Elena barely had time to comprehend what was happening before she found herself standing in a grand mansion, surrounded by men in suits and women with sharp eyes. The air smelled of expensive cologne and cigars, and the weight of danger pressed against her skin.
"Marry me," Alessandro commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Elena's heart pounded. "You're insane. I don't even know you."
He stepped closer, his fingers tilting her chin up. "You know enough. And I don't like to be disobeyed."
She swallowed hard, her mind racing. She had no choice, did she? She had walked into this world the moment she pressed that cloth to his wound. Now, she was trapped.
Her pulse quickened as Alessandro reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring—a massive diamond set in a platinum band. It was beautiful, stunning even, but it felt like a shackle.
"I won't do this," she whispered.
Alessandro's eyes darkened. "You will."
Before she could protest, his hands were on her waist, pulling her flush against him. His heat enveloped her, his scent intoxicating. "You saved my life, Elena. Now you're mine."
Tears burned at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "This isn't fair."
He brushed his lips against her ear, his voice a seductive threat. "Life isn't fair, bella. But I always get what I want."
Her hands trembled as she took the ring, slipping it onto her finger with resignation. The moment it was on, Alessandro's smirk deepened.
"Good girl," he murmured before capturing her lips in a searing kiss.
Elena gasped against his mouth, her hands pressing against his chest in protest, but he didn't let her go. His grip tightened, his dominance unquestionable. When he finally pulled away, her lips were swollen, her breath ragged.
"Tomorrow, we wed," Alessandro declared, his voice laced with finality.
Elena's stomach twisted. She felt like a prisoner in a golden cage, surrounded by luxury but bound by chains she couldn't break.
---
That night, she was escorted to a lavish bedroom, one that looked like it belonged to a queen. The bed was massive, covered in silk sheets, and a wardrobe full of expensive dresses lined the wall. But none of it made her feel safe.
She paced the room, panic gripping her chest. There had to be a way out. She couldn't marry him. She wouldn't.
A knock at the door startled her. Before she could answer, it swung open, revealing Alessandro. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze heavy with possession.
"You should rest," he said.
Elena stiffened. "I don't need your concern."
His smirk was predatory. "You need a lot of things, Elena. And soon, you'll learn that I provide everything."
She glared at him. "I don't want this. I don't want you."
He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Lies, bella," he whispered, tilting her chin up once more. "Your body betrays you."
Her breath hitched as his fingers brushed over her pulse, feeling the rapid beat of her heart. She hated that he was right. There was something about him—something dark, something forbidden—that made her stomach tighten with an emotion she didn't want to name.
"You don't have a choice," he continued. "Tomorrow, you become my wife. And soon after, you'll become mine in every way."
A shiver ran down her spine at his words. "You can't force me."
Alessandro chuckled darkly. "I don't have to force what is inevitable."
With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him. Elena let out a shaky breath, sinking onto the bed. She had walked into a nightmare, and there was no way out.
Tomorrow, she would be his.
And there was nothing she could do to stop it.