𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Chapter eleven

Noah's POV:

Isabella acted like a kid in a candy store when she entered the mansion, her excitement bubbling over as she jogged behind Leila. I watched them through my phone—cameras are installed all over the place, keeping everything in view. The ball event is next Tuesday, and today is Saturday, which means there's no time to waste.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Michael. He's been with me for over four years, and I trust him to handle things with precision.

"Michael, I'll send you a list of medications. Go to the pharmacy and get them," I instructed.

"Alright, boss," he replied without hesitation.

Rowan, Daniel, and Andrew are all arriving tonight for the ball. With that handled, I decided to head down to the cells. I needed to check on the prisoners and release some pent-up energy through torture. It's a routine that helps clear my mind.

As I left my office, I noticed Rose in the corridor, searching for something. She turned when she saw me, a grin on her face.

"Oh, here you are. I was looking for you," she said, sounding almost relieved.

"What do you want?" I replied, not in the mood for small talk. Her hair was tied back in a bun, making her look even more innocent.

"I need clothes. I want to shower, but I don't have anything to wear," she said awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable asking for something so basic.

"I have work now. Wait until I return, and I'll take you shopping," I said, watching as her face lit up with excitement.

"Great," she said, almost bouncing on her toes before turning to jog downstairs.

I headed to the garage, where I stood for a moment, deciding which car to take. I settled on the McLaren 720S, my favorite. Rowan and Daniel can drive any other car, but this one is mine. No exceptions.

The drive was quiet, peaceful—a sharp contrast to what it's like when Rose is around. I parked in front of the warehouse, but before I got out, my phone rang. It was Michael.

"Boss, I got the medications. When should I send them?" he asked.

"Is there any medication she needs to take soon?" I inquired.

"Yes, before lunch."

"Send me the schedule," I ordered, and shortly after, received pictures of the medications and their timings. I set three different alarms, ensuring I wouldn't miss a dose. She needs to be healthy for the ball—only for the ball, I reminded myself.

I dismissed the thought with a grunt and got out of the car, heading into the warehouse after a quick call from Leila.

"Boss, Isabella wants to talk to you," she said, and I could hear some kind of argument in the background.

"Give her the phone," I said, already annoyed.

"I'm hungry," Isabella said the moment she got the phone.

"Tell Leila to cook you something," I replied. She could've just asked Leila herself—why was she making this a big deal?

"She wants me to eat a salad. Did you order her to do that? Be honest," she demanded, clearly irritated.

"Yes, you shouldn't eat junk food or anything unhealthy," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Ugh, I hate you," she mumbled before hanging up. I clenched my jaw. She was going to learn a lesson after I finished here.

Inside the warehouse, the smell of blood greeted me—a familiar scent. I walked to my favorite prisoner, Dimitri, the Russian heir who had stolen from me and killed my soldiers. He was barely conscious but still managed to smirk when he saw me.

"My favorite person is back," he said weakly.

"And my favorite prisoner," I replied, my own smirk forming as I called for Lev.

"Take him to the interrogation room," I ordered. I stepped outside to check in with Leila again.

"Did she eat?" I asked.

"No, she insisted on french fries," Leila responded, sounding exasperated.

Stubborn girl.

"What is she doing now?"

"Sebastian came by, and she's talking to him."

Sebastian? That meant something had happened.

"Alright," I said, ending the call and heading back inside. I found Dimitri strapped to the chair, blood dripping from his mouth. Without hesitation, I started my work, letting the sound of his muffled screams soothe my nerves.

By the time I was done, I realized I was late getting back to Rose. I cleaned up quickly, ordered Lev to heal Dimitri just enough to keep him alive, and left the warehouse.

On my way back, I called Leila again."She went to the library after talking to Sebastian. She's been there for a while now," Leila reported.

"Take her some water. Is Sebastian still there?" I asked, wanting to make sure everything was under control.

"Yes, and I'm on my way to give her water now," she confirmed.

"Good," I replied, ending the call as I pulled into the mansion.

As I entered, I saw Sebastian waiting to inform me that my father might drop by later. He rarely stays here, preferring his mansion in Venice, but he comes by to check on things every now and then.

After dismissing Sebastian, I headed to the library, finding Rose fast asleep on the couch. Her hair was a mess, covering her face. I gently brushed it aside, tucking a strand behind her ear. She looked peaceful, innocent—qualities that had no place in my world.

"Isabella," I called softly, but she didn't stir.

"Rose," I said more firmly, tapping her shoulder.

"Hmmm," she hummed, clearly annoyed at being woken up.

"Get up. We're going shopping for clothes," I said, watching as she blinked her eyes open, her blue gaze locking onto mine.

I stood up as she rose from the couch, but before she could move, I pinned her against the wall, leaning in close.

"Never hang up on me before I do. Clear? Or I'll hurt you," I warned, my voice low and threatening.

"Would you?" she asked, challenging me with her gaze. She knew I wouldn't hurt her—not physically, at least.

"I will," I lied, pulling away and handing her a pill. She took it without complaint, downing it with water before following me out to the car.

We drove in silence to the mall, but it wasn't long before she asked for music. I handed her my phone, letting her pick the songs. She sang along, her happiness contagious even if I didn't want to admit it.

When we arrived at the mall, she tried on clothes, each outfit more stunning than the last. But it was the black winter dress that caught my attention, hugging her curves perfectly. I had to force myself to stay neutral, to not let her see the effect she had on me.

After shopping, we went to McDonald's. Her excitement was almost childlike, and for a moment, 

I let myself enjoy her happiness, even if it was fleeting.

But then, as we ate, a call from Kai shattered the calm. He threatened her life, and my blood boiled. I wouldn't let anyone touch her—not while she was under my protection. Not ever.

As we left the mall, I knew one thing for certain: Rose had become more than just a pawn in this game. And that was dangerous.