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Vice's smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming. "Can't or won't?" he asked, his voice a low purr.

Ivy's breath hitched as she stared up at him. "Can't" she managed to say, the word barely a whisper.

Vice's grip tightened, his thumb tracing her lower lip. "Why?"

Ivy swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. "Because... because then I'll have lost.”

Vice leaned closer, his gaze piercing through the dim candlelight. "Lost what?"

Ivy's eyes searched his, trying to find a shred of mercy behind the mask. "Lost any hope of seeing Alice again," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Vice's smile vanished, his eyes cold and calculating. "Ah, the girl," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Your precious little girl. I've been wondering when she'd come up again."

Ivy felt a flare of anger and fear, her eyes flashing with defiance. "What have you done with her?" she demanded, trying to sit up.

Vice's grip on her wrist tightened. "Ah, ah," he chided, a cruel smile playing across his lips. "You don't get to ask the questions here."

The words hit Ivy like a sledgehammer, shattering any hope she had clung to. Her mind raced, thoughts of Alice's sweet face a painful reminder of the stakes. She had to keep her emotions in check, had to find a way to turn the tables on this monster.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice a mix of fear and anger. "What have you done to her?"

Vice's grip loosened, and he leaned back, a smug look on his face. "I've done nothing to her," he said, his tone mocking. "But if you're not careful, that could change."

Ivy's stomach twisted into a knot. "What do you want from me?" she asked, desperation creeping into her voice.

Vice leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Everything," he murmured. "But for now, I want you're submission."

"Now, say it. He hissed. Who do you belong to." Tears started to form in Ivy's eyes, the weight of her fear and despair threatening to break her. "You," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"You, what?" He said with a devilish grin on his face. "I belong to you, Vice." she managed to whisper out.

Vice leaned in closer, his hand sliding up to cup her cheek. "That's right," he said, his voice a gentle caress. "You belong to me. Now, show me that you understand." Ivy felt a tear slip down her cheek, the pain of her situation overwhelming her. But she knew she had to play along if she wanted to keep Alice safe. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of his hand. "I understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Vice leaned in and kissed her, his touch surprisingly tender. His hands roamed over her body, his movements slow and deliberate. Ivy tried to ignore the way her body responded, the way her skin tingled under his touch. She had to remember why she was here, why she was doing this.

The kiss grew deeper, his tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that was both terrifying and intoxicating. She felt his hand sliding up her thigh, pushing the fabric of her dress aside. Her thoughts screamed for him to be between them.

Ivy's resolve wavered as his fingertips grazed the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. She knew she had to keep her wits about her, but his touch was like a siren's call, luring her into a dangerous embrace. "Vice," she murmured, trying to find the strength to push him away.

He pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "What is it?" he asked, his voice a seductive purr.

Ivy swallowed hard, her body betraying her with every beat of her heart. "Is Alice safe? she managed to ask, her voice shaky.

Vice's expression softened slightly. "For now," he said, his voice a silky promise. "But remember, Ivy, you're compliance is the key to keeping her that way."

The weight of his words settled heavily on her, and she nodded, tears spilling from her eyes. She had to play his game, had to keep Alice safe.

Vice took her silence as an affirmation and began to unbutton her dress with a sense of urgency that made Ivy's heart race. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the reality of the situation, focusing instead on the rhythm of his movements, the sound of his breathing.

As the dress fell away, revealing her trembling body, Ivy felt a flicker of anger. She had to find a way to regain control, to turn this twisted game to her advantage. She opened her eyes and looked directly into his, her expression a mix of defiance and need.

"You want me to submit," she said, her voice steady despite the quaking inside. "But you have to show me you deserve it."

Vice raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that so?" He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "And what makes you think I'm willing to play by you're rules?"

Ivy's voice was firm. "Because you want something from me, and if you want it, you'll have to give me something in return."

Vice's smile grew wicked. "And what is it you think you can offer?"