tried asking Jayden, but he had given her nothing. The guards around the estate had increased, and even the maids barely spoke to her anymore.
She was being caged.
But she wasn't going to sit back and accept it.
Her mind made up, Heaven stood and walked towards the door, gripping the handle tightly. As expected, it was locked. Dylan wasn't taking any chances.
"Damn you, Dylan," she muttered under her breath.
She needed a way out—just for a little while. Just to breathe.
---
Downstairs – Dylan's Study
Dylan sat behind his desk, pouring himself a drink. The attack on Richard's casino had been a success, but he knew his little brother wasn't going to take it lying down.
Jayden stood across from him, arms crossed. "Richard's men are regrouping. They're planning a retaliation."
Dylan smirked, sipping his whiskey. "Let them."
Jayden hesitated. "And Heaven?"
Dylan's grip on his glass tightened. "What about her?"
"She's growing restless. She knows something is going on, and she's not the type to sit still."
Dylan sighed, running a hand through his hair. Heaven was unpredictable. She had fire in her, a stubbornness that both irritated and intrigued him. He knew keeping her locked away would only make things worse, but letting her roam free was a risk he couldn't afford.
"Make sure she stays inside," Dylan finally said. "I won't have her caught in the crossfire."
Jayden nodded, but there was doubt in his eyes. "She won't make this easy, boss."
Dylan smirked. "She never does."
---
Heaven's Escape
Nightfall. The mansion was quiet, the guards stationed at their posts. Heaven had been observing them for days, memorizing their patterns, looking for any weak points.
She wasn't completely helpless.
She had found a small window in one of the storage rooms—big enough for her to squeeze through. It was risky, but it was her only chance.
Heart pounding, she crept through the hallways, careful to avoid the guards. Reaching the storage room, she silently slid the window open, took a deep breath, and climbed out.
As soon as her feet hit the ground, she ran.
The cold night air hit her skin as she sprinted toward the outer gate, her pulse racing. Freedom was so close.
But just as she reached the edge of the property—
"Going somewhere, kitten?"
Her heart stopped.
She turned slowly, and there he was. Dylan stood in the shadows, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face.
Caught.
"Dylan…" she whispered, breathless.
He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "You really thought you could run from me?"
She swallowed hard. "I just needed to get out. To breathe."
His smirk faded, replaced by something unreadable. "You don't get to leave, Heaven. Not until I say so."
Her jaw clenched. "You can't keep me locked up forever."
Dylan's eyes darkened. "Watch me."
Before she could react, he reached for her wrist, pulling her close. She gasped, her body pressed against his as he leaned in, his voice low.
"The only way you leave, kitten… is with me."
Her breath caught.
She had wanted freedom.
But now, trapped in Dylan's gaze, she realized something terrifying.
Dylan wasn't just keeping her locked away.
He was pulling her deeper into his world.
And the worst part?
She wasn't sure if she wanted to escape anymore.