hapter 23: In the Lion’s Den-1
Maya stirred to the sound of birdsong-soft, distant, too peaceful to be real.
Her head pounded. Her mouth was dry. Her limbs felt like they were wrapped in lead.
+25 Punits
She tried to sit up, but her body resisted. Every movement was sluggish, like she was swimming through molasses. Her vision blurred, then slowly adjusted to the dim light filtering through unfamiliar curtains.
Wooden walls. A high ceiling with exposed beams. A fireplace.
She wasn’t in her bed. Not even close.
The realization hit her like a jolt of electricity. Her breath caught in her throat.
She was on a couch. A blanket draped over her. Her shoes gone. Her coat folded neatly on a nearby chair.
Panic clawed at her chest.
Where am I?
Then –
Footsteps.
Maya froze.
The soft creak of floorboards grew louder until a figure appeared in the doorway.
Beckett.
He carried a steaming mug in his hand, his smile too wide, too calm. Like none of this was wrong.
“There she is,” he said warmly, as if greeting her in a dream. “I was starting to think you’d sleep all day.”
Maya’s heart thundered in her chest. She forced her lips to part. “Where… are we?”
Beckett crossed the room and placed the mug on the coffee table in front of her. “Just outside the city. My lake house. Quiet, peaceful-no interruptions. Just you and me.”
She flinched before she could stop herself.
Beckett’s expression softened, almost tender. “You were exhausted. You passed out in the car. I figured you needed rest.” He crouched beside her, his eyes scanning her face too carefully. “I made tea. Chamomile. Thought it might help you feel better.”
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13
apte 21 in the Lions Den J
Maya’s gaze darted toward the front door-but it was too far, and Beckett was too close.
“Why did you bring me here?” she asked, her voice a hoarse whisper.
+25 Pents
Beckett tilted his head. “Because we needed this. Time. Space. Away from all the noise.” He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re always running, Maya. Always working, always hiding behind something. But not anymore.”
She flinched again, shrinking slightly into the couch.
“I don’t understand,” Maya said carefully, voice trembling. “You said fifteen minutes. Coffee. As friends. You said this was goodbye-that you were leaving.”
Beckett’s smile twisted, cold and empty. It didn’t reach his eyes.
“That was before I realized the truth,” he said, voice low and venomous. “Before I saw that you needed saving. From that place. From him.”
Maya’s stomach dropped.
“What are you talking about?” she whispered, fear creeping in.
Beckett chuckled-a sinister, dark sound that crawled under her skin. “Stop pretending, Maya. Stop acting like you’re some innocent, pure little girl. How else do you think you got the internship at Blackwood Enterprises? It’s a no-brainer. You used your body. You’re Blackwood’s newest… bitch.”
His voice tightened, thick with hate. “Like he owns you.”
Maya’s fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, knuckles white as ice.
“That’s not true! I don’t belong to anyone,” she said, forcing her voice steady despite the rising
panic.
Beckett laughed again, but it was hollow-no humor, only cruelty. “Liar. That’s what you want to believe. But he doesn’t see you, Maya. Not like I do. Not like I always have.”
She swallowed hard, heart pounding. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know enough.” Beckett rose and stalked toward the window, his silhouette sharp against the pale light. “I watched you for months before I even spoke. You’re different. Not like the others. You’re special.”
He turned, eyes gleaming with dark obsession.
“And now that I finally have you,” he whispered, voice low and dangerous, “I’m not letting you go.” Maya’s breath hitched, but she forced a faint nod, hiding the panic clawing inside her. Her instincts screamed: stay calm. Keep him talking.
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hapter 23 in the Lion’s Den 1
Play along. Stay alive.
29 Ponits
“There has to be some misunderstanding,” she said quietly, voice steady but soft. “I just started my
internship a week ago. Today’s my official first day.” She swallowed hard, then added, “I’ve only
crossed paths with Mr. Blackwood three times… I don’t know him personally. I—”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.