Page 54 of Love Me in the Dark

5

Rafe

The car rolls to a stop in front of the sprawling Russo family estate. As the engine cuts off, the silence threatens to swallow us whole. I glance at Alina, taking in her fierce determination and defiance etched across her beautiful face.

“Come,” I command softly, my hand finding the small of her back as we step out into the cool night air. The subtle assertion of control sends a shiver down her spine, though she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she stands tall, her hazel eyes fixed on the mansion before us.

Nearing the grand hall, I can’t help but admire the vision that is Alina Moretti. The dress I chose for her clings to every curve, the silky fabric accentuating her slender yet shapely figure. The plunging neckline leaves little to the imagination, teasing the swell of her breasts, while the high slit showcases her long, toned legs.

She’s a masterpiece, a siren draped in burgundy. The collar around her neck glints against her skin, a reminder of her captivity and a symbol of my possession.

My cock throbs with need as I take her in, pride and possessiveness warring within me. I’ve orchestrated this moment, Alina’s presence here at the heart of my world, and now that it’s finally come to fruition, I’m intoxicated by her beauty and resilience.

Unable to resist any longer, I pull her close and claim her lips in a passionate, hard kiss. She responds with a fire that matches my own, her body pressed against mine, as if daring me to lose control.

“Remember your place, Alina,” I whisper against her lips, my voice low and commanding. My gray eyes bore into hers, searching for any hint of submission or wavering resolve. She meets my gaze head-on, her jaw set in silent defiance.

“Trust me, Rafe,” she replies in a voice laced with steel, “I know exactly where I stand.”

The grand hall of the Russo family estate is a stage for power and dominance, the dark walls adorned with generations of accomplishments and secrets. My grip on Alina’s back tightens, a reminder to maintain control as we enter the heart of my world.

Members of the Russo family gather around, their gazes sharp and calculating, taking in the defiant beauty beside me. Remus, the Don, commands attention from his position at the head of the room, his dark eyes never leaving mine. I offer him a respectful nod, acknowledging the hierarchy, the invisible strings that bind us together.

“Family,” I begin, my voice steady and strong, “This is Alina Moretti. She is here as collateral for her father’s debt.” The words hang heavy in the air, each syllable dripping with gravity.

Alina stands tall beside me, her chin raised and eyes challenging anyone who dares to question her presence. Her defiance only makes her more enticing, like a flame beckoning a moth to its doom.

“Her father owes us a significant sum,” I continue, addressing the unspoken questions hovering in the air. “Since neither Moretti can pay, I’ve taken Alina as mine.”

“For one week only,” she hisses, clearly infuriated I left that detail out.

“It’s for however long I say,” I growl, silencing her with one look. She falls silent, but her eyes speak volumes—they smolder with anger and refuse to break away from mine. The tension between us is palpable; each interaction a battle of wills.

Remus clears his throat, capturing the attention of the room once more. His gaze lingers on Alina before returning to me, unspoken mirth dances in his eyes. “Very well, Rafe,” he says, his voice cool and measured. “We will honor the agreement.”

“Thank you, Remus,” I reply, my eyes never leaving his. In this world of shadows, loyalty and submission are paramount—but so is the relentless pursuit of one’s desires.

“I need to speak with you,” Remus states. His eyes drift to Alina. “Alone.”

Alina shifts beside me, her hazel eyes flickering between Remus and Enzo. I can feel her unease, the tension winding tighter within her slender frame. She’s like a caged animal, wary of the predators that surround her.

“Stay here,” I whisper to her, pressing my hand against the small of her back. “I won’t be long.” The last part is potentially a lie. I have no idea how long it’ll take, or what Remus wants.

Her gaze lingers on mine for a moment, searching for something she won’t find. Reluctantly, she nods, and I follow Remus into a nearby study, leaving her in the company of Enzo.

“Close the door,” Remus orders, and I comply, sealing us off from the world outside. He takes a seat at his desk while I remain standing, assuming the position of an obedient soldier awaiting orders.

“Tell me, Rafe,” he begins, his demeanor relaxed yet calculating. “How did it come to this? Alina Moretti, collateral for her father’s debt?”

“Strategic planning,” I confess without hesitation, my voice steady and composed. “I orchestrated the loan to Alina’s father, knowing he wouldn’t be able to repay it. She was always meant to be the repayment.”

“Forever, not just for a week?” Remus raises an eyebrow, his dark eyes drilling into me.

“Forever,” I confirm. What I don’t say is that I want her to want me back. I need her to crave my touch, my presence as much as I crave hers.

“Hmm,” Remus says, tapping his finger against the desk. “And what about the money we’ve lost?”

I grin. “Wedidn’t lose anything. I paid her dad for her out of my own money.”