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Her heart hammered in her chest as she watched him, her mind racing for an explanation. “It’s… it’s just a book,” she repeated, her voice shaking. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

Vice’s eyes remained on the pages, his thumb tracing the spine. “Doesn’t it?” He looked up, his gaze piercing hers. “Or do you hope to find some way to manipulate me, to bend me to you're will?”

Ivy’s breath hitched in her throat. “No,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just……needed something to read.”

Vice’s smile was chilling. He tossed the book back onto the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. “Or perhaps you’re just looking for new ways to entertain yourself?”

Ivy’s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to deflect his accusations. “I was just… curious,” she said, her voice weak.

Vice took a step closer, his eyes burning into hers. “Curiosity can be a dangerous trait, Ivy,” he said, his voice a soft purr that sent a shiver down her spine. “But I like it in a woman.”

Ivy’s breath caught in her throat as she felt the weight of his power pressing down on her, suffocating her. She could feel the walls of the room closing in, the air thick with the scent of his dominance. “Please,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Leave me alone.”

Vice leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her ear. “But where’s the fun in that?” He murmured, his hand sliding down to grip her hip. “I can give you everything you're little black heart desires.”

Ivy’s body betrayed her, a shiver of arousal passing through her despite her fear.

“Please,” she begged again, pushing at his chest. Vice’s grip on her hip tightened, and he pulled her closer, his mouth brushing against her ear.

“We both know the truth” he whispered, his voice a seductive purr. “And you’ve already seen the power I have over you're body, how I can make you scream, I can also make you forget the pain.”

Her breath hitched as she felt his other hand slide up her spine, his touch sending a wave of unwelcome heat through her body. “I don’t want this,” she lied, her voice strained.

Vice chuckled, the sound sending chills down her spine. “Lies,” he murmured, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin of her neck. “Your body tells a different story, Ivy.” Ivy’s eyes squeezedshut, her mind screaming for him to stop. But her body… her body was responding to his touch in ways she never wanted to admit. Her heart raced, her breath coming in quick gasps as his hand slid down to the hem of her skirt.

With a sudden burst of strength, she shoved him away, stumbling backward until she hit the cold stone wall. “I said no,” she spat, her voice trembling. “And if you touch me again, I’ll,”

Vice cut her off, raising an eyebrow, his smile never wavering. “You’ll what, Ivy?” he taunted. “You’re mine now. You gave yourself to me to save you're precious James.”

Vice’s smile faded, his eyes flashing with anger. “You think you have any power here?” He stepped closer, his hand reaching for her face. “You’re just a plaything to me. A means to an end.”

“You keep testing me, little mouse. And I swear, I’ll break you in the most beautiful way.” He murmured as his eyes narrowed and a wicked smirk formed on his face.

Vice leaned closer, his eyes searching hers. “I want to see if you’re as clever as you think you are,” he murmured. His finger trailed down her neck, sending a shiver through her body. “I want to see if you can play my game.”

Ivy swallowed hard, her heart racing. “What kind of game?” she managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vice’s smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming with a dark excitement. “I’m going to give you a chance to prove yourself,” he said, his voice low and seductive. “But beware, Ivy, for the stakes are high.”

The room grew colder as he spoke, the shadows seeming to stretch and coil around them. Ivy felt a chill run down her spine, but she didn’t back down. “What do you want?” she repeated, her voice stronger now.

Vice leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. “I want you to try and seduce me,” he whispered.

Her stomach churned at the thought, but she knew she had to play along. If she could find a way to turn the tables, to use his own tactics against him, maybe she could find a way to escape. “Why,” she asked, glaring at him as he pulled back to look her in the face. “Entertainment,” he said nonchalantly.

“And if I do?” she asked, her voice a challenge.

“If you manage to succeed,” he murmured, “I’ll consider granting you a gift. Something to make you're stay here easier.” His eyes trailed down her body, making her skin crawl.

Ivy nodded, her mind racing. “And if I fail?”

Vice’s smile grew colder, promising no mercy. “Then the consequences will be… severe. Pain beyond what you think you can endure. A lesson you won’t soon forget.”

Her eyes searched his, looking for any hint of mercy. But she knew there was none to be found.

With a swift movement, he closed the distance between them, his hand cupping her chin. He tilted her face up to meet his gaze, his eyes burning into hers. “So, Ivy,” he whispered, his voice a seductive caress. “Do we have a deal?”

Her heart hammered in her chest, but she didn’t flinch. “Yes,” she said, her voice a mere breath.