Kaelan’s wrists throbbed as the ropes bit into his skin, binding him firmly to a sleek, leather chair. He sat in the center of a modern, minimalist living room that was far too pristine for what he’d expect from a villain. The walls were a soft gray, adorned with abstract art pieces and framed photographs, each carefully placed to maintain an air of sophistication. Large floor-to-ceiling windows let in streams of natural light, illuminating the polished wood floors and expensive-looking furniture. The place felt more like a luxury apartment than the lair of a man who had chosen to tie him up without much warning.

A sly grin broke across Kaelan's face as he looked up at his captor, feigning a nonchalance he didn’t quite feel. “I’ve got to hand it to you,” he said, chuckling. “If you wanted me over, you could’ve just invited me. No need for the theatrics.” He tilted his head, eyes lingering on the careful arrangement of decor that was somehow both stylish and cold, much like his captor himself. The irony of sitting here, restrained in a room that looked more suited for business meetings or fancy dinners, only added to his amusement.

Kaelan’s gaze drifted around the room, taking in the meticulous design choices, the sharp lines and clean surfaces that spoke volumes about his captor's personality. The man had an eye for detail, clearly, and Kaelan couldn’t resist pushing his buttons. “Nice place you’ve got here,” he remarked with a hint of admiration laced with teasing. “Didn’t expect a villain’s hideout to look like it came out of a magazine. What’s next? You going to offer me a drink?” He arched a brow, a mischievous glint in his eye, waiting to see how far he could push before he got a reaction.

There was an unsettling calmness in his captor's demeanor, a composed intensity that made Kaelan’s heart pound faster, though he masked it with another chuckle. “You know, tying me up like this just makes me more curious about you,” he continued, shifting slightly against the restraints. “It’s almost flattering, really. Here I thought I was just another thorn in your side, and yet, here we are.” He knew he was tempting fate, but there was a strange satisfaction in knowing he’d managed to captivate enough to bring him here, even if it was under questionable circumstances.