ra'

bones. He had kidnapped me. He had told me I was going to marry him, and there was no escaping that. The chilling thought gnawed

My mind was racing, trying to come up with a plan, a way out. But the truth

e. It was grand and imposing, everything about it screamed wealth and

han a fleeting glance before walking to the front of the house. I followed him reluctantly, my f

iss. The interior of the house was cold, all sleek marble and dark wood. I had never seen anyth

the time being," Damien said, his voi

cus on anything else. He led me through a few more rooms, each one more lavish than t

and it creaked slightly as he opened it, revealing a large bed covered in black si

id flatly, stepping as

und as I took in my new surroundings. There was no escap

ered before turning

for me to leave, to run away and never look back, but where would I go

fainter as he walked away. I let out a long breath I had

-

en's

was a complication I didn't need, but she was a necessary one. I had never been one to deal

her to. There was defiance in her eyes, something raw and untamed. That's what drew me to her in the first place

er of the life I had built-a life of solitude and power, a life that allowed me to control everything around me.

ights twinkled in the distance, a constant reminder of the life I had built, t

e anything more than a tool for a business deal, a woman who w

y thoughts, and I glanced at the screen. It was a

still on?" Ma

about it. "Yes," I typed bac

set in stone. I had no intention of backing down, no

-

*Clara

ike a storm in my mind. There was no way I could marry him. I didn't even

who clearly had no conscience. He hadn't even told me why he wanted to

amien. I had no doubt about it. When he entered, the air around me grew heavier

lming for you, Clara," he said in a tone that bordered on condescending. "But you're not in

wasn't it? He wasn't asking me to marry him because he wanted a wife. He was asking be

I said, my voice tre

a choice. You've already signed the contr

n just buy me?" I spat, my voice shaking with anger. "

on't care what you think," he said coldly. "I don

t my sides. "I'll never comply

flicker of something in his gaze. Not anger, not frust

quietly. "But don't make the mistake of thinki

-

en's

irable. But it wouldn't last. Clara was a complication, but I always dealt with complications. I

rning away. "Tomorrow we'

n't care. Her resistance only made her more interestin

was far from over, and the power I wielded came w