The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 73

The Heiress He Underestimated

Chapter 73 Because You’re Mine

The ride back to the cliff house felt longer than it actually was. Elera sat pressed against Drakonius’s side, their hands still locked together, and tried to process everything that had just happened. The rich women with their fake smiles and real venom. Her father, drunk and desperate, grabbing at her like she was a life raft in his sinking ship. And Xan, standing there in the lights like some kind of movie villain, making sure they knew he was watching.

The bracelet on her wrist pulsed softly, a steady rhythm that matched Drakonius’s heartbeat. She could see his vitals on the tiny display if she tilted her wrist just right. Elevated heart rate but not dangerously so. Blood pressure higher than she’d like but not critical. He was stressed, angry and exhausted. But he was holding it together.

When they finally pulled through the gates of the compound, Elera felt something in her chest unclench. They were home, safe. Their fortress.

Frost met them at the door, his face grim. “Full sweep of the perimeter. Nothing. If Valdris has people watching us, they’re staying outside the property line. For now.”

“Keep the watch doubled,” Drakonius said, his voice rough with exhaustion. “I want to know if a bird lands wrong on the cliff.”

“Already done, sir.” Frost hesitated. “The fire at the hotel. It was definitely arson. It was very professional. Quick burn but no real damage, just enough to trigger the safety systems and shut down that elevator. Someone who knew exactly what they were doing.”

“He’s escalating,” Elera said quietly. “Not just watching anymore. He’s actively interfering.”

“Let him try,” Drakonius said, but his hand on his cane was shaking now. The adrenaline that had carried him through the evening was wearing off, leaving behind the reality of his body’s limits.

Elera made a decision. “Frost, we’re good for tonight. Thank you. Simon, I need you in the medical suite in twenty minutes.”

“I wanted violence though,” Drakonius said, and there was something raw in his voice. “When I saw his hand on you, when I heard the way he was talking to you, I wanted to hurt him. Badly. I haven’t felt that way in years. That kind of anger.”

Elera looked up at him. His eyes were fierce, burning with something that made her stomach flip. “Why? Why does it make you so angry?”

“Because you’re mine,” he said simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Nobody gets to hurt what’s mine. Nobody gets to treat you like you’re less than you are. You’re brilliant and strong and you saved my life, and your father treats you like you’re a commodity he can trade. It’s…” He shook his head, searching for words. “It’s obscene.”

The possessiveness in his voice should have bothered her. She’d spent her whole life fighting against being owned, being controlled. But coming from him, it felt different. It wasn’t about control. It was about protection. About value. About seeing her as something worth defending.

The Heiress He Underestimated