Solution For The Devil

Ariana sat beside Ryan's hospital bed, her fingers gripping his hand tightly. The machines beeped steadily, a painful reminder of what he had endured.

Ryan's voice was weak. "Ari… I told you not to come."

Ariana's throat tightened. "And let you rot in that hellhole?" She shook her head. "Never."

Ryan attempted a small smirk, but it faded quickly. "Callum… won't stop."

Her stomach twisted. She knew that. She felt it. Callum had looked at her like a predator eyeing its prey.

Damian stood by the window, his gaze distant. His suit jacket was discarded, his sleeves rolled up, exposing bruises from the fight. But his expression remained unreadable.

Ariana glanced at him. "We need to talk."

His sharp blue eyes met hers. "We do."

She turned to Ryan. "Rest. I'll be back."

Ryan gave her a knowing look. "Don't let him boss you around."

Ariana forced a smile. "You know me better than that."

But as she followed Damian out of the room,she wasn't so sure anymore.

---

A Proposition

Damian led her to a private waiting room, closing the door behind them.

"I need you to move in with me," he said bluntly.

Ariana blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You're not safe," he continued. "Callum isn't the type to give up. He'll come for you again."

Ariana crossed her arms. "And what? I'm just supposed to hide in your penthouse like some damsel in distress?"

Damian's jaw clenched. "No. You'll be protected."

"I can protect myself."

He stepped closer, voice low. "Not against men like him."

Ariana swallowed hard. He wasn't wrong.

But the idea of living with Damian? Being under his constant watch? That was dangerous in an entirely different way.

She exhaled. "There has to be another way."

Damian hesitated. Then, his expression hardened.

"There is," he admitted. "Marry me early not as terms of agreement."

---

A Marriage of Protection

Ariana's breath caught.

"Excuse me?"

Damian's gaze was unwavering. "Marry me... Legally, you'll be my wife. That makes it harder for Callum to come near you."

Ariana stared at him. Was he insane?

"Let me get this straight." She folded her arms. "Your solution to Callum's obsession is… to marry me?"

"It gives you my protection," Damian said evenly. "Legally, socially. Callum won't dare touch you if you have my last name."

Ariana's heart pounded.

"You can't be serious."

"I am." His voice was firm. "Ariana, I protect what's mine. If you marry me, you'll be untouchable."

Ariana's mind raced. This was madness.

But… was it really?

Callum wouldn't stop. And Damian was right—as his wife, she'd be under the strongest shield possible.

But could she survive living with him?

Being near him?

She took a shaky breath. "And if I say no?"

Damian's jaw ticked. "Then you take your chances with Callum."

Ariana's stomach twisted. She knew what that meant.

Damian stepped closer, voice dropping. "I won't force you. But if you want protection… this is the best way."

Ariana's pulse thundered.

She had two choices.

Freedom—and vulnerability.

Or a marriage to the most ruthless man she'd ever met.

Her lips parted, barely a whisper.

"…When would this happen?"

Damian's expression didn't change.

"Tomorrow."

---

To Be Continued…