BEHIND THE FACADE R18

Bound and Helpless.

MARK'S POV

I stormed through the grand entrance of Malcolm's mansion, my heart racing with every step. The memory of Mia's mom's frantic voice still echoed in my mind. I had to find Mia.
Victor, Malcolm's underboss stood by the door, his eyes narrowing as I stormed into the office.

Malcom looked up from his desk, a mixture of surprise and annoyance on his face. "What is the meaning of this, Mark?" Malcolm demanded, his voice laced with irritation.

"You know exactly why I'm here," I snarled, my fists clenched. "Where is Mia?"

Malcolm's expression transformed from annoyance to confusion. "What are you talking about? Mia is.......... And what business do you have with Mia?"

"Don't play dumb with me," I spat, my anger boiling over. "You think you can just take her again and again, don't you?"

Malcolm's eyes narrowed. "Mark, I have no idea what you're referring to"

"You're really going to pretend you don't know." I sneered, my eyes blazing with fury.

Malcolm's face darkened. "That's enough, Mark. You have no right to barge in here and make baseless accusations."

"I have every right," I growled, my hands shaking with rage. "I helped her escape once and now you've taken her again, haven't you?"

Malcolm's expression changed from anger to amusement. "Escape? Mark, what do you mean by escape. You're not making any sense."

My fury reached a boiling point. "Don't lie to me!" I slammed my fist on his desk. Malcolm's eyes flashed with indignation.

Victor stepped forward, trying to intervene. "Mark, maybe we should calm down and discuss this."

Malcolm stood up, his face reddening. "That's enough, Mark. You're trespassing and making absurd accusations. Leave. Now."

My eyes locked onto Malcolm's, blazing with determination. "I won't leave until I find Mia." With a fierce cry, I lunged at Malcolm, grabbing him by the collar.

"Tell me where she is," I demanded, my voice low and menacing. Victor intercepted me, pinning me against the wall.

"Tell me where she is, now" I yell trying to wrench free from Victor's hold. Victor speaks something to the transmitter on his ear and soon several men came rushing in.

"Lock him up" he orders. The men drag me out of  the office.

NATALIE'S POV

I stepped out of my room, drawn by the commotion. Malcolm's furious face greeted me in the hallway. His eyes blazed with anger, and his jaw clenched. "What's going on?" I asked.

Malcolm's gaze locked onto mine, his voice low and menacing. "Where is Mia?" I raised an eyebrow, careful not to reveal my knowledge. "I assumed she was in her room. Why are you looking for her?"

Malcolm's face twisted in rage. He slammed his fist into the nearest wall, making me flinch. "Mark was just here, accusing me of taking her again!" he bellowed. "Does he know something you don't?"
I took a step back, trying to maintain my innocent act. "No idea what Mark's talking about. Maybe he's lost his mind."

Malcolm's eyes narrowed, his tone dripping with venom. "You're hiding something, Natalie." I shook my head, trying to appear calm. "Of course not, Malcolm. I saw Mia in her room earlier so where else could she be?." I said feigning ignorance. If he were to find out about my involvement in Mia's escape, I'm sure Malcolm won't spare me.

Malcolm's anger boiled over. He grabbed my arm, his grip tightening.
"Don't lie to me!" he snarled, his face inches from mine. I winced, trying to pry his fingers off. "Malcolm, stop! I'm telling the truth."