Lucy was taken out of the underground in silence. No one said a word as they led her to Barry's mansion. By day, she stayed in one of his grand rooms, resting and recovering. But at night, she was taken back to the underground, like a shadow moving between two worlds.

Her room was next to Barry's. It was as large and well-furnished as his own. The bed was soft, the curtains thick and heavy, and the closets were so big they could fill a boutique. Lucy's mouth had fallen open the first time she stepped inside. The luxury didn't comfort her. Instead, it made her uneasy. What exactly was going on?

It was her third day in the mansion. She hadn't seen Barry since the night she passed out. The maids brought her food, clean clothes, and anything else she needed. No one spoke much to her. She wanted fresh air, to feel the sun or breeze on her skin, but she was too scared to break any rules. For now, she stayed inside.

That morning, Lucy woke early. The room was quiet except for the soft chirp of birds outside. She stepped into the bathroom and took a long shower, trying to wash off the fear that clung to her skin. After drying off, she stood in front of the mirror, rubbing lotion onto her arms and legs. The cool cream felt good against her warm skin.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Barry walked in, his face as cold as stone. His dark eyes swept over her, but he showed no hint of surprise or desire. It was as if he had walked in on someone brushing their hair, not a half-naked woman. Still, Lucy gasped and grabbed the towel, pulling it over her chest.

Barry's voice was low and sharp. "Get dressed. Now."

Lucy's heart raced. "What...why did you come in here like this?" she asked, trying to sound annoyed, but fear made her voice shake.

He stared at her, his gaze like ice. "I said get dressed," he repeated, his tone colder this time. "I don't have time for questions."

Lucy froze. No one dared argue with Barry, not in his house, not in his world. She knew that. Still, she couldn't stop her words. "You came to look at me, didn't you? Is that it?" she said, her voice small, trying to hide the tremble.

Barry's eyes darkened. His glare was enough to silence her. He didn't raise his voice, but the threat in his words was clear. "Don't test me, Lucy. Put on your clothes before I lose my patience."

She swallowed hard. With shaky hands, she reached for her dress and slipped it on, fingers fumbling at the buttons. Her cheeks burned with shame, but Barry didn't look away. He watched her as if daring her to speak again.

When she was done, he stepped closer, his boots heavy on the floor. "The next time I tell you to do something," he said, voice low, "you do it without talking back. If you want to stay alive in this house, learn fast."

Lucy's breath came quick. She hugged herself as if that could protect her from his cold words. "When am I leaving?" she asked softly, hardly believing she had the courage to ask.

Barry laughed, but it wasn't warm. The sound was bitter and empty. "Leave? You're not leaving. Not until I say so. A million dollars doesn't just go away. Unless you have a plan to pay me back, you're mine until then."

Her eyes widened. "A million dollars? My brother stole that much from you?"

Barry didn't answer. His silence said more than words. He moved closer, making Lucy back away until she hit the wall. His gaze dropped slowly down her body, and she felt his look like a touch. Her arms shot up again to cover herself.

"You don't fear me enough," Barry said after a moment. His voice was like gravel, rough and cutting. "That's your mistake. You think you can argue. You think you can look at me like that and not pay for it."

Lucy's fists clenched. She was scared, but she wouldn't let him see how weak she felt inside. Her chest rose and fell fast, but she kept her eyes on him.

Barry smirked. "Still trying to act brave. I see it in your eyes. But you're scared. I can smell it on you."

She didn't answer. She couldn't. Her throat felt tight, her mind spinning. What did he want? What was he planning to do to her?

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "You think this is bad? I haven't even started."

Lucy shivered. Her heart pounded so loud she thought he could hear it. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to gather strength. Don't break. Don't let him win.

Barry stayed close. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I could make you beg, Lucy. I could make you beg so bad you wouldn't even know your own name."

Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She felt his breath on her skin, and it sent chills down her spine.

He tilted his head, his mouth close to her ear. "You don't know what it means to be mine. But you will. Soon."

Barry's smirk grew. He was enjoying her fear, testing how far he could push without touching her. His voice stayed cold, but there was something dark in it, something that made Lucy's skin crawl.

Lucy's thoughts raced. 'Would he really hurt me? No...he wouldn't. I'm still useful to him. He needs me alive. That was the deal. I just have to stay strong.'

Barry pulled back just a little, studying her face. Her lips trembled, but she stayed silent. That amused him even more. "Good," he said quietly. "Maybe you're learning."

Then he turned, his coat brushing against her arm as he walked toward the door. Before leaving, he paused, looking over his shoulder. His eyes were sharp, cold as steel. "Stay in your room. Don't test my kindness."

And then he was gone, the door closing behind him with a soft click that felt louder than any shout. Lucy stood there, heart still pounding, body shaking. The room felt colder now, empty and still.

She let out a long breath and sank onto the edge of the bed, pulling the blanket around her like a shield. Her mind was a storm of fear and confusion. But one thought burned clearer than the rest:

I have to find a way out of this. Before it's too late.

NEXT DAY

The music thumped through Barry's Club, low and steady like a heartbeat. Lights flashed red and gold across the dark club, casting shadows that danced on the walls. The smell of smoke, sweat, and cheap perfume filled the air. The night had just begun, but the place was already packed. Laughter, clinking glasses, and loud voices echoed from every corner.

Lucy stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, applying a thin layer of gloss on her lips. The new outfit felt tight on her skin, showing more than she was used to. But she reminded herself, this was her job now. She had no choice. Just get through the night, she thought. Do what you have to do.

When she stepped out onto the floor, the noise hit her harder than before. Men's eyes followed her as she walked by, hungry and full of lust. She kept her head high, pretending not to notice. Inside, she felt cold. Empty. Every step reminded her that this wasn't where she wanted to be, but she was trapped, at least for now.

Lucy made her way to the stage, where Vanessa stood leaning against a pole. She gave Lucy a small nod, a silent welcome. Lucy felt a bit of comfort in that look. At least someone wasn't out to get her.

But not everyone felt the same.

From the far end of the stage, a blonde girl smirked as Lucy passed. Her voice rang out, loud enough for Lucy to hear over the music. "Look at the princess," the blonde sneered. "Master's little toy. Thinks she's too good to talk to the rest of us."

Lucy stiffened but kept walking. Not tonight, she told herself. It's too soon for fights. Let it go.

But the blonde wasn't finished. "Or maybe she's just too tired from keeping his bed warm at night," she added with a fake laugh, loud enough for others to hear. A few of the girls chuckled nervously. Most looked away, afraid to get involved.

Lucy's jaw clenched. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. Every part of her burned with the need to snap back, to make the girl regret those words. But she didn't. She took a slow breath and kept her eyes on the stage.

Vanessa stepped closer. "Don't," she whispered, her voice calm. "She's not worth it."

Lucy glanced at her. "Did you hear what she said?"

"I did," Vanessa said softly. "But don't give her what she wants. That girl feeds on drama. And Master wouldn't want you doing that. Trust me."

Lucy swallowed hard and nodded. She forced herself to look away from the blonde. But inside, she felt the storm building. Every insult, and jealous glance, every whispered word, it all piled up, heavy on her chest.

The night dragged on. Lucy danced when she had to, moving to the beat while men stared and cheered. When she wasn't on stage, she served drinks, dodging hands that tried to grab at her. Her legs ached. Her back hurt. But she kept going, trying to stay invisible when she wasn't working.

But the blonde wouldn't let her have peace.

Each time Lucy passed, she had something to say. "Careful, princess. Don't trip over your own pride."

"Master's pet shouldn't be serving drinks with the rest of us. She might catch something."

"Bet she thinks she's better than us. But she's just a whore like the rest of us, only she got there faster."

Lucy bit her tongue. Again and again. She could feel her nails digging into her palms, her teeth grinding together. Her head pounded from holding back.

Finally, when the music quieted for a break, she found a small corner to sit for a moment. Vanessa joined her, handing her a glass of water.

"You're doing good," Vanessa said, her voice low so no one else would hear. "I know it's hard. But don't let her win."

Lucy took the water, hands shaking. "Why does she hate me? I didn't do anything to her."

Vanessa gave a sad smile. "It's not you. It's Master. You've been here what, three nights? And he's already given you more attention than he's given some of these girls in years. They've fought for his notice. You didn't even try, and he picked you."

Lucy looked down at the water, watching the ripples in the glass. "I didn't ask for this."

"I know," Vanessa said gently. "But this is how it works here. The girls see you as a threat. And the men, well, you've seen how they look at you."

Lucy closed her eyes for a second, trying to steady her breathing. "I'm not here to fight with anyone. I just want to survive this. That's all."

"And you will," Vanessa said. "If you keep your head down. If you stay smart. That girl, she's trying to push your buttons. Don't let her. Master might like you now, but if you cause trouble in his club, he won't protect you. He'll make you pay."

Lucy nodded slowly. The truth of those words settled heavy in her heart. She didn't want Barry's protection. She didn't want any of this. But Vanessa was right. She had to be smart.

The break ended, and the music started again. Lucy stood and smoothed down her outfit. As she walked past the blonde, the girl opened her mouth, ready with another insult. But this time, Lucy didn't react. She kept her eyes forward and walked on, as if the girl wasn't even there.

That made the blonde even angrier. "That's right," she called after Lucy, voice dripping with venom. "Run along, princess. Hide behind Master's shadow."

Lucy didn't stop. But inside, she felt the fire burn hotter. She kept her steps steady, but her mind raced. One day, she thought. One day I'll shut that mouth of yours for good.

The night went on. The club filled with noise, smoke, and heat. Lucy worked until her legs felt like jelly, until her throat was dry from breathing in stale air. But she kept going, kept holding back, kept her head down like Vanessa had said.

When the club finally started to empty out, Lucy slipped into the dressing room, exhausted. Vanessa came in behind her.

"You did good tonight," Vanessa said, sitting beside her.

Lucy let out a long breath. "I wanted to hit her so bad."

"I know." Vanessa said, smiling gently. "But you didn't. That's what matters. That shows your strength."

Lucy nodded, but her fists were still clenched at her sides.

The club was almost empty when one of Barry's men came up to Lucy. The man was tall, quiet, and his face showed nothing. He simply said, "Boss wants to see you. Now."

Lucy's heart skipped. She wiped her sweaty hands on her short skirt and nodded. There was no use asking why. When Barry called, you went.

The man led her through a side door and up a narrow staircase that creaked under their steps. At the top, he opened a door and motioned for her to go in. Then he closed it behind her, leaving her alone with Barry.

The office was big but cold. Dark wood walls, a long desk, and large windows that looked down over the club. Barry sat behind the desk, dressed sharp in black. His hair was neat, his face hard, his eyes like ice. He didn't smile.

"Sit," he said, pointing to the chair across from him.

Lucy sat, her back straight, hands folded tight in her lap.

For a moment, Barry just watched her. His gaze felt heavy, like he could see right through her. Lucy tried not to look away, but her heart beat fast in her chest.

"You worked the floor well tonight," Barry said at last. His voice was low, smooth, but there was no warmth in it. "No fights. No drama."

"I'm just doing my job," Lucy said quietly.

Barry's lips curved into the smallest smile. It wasn't kind. It felt more like he found her answer amusing. "Good girl," he said. "You're learning fast."

Lucy didn't like the way he said it. Like she was some pet that pleased him. But she kept her face still.

"You're smart," Barry went on. "Smarter than the others. You didn't take the bait from that loud-mouthed blonde. I watched you."

Lucy blinked. "You... you were watching me?"

"I always watch what's mine," Barry said simply. His eyes locked on hers. "And you, Lucy, are mine."

Lucy's throat felt dry. She tried to speak, but no words came out at first. When she did find her voice, it shook. "I didn't ask to be yours."

Barry chuckled softly, but it wasn't a nice sound. "No, you didn't. But that's not how this world works. You walked into it the day you stepped into my club. The day you agreed to pay off your brother's debt."

"I didn't have a choice."

"There's always a choice. You chose this. And now, you belong to me. The sooner you understand that, the easier this will be for you."

Lucy clenched her fists in her lap. She hated the feeling of being trapped, of being owned. But she didn't say anything. She just stared at the desk between them.

Barry leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. His voice dropped lower. "I didn't call you up here just to talk about your work tonight."

Lucy looked up, her heart racing faster. "Then why did you call me?"

"I wanted to see how you handle yourself. And I wanted to tell you what I expect from you." He paused, letting the words hang in the air. "You're not just another girl on the floor, Lucy. I have plans for you."

"What plans?" Lucy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Barry's eyes darkened. "I could say you'll be my mistress. But that would be too simple. It's more than that." He stood and walked around the desk, coming to stand beside her chair. "I want you close to me. Where I can keep an eye on you. Where no one else can touch you."

Lucy shrank back a little, but Barry reached out and lifted her chin with two fingers. His touch was light, but firm. "You'll have everything you want. Clothes. Jewels. Safety. But you'll belong to me. Only me."

"I don't want that," Lucy said, her voice breaking.

Barry's smile was cold. "It's not about what you want. It's about what I want. And I want you."

Lucy's heart pounded so loud she could barely think. "Why me? You have all those other girls. Why me?"

Barry's eyes softened for just a second. Just long enough to confuse her. "Because you don't want it. That makes it more real. I've had women throw themselves at me. I'm tired of that. I want someone who doesn't fake it."

"I'm not a prize," Lucy said, pulling her chin from his grip. "I'm not some trophy for you to show off."

Barry's smile faded. His face turned serious. "No. You're not. You're more. That's why I'm offering you this place at my side. You're smart. You're strong. I see that. But don't mistake this for kindness. If you cross me, I'll break you."

Lucy stood, her legs shaking. "You can't just own people. I don't care how powerful you are."

Barry raised a brow. "Can't I?" He stepped closer, close enough that she could feel the heat of him. "Watch me."

Lucy took a step back. "What if I say no?"

Barry's grin came back, sharp and cold. "You won't. You need protection. I'm the only one who can give it to you. You think the other girls will let you breathe easy? You think my enemies won't try to use you to get to me? You're safer with me than against me."

Lucy wanted to scream. Wanted to run. But she knew he was right. As much as she hated it, she was stuck. She had no one. Nowhere to go. Barry had built walls around her, and there was no way out.

She dropped her eyes, feeling the fight drain out of her. "What happens now?"

Barry's voice softened, but the edge never left it. "Now, you go home. You rest. Tomorrow, you'll have new clothes waiting. You'll sit at my table. You'll learn how to act like the woman at my side. I'll make you into what I want."

"And if I refuse?"

Barry's smile disappeared. His voice turned hard as stone. "Then I'll remind you who owns you. And I won't be gentle about it."

Lucy bit her lip to stop it from trembling. "I hate you," she whispered.

Barry laughed, low and dark. "Good. That means you'll stay interesting." He reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Go now. I'll see you tomorrow."