CHAPTER 6

Aria walked down the dimly lit corridor, her heels clicking against the cold stone floor.

The air was thick with dampness and the scent of old stone, a far cry from the sterile environment of her usual workplace.

She clutched a list of tasks in her hand, her eyes scanning the items as she approached the heavy wooden door at the end of the hall. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay beyond.

As she pushed open the door, the hinges creaked loudly, echoing through the chamber.

The room was dark, the only light filtering through a small, barred window high above, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Her eyes strained to make out the shapes in the dim light until finally, she saw him—chained to the wall, his arms stretched high above his head, heavy iron manacles biting into his wrists.

The cold metal seemed almost cruel against his bare skin.

Naked and vulnerable, he pressed against the cold stone wall, his head bowed, dark hair falling in messy strands to shadow his face.

A thousand questions flooded her mind.

Why was he chained like that?

Was he dangerous?

Was he some kind of monster?

She shook her head, trying to push the thought away.

No, he wasn’t dangerous—not really. There was something else beneath that intensity in his gaze, something raw and wild, yes, but not cruel.

Dangerous in a way that whispered power, not malice.

It wasn’t just his appearance, though even under the cuts and swelling, there was no denying he was beautiful in a way that stole her breath.

No… it was something else.

Something she couldn’t explain.

A pull.

Like a thread inside her chest had suddenly gone taut, connecting her to him—delicate but impossible to ignore.

Her heart clenched, aching with a strange, protective sorrow.

She wanted to reach out, to undo the cuffs that kept his arms suspended above him, to soothe the lines of pain etched across his face. She wanted to free him.

Not because of sympathy alone, but because something deep inside her whispered that he didn’t belong like this.

That she didn’t want him like this

But she couldn’t.

Her hands were tied too, in a different way.

She wasn’t here to make choices—only to carry out orders. And even if her instincts screamed otherwise, she had to pretend this was just another routine task.

Aria’s steps faltered the moment her eyes landed on him.

He looked broken—bruised, bloodied, bound—but something about him struck her harder than any wound ever could.

His eyes, sharp and unyielding, locked onto hers, piercing through the dimness and stirring something deep inside her.

There was awareness in his gaze—sharp, focused, almost... familiar.

Like he knew her.

Not just recognise her face but see something deeper.

It unsettled her.

It thrilled her.

It made her forget, for just a moment, that they were supposed to be strangers.

Her fingers curled at her sides as she fought the heat crawling beneath her skin.

What was this?

Why did it feel like more than curiosity, more than biology?

It felt like fate.

"You’re probably thinking, ‘Oh great, it’s her again,’ right?" Aria said, forcing a small smile as she stepped closer to him.

He didn’t respond—just watched her, still and unreadable.

She cleared her throat, hugging the clipboard to her chest like a shield.

"I mean, I get it. I'm the only one who ever shows up down here. Must be weird. Probably annoying."

Silence.

Her eyes darted to his face, hoping for some flicker of reaction, but he remained expressionless. His gaze followed her, steady and quiet, making her skin prickle.

"I have to, um… run a few checks again," she mumbled, holding up the clipboard for no real reason.

"Just protocol, you know. Nothing major, just… tasks."

Still nothing.

She shuffled a little closer, glancing sideways at him.

"Did you… miss me?" she said with a nervous laugh, then immediately winced at her own words.

"Not that you have to. I just meant—uh—it’s fine if you didn’t. I’m… here to work."

No change in his expression.

No amusement.

No irritation.

Just that same intense, watchful silence.

Aria groaned softly to herself, turning away and fumbling with her supplies.

"God, I sound ridiculous," she muttered under her breath. Her hands trembled slightly as she set the tray down, trying not to drop anything.

Behind her, she could feel his eyes like a weight on her back. Watching. Listening. Maybe even understanding. But saying nothing.

“Alright,” she murmured softly, barely audible, more to steady herself than to speak to him.

“Let’s just get this done.”

Her eyes flicked down to the notes clutched in her hands, and a crease of confusion formed between her brows.

"Semen collection," it read, and she felt a wave of shock and apprehension wash over her.

She looked up at the man, his gaze never wavering, and she felt a flush spread across her cheeks.

"Seriously," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man grunted in response, a low, guttural sound that sent a shiver down her spine.

Aria took a deep breath, drawing on her biological knowledge to steel herself for the task ahead.

She approached him cautiously, her eyes never leaving his. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, could see the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, slow and measured.

She reached out a tentative hand, her fingers brushing against his skin.

He flinched slightly, his body tensing at her touch, but he didn't pull away.

Aria's heart raced as she began to examine him, her gloved hands gentle despite the hammering of her pulse.

She could feel his resistance, his muscles coiled and ready to spring, but he held himself still, his eyes locked onto hers.

Aria removed her gloves, her bare hands now making contact with his skin. He let out a low hiss, his eyes widening in surprise at the warmth of her touch.

She began to stroke his skin gently, her touch deliberate and soothing, trying to coax a response from him.

"It's okay," she murmured, her voice low and calming.

"Just let go and trust the process."

The man grunted again, a sound that sent a wave of heat through Aria.

She could feel his body slowly unwinding, his muscles relaxing under her touch.

She felt a surge of satisfaction and a growing sense of power as she continued to stroke him, her touch more confident now.

With a final, strategic touch, she felt a slight movement, a subtle emergence from its hidden sheath.

The man's eyes opened wider, a mix of surprise and something more primal flashing across his face.

Aria's heart raced, but she kept her voice steady.

"Shh, it's okay. This is a natural response," she whispered, her touch firm yet gentle as she wrapped her fingers around the now-exposed organ, beginning rhythmic strokes.

The man let out a low groan, his body arching slightly, the chains above him clanking with the movement.

"Oh, fuck..." he breathed, his voice a low, guttural sound that sent a wave of heat through Aria.

She felt a fierce blush spread across her own cheeks, her heart pounding in her chest. Guilt flooded her consciousness, a stark contrast to the professional detachment she usually maintained.

"This is strictly professional—just collecting a necessary sample," she repeated to herself, a mantra to keep her grounded.

Yet, her body betrayed her clinical intentions, a warming response spreading through her as she continued the intimate act. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her breath coming in short, quick gasps.

The man's responses grew more pronounced, his body moving in sync with her strokes, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Aria increased the pace slightly, her touch more insistent, more purposeful. She could feel his body tensing, the signs of imminent release clear. The room was filled with the sound of their combined breathing, the clanking of chains, and the soft, wet sounds of her strokes.

The man's eyes locked onto hers, a mix of raw desire and something more intense in his gaze.

Aria held his stare, her own eyes wide with a mix of determination and something else—something she couldn't quite name. She felt a connection, a shared intimacy that transcended the clinical setting, and it left her breathless.

With a final, desperate stroke, she coaxed his release, his body convulsing as he let out a low, guttural roar.

"Ahhh!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the cold stone walls, a primal sound that sent a shockwave through her system. She quickly retrieved the sample, her movements efficient and practised, despite the turmoil of emotions raging within her.

She offered him a small, reassuring smile as she stepped back, her professional demeanour once again in place.

"All done. You can relax now," she said, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart.

The man let out a shaky breath, his body still trembling with the aftermath of his release.

He didn't speak, but his eyes said it all—so intense that made Aria's heart flutter. She turned to leave, her emotions a whirlwind of conflict and confusion.

As she reached the door, she paused, turning back to him.

"Thank you for your cooperation," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man nodded slightly, his eyes never leaving hers until she stepped out of the chamber, leaving him alone with his thoughts and the echo of their shared intimacy.

Aria walked away, her heart still pounding, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions.

She had performed the task with professionalism and efficiency, yet the intimacy of the act lingered, a ghostly presence that haunted her steps.

She repeated her mantra, a desperate attempt to regain her composure.

"This is strictly professional—just collecting a necessary sample."

He just watched her...no words....nothing.