His Territory

33

The pounding in my head returns, a dull ache that builds pressure behind my eyes as I drift back to consciousness. I try to open my eyes, but a wave of nausea holds me back. My body feels weak, and as I attempt to raise my hand to rub away the dizziness, I hear the clinking of metal.

My eyes fly open, taking in the hazy outlines of the bedroom around me. The dim corner lamp casts a sickly yellow light, just bright enough for me to make out the figure sitting in a chair across from me. Adrián's eyes are heavy with dark circles, his face haggard, his gaze locked on me. I yank at my arm again, feeling the sharp pull of a metal cuff around my left wrist, chaining me to the bedpost.

"Don't waste your energy," Adrián's voice comes from the shadows, eerily calm. I ignore him, tugging harder, the metal biting into my skin and leaving a red mark.

He sighs and rises from the chair, bones cracking as he straightens up. With slow, calculated steps, he approaches the bed and sits beside my legs. I quickly bring my knees to my chest, but he reaches out and grabs my ankle, gently tugging it down to rest on his thigh. His hands are disturbingly gentle, contrasting with the stormy look in his eyes.

He takes a deep breath, shaking his head slightly. "I want to trust you, Lucia. I want to believe in you, more than I want to breathe." His eyes soften, searching my face for a sign that I feel the same. I keep my expression blank, and he sighs again. "I'm giving you a chance to tell me the truth. If you do, I'll let you go."

I nod eagerly, swallowing hard. "I..." My voice cracks, barely above a whisper. Adrián raises a finger, and before I can finish, he disappears down the hallway. I close my eyes, breathing deeply, trying to control my mounting panic.

Moments later, he returns, carrying a bottle of water. He opens it and presses it to my lips, letting me drink slowly. I force down a few sips, the coolness soothing my dry throat. He watches me intently, his gaze never leaving my face as I regain my voice.

"I... I really was just looking for a pen and paper for my essay," I say, holding his stare. "But I saw my phone under the papers and thought maybe... maybe my mom had texted me." My voice falters, and my gaze drops, letting the faintest hint of a tear escape down my cheek.

He tilts his head, seemingly conflicted, but then sighs and removes the handcuff from my wrist. I instinctively pull my arm back, massaging the tender skin as I fight the urge to run.

Adrián stares at me, his face softening again. "I'm sorry, mía. I'm sorry I let my anger get the best of me." He slides his arms under my thighs and lifts me from the bed. I wrap my arms around his neck, his unexpected warmth contrasting with the cold fear still radiating through me. He presses a kiss to my forehead, murmuring against my skin, "I'm going to make this right. I'm going to be the man you deserve."

I suppress a shiver, forcing myself to look unaffected. "What do you mean?"

He smiles, lowering me onto the bed, then leaning over me with a determined gleam in his eye. "I want a quiet life with you. A house, a family. I want to make you my wife, Lucia. I'm done with all of this."

My stomach twists at his words. For years, he's caused me nothing but pain, and now he thinks he can fix it all with empty promises. The thought is almost laughable.

He brushes his lips against mine, soft at first, almost tentative, as if waiting for me to reciprocate. I remain still, hoping he'll take the hint, but he presses harder, his fingers tightening on my jaw.

I pull away, my eyes narrowing. "You really think you can make me happy after everything you've put me through?"

He recoils slightly, his expression darkening. "Lucia..." His tone is a warning.

"No, you listen to me," I snap, my voice trembling with fury. "You cheated on me, lied to me, used me, and dragged me across the country against my will. You don't get to play the hero now."

His face contorts with rage. In an instant, he slams me back against the mattress, his hand finding my throat. I gasp, clawing at his wrist, but he only tightens his grip.

"You think you're so innocent?" he hisses. "After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me?"

My vision blurs, darkness creeping in around the edges. With the last of my strength, I manage to whisper, "You're a monster."

He freezes, his hand loosening enough for me to catch my breath. He stares at me, momentarily stunned. Then, without warning, he releases me entirely and stands, retreating to the doorway. His gaze is cold, calculating, as if he's deciding my fate right then and there.

"Maybe I am," he says, almost to himself. Then he glances back at me, eyes glinting with something sinister. "But you're still mine."

I sit up, massaging my bruised neck, trying to steady my breathing. He's already gone by the time I muster the courage to stand, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence.

I'm lost in thought, trembling, when I hear a faint scuffling noise from the hallway. Suddenly, the bedroom door bursts open, and Cristian stands there, his eyes wild, fists clenched at his sides. Behind him, Los holds a small metal tool, his face grim.

Relief washes over me, and I collapse into Cristian's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He wraps me tightly, stroking my hair, whispering words of comfort. Los stands guard at the door, his eyes scanning the room, making sure the nightmare is truly over.

Cristian lifts my chin, meeting my gaze. "Are you okay?"

I nod weakly, wiping the tears from my face. "Now that you're here."

He gives me a small, reassuring smile. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you out of my sight ever again."

I glance past him at Adrián's unconscious form on the floor. "What are we going to do about him?"

Cristian's expression hardens, a flicker of anger passing over his face. "We'll make sure he's no longer a threat to you—or anyone else."

Los steps forward, his hand on Cristian's shoulder. "Come on, let's get you both out of here. We'll call for backup to take care of the rest."

Cristian helps me to my feet, and together, we make our way outside. The sky is beginning to lighten, a faint glow on the horizon as dawn breaks over the ocean. I take a deep breath, feeling the cool sea breeze wash over me, cleansing me of the darkness that had threatened to consume me.

As we stand there, watching the sunrise, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. Cristian wraps his arm around me, pulling me close, and I rest my head against his chest, finding comfort in his steady heartbeat.

For the first time in a long time, I feel safe.