A Cage of Luxury

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When I opened my eyes, the first thing I registered was the softness beneath me. A bed—one far too comfortable, far too... lavish. I blinked, disoriented, as the room came into focus.

The walls were dark but adorned with subtle, expensive decor, rich fabrics, and faint lights casting a warm glow over everything. There were three doors—one leading out into a hallway, one to a closet, and another I guessed was a bathroom.

I sat up slowly, my mind foggy as memories from last night crashed over me: the fight, the escape, the iron grip that pulled me back just as freedom was within reach. And then... Tobi.

I shivered, brushing off the thought as I made my way to the closet, needing to ground myself in something practical.

The walk-in was well-organized, lined with clothes of various styles and colors. Some were my size—a small selection of joggers, tops, and comfortable outfits. And then there were the men's clothes, which I immediately recognized as Tobi's.

The familiarity sent a chill down my spine.

Grabbing a pair of joggers and a soft top, I headed into the bathroom, feeling my muscles ache as I moved.

The hot water hit my skin, almost scalding, but I didn't care. I closed my eyes, letting it burn away the grime, the exhaustion, the anger that simmered beneath my calm exterior.

'I should've listened to Shikamaru' I thought.

My hands balled into fists. But what I hadn't expected was that the very man I'd let into my home, the one I'd shared a bed with, trusted in a vulnerable moment... was a part of the Akatsuki. The same people responsible for Asuma's pain, for the chaos plaguing our village, for so much suffering.

A wave of helplessness hit me, sinking into my bones, but I pushed it down. No. I couldn't let myself feel like this—not here, not now. I'd figure out a way out of this, but I'd have to be smart, careful. I'd have to play along... at least until I found an opening.

After showering, I dressed in the joggers and loose top I found in the closet, each movement feeling heavy as the weight of my situation settled over me.

I took a shaky breath, steeling myself, and opened the bathroom door. I had no plan, no way out—just an overwhelming anger and bitterness that I'd allowed myself to be so close to him, to the very man responsible for so much pain.

Stepping out, I froze as I spotted him. Tobi was sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands clasped together, head slightly bowed, but his posture radiated calm control. It was a jarring contrast to the carefree, mischievous man I'd known. Now, as his gaze lifted to meet mine, I saw something cold, something intense that made my stomach twist.

I stiffened, clenching my fists at my sides, refusing to look away. "What do you want?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

He tilted his head, his gaze unwavering. "What do I want?" he echoed softly, as if amused by the question. "Isn't it obvious by now?"

My throat tightened, but I held my ground. "You want me trapped here, caged like some prisoner? After everything..." I shook my head, forcing back the hurt that threatened to rise. "I trusted you."

He rose from the bed, his movements slow and calculated as he took a step closer. "You trusted an illusion, Y/N." His voice was calm, almost mocking, as if my anger was nothing but entertainment to him. "The man you thought I was? He never existed."

The words stung, each one sinking deep. The man who had once been a welcome distraction, the one who'd shared quiet moments with me, who'd been so easy to talk to—it had all been a lie.

I backed up instinctively, but he took another step forward, bridging the distance between us in an instant. He reached out, his fingers brushing my arm in a possessive grip that felt both familiar and foreign. "You're not going anywhere. The Akatsuki has plans, and you'll be right here to see them through."

I swallowed, forcing myself to remain calm even as my heart raced. "And if I refuse?"

A smirk flickered across his face, a chilling hint of amusement. "You can refuse all you like. But I don't think you'll find escape so easy this time."

I tore my arm from his grip, glaring up at him. "You think you can just... keep me here, like some possession?"

His gaze darkened, a dangerous gleam in his eyes as he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. And you'll get used to it."

A chill ran down my spine, the room seeming to close in as his words lingered in the air. This wasn't the Tobi I thought I knew. This was someone far more dangerous, someone who saw me as his to keep, to control.

But as he straightened, stepping back to give me space, I silently made a promise to myself. I wouldn't let him break me, wouldn't let him win. I would play along, bide my time, gather my strength.

Suddenly, he called for a maid, his voice echoing through the opulent room. Moments later, a woman entered, balancing a tray piled high with food. The sight of it made my stomach grumble, but I felt a surge of defiance. I was not going to play into his hands.

The maid set the tray down on the small table beside the bed, glancing nervously between Tobi and me before quickly exiting the room. The aroma of freshly cooked eggs, bacon, and warm bread wafted through the air, but I remained rooted in place, eyeing the food suspiciously.

Tobi settled back onto the edge of the bed, watching me with an amused expression. "You should eat," he said, as if my refusal amused him.

"I'm not hungry," I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly. I couldn't shake the feeling that this was a ploy, some sick game he was playing.

He sighed heavily, the amusement draining from his expression. "You need your strength. If you continue to refuse food, you'll only make this harder on yourself." He leaned closer, the tone of his voice shifting into something more menacing. "And if you don't eat, I might just have to make sure you understand what happens when you refuse me."

I narrowed my eyes at him, my heart pounding as I processed his threat. The implication was clear: I was not just dealing with Tobi, the man I'd shared moments of intimacy with, but with someone who would do whatever it took to keep me in line.

"I'm not afraid of you," I lied, but my resolve felt flimsy under the weight of his gaze.

"Good," he replied, his voice low and steady. "But you should be. You're in my world now, Y/N. You need to adapt."

I glanced at the food again, my stomach growling loudly, betraying my stubbornness. With a heavy heart, I approached the tray and picked up a piece of toast, eyeing it as if it might bite back. I took a tentative bite, my resolve wavering, the hunger inside me battling against the anger I felt toward him.

"See?" Tobi said, leaning back with satisfaction. "It's not so bad, is it? We're going to get along just fine."

I bit down on my frustration, determined to hold on to my anger even as I chewed, every bite feeling like a compromise. But deep down, I knew I would have to play this game...at least for now.

I would gather my strength, gather my allies, and when the time was right, I would find my way back home. Do whatever it takes to earn their trust and then make them experience hell itself.

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