Chapter 5 What is MINE

Boredom could be cruel when it stayed too long.

The estate was beautiful, yes-but sterile. Every polished surface, every echoing hallway reminded me I didn't belong here. I'd cleaned every corner of my thoughts and still found dust. Without Cassian around, the silence stretched long and wide.

I tried reading. Cooking. Sitting by the window. Nothing worked. I was restless.

That's when I met Draco.

He was one of the security guards-tall, tan-skinned, late twenties, with a quiet sense of humor and warm green eyes. He wore black polos and tactical boots like a second skin, but he never once made me feel small or inspected. Just seen.

It started with simple nods, a passing "hi." Then a few conversations by the fountain near the west garden.

He told me about his childhood in Naples, how he ended up working private security for powerful families. I didn't press too hard about Cassian's world-Draco was careful, but friendly.

"You're not what I expected," I'd said once, sitting on the ledge of the small waterfall.

"And what did you expect?"

"More stone. Less... laughter."

He'd laughed at that. A full, soft sound that made my heart ache for the kind of connection that didn't have rules attached.

He ruffled my hair once, playfully, and I shoved his hand away with a grin. It felt light. Normal.

But light never lasts long in this world.

---

Melissa arrived the morning Cassian returned.

Her car was sleek, black, and expensive. The kind you drive when you're trying to impress people who already know your name. She stepped out like a runway model-long legs, a designer coat, and a smug smirk plastered on her glossed lips.

I stood on the front steps, unsure if I was supposed to greet her or disappear.

She didn't hesitate. Her eyes scanned me up and down with slow judgment.

"So," she said with mock sweetness, "you're the new... companion."

She emphasized the word like it tasted bitter in her mouth.

I stayed calm. "Yes. I'm Issabella."

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course you are. And I'm sure you're doing your best to be useful."

I knew exactly what she meant.

I didn't flinch. "I'm doing what I agreed to do."

She tilted her head, eyes sharp. "You know this won't last, right? He always gets bored. You'll be replaced the second he's done pretending you matter."

Before I could respond, a car pulled up.

Cassian.

He stepped out with Jaxon, both dressed sharply-Cassian in dark slacks and a tailored navy coat, Jaxon in muted charcoal. Cassian's presence was magnetic. Cold. Commanding.

Melissa lit up like a chandelier.

"Cassian!" she beamed, rushing toward him.

To my surprise-and disappointment-he let her throw her arms around him. Her lips grazed his cheek, her fingers lingered too long on his chest. He didn't stop her.

He didn't even look in my direction.

My stomach turned.

She looked back at me as if to say "See? Watch and learn."

Cassian finally pulled away, only slightly.

Jaxon stepped forward to greet her. "Melissa. Always a pleasure."

"Jaxon, it's been too long," she purred.

They chatted briefly about Milan, family connections, Cassian's grandfather. The kind of small talk meant for people who'd grown up in castles and learned how to smile through knives.

I stood back. Watching. Waiting. Wondering if Cassian would say anything. Defend me. Acknowledge me.

He didn't.

When Jaxon offered to carry in her luggage, Cassian turned to him. "Go wrap up the other thing we discussed."

Jaxon glanced at me briefly, gave a small nod, and left.

Melissa lingered.

I turned to go.

As soon as I was gone, Cassian grabbed her wrist-not hard, but firm.

"Enough," he said, voice low.

She blinked in mock innocence. "What?"

"I saw how you treated her. You're out of line."

"She's-she's a placeholder, Cassian."

"She's under my protection," he said darkly. "You don't get to disrespect what's mine."

She froze at the word. "So she's your...?"

"My contracted companion," he finished coolly. "Not a toy. Not a servant. Don't cross that line again."

He let go of her wrist.

Melissa backed off, but not without throwing one last dagger of a glance toward the hall I disappeared into.

---

That evening, I wandered back to the garden. The day had left a sour taste in my mouth.

Draco was by the waterfall again. He waved, and I joined him, trying to shrug off the tension. We talked about books. Music. Stupid things like what flavor of gelato was superior (he insisted pistachio; I said hazelnut). It was easy. Clean.

Then he ruffled my hair again and said, "See? I told you. You can laugh."

I did.

I didn't know Cassian was watching.

---

I found him in my room when I returned.

He stood by the window, back tense, jaw clenched. His coat was still on, his hair slightly wind-blown. He didn't look at me when I walked in.

"You were with Draco," he said flatly.

I blinked. "Yeah. By the waterfall."

"I saw."

"So?"

He turned. His eyes were sharp now. Not angry-but something close. "He touched you."

I crossed my arms. "He ruffled my hair, Cassian. We were laughing. Is that forbidden now too?"

"You're not here to build friendships."

"I'm not a prisoner either."

He took a step closer. "You belong to me. While you're here, while you wear what I give you, sleep in the bed I provide-you are mine."

"Is that in the contract?"

His jaw flexed. "No."

"Then maybe you should revise it."

The silence between us grew heavier. I could feel it pressing down on my chest, heating the room.

He didn't move again. Just stood there, staring at me like he couldn't decide whether to cage me or run from me.

"I don't like being challenged," he finally said.

"Then you picked the wrong girl."

I walked past him and sat on the bed.

He stayed a moment longer, watching me. Then he left without another word.

But I didn't miss the way his hand curled into a fist just before he shut the door.