Page 50 of Love Me in the Dark

“For now,” I smirk.

Her hazel eyes flick up to meet mine in the mirror, a spark of defiance igniting in their depths. “Wait, no. You said one week. You can’t change the rules now.” Panic coats her words, making them rushed.

I shrug. “I can do what I want. You’ve already tried to plead with me twice, isn’t that you trying to change the arrangement?”

Her shoulders sag and she exhales audibly. “Fine, I won’t try to change your mind. But you have to promise?—”

“I don’t have to do anything,” I growl.

The elevator doors slide open to reveal the penthouse. Alina steps inside hesitantly, her eyes darting around. Polished marble floors gleam under soft lighting, sleek black-and-chrome furniture arranged with meticulous precision. The windows stretch from floor to ceiling, showcasing a stunning view of the city.

“It’s… beautiful,” she says, her voice soft with reluctant awe.

“Beauty can be deceiving,” I reply, pouring myself a drink at the bar. “Remember that.”

“Are you speaking from experience?” she fires back, her tone sharp.

I chuckle, swirling the whiskey in my glass. “Perhaps. But we’re here to discuss you, not me.”

Her gaze snaps to me, her arms crossing over her chest. “And what exactly do you expect from me during this week-long imprisonment?”

I step closer, my glass catching the light. “It’s simple. You’ll sleep in my bed, stay by my side at all times, and follow my rules.” My voice drops, heavy with authority. “You belong to me now, Alina.”

Her jaw tightens, her chest rising and falling with quick breaths. “That’s not good enough. I need some kind of… guidelines. I won’t be your whore.”

I chuckle darkly. “For the next week, you’ll be exactly what I want you to be. If I tell you to crawl and wear a collar, you better obey.”

“And if I don’t?” she asks, eyes blazing as she lifts her chin.

“Then you’ll learn the consequences,” I say smoothly, my tone calm but edged with warning. “And hope I won’t go back on the deal and demand the money your dad owes us.”

When she tries to step back, I move faster, catching her chin in my hand. Her skin is soft and warm, and the sudden contact sends a jolt through me.

“R-Rafe, I won’t—” she stammers.

“Enough arguing,” I snap, my gray eyes locking onto hers.

It’s not gentle. My lips crush hers, claiming her with a fierce, possessive hunger. She stiffens, her hands pressing against my chest, but I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer. The heat between us ignites like a spark catching flame.

Her body tenses under my touch, but I can feel her surrender to the overwhelming intensity of our connection. Her lips arelike a burning inferno, scorching and electrifying every inch of my body.

I grab a fistful of her hair, using it as leverage to tilt her head back and devour her with a savage hunger. She moans in surrender, her body arched against mine in desperate need. Fuck, she wants this as much as I do. The heat between us is palpable as she clings to me, her arms locked around my neck, pulling me closer.

My body surrenders to hers, aching for the touch of her lips. The heat between us intensifies with each passing second as our bodies press closer together, igniting a fiery passion within me. I can feel the intensity of my arousal against her stomach as our tongues tangle and dance together.

With an instinctual need, I grind against her, unable to control the primal desire that courses through me. Her moans erupt into my mouth, fueling the fire that consumes us both in this moment of pure and unbridled need.

When I finally pull back, her lips are flushed, her breaths ragged.

“See?” I murmur against her mouth, smirking at the mix of anger and confusion in her expression. “You’re capable of following orders when it suits you.”

Before I can anticipate it, her hand flies up, landing a slap across my cheek. My head barely turns, the sting sharp but fleeting.

“That one was free,” I say, my voice low and taunting. “The next time, I’ll take it out on your ass.”

Her face flushes a deep crimson, her defiance faltering for a split second. I chuckle, turning away to finish my drink.

“Get ready for bed,” I call over my shoulder. “You’ll be staying with me. No exceptions.”