Page 26

Before she can close the door behind her, I hear a faint sound. A giggle. Adeline’s voice, I think, from somewhere deeper in the apartment.

I turn toward it, and my eyes lock on the blonde woman emerging from the hallway. She freezes when she sees me, her eyes wide and surprised. She doesn’t look scared, just confused. It seems she’s trying to figure out who the hell I am and why I’m suddenly looming in her best friend’s apartment.

She crosses her arms, glancing from me to Daniela. “Uh, hi?” she says, taking a step back. “Who are you?”

I can’t help the smirk that spreads across my face. This is almost too perfect. “Who? Me?” I say with a sarcastic chuckle, giving Daniela a look that I’m sure is dripping with possessive intent. “I’m her boyfriend. Don’t you know?”

Adeline’s eyes widen, and she raises an eyebrow. “Boyfriend?” She looks at Daniela, who’s too stunned to speak for a second. “Since when?”

I shrug nonchalantly, trying to make it seem like the most natural thing in the world. “A few weeks now.” I shoot Daniela a glance. “Didn’t you tell her, baby?”

Daniela, of course, looks like she wants to strangle me. She clenches her fists, her jaw tight with frustration. “Remo, don’t—”

But I cut her off, not even looking at her. “Adeline, right?” I ask, directing my attention back to the blonde. “Sorry to cut your girl time short, but I think it’s time for you to go.” And with that, I turn back to Daniela. “Me and you are going to have a talk right now.”

Adeline’s not stupid. She takes a long look at me, then at Daniela, and just shakes her head with a short laugh. “You two are…something else.”

I don’t wait for her to say anything more. I step in front of her and give her a polite nudge out the door. “Go on. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.”

As I close the door behind her, I hear her call back, “If you hurt her, I’ll track you down. And I’m serious.”

I watch Daniela flinch, and I know she’s trying to hold her ground. But I don’t give her the space to argue. I walk right past her, into the apartment, and start pacing. Her place looks small and too normal for what I’m used to. No luxury, just a mess of sketches, art supplies, and photographs that make me feel like I’m intruding on something personal. Like I don’t belong here. But I don’t care. I step into her world with my boots heavy on the floor, making sure she knows I’m here.

She crosses her arms and glares at me. “Seriously, Remo?”

I stop and face her. “You think you can run away? From me?” I take a step closer, my voice dropping low. “Didn’t I tell you notto do exactly that? You’re to be wherever I want you, however I want you. Whether you like it or not.”

“And I told you I’m not your damn property,” she snaps.

I’m so damn tired of hearing her talk like she has any real power. “You think your little escape is some kind of victory?” My patience wears thin. “You’re not as free as you think you are, Daniela. Now that you’re involved with me, there are people who won’t even bat an eyelash before they use you against me.” I take another step forward, my eyes darkening. “I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing this for you.”

She holds her ground, even though I can see the flicker of uncertainty behind her eyes. “I’m not stupid. You can’t manipulate me into staying with you. I’m not some pet you can lock in a cage, Remo.” She spits the words out like venom. “And I’m not afraid of you.”

I step closer, too close. I can smell the faint trace of her perfume, and it does nothing to settle the fire inside me. “You should be.”

The words hit her like a punch. I can see it in her eyes—the fear she won’t admit, the understanding that no matter what she does, she’s tangled in my world now.

Her voice trembles when she speaks again. “You don’t own me.”

“I don’t have to,” I reply. “You’re mine either way.”

And that’s the truth, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter if she tries to run. She’s already mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.

I lean in, my tone colder, more commanding. “I guess I better start showing you.” Then, without breaking my stare, I say, “Take off your clothes.”

Her eyes flash with anger, but she doesn’t speak. For a moment, we just stare at each other, the tightness between us thick as smoke. She wants to fight. She wants to scream. But sheknows she can’t defy me. She’s not stupid. She knows the kind of danger I can bring.

But she doesn’t give up. She never does. And maybe that’s what kills me.

“Don’t test me, Daniela,” I murmur softly. “You know exactly what I’m capable of when I’m angry.”

She says nothing, her stare hard and unwavering. I can see her body tense as she fights against the words bubbling up inside her, but she refuses to back down.

Neither will I.

Stepping closer, I grab her by the neck and push her against the wall, the impact making her gasp.

“Remo…what are you doing?”