Chapter 1: A Caged Life

Isabella’s point of view

I hardly recognised the woman who was reflected in the mirror. My hair was perfectly groomed, my makeup covered the fatigue that had become a habit, and the elegant black gown perfectly fit my frame. All I saw was nothingness when I should have felt lovely.

"Are you deaf, Isabella?" Daniel's icy tone cut like a razor through my mind. He was standing behind me, fiddling with his cufflinks, looking as menacing as ever in the mirror. "Tonight, I begged you to keep quiet. Don't make me look foolish.

My automatic reaction was to nod after taking a deep breath.

He whispered, "Good girl," and left.

The air was heavy with the scent of pricey champagne and power as we arrived at the huge banquet a few minutes later. Daniel's hold on my arm tightened like a vice as soon as we entered.

He gritted his teeth and commanded, "Smile," as a group of businessmen walked up.

Standing by his side while he amused them, laughing at their jokes, and discussing business I didn't care about, I forced a rehearsed smile. However, then—

Daniel introduced me, hardly even looking at me. "And this is my wife, Isabella," he said. "She doesn’t contribute much to business talk, but she’s good for appearances."

I felt the heat creep up my neck. Even though my gut knotted, I maintained the same hollow grin on my lips. The men laughed openly, clearly amused.

I ought to have spoken up. I ought to have spoken up for myself. However, I didn't.

The voice murmured in my ear, "Aw, don’t look so upset, dear sister," and it was sickeningly sweet.

Camilla. Already preparing for her venom, I turned.

"You're so silent all the time. Daniel hardly noticed you, which makes sense. She tilted her head and sipped her wine slowly. "Did you know he came here with someone else tonight?"

My heart stopped. "What?"

She looked at me pathetically, but her delight was not entirely concealed. "You are pathetic, Isabella."

I saw Daniel from the other side of the ballroom. He wasn't by himself.

She was tall, graceful, and utterly appealing. She leaned into him when she laughed, her well-groomed fingers brushing his chest as though she had every right to do so.

I balled my hands into fists.

I wasn't shocked. Daniel's affairs had never been concealed. He knew I wouldn't take any action, so he didn't have to.

With her breath warm against my ear, Camilla came closer. "You'll remain feeble forever. As he parades his mistresses in front of you, you will always be the lady in the background.

Something broke inside of me.

I didn't feel depressed for the first time in years. I was angry. A sluggish, raging anger that spread like wildfire through my veins.

I turned without thinking and left.

I had no idea where I was heading, but I was certain that I would no longer be that submissive, quiet woman.

The chilly air pricked my red skin as the upper balcony was silent. I closed my eyes and rested against the railing.

I detested my existence. This marriage was something I detested. I felt guilty for allowing it all to occur.

"You look like you’re planning an escape."

A smooth, deep voice broke the stillness.

When I saw the man standing a few steps away, I turned abruptly and gasped.

Tall and broad-shouldered, he effortlessly emanated power. His piercing eyes and sharp jawline gave him an air of quiet command, and his dark suit was immaculate.

He moved closer and said, "Are you?"

I paused. "Who are you?"

"Tony DeLuca." He never looked away. "And you?"

"Isabella."

His mouth twitched a little. He spoke it again, "Isabella," as if he were tasting the name.

My heart raced at the sight of him. He was different from Daniel. I had never met anyone like him.

"You don’t belong here," he replied in a firm yet hushed voice. "You don’t belong in a cage."

I tensed up. "You don’t know anything about me."

"I don’t have to." He spoke in a steady, captivating voice. "Your eyes show it to me. Despite your cries for liberation, you are unable to accept it.

Emotions roiling, my chest lifted and sank. "And what do you suggest?"

His lips formed a slow, knowing smirk. "It depends. Are you prepared to let go of your fear?

His remarks encircled me like a challenge that I wasn't sure I could take.

A familiar iron grip pulled me back before I could react.

Daniel.

His expression contorted in silent rage as his fingers drove into my wrist. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?"

The poison in his voice made me wince. "I was just—"

"Embarrassing me?" A searing sting ran through my arm as his grip tightened. "I turn my back for one second, and you’re already throwing yourself at another man?"

I was about to object, but Tony's voice broke the tension before I arrived.

"Let her go."

Daniel narrowed his eyes and turned to face him. "My wife is this. Don't be involved at all."

Although Tony remained still, his presence was oppressive. There was something deadly in his eyes, even though he didn't appear angry.

Coolly, he responded, "I wasn’t talking to you," He fixed his black eyes on mine. "I was talking to her."

My breath caught. "Are you going to let him talk for you, Isabella?" Even though Tony's voice seemed serene, it made me shudder. "Are you going to let him keep controlling you?"

I had something to say. I intended to defend my interests. However, the words refused to come. Daniel laughed. "She knows her place."

Tony smiled and took a step forward. "Let’s see how much longer you let him believe that."

Then he turned and left without saying another word, vanishing into the mob.

My heart was racing as I watched him leave, his words still ringing in my head.

I had been challenged to a duel for the first time. Furthermore, I was unsure about my readiness for that conflict.

I knew what was going to happen as soon as we entered the house.

The sound of Daniel slamming the door behind us reverberated like a threat. I turned to him, my heart racing. His eyes were full of icy rage, and his jaw was tightened.

"Isabella, what the devil was that?" He moved closer and demanded.

I took a deep breath. "I took no action."

I hardly noticed it coming when his hand swung out. I felt a searing sting in my face as the slap struck my cheek firmly. My head snapped to the side as I gasped.

"You made me feel ashamed!" he yelled. "In my coworkers' presence! Having an affair with another man? Are you insane?

I fought back tears that burned my eyes. It would only get worse if you cried.

I said in a whisper, "I wasn't flirting."

I had to turn to face Daniel when he gripped my chin. His hold hurt.

"I own you," he growled. "Are you aware of that? I'm responsible for everything you own, including this house and the clothes you wear.

I resisted the need to cry and held my breath.

He pressed his fingers further in. “Without me, you have nothing.”

As he had planned, the words pierced deeply. He turned away as though he was repulsed to see me and shoved me free.

He loosened his tie and said quietly, "Go to bed." "And don't make any foolish moves."

With unsteady legs, I turned and headed for our bedroom. However, I noticed my image in the mirror before I closed the door.

I genuinely detested what I saw for the first time. I appeared frail. Defeated. Captured.

And a part of me cried out that it was time to make that shift.

There was silence in the house. Daniel was likely drinking in his study downstairs.

I sat with my head whirling on the edge of the bed. I hardly noticed the ache in my cheek. Tony was all I could think of. His remarks. His eyes regarded me as though I were more valuable than this wretched existence.

As I reached for my handbag, my fingers shook.

I don't recall inserting his business card. But there it was, wedged between my compact mirror and lipstick.

DeLuca, Tony. I traced the embossed letters, my heart beating.

It would be reckless to call him. Risky.

However... I grabbed my phone. I was typing the number with trembling hands.

I paused. I couldn't go back once I did this.

I shut my eyes. I took a deep breath before hitting Call.

A deep, smooth voice answered the phone after it rang twice.

"Isabella."

It sent a chill down my spine. He recognized me.

Before I could reconsider, I said, "I need to see you." Quiet.

Then his voice, sure and low. "Please enter the Velvet Room." An hour.

The call was cut off.

My heart was racing as I looked at the phone.

What had I just done?

The locations Daniel showed me were very different from the Velvet Room. It was closed off, mysterious, and full of individuals who were in charge and had authority.

A hostess escorted me past luxurious sitting sections and golden chandeliers to a private lounge at the rear as I entered, my heels clicking on the marble floor.

My palms were sweaty. My pulse was irregular.

And suddenly, I saw him. Tony occupied a dark leather chair, his presence dominating, his clothes perfect. He owned the area around him; he didn't just belong here.

As I got closer, he raised his head and slowly scanned me. Consciously.

I paused before him, unexpectedly at a loss for words.

"Take a seat." His tone was forceful but pleasant. After a moment of hesitation, I complied.

With his elbows resting on his knees, he leaned forward and watched me as if I were a riddle he was attempting to solve. "Explain your reason for being here."

I parted my lips, then shut them again. Since I was unaware.

All I knew was that I had decided for myself for the first time in years.

I looked him in the eye. "You inquired as to whether I was prepared to give up my fear."

His mouth twisted a little. "And?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure how."

Something inconceivable entered his black look. "Then you're right where you should be."

My stomach twisted with heat. He had a seductive quality that was deadly. Something that left me feeling vulnerable and safe at the same time.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay forever or if I should run.

Tony looked at me for a long time, as though considering what he would say next. Then, leaning closer, he spoke almost in a whisper.

I can assist you, Isabella. Only if you want it, though.

I got a lump in my throat. "How can you help me?"

His eyes were unblinking. "Regain control over your life."

I wasn't prepared for how hard the words hit me. Command. It had never happened to me. Not with my dad. Not with Daniel.

And now I was being offered it by this man—man-this strong, deadly man.

"But there's a price," he whispered. I tensed up. "How much does it cost?"

The sneer on his face was devoid of amusement. "You can't go back once you enter my world."

There was a thick quiet between us.

I was aware that he was discussing more than simply my marriage.

He was referring to him. About us.

About a much more deadly item than I had ever encountered.

I ought to have declined. I ought to have left.

However, I didn't. For the first time in my life, since

I desired to enter the flames.

My fingers clenched around my coat as I exited the taxi, my heart thumping. Despite the shimmering city lights all around me, my attention remained fixed on Tony's penthouse, the tall skyscraper in front of me.

This was risky. Careless. I had never felt more alive, though.

I was not stopped by the doorman. I guess he was anticipating me. My pulse accelerated as I entered the private elevator and went up each floor.

My breath was shallow by the time the doors slid open.

With a drink of whiskey in his hand, Tony stood close to the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking in the city below as if he owned it.

The air in the room changed when he looked at me.

"You came," he replied in a smooth, unintelligible voice.

I took a deep breath. "I ought not to have."

He walked slowly in my direction, his presence commanding. "But here you are nonetheless."

My throat constricted. "This is insane."

When he got to me, his fingers raised my chin and made me look into his eyes. "No, Isabella. Living as if you were a prisoner is what it means to be crazy.

My breath caught. He was a threat. He saw right through me, not because he would harm me.

"You're scared," he whispered. "But fear has its uses."

I shuddered as he touched me. "Why?"

He touched my ear with his lips. "Because it signifies that you are going to take an important action."

I paced close to the window, attempting to calm my racing mind.

"What are you looking for from me?" I turned to him and inquired.

Tony watched me, leaning against the bar. "Isabella, the better question is—what do you want?"

I gave a tremulous laugh. "I'm not sure."

"You do," I said. He spoke in a rich, confident voice. "You've simply allowed someone else to make decisions for you for far too long."

I felt weak in his eyes. "I refuse to be controlled by Daniel"

Tony's head cocked. "Don't you?"

I felt something raw as he spoke. He went on, "You've been told you're weak all your life." "That obedience is required of you. That you have no other option.

I bit my lip. "That isn't"

"Then demonstrate it."

My heart pounded as I looked at him. Tony moved in closer, taller than me, his presence hypnotic. "Isabella, you don't wait for control. You must take it.

I felt goosebumps as his fingertips moved along my jaw.

His voice was dark and threatening as he questioned, "Are you ready to take it?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure how."

He smiled. "Then allow me to demonstrate." Tony pressed his lips to mine.

Raw, engulfing heat burst through me.

I felt flushed against him as his hands tightened around my waist. His touch ignited my body as I moaned into his mouth.

I wasn't thinking for the first time in my life. I didn't feel scared.

I was still here. Tony's fingers traced fire along my nerves as they moved over my skin. He worshipped me, not just touched me.

"Do you sense that?" he whispered close to my mouth.

I was having trouble breathing. "Yes."

He said, "That's power." "You own that." His tongue moved down my neck, and I shuddered.

Lost in the feeling of him, my entire world shook.

I was taking, instead of merely existing, for the first time.

And it was amazing. As soon as it was finished, reality set in.

I jolted to my feet, holding on to the covers, breathing frantically.

What had I done?

As I fumbled for my clothes, my hands shook. Tony's face was unreadable as he observed me.

"Are you already running?" He whispered.

I made myself look into his eyes. "I made a mistake here."

As though anticipating that response, his lips curled slightly. "Are you truly of that belief?"

I paused.

No. It wasn't. However, it was simpler.

Before he could stop me, I snatched up my coat and hurried out.

My mind racing, I hopped into a taxi and felt the chill of the night air.

I was filled with fear by the time I entered my home.

There was a problem.

Daniel was standing with his back to me in the darkened living room. On the table was an unopened glass of whiskey. My heartbeat quickened.

Then he turned. My blood froze. He had pictures in his hands. Pictures of Tony and me.

I gasped. I had been observed by someone. Daniel's eyes were blazing with rage.

"Darling, would you mind explaining this?" His tone was dangerously calm as he questioned.