Chapter 11 – Boundaries and Temptations

The rain drizzled lightly against the city, misting the skyline in silver. Elina sat by the window of the penthouse, fingers tracing the condensation forming on the glass. Behind her, the silence stretched—comfortable, yet filled with unsaid things.

Taylor leaned on the kitchen island, arms crossed, watching her with a softness that made her heart ache. "You didn't sleep last night, did you?"

She shook her head. "The doctor's words keep playing in my head… He said if my brother doesn't respond within seventy-two hours…"

Her voice cracked.

Taylor stepped forward. "You're not alone, Elina." He reached for her hand, warm and steady. "Whatever you need—whenever you need it—I'm here."

For a moment, she let herself hold his gaze. There was something safe in it. Familiar. But also… dangerous.

Before she could reply, the front door clicked open. Damon.

Drenched from the rain, his jaw clenched the moment he saw Taylor. His eyes flared as they landed on their interlocked hands.

"You didn't tell me we were hosting guests," Damon said, voice cool and sharp.

Taylor let go of her hand, unbothered. "I just dropped her off from the hospital. She was exhausted."

Elina stood between them like a live wire.

Damon's gaze didn't leave hers. "You should've called me. I would've come."

"You were busy," she replied quickly, remembering the phone buzz from Selena. That name alone stirred something bitter in her.

Damon stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Busy doesn't mean unavailable. Especially not to you."

Taylor cleared his throat. "I should head out." He glanced at Elina, his voice softer now. "Call me if you need anything… okay?"

She nodded, silently.

As soon as the door shut behind him, Damon's composure cracked.

"So… we're inviting old flings to my penthouse now?"

"He's not an old fling," she snapped. "He's my best friend's brother. We used to know each other—long before you forced me into this contract."

Damon's expression twisted. "Don't act like this contract means nothing. You signed it. You wear my name. You live under my roof."

He stepped forward, voice lowering.

"I've seen the way you look at me, Elina. Don't pretend I'm just some cruel CEO to you."

She took a shaky step back. "You're crossing lines—"

Damon cupped her chin, tilting it up. "Tell me you don't want me to."

Her breath hitched.

"I see the way your body reacts to me," he whispered, brushing his thumb along her jaw. "You may think you're confused between me and him—but your heart already chose. It just hasn't told your mind yet."

"I'm not yours," she whispered, but her voice lacked conviction.

"You are," Damon said firmly, his lips brushing dangerously close to hers. "Until you buy your way out of this contract… you're mine."

Before he could close the distance, Elina turned away. "I need air."

She rushed out to the balcony, leaving Damon staring after her, fists clenched.

---

Later that evening, at the hospital…

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the corridors. Elina stood by her brother's bed, his chest rising and falling with the mechanical rhythm of the ventilator. The machines beeped steadily—but it felt like a countdown.

Damon arrived quietly, holding a small thermos of tea. "You haven't eaten."

She accepted it without a word. His presence felt heavier than usual—complicated.

"The doctor said they'll try one last round of stimulation tomorrow," she said quietly. "If it doesn't work…"

Damon brushed her knuckles with his fingers. "We won't think like that. He's going to make it."

Something in his tone made her look up. He wasn't offering false hope. He believed it.

And in that moment—so did she.

But before she could reply, a voice interrupted them.

"I brought your charger," Taylor said, holding out her phone.

Elina blinked. "You didn't have to…"

"I didn't want you to worry about little things." He glanced at Damon. "Didn't think we'd all meet here again so soon."

The two men exchanged a look.

Damon's hand subtly slid down Elina's back, possessively.

Taylor noticed—but didn't react. Instead, he said, "Elina, I know things are complicated. But you deserve to be with someone who puts you first. Without contracts or terms."

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw.

Damon tensed.

Elina swallowed hard, heart thundering. She looked between the two men—the billionaire who made her burn with every touch… and the boy who had once made her heart flutter with the gentlest smile.

"I… need a moment alone," she said.

Both stepped out silently.

She stared down at her brother.

"What am I doing…?"

---

Back at the penthouse…

Damon's phone buzzed again. Selena.

Elina glanced at it, heart twisting. Damon quickly declined the call.

"I'm leaving," he muttered.

She didn't ask where. She didn't need to.

When he arrived at his other apartment, Selena was waiting—wrapped in silk, perfume lingering in the air.

"I've missed you," she purred, stepping close.

"Selena—don't."

She pouted. "Don't act like you didn't enjoy our nights. I remember every sound you made."

She leaned in, lips grazing his, but Damon turned away.

"You remember my money more than my voice."

Selena's smile faltered.

"You're still obsessed with that girl," she said bitterly.

Damon didn't reply. He poured himself a drink, ignoring her entirely.

But deep down, something twiste

d in him. He hadn't just let Elina into his world.

She had crawled under his skin—and was staying there.

Whether she liked it or not.