“I said no cumming for you, but yet you disagreed with me and went in there and touched yourself. Why? Is it because gave you privacy in the bathroom?” Dominic’s voice was calm, cold, but laced with something dangerous 

He was the a predator trying to catch a prey. 

His fingers slid under my chin, tilting my head up so I had no choice but to meet his dark, unrelenting gaze. “Do you want me to place guards in there, watching you in your most private moments?” 

I gulped, my stomach twisting with frustration and humiliation. “Fuck you,” I snapped, jerking my head out of his grip Dominic’s smirk disappeared, replaced with something sharper. He stepped closer, his presence suffocating as he towere over me. “Try again, Aria” 

“Fuck You“Ispat the words with as much venom as I could muster, my chest heaving as I glared at him. 

His hand moved fast, gripping the back of my neck and pulling me close. His mouth was on mine before I could say another word, rough and demanding. 

I pushed against his chest, but it was like trying to move a brick wall. 

The kiss wasn’t gentle. 

It wasn’t sweet. 

It was a reminder, a punishment, and a warning all in one 

His teeth grazed my lower lip, and I gasped, giving him the opening he wanted to deepen the kiss. 

His tongue played with mine, his teeth grazing against it. 

My hands pressed against him, trying to shove him away, but the heat building inside me betrayed the fight in my head. 

I should have bite his lower lips or his tongue but I didn’t 

When he finally pulled back, I was breathless, my lips tingling from the force of it. He didn’t let go of my neck, keeping me close as his dark eyes bore into mine. 

“You don’t get to tell me no, cara mia, he said, his voice low and steady, dripping with authority. “Not when you signed your life over to me. Do you understand?” 

I clenched my fists, my body trembling with anger. “You can’t just- 

His grip tightened slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to make me stop talking. “Oh, but I can,” he interrupted. “And I will. Your performance? It’s not optional. Your obedience? Not negotiable. If you think for one second that you can defy me you’re wrong” 

“You don’t own me,” I said through gritted teeth, my voice shaky but defiant 

Dominic laughed softly, the sound mocking as he leaned closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “Don’t I?” 

I froze, my breath hitching as his words sank in 

“You signed the contract, Ania, he continued, his tone softer now but no less whether you like it or not, you’re mine for the next five months. Every part of you.” 

commanding. “You agreed to my terms. And 

My stomach chumed as he released my neck, stepping back just enough to let me breathe 

“Tonight was a warning, Dominic said, his eyes never leaving mine. “You don’t get to decide when or how to cum. That’s my job. If you try to defy me again. He trailed off, letting the threat hang in the air. 

I wanted to scream at him, to slap that smug look off his face, but I knew it wouldn’t make a difference. 

“Do you understand?” he asked, his voice sharp as his fingers brushed my jaw, forcing me to meet his gaze again. 

I hesitated, my pride warring with the reality of my situation. Finally, I nodded, my teeth clenched so hard my jaw ached “Say it he demanded. 

“Yes, I understand,” I ground out, hating the way the word tasted in my mouth 

Dominic’s smirk returned, and he stepped back, his eyes flicking over me like he was inspecting his property. “Good girl,” he said, his tone dripping with satisfaction 

I hated him 

I hated the way he looked at me, the way hem. Successfully unlocked! 

nore than a pawn in his game. 

was gone. 

But more than that, I hated the way my body reacted to him, the way his touch ingered on my skin even after he wa 

“Good morning” a voice said, waking me up from my slumber. 

Chapter kn 

1 blinked, disented for a moment as I sat up A young woman stood of the foot of my bed, holding a tray of food 

She had soft brown hair tied in a loose braid and kind green eyes that studied me careful 

“I’m Rosa” she said with a polite smile. “Tim one of the maids here. Mr. De Luca instructed me to bring you breakfast” 

I stared at her for a moment before nodding, pulling the blanket tighter around myself. “Okay” 

Rosa set the tray down on the table beside me 

Eggs, toast, some grape fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee. It smelled amazing, and my stomach growled on cue 

I can’t remember the last time I ate like this 

I wondered, was mama eating? I wonder how she was 

1shook my head. Not wanting to think about it 

Rosa cocked her head “is the food not to your liking?” 

I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. 

“You should eat,” she said gently. “It’s important to keep your strength up 

ip for y 

your activities” 

Thesitated before grabbing a piece of toast, chewing slowly as Rosa began tidying up the room 

Her movements were quick and efficient even though she didn’t seem rushed. 

“I’ll take you around the mansion once you’re ready” she said, glancing at me with a small smile. “It’s a big place, but you’ll get used to it” 

I nodded again, swallowing a bite of toast. “Okay.” 

Rasa didn’t push for conversation, and I appreciated that 

I really wasn’t in the mood for small talks. 

Not when my life have literally just turned upside down. 

After I finished eating, she handed me a fresh set of clothes, soft black leggings and an oversized sweater that smelled faintly of lavender 

“You can change in the bathroom,” she said, gesturing toward the adjoining door. 

I did as the instructed, and when I came out, she was waiting by the door with a patient smile. “Come on, Rosa said mationing for me to follow her. “I’ll show you around.” 

The mansion was as grand as it was intimidating. Marble floors, high ceilings, and expensive artwork lined every hallway. Rosa explained the layout as we waked, pointing out various rooms, the library, the dining hall, Dominic’s study which was off limits, and a massive indoor pool I didn’t even know existed. 

“And this Rosa said as we rounded a corner, is the game mom.” 

The door to the room was slightly ajar, and I could hear the sound of laughter from inside. My body tensed as Rosa pushed the door open, revealing a man lounging on a couch with a drink in his hand. 

He was tall and lean, with messy dark hair and a relaxed, easy smile. His T–shirt had a faded logo of a popular video game used to play. 

“Ahh the man said, his grin widening as he saw me. “You must be Aria Mar 

Mantel My brother’s new toy” 

My jaw tightened at his words, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t like the way he said it, like I was some kind of object to be passed around. 

“Julian Rosa said sharply, giving him a look 

Julian held up his hands in mack surrender, still grinning. “What? I’m just making conversation. 

“Ignore him” Rosa said to me, her tone exasperated. “He’s harmless, mostly 

Julian laughed, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off his jeans. T’m Dominic’s younger brother he said, extending a hand toward me. 

I hesitated before shaking it briefly. “Aria,” I said flatly 

Herased an eyebrow, clearly amused by my cunt tone. “I know who you are. Dominic’s been going on about you for weeks. It’s hard not to be curious about the girl who’s managed to get under his skin.” 

i frowned, unsure how to respond, so I didn’t. 

Julian’s eyes flicked to Ross “I take it from here” he said, waving her aff 

“Are you sure?” Rosa asked, glancing between us. 

“Positive, Julian said with a wink. “Ill be on my best behavior, I promise! 

Chapter 10 

Rosa sighed but nodded. “Fine. I’ll check in later.” She gave me a reassuring smile before leaving the room. 

Once she was gone, Julian turned back to me, his grin still firmly in place. “So,” he said, gesturing to the T–shirt he was wearing. “You play?” 

I blinked, surprised. “Yeah.” 

His smile widened. “No way. What’s your favorite class?” 

I shrugged, keeping my answer short. “Mage.” 

Julian laughed, leaning against the back of the couch. “Figures. You strike me as someone who likes blowing things up from a distance. 

I crossed my arms, giving him a skeptical look. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Nothing bad,” he said quickly, holding up his hands. I’m just saying, mages have all the power without getting their hands dirty. Smart choice.” 

I didn’t respond, my gaze flicking to the screen behind him. The game was paused, mid–battle, and I recognized the level immediately. 

“You stuck?” I asked, nodding toward the screen. 

Julian laughed again. “Wow, she speaks in full sentences. No, I’m not stuck. I just got distracted.” 

I rolled my eyes, but there was a small part of me that was amused despite myself. 

“Tell you what” Julian said, his tone light. “Why don’t we hit the arcade? You can show me your skills.” 

I frowned, shaking my head. “I can’t leave the mansion.” 

“Who said anything about leaving the mansion?” he replied with a smirk. 

The same kind that reminded me of his brother. 

A