Scarletpom

The Security Room, POV Victor Gideon

Ever since I returned I had been watching the camera feeds much more than usual. Mark Spencer had brought some guy Jake around while I was away on his mission. It infuriated me to no end to know Jake was so close to what belonged to me. All because Her father did not want her to be with me. I assume he saw me with her on the cameras back when She confessed to me. Ever since then He has tried to put distance between us using suitors and missions. Jake however had raised my suspicions as He was not like the other Suitors. He seemed like he had alternate intentions. I had started a background check on him but it was like he did not exist. I've never run across anyone I could not find information on about.

Scarlet was mine and mine alone. I reaffirmed that last night. I warned her that I would never let her go. This was out of her hands now. I almost had my arrangements ready. I asked to have Rhodes Hill reconstructed from the damage as soon as I got back from my mission with Elpis. I would make it our home where no one could take her from me. I was told that they were way ahead of schedule and almost finished. This means I could finally make my move. I already talked to the board and they gave me their blessing to wed her. The only cog in my way was Mark Spencer. However the board would be able to persuade him surely. Mark just has lost his way and must be reminded of the cold truth. He's going to have to let go of his control and step out of the way. Mark has lost his usefulness years ago now.

I would have to deal with Jake and Mark carefully. Remembering our promise to each other cooled my temper. She was the only person who was never frightened or hesitant around me. She did not even seem phased when seeing me come back with that temporary mutation of my arm. I wondered if she would have let me hold her when I was like that. She may have seemed frightened recently when I kissed her but that is just her inexperience. She will come to understand my affections and touch are to be cherished. I'll show her that I am the only one she can trust and run to.

Remembering all those years I just watched her from the dark. To think i had tried to be distant and professional before She told me how she felt. I laughed remembering how I thought I could never touch her. Seeing her watch me with what I thought was curiosity I now know was her yearning. To imagine being able to claim a Spencer for my own as a bride. It made me feel like I conquered the world. I was finally going to take my rightful place in the Spencer world. I wondered if Ozwell would have approved or would He have Pulled her away as well. No, certainly He would know as his most loyal follower I would be the best option to take care of her. This was destiny and the more I considered letting her go the deeper my Obsession became.

I looked back at the camera feeds looking for any sign of Jake. The cameras I had installed were not authorized by Mark Spencer. The estate already had several but I added one to every room. I wanted to know Scarlet's whereabouts at all times. Sometimes I would watch her simply sleep in her bed. I even had a camera aimed at her bathtub. This is something I am not ashamed of. This is simply me protecting her, as well as learning how to take better care of her. There was a time or two before her confession I caught her touching herself. It took all my restraint not to run from my monitors to her. To take her right there and show her all the ways I could love her. I wanted to claim what was rightfully mine as the most loyal to her family. However rather than risk anything I would simply touch myself along with her. Trying to match her pacing imagining I was there with her. Imagining she wanted this too and how I would take her and comfort her after. I remember those days with a fondness now rather then pain.

A flash blipped on one of the feeds. Jake had entered Marks office, and Scarlet was not with him. Mark approached Jake from his desk with a tense look. Like he was worried something was wrong. I turned the volume up to listen in.

"Jake, I have paid you and have guaranteed the information you requested. I need you to promise once you get her out she will not be investigated. She has no knowledge or any hand in any of the families crimes. She is completely naive of it all. She doesn't even know what the T-virus is, our most basic strain."

"I promise Scarlet will be given a new identity and a new start in an unknown location. She will have to be questioned, but nothing serious. However you understand with this you are giving up this life. You will likely be investigated and the DSO will dismantle this whole place. Are you certain you are OK with this? This can not be undone…"  

" I don't care burn the place to the ground if you must. I'm not even involved in anything beyond just being the front face of this place. Arrest me even if you have too. Besides you likely won't get to the real people behind all of this. If you can though be my guest …"

" You will not ever see her again do you understand? She will likely hate you for this as well. We won't hide the fact that we consider you a monster."

"I would be the monster if I have to. I can not let her stay here any longer. Dr. Gideon has been getting too close to her and I can not risk him clawing her away. While Dr. Gideon is well respected and considered indispensable to our family…. I can not let him… He's not human anymore and the way he watches her it's almost predatory. I will not let Scarlet be whisked away by him. It has to be soon Jake… He's a vile creature and he's been watching her for years. When Scarlet told me she thought she might like him I prayed it was just a phase. But now….. now it's serious. You have to get her out. I do not care what it takes."

"Very well then. You are making the best decision you can for all parties involved."

I watched the screen with a sudden amusement. Mark thought he could pay someone to take her away from Me. This Jake is no suitor and he is no elite either. If it's a gamble they want to take trying to take her than so be it. I've slowly been getting into the security system here and adding my own additions. There's no way to easily slip past my security and if Jake tries to fight me. Well then I'll just add him to my supply of test subjects. For now though I'll alert the board of Mark's betrayal and have him sent to a meeting out of town.

Jake will be easy to deal with, but I can not risk doing it in front of Scarlet as it may frighten her. Whether I like it or not she is very kind and has been kept pure from the dark secrets below her own feet. Mark was such a fool to keep her in the dark and not let her know her own family truth. Maybe that's why I find her so interesting. She sees me as if I were a normal man and would be so easy to sway with my influence.

They are think they are playing checkers against me but I am playing chess. I'm playing to win. Once I win I'll take her where I can be certain she is safe at Rhodes Hill.

Scarlet you do not have to wait for me any longer… The pieces are falling in place……

Later that night in Scarlets room and POV

I had mostly stayed in my room today still buzzing from the night before. I kept the curtains closed and had been drawing at my desk. I had tried drawing the things around me in the room, but everything seemed so much smaller now.

Now that I was laying back down I noticed the room was so quiet more than I was used to. I kept hearing what sounded like a low buzz and it really started to drive me up the wall. I had never noticed it before. I sat up and looked around maybe looking for something I left plugged in. I even unplugged the lamp, but the low buzzing hum was still there. I held my breath as I searched the room using just my sense of sound. It was coming from the top of my bookshelf across from the bed. I pulled up a chair and tried to get closer and noticed a small shine of glare coming from a book. It was too high for me to be able to touch it. Something in my stomach dropped it looked like a tiny lens maybe, but I was not sure.

I took off my shirt and tried to throw it over it. It took a few tries but I finally felt I had it covered. I stepped off the chair and backed up looking back towards where it was. I would probably be scolded later for messing with it. However if Father thinks he can have a camera in here he's wrong. It was likely his paranoia that has been setting in with the years. If he brought it up I would let him have it.

Still unnerved by the light buzzing I pulled out a small stereo Jake had given me with CDs I let the music play drowning out the buzzing. The CDs were mostly what he called techno beats and I found them captivating to my mind. It was both soothing and energizing at the same time.

As I let myself sit back down at the desk I heard knocking at the door. Before I could respond it opened and father was there. I tensed and quickly turned off the music. He looked more on edge then usual. He was fidgeting there and he was not looking at me directly.

"I uh need to leave tonight and I wanted to let you know before I left." He leaned against the door frame as his voice was shaky and feeble.

I could feel something was off, but I was not sure what it was.

"Usually you do not announce you're departure. Why? What's wrong. Is there an emergency?"

"I don't know what it's about… However I would ask you promise to keep your distance and you know what I'm talking about. This is not a game and if you are going to be so naive then you better be tough." His voice was still shaky but more stern.

"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about. I have kept my distance as you requested." I lied.

" I'm serious stay away from him. You have no idea what you are getting into. Promise me this once you will listen to me. I can not explain any further right now. Maybe one day just not now." He started to approach closer.

" You always say you will tell me things. You expect me to be this perfect daughter. This isn't a home it's a cage."

" I know and you are correct in a way. This time I mean it though. I need you to take this and keep it in case of emergency. Do not tell anyone you have this. It's a master key card. It will open all locks on the grounds. Only use this if you a have no other choice."

He looked around nervously and took my hand lightly just for a moment.

"…. Lock the door behind me. The only one you are to open that door to is Jake or Me. He will be here in a few hours…" Finally walking out the door he looked back at me one last time.

Part of me wanted to believe this was part of his paranoia, but seeing the way he looked. A small part of me felt that old little girl come back. Not wanting him to leave me all alone. I wasn't sure if I should follow his directions but I went ahead and locked the door for now. Putting both the handle lock on as well as the dead bolt.

"What are you up to now Father…. You can't keep me on the dark forever."

I pulled open the curtains and leaned against the window frame trying to see into the dark. The moon was the only thing I could see. The air in the room started to feel suffocating and I slid the window open and leaned out. I'm not sure how long I watched out that window or what I was expecting to see. Part of me just wanted to take the plunge out the window to see if I could make it. I could run away and be a normal person away from all the pressure here. However this was the second story and I was pretty sure I did not want to risk that.

I walked over to the bed and let myself crash into it. I could still feel the tension from last night. I felt like Victor was there behind me and would reach out to comfort me at any moment. He was not going to hurt me why would he. Surely if He comes tonight I would let him in and maybe he could tell me what's happening. I trust him and I'm not sure why father stopped trusting him. Is it because he thinks I'm too young for him. Maybe it's because he's not considered upper class. None of that should matter should it? All the love stories I've ever read promised that nothing like that matters. Love is all you needed and everything else was pointless.

I let myself lay there for awhile still unsure of anything. Then I heard footsteps but they weren't Victors. They weren't as heavy and I did not hear the clinging of his chains. I closed my eyes trying to ignore the sound until the knock came. I laid still trying not to make a sound becoming once again uneasy.

"Scarlet it's me Jake …. Can you open the door." I heard the knob try to twist.

I gripped the sheets beneath me trying to anchor myself to the bed. I wanted to pretend I was not here if I could just disappear. If I open that door I would be betraying Victor. I also was not sure I wanted to see Jake either. He always had a way of making me feel like I had to trust him and I was naive if I didn't . He had become more and more overbearing recently. It was like He was becoming a different person all together.

He knocked again this time louder.

"Scarlet you need to open the door right now…… I'm going to take you away from this place. It has to be right now though." His voice sounded agitated.

I felt my ears perk at the sound of being taken out of this place. The idea I could finally step out of the property even for just a moment. I sat up slowly and felt my stomach knot.

"Where?" Was all I could muster.

"I'll take you to your father and I'll explain everything on the way there. We really have to leave right now before it's too late." He was back at jiggling the handle aggressively.

"Okay…. I'm coming …." I said softly.

Each step I took towards the door added to my fears.

I unlocked the dead bold and released the knob lock. The door opened and Jake stood there in the hall way. He looked a lot different and wasn't dressed so casually anymore. He had some type of tactical uniform and had a gun on his hip. He looked coldly at me like I was wasting his time.

"We need to leave right now. No questions. All you need to know is that I see your freedom as either out of this place or dead. I will not hesitate if you refuse to come to take your life…." His eyes had become dark.

I suddenly felt like opening that door was a big mistake. Jake grabbed my hand and started dragging me down the hall. I did not speak a word and I stayed close behind him. As we started to descend the stairs I noticed the front door was already open. I felt my heart pound in my chest as I felt I might never see anyone here ever again. I started to wonder why Father would send Jake for me. If this was some sort of trap.

As we reached halfway towards the door I heard the familiar sound of clinging chains and heavy boots.

"Jake Hall of the DSO…. Specialty in recovery operations…. Is that correct?"

Jake stopped in his tracks and turned around. Quickly pushing me behind him.

"Dr. Victor Gideon, the monster of the mansion…. The mad scientist who stepped out of line." Jake scoffed and pulled his gun from the holster.

I took a slow step back away from Jake. I looked over at Victor and noticed he was wearing some type of visor over his face. I looked back at Jake holding the gun and I shouted for him to stop.

"Scarlet look how this Jake is putting you in danger. Mark left you here alone and now Jake is ready to shoot a gun off here? Come over here and I'll keep you safe from him." Victors voice was low and soft.

" Do not listen to him Scarlet. That man is a monster and you will end up hurt if you stay here with him. You father Mark requested for me to take you away from him." Jakes voice was dripping with hate.

" How dare you accuse me of trying to hurt her. You are the one with a gun trying to take her from everything she has ever known. I have been loyal to her for as long as she can remember. You are a dangerous intruder and you have run into the guard dog of the house now. Also Mark Spencer has been coming down with serious paranoia. You can not trust him as he's been unwell…" Victor started to walk towards Jake with a menacing grin.

That's when I heard a blast followed by a loud ringing. I grabbed my head it was throbbing from the sound. I looked up and saw Victor was bleeding from his shoulder but he was not deterred he was still storming towards Jake. Suddenly he grabbed Jake by the collar and lifted him up single highhandedly. Jake tried to kick him, but he threw him against a wall. I heard Jake let out a scream and he grabbed his head and didn't try to get back up.

Victor quickly came over to check on me as if I had been injured.

" You are injured and it's my fault…. I'm sorry… I do not know what's happening anymore." I felt myself sob as I reached out to touch his shoulder.

"This is nothing I promise. That Jake agent was going to hurt you. I'm just glad I was here to stop him. Your father is on his way to meet with the board. I told them I had concerns about his recent actions." His voice sounded muffled and I could still hear the ringing.

I felt him grab me and pull me close.

"Scarlet. I'm going to have to put you somewhere safe while I deal with him. He's not dead and I do not want to lose you to him. Do you understand? You will stay put where I put you. I promise it won't take long."

I nodded and I clung to him. Victor picked me up and threw me over his shoulder and started towards the hall with the elevator. I didn't move or speak I already felt like this was somehow my fault. I could hear the elevator open and he ducked to step inside. As soon as the doors closed he clicked a button and swiped a card. The elevator I know went down to the guest floor and deeper down was where Victor worked. I was told to never go there it was completely off limits. As the elevator started down he put me down in front of him. I looked up at him and took his hand. He smiled softly as he pulled me closer to him.

The doors opened up to the floor with the offices and guest rooms. I was thankful as this was a part of the building I was slightly familiar with. I followed him out and down the long hallways. The lights were only half illuminated as no one was currently visiting. The silence between us was only broken by the clinging of his chain jewelry. When we came to the end of the hallway in front of one of the suites He pulled out another key card.

"Stay here and do not come out. I will come back for you. I have some forms here we will need to fill out together. I promise I will not make you wait long. Then in the morning I will take you to our new home." His smile widened.

"New home? What do you mean Victor?" I asked as I backed up into the room.

He simply guided me further in and shut the door leaving me alone. I heard a him tapping on a keypad initiating a special electric lock. I counted in my head till I thought he was far enough away and tried the door. I couldn't get the door to budge at all. I peeped out the peephole trying to see if He was close enough to see, but I could only see the walls ahead of the door.

I turned around and looked around the room. I had never actually entered one of these rooms. There was a large desk with several chairs, 2 bedrooms, and a small kitchen. I walked into one of the bedrooms that already had a light on. There were several papers on the desk and I noticed a small black and red metal band as well. It looked almost like a piece of jewelry the way it shined and how thin it was. I touched it gently and felt how cold it was. It looked like it might have some sort of electronics in it, but I wasn't sure. It even looked like it had a locking mechanism on it that was hidden by the design.

I looked down at the papers and sat in the chair. There were several stacks of what looked like legal documents. The first stack was a for a marriage license that already My name printed on it. There was a spot highlighted waiting for my signature. The second stack was for transfer of guardianship in case of emergency. This one gave me pause. The third stack was something about assets that I did not understand at all. All of these had already been sealed with approval. I wondered if these did not require a notary or to be approved after signing. Why were they already stamped with approval.

I tried to look over the documents closely but I didn't really understand any of it. Why would he need the guardianship paperwork or any of this? I kept looking but it was all to over my head to interpret.

I looked back over at the black and red band and picked it up. I tried to inspect it closer and noticed the red was actually light strip that activated when the band was against my skin. The metal was still cold and so smooth. I looked at the way it opened trying to figure out what it was for. It looked like simple jewelry but I was sure it was something more. I accidentally closed it and could not get it to reopen. It was completely locked and I could not even see where the hinge was anymore.

Turning I noticed the room phone on the bedside table and thought I would try calling father's cell phone. I picked up the receiver and dialed out. It rang a few times and He answered sounded disgruntled demanding to know who was calling. I immediately informed him of what happened with both Jake and Dr. Gideon. He became quiet and seemed to become almost distant in thought.

"Scarlet, The room you are in it should also have a key card access to override the electric lock. Please take the key card and use it to leave that room and take the elevator. I'm not sure what to tell you to do next right now. Just try to stay out of sight for now. Hide if you have too. There is an emergency safe room hidden behind the shelves inside my office. Go there if you can."

"What is this about Father? Tell me. I can not trust your instructions if you are not honest with me."

I heard him let out a sigh.

"Scarlet, Dr. Gideon is a brilliant man and a wonderful employee for our family. However what makes him so valuable also makes him dangerous. He has a tendency to become completely obsessed and He is also unethical in getting results. I know you confessed to him, but the problem is He has been watching you for much longer. Maybe even before you were of a age. I do not know for sure. I think He sees you as someone that He has a right to own. You are the last Spencer as I was unable to have a son. Meaning any husband you take inherits everything in the Spencer legacy. For a man that's been obsessed with your grandfather and continuing his work. Dr. Gideon sees you as a chance to be free of restrictions and regulations. You also carry Spencer DNA which has certain possible uses to him as well. This is not about him not being an elite or him being way too old for you. I never wanted to scare you, but you need to get moving now."

" Why did you never tell me? Just to not scare me? How can I be sure you are being honest now?" I felt my stomach churn thinking of those documents on the table.

" Scarlet….. I can not force you to do anything. If you wish to be with Dr. Gideon then so be it. However you have a right to know my concerns and a chance to leave before it's too late. You let him take you away and I will have no way to help you ever again. You will be completely on your own. Even if You decide to go with him. Is it not worth it to have time to think of over? Do not wait for him to come collect you if you are not absolutely sure. I will not warn you again. I know I have been distant, but I only want the best for you. I love you but everything I do to protect you has pushed you further in to his reach. Please use your time wisely. The clock is ticking. I have to let you go now I'm about to arrive to meet the board."

I heard the phone click and the busy tone started to go off before I could tell him what Victor said. I felt my mind race as I began pacing the room. I looked over at the table cluttered with legal documents and pulled out the master key card I was given.

It's just to give myself time to think. That's all I'm not making a decision right now

I walked over to the room entry and put the key card against the black scanner which lit up green. I heard the electric lock disengage and I pulled the door open. Before stepping out I peeked down the long hall to make sure I was still alone.

Finally I stepped a foot past the door entry and the walls seemed much longer than I remember. It felt like the walls were so much closer than I remember. The elevator was so far off and the air became suffocating. I forced myself with each step not to look back as the safety the room held. Every small noise felt like a shock even my own footsteps seemed too loud.

When I finally made it to the elevator I froze. Part of of felt like as soon as I hit that button and the doors opened He would be there waiting. I was not afraid of him in the traditional sense, but I felt so torn on the information I was being fed. I pushed the button and felt my body tense up. I could here the elevator start moving inside the walls. It sounded like it was coming from below me so I stepped to the side and pushed myself against the wall. When it opened I waited before letting myself peek inside. It was of coarse empty and I stepped inside. I pushed myself in the very corner right below the camera. I attempted to make myself as small as possible to not catch the cameras view.

I carefully swiped the card and pushed the button for the top floor. As the level number lit up I also saw a light turn on for one of the lower floors. I waited to see how the elevator would respond and thankfully it started to ascend instead of descend. I closed my eyes and tried to take even breaths as I watched the numbers on the elevator pass.

When I finally reached the top floor I let myself slide past the camera, but I'm pretty sure it caught me. For now I had several floors and a few minutes of time to decide what to do. The doors closed behind me and the elevator immediately started it's descent back down. I assume to that Victor was on his way up. He must know I am out of the room as the elevator went up before coming to him. My heart felt crushed I wasn't sure what to believe anymore. Victor had never done anything to make me worry. Last night He came on really strong and the documents…. However He was someone who was always intense this was just how He was handling the situation. Right?

I stood there for a moment wondering if I should just talk to him, but as the elevator started to show the car moving between floors I felt myself tremble. The car was getting closer, but suddenly stopped at one of the lower levels on lantern hall level indicator. Is he going to check on me? Does He still think I'm down there?

My family was a part of the Umbrella corporation, but I never really understood what that meant. What might have seemed unusual to others was my normal life. I was sheltered and overprotected by my father. He kept me hidden away but it was such a lonely existence. My mother had passed during childbirth and I did not have much of anyone else aside from Mark Spencer, my father and Dr. Victor Gideon, and fathers staff. Growing up with Dr. Gideon as the only non related man around and I had a bit of a crush to say the least. He was always kind to me and would even bring me small gifts. Nothing major just small things like sketchbooks and journals to write in. When He was not working he was always nearby I would catch him watching me every so often. He did not speak to me much and seemed like He was always deep in thought.

After what I did, Why did I ever think I could escape his grasp?

I had thrown myself to him when I was only twenty. It was a silly crush that I let grow into a small obsession. A close family confidant who was loyal and trustworthy. Dr. Victor Gideon was a very tall imposing man who seemed to make others around him uneasy. He was much older than me maybe in his early 50's and was tall enough to have to lean over when walking through doors. Every time I looked at him I could not help but feel my heart race. I wanted so badly to see how far down his chest scar went. To feel what it would feel like under my fingers. I wondered what he was thinking about and if he ever had a love life before.

I would occasionally catch him looking my way and i would catch myself hoping he could see me as I do him. I doubted it though as I felt so insignificant as just a daughter of the Spencer name. I did not offer much compared to his brilliance. He was a man of science and driven by the idea of evolution. However the heart will always eventually speak it's mind whether you want it to or not. My heart was determined to bleed its truth for him even if it was not meant to be.

The night I finally told him all my inhibitions flew out the window.. Something in me snapped and I just let it all out. I came up to him on a night my father was out of town. It was not common for me to alone with him as there were always staff close. It was my one chance to finally let him know my feelings, but I did not have the experience to do so tactfully. I had run into his arms and embraced him tightly like a desperate child. I told how I longed for his hold and how I thought of him constantly. I remember his arms shaking as he slowly started embracing me back. His grip felt unsure as he touched me lightly. I shoved my face into his black vest feeling the latches press into my cheek. I wanted to stay that way forever with him there. For the first time I felt his cold skin against mine and I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His breath sounded ragged as I felt one of his hands touch my neck. He was feeling my pulse which was more than likely erratic. The air around us felt like it was surging with electricity and time was slowing down. His fingers traced further down my neck after a moment.

"Scarlet?!… This is unexpected…" You should not say things you simply do not mean. Please do not toy with this old mans heart… It is very unbecoming of a young lady. You are all worked up…" Dr. Gideon gasped.

“Dr. Gideon…. I know I may not be anywhere near your standards but I can not deny my feelings… I can not ever see myself with anyone else but you. I need you like I need the air to breathe. I know I might not ever be good enough for you but i had to finally tell you. I might never have the courage or chance too again.” I shut my eyes tight as I poured my emotions out. I was ready for his rejection with tears already starting to fall.

"My standards?…. Miss Scarlet You are very very important to me. You are maybe the most precious thing in this estate."

I felt him shift his balance as he finally committed to embracing me fully.

" Are you absolutely sure you want a man such as myself? If I take your confession seriously it will change everything in your life. I have watched you from afar hoping that one day I could get close to you. its been so many years of yearning. To know that you are lineage to Master Spencer… That you would want me in this way. I hope you understand I may not be able to ever let you go after this moment. So if you are not 100 percent sure you need to tell me now…." It was like the man i knew shattered and was replaced by a man who was desperately starved.

I felt his energy completely shift, no longer the composed and respectful man I saw before. His energy felt almost dark and possessive as he pulled me closer. i felt myself freeze with a sudden unease. However I didn't pull away or even try too.

His hand grabbed the back of my head as he pulled me even closer to where I could not breathe. Any gap between our bodies had completely vanished. My hands had pulled in and were resting against his chest.

" …… So be it then. From now on Miss Scarlet you will only ever be for me. No one else do you understand? I will not tolerate anything less as you are mine and mine alone."

His voice darkened and I felt his face move close to the nape of my neck.

I felt my heart jump into my chest as his hands started to caress much further down my back. My hands dug into his snake skin coat looking for anything to anchor myself to.

"Doctor Gideon…." Was all I could muster to say.

“No more Doctor Gideon my dear Scarlet…. You may simply call me Victor as I belong to you as well. For now we need to wait…. Would you wait for me…. I need to make some arrangements if this is going to work…. I need to prepare everything it has to be perfect. You understand of coarse as a woman as mature as yourself."

I could feel his lips almost touching my throat as he let out a small growl.

"What kind of arrangements?"

I asked nervously.

"You let me worry about that…. We will need to keep this between us and no one else. For tonight though…. I will hold you as my Scarlet. Mine and mine alone."

Finally letting a small space grow between us, but immediately grabbing my wrist forcefully. I could see a grin on his face flashing his gold crooked teeth. I should have been unnerved but this felt like being seen by a man for the first time. He was not just any man either, He was the top of his field. He was perfect in every way in my eyes. Between my unease and excitement I was not sure what was making me tick anymore.

"Lets go to your room and let this moment be in each other's embrace…."

I felt my face turn completely red as He looked me over. He started pulling me along with him taking long strides. I tried my best to keep up with him. I tripped slightly, but He pulled me up and then threw me over his shoulder. His pace quickened and I started to feel a larger pang of anxiety hit me. I felt like I had no longer had any control of the situation, but I knew He would never hurt me. He was a loyal man to the family and I could trust him with my life. I felt his hand grip tight on my hip and I felt my weight shift with each step He took.

When We finally reached my bedroom door He set me down still holding my wrist as if I would dash He pushed the door open and walked in like He had been there many times. I eyed him nervously as He walked towards the bed. His jewelry clinging and his heavy boots sounded so loud. Even my own breath sounded like it could wake the dead. Maybe it was just the idea that if we were caught it would be seen as controversial. I watched him turn to me by my bed and reach his hand out.

"I just want to hold you like you mentioned. I will not do anything you do not permit from me. However I wish to hold what belongs to me." His voice sounded stern and part of me wanted to disappear. I took a step back out of instinct and Dr. Gideon lunged grabbing my wrist.

"Don't try to leave now my dear Scarlet. You wanted this didn't you? This does not have to be hard. If you truly want me like you say, then you will allow me to hold you. I promise I will not hurt you not ever."

His voice sweetened as his grip on my wrist tightened. It was tight enough to be painful. I stepped closer to him responding to his demands. He was right after all I wanted this. I shouldn't be a tease and then try to run away.

I lifted the covers and slid into the bed and I felt him slid behind me. I felt his heavy arms wrap around me like a vice. He pulled the blankets over us and I could hear him let out a sigh of relief. His body was so cold even under the blankets i felt a chill run up my spine. I felt so tiny there against him like he could easily devour me into his shadow. I felt him relax against me and his chest rise and fall with each breath.

"Doctor Gideon, Do you really have feelings for me?"

I whispered feeling like this was just a cruel trick. A way for him to punish me for touching him. He had always been so cold and not one to let others touch him easily. This could just be his way of putting me in my place.

I was a foolish young woman trying to come on to him one of the lead scientists. His grip started to tense again as well as wrapping one of his legs over me. It was suddenly suffocating as the man I always dreamed up was showing a side that was beginning to frighten me.

"Scarlet, it is only Victor now I already told you. I promise you I have longed for you as well. I had hoped that I could one day claim you as my own. I always thought I was a fool to hope a young woman of your class would come to me. Now that I know…. Scarlet I hope you realize I will not ever let you go. Even if you tried to leave I would never let you leave. To know that my masters kin would fall for me. This moment right here I will cherish for the rest of my life. This feels like destiny finally coming to fruition." His voice was dripping with both a sweet melody as well as something darker.

His grip tightened as if He thought I would try to bolt away. The thought of forever made me feel a rush of adrenaline.This was the first time I had ever been in love and to me this amount of affection felt dangerous yet slightly addictive.

"Are you enjoying the comfort of my obsession Scarlet? Does it make you feel safe?" He let out a heavy breath against the back of my neck.

Suddenly I felt his tongue trace along a sensitive part of my neck along my jaw. His tongue felt like it was split and I let out a moan from the sudden feeling. It made me feel something I never felt before. My entire body started to shake from the sudden rush. He seemed to enjoy my reaction as he continued further down my neck.

"Victor this is sudden. I don't know what to do…."

"Shhhh I will take care of you. Please do not fret right now. I always wanted to know what you tasted like my dear. One day I want to taste all of you." He let out a low growl in my ear.

Suddenly there was a loud banging coming from the hall. It was likely father had come home early. I felt my stomach drop as I knew father warned me not to bother Dr. Gideon and to keep my distance. When I told my father I had liked him years ago he was unamused by it. It was clear he would not have approved.

Dr. Gideon jumped up and gave me a grin before leaving the room.

"Scarlet, do not forget this is our secret. Your father would be very disappointed to know his precious daughter was caught in my web. Do not fret my dear after I make some arrangements we will never be apart again."

He left in a huff and I was not sure if I should have been more weary of the noise or his promise. I sat there for what felt like forever trying to process everything that happened. Part of me believed it had all been a dream. In my head I figured he would have rejected me or maybe even asked me to wait till I was older. At most maybe a kiss, but this was something different entirely. My heart was still racing. Part of me was scared but a other part was happy. I was torn, but he was older and I had never been with anyone before. This must be normal right? Dr. Gideon was well respected and if he was acting this way it must be the way all men act.

A few days after my confession to Dr. Gideon my father suddenly started introducing suitors. It was a sudden change as if a switch was flipped. He said I was at an age where I needed to consider having a family. It was like a rotating door that kept bringing men around. It was very strange my father had usually pushed the idea of me getting married off. He always said you can't rush these things, but now he had flipped the script. I partly wondered if it was the board pushing him. I had no idea that he knew exactly what happened and was trying to stop it.

As the weeks dragged forward with each new suitor I started to become numb to them. The months seemed compound to nothing. I had not chosen anyone and my father was becoming more agitated. I also had noticed Dr. Gideon had been absent an awful lot. I heard He was sent on a mission to retrieve something for the family. Something called Elpis? The longer He was away the more I felt like it was just a dream and that He would have never betrayed my father even if He did have feelings for me.

One day I ran across a work report my father had left on his desk. Inside it was a picture of a beautiful girl named Grace Ashcroft. The notes mentioned Dr. Gideon had been watching her for a long time. There was also handwriting by my father which read:

Dr. Gideon has become obsessed with Grace Ashcroft to a concerning degree. Possible that he wants to keep her after mission as a wife? Please pay her off if so.

That's when I felt my heart drop. It was not real it never was. He must love her, She's so pretty and she even looks slightly older than me. I felt so hurt but at the same time I wanted him to be happy. The file mentioned very little details on her, but her photo was enough. She had gorgeous blonde hair and a pretty face. I felt myself run my hands through my short brown hair.

The same day I ran across that file was the day my father excitably introduced me to Jake. He was tall and kind with a smile that seemed contagious. More importantly to my father he was in my status and age range. We had a few meetings, but I did not really see anything serious between us. However he kept me from feeling so lonely. He was constantly asking how I was and what I wanted to do. Jake felt like a puppy who was only determined to follow their person. It was sweet but it seemed forced like it was all an act.

After another week had passed Dr. Victor Gideon finally came back. He looked really beat up and his arm it was replaced by a what looked like monstrous tendrils. I watched when he returned and walked through those doors. He was rushed to by other scientists helping him towards the lab. They immediately also took a gold vial from him and placed it in a container that was cold enough to produce smoke. I wanted to go and ask if he was okay, but I watched as the commotion was going, to afraid I would be in the way. I did not see a girl with him but maybe she would come later. Thinking about that broke something inside of me.

He would stay in the labs to recover for a few weeks. I tried to ask father if he was okay, but father said I did not need to worry. I was not allowed to go see him and I was kept in the dark on what happened. I was glad to see he was back though. I wondered if Grace would come here maybe. I almost did not want to see her as part of me still wanted to be what he wanted. I let myself wander the estate aimlessly when I was alone to pass the time. I also allowed Jake to continue his visits.

I would continue to spend time with Jake who seemed more pushy lately about making a decision on if I would consider being with him. As more time went by Dr. Gideon finally came out of recovery and seemed to skulk around. He seemed distraught every time I saw him and I was told it was just stress from the mission. Father attempted to put as much distance between me and Dr. Gideon as possible. Dr. Gideon would be in places He usually did not frequent running into me in the process. However it was usually when Jake or my father was around. When I did see him in passing His arm appeared to be back to normal too like it had never been any different. I wondered if I had imagined the monstrous appendage with all the commotion.

One night when I was in bed I heard a light clinking down the hall as well as the sound of heavy boots. It was him I could tell and I felt my heart skip a beat. It had been several months sense that night I told him. The sounds got closer till they were right in front of my door. I gripped the covers like it would protect me from being swallowed by my own mind. The room seemed to close in as I was not sure what to expect from him.

There was a light tap on the door and I could not remember if I had locked it or not. The next knock was louder and I heard him sing my name in a playful way.

"Scarlet…. Scarlet won't you let me in. I've longed for you for too long and your about to be my sin…" The doorknob began to twist and the door opened with a loud creak. He immediately stormed towards me with a large grin stopping only to tower over me. I met his gaze and felt like I couldn't move. He leaned over using his large frame and arms to pin me to the bed.

"Scarlet, I missed you. You have not forgotten about me have you? I've been thinking about you nonstop. I never even got to kiss you before….." his smile widened even more and I felt like I was drowning under him. I could not even speak I laid there with my eyes wide just waiting.

Dr. Gideons hand grabbed my chin forcing me to make eye contact with him. He leaned down closer until I could feel and taste his breath. I felt his other arm force under my back lifting me slightly as he studied my expression. Time seemed to stop as he closed the distance and I felt his lips crash against mine. I couldn't move or struggle and I wasn't even sure I wanted too. He let go of my chin and cupped the back of my head. This was the first time I had ever been kissed and it was so possessive. His lips felt swollen against mine and I could feel the scar on his lip drag against my lips. He forced his tongue into my mouth as his fingers dug into my back. I let out a moan into him as he tasted me. He tasted metallic like blood or metal. When he finally pulled away he let out a hiss.

" Scarlet you belong to only me remember. Your father is trying to take you away from me. That Jake is just a tool. I will not tolerate you entertaining him any longer." I froze at his words unable to think clearly.

"Dr. Gideon, I thought…. What about that girl Grace?" He grabbed my hand and pulled it against his chest.

"It's Victor…… This heart of mine only beats for you. I hope you have not forgotten that I told you I would never let you go. I will not allow Jake to take what belongs to me. Grace was a mission to retrieve Elpis." His hands tightened my hand closer to his chest. I could see his eyes darken.

"But…. I read that you were obsessed with her in the file…." My voice was barely a whisper.

" File? What do you mean my dear Scarlet? Grace was simply work related and besides I have everything I need here. Must I show you my work and remind you that you are my only obsession. Tell me….. could Jake ever truly take you from me? Have you considered it?"

"Jake is no one to me! I promise I waited for you. I only let him hang around to get father off my back. I only belong to you" I was worried my voice gave away my fear but he did not seem bothered. Dr. Gideons grip on my hand loosened and he smiled again.

"Such a good girl you are my dear Scarlet." His voice was dripping with a sickly sweet tone. Dr. Gideon pulled me into his arms and let out a purr as He inhaled my scent. I had forgotten how strong He was. I let my head rest against his chest while my hands played with the latches on his vest from the anxious energy. He let out a chuckle and laid back against the mattress taking me with him.

"Scarlet I will take care of Jake, You should not have to feel obligated to deal with him yourself. Let me take care of this for you." I simply nodded and let myself lean into his chest further.

Why did I ever think I could escape his grasp?

I had promised myself to him when I was young. It was a silly childhood crush that I let grow into my teenage years. A close family friend who was loyal and trustworthy. I was 17 at the time with a timid demeanor. I was so lonely and it seemed so innocent. When I told him he seemed caught off guard. A flash of what looked like joy went straight to a disapproving look. He rejected me and I never told anyone that I did it. I was crushed with pangs of guilt. I was to be married per the family rules and here I was screwing things up.

My family was a part of the Umbrella corporation, but I never really understood what that meant. What might have seemed unusual to others was my normal life. I was sheltered and overprotected by my father. He treated me like a frail bird. My mother had passed during childbirth and I did not have much of anyone else. Mark Spencer, my father and Dr. Victor Gideon was the main company around me. I did have some interaction with female maids. I would hear them gossip about me and who they thought I would marry. Supposedly there is a list of suitors, but I was always kept in the dark. Marrying a stranger seemed like a task I was just expected to perform. From one cage to another with the same results.

I never really felt important here. I was only a pawn in the world. As soon as I was married whoever it was too would assume my father's role. Whatever that implied I was not sure. Father was always stressed about the board like they controlled everything. Whoever they are, I hope they rot in hell.

Shortly after my confession to Dr. Gideon my father suddenly started introducing suitors. It was a sudden change as if a switch was flipped. Each man I met felt weak in my eyes. I had heard Dr. Gideon rant about how human evolution was the only way forward. These men were fragile just like my father. If I had to marry I wanted to make the Spencer family evolve. Maybe one day I could even evolve, but that idea disturbed me. No it would be what I pass on, not myself. I rejected every suitor I was introduced to too.

As my life dragged forward loneliness continued to consume me. The months and years it all compounded to nothing. I had not chosen anyone and my father was becoming more pushy. The board was riding on him as my 21st birthday neared. That is when I met Jake, the first suiter I ever really felt attracted to. This may have been just my sanity leaving me, but I could see it working.

Jake was tall and kind with a smile that seemed contagious. We met several times with dates that were always chaperoned by a maid. I think they volunteered just to gossip. father did not share the progress with anyone. Almost like he was worried others would intervene. Well He might have been right as after the fifth date Dr. Gideon had been skulking around more than usual. He seemed so angry like a deep rage was growing inside. Those women had told everyone hoping for more details like my life was a Soap opera. The next time I would see Jake would be the last time.