The Grant mansion was abuzz with activity as Daisy’s birthday drew near. Louis had taken it upon himself to plan a celebration that would leave her breathless. His staff worked tirelessly, transforming one of the city’s most luxurious hotels into a wonderland of opulence and charm. From cascading floral arrangements to glittering chandeliers, every detail screamed perfection, just as Daisy deserved.
“She’ll love it,” Louis murmured to himself, standing in the ballroom and surveying the nearly finished setup.
Liam appeared at his side, clapping him on the back. “You’re going all out, huh? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were proposing.”
Louis shot him a glare but said nothing. The truth was, he’d been toying with the idea. Yet, every time he thought of asking Daisy to marry him, her hesitant smile and guarded eyes would hold him back.
The evening of Daisy’s birthday arrived with a flourish. Guests filled the grand ballroom, the elite of the entertainment and business worlds mingling as the orchestra played softly in the background. Daisy, dressed in a breathtaking custom gown of sapphire silk, descended the staircase. The room stilled as everyone turned to look at her, admiration and awe reflected in their eyes.
Louis was at the bottom of the stairs, offering his hand. “You’re stunning,” he said, his voice low.
Daisy’s cheeks colored faintly, but she took his hand, her fingers tightening slightly. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Nothing’s too much for you,” he replied simply, leading her to the center of the room.
The night was magical. Daisy moved through the crowd with practiced ease, greeting guests, laughing at anecdotes, and savoring the evening’s festivities. Liam and Dandelion were never far from her, the siblings sharing moments of lighthearted banter that spoke of their deep bond.
Natalie, ever the perfect actress, flitted through the party as well, her smile sharp and her gaze calculating. Behind her mask of friendliness, she watched Daisy, her mind ticking with her latest plot.
In the shadows of the bustling party, Natalie’s henchman waited for his cue. A small vial of clear liquid sat in his pocket, ready to be slipped into Daisy’s drink. Natalie’s plan was simple yet vile: humiliate Daisy, shatter her confidence, and ensure she could never look Louis or anyone else in the eye again.
When Daisy momentarily left her champagne flute unattended, the henchman seized his chance, pouring the liquid into her glass before slipping away unnoticed.
Minutes later, Daisy returned, oblivious to the trap that had been set. She raised her glass to her lips, the taste slightly off, but nothing to raise suspicion.
The drug worked fast. Daisy began to feel lightheaded, her vision swimming as the edges of the room blurred. She felt a wave of heat wash all over her. She excused herself from a conversation and headed toward the hall, clutching at the wall for support.
Natalie’s henchman appeared, feigning concern. “Miss Croft, are you alright? Let me help you.”
Daisy tried to speak, but her words slurred. The man guided her toward one of the private rooms in the hotel, locking the door behind them. Inside, a group of thugs waited, their leering gazes sending a shiver of dread through her muddled thoughts.
Louis had been keeping a watchful eye on Daisy throughout the night. When she disappeared from the ballroom, his instincts flared. He excused himself and began searching for her.
He found the locked door quickly, the faint sound of Daisy’s weak protests reaching his ears. Rage surged through him as he kicked the door open.
The sight before him made his blood boil. Daisy, barely conscious, was cornered by the group of men.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Louis’s voice was cold, deadly.
The thugs turned toward him, sneering. “Leave now, or you’ll regret it.”
Louis didn’t hesitate. He launched himself at the nearest man, his fists landing with brutal precision. The fight was chaotic, but Louis’s fury gave him an edge. One by one, the thugs fell, groaning in pain as he dealt with them mercilessly.
When the last man was down, Louis turned to Daisy. She was slumped against the wall, her breaths shallow, her eyes fluttering closed.
“Daisy,” he murmured, rushing to her side. He lifted her into his arms, cradling her protectively as he left the room, his jaw tight with barely restrained anger.
Louis carried Daisy to a suite on the top floor, his heart pounding as he laid her gently on the bed. She stirred, her eyes struggling to focus on him.
“Louis,” she whispered weakly.
“I’m here,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’re safe now.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I… I didn’t know…”
“Shh,” he soothed. “Don’t talk. Just rest.”
But Daisy couldn’t stop trembling. The drug’s effects and the fear of what might have happened consumed her. Louis climbed onto the bed beside her, pulling her into his arms.
“You’re safe,” he repeated, his voice breaking slightly. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
Daisy buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt. For a long time, they stayed like that, the world outside forgotten.
“Louis… I need you. Please” Her voice was doing things to him. No sane man could endure the torture especially when the lady in question was someone he loved.
“Daisy, you’re drunk. I don’t want to do something you will regret. Please don’t make me do this”
“I won’t regret it _” she rubbed herself against him which made a part of him harden even more “_I want you Louis. Please make it stop”
She straddled him which pushed Louis close to the edge.
“Daisy, please stop this. I won’t be able to stop please” Louis begged as he tried holding her down. It was taking him all his self control not to indulge in his needs.
But Daisy, was far from helping him out in his plea. She drew close to his nape as she sucked the lower part of his neck and blew hot air into his ears. That particular act made Louis’s breath hitch.
“Take me Louis _” she whispered into his ears. “_And make me yours”.
And with that, the last bit of his self control snapped.