Page 12

Ozias

T he sleek, black, bulletproof SUV glided to a stop, kicking up a cloud of dust that swirled around us like a veil.

I stepped out first, my boots crunching on the gravel driveway as I surveyed my kingdom.

The expansive hacienda rose before us, white stucco walls gleaming in the harsh Mexican sun.

Palm trees swayed lazily in the dry breeze, their branches whispering secrets only I could hear.

I placed my black cowboy hat on my head and turned back to the vehicle, watching as Demi emerged. Her obsidian black curls caught the sunlight, showing off its luster. Even after our long journey, she held herself with a defiant grace that equally infuriated and intrigued me.

“Welcome to your new home, mi amor ,” I announced, gesturing grandly at the compound.

Demi’s wide brown eyes narrowed as she took in her surroundings. “This isn’t my home, Ozias. It’s my prison.”

I chuckled, amused by her stubbornness. “A golden cage, perhaps. But I assure you, it’s far more comfortable than the alternative.”

“Which is?”

“A coffin,” I answered bluntly.

She didn’t respond, but I noticed the tension in her shoulders, the way her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Good. Let her simmer in that anger. It will make breaking her all the more sweeter.

I strode toward the main entrance, not bothering to check if she was following. She had no choice but to come along, after all. The heavy wooden doors swung open at my approach, revealing the cool, shadowy interior.

“This way,” I called out over my shoulder, leading her through the grand foyer. My footsteps echoed on the polished tile floors, a steady rhythm punctuated by the softer sound of Demi’s bare feet.

I felt her gaze burning into my back as we walked.

Is she studying me, looking for weaknesses?

Or is she admiring the way my tailored suit hugs my athletic frame?

Either way, I allowed myself a slight smirk.

She could look all she wanted. She’d learn soon enough that I had no weaknesses for her to exploit.

We entered the main living area, a spacious room with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the neighboring mountains. I paused, giving Demi a moment to take it all in.

“Like what you see?” I inquired, turning to face her.

She lifted her chin, defiance flashing in her brown orbs. “It’s just a house, Ozias. Bricks and mortar will never impress me.”

I stepped closer, knowingly invading her personal space. She held her ground, refusing to back down. “And what impresses you, Demi? Power? Wealth? A big dick? I have all three in abundance.”

“Compassion,” she retorted. “Kindness. Things you clearly don’t know a damn thing about.”

She might’ve acted like she wasn’t attracted to power, but one look at the woman said otherwise. Her words should’ve angered me, but instead, I found myself laughing. She was like a feisty Chihuahua in my eyes—tiny with an overcompensating bark.

“Compassion and kindness are luxuries I can’t afford in my world. They’re weaknesses that get you killed.”

Demi’s expression softened for a moment, then it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her natural scornful expression.

I turned away, moving toward the bar tucked into one corner of the room. “Drink?” I offered, pouring myself a generous measure of top-shelf tequila.

“No, thank you,” she replied stiffly.

I shrugged, knocking back my own drink in one smooth motion. The alcohol burned pleasantly as it slid down my throat, a familiar warmth spreading through my chest.

“You should relax, Demi,” I encouraged, setting the empty glass down with a soft clink. “This is your home now, whether you like it or not. You might as well get comfortable.”

She crossed her arms, her slim-thick figure accentuated by the defensive posture. “And how long do you plan on keeping me here? A few days? Or will I need a forwarding address?”

I moved closer again, circling her like a shark in bloody water. “That depends entirely on you, mi amor . We’ll be staying here for at least the next week. After that . . .” I let my voice trail off, allowing the questions to hang in the air between us.

There was a fair amount of distance between us, but I could still see she was shaking.

Demi’s orbs widened slightly, a flicker of fear breaking through her tough exterior.

Good. She should be afraid. I liked it. I shouldn’t have, but I did.

Fear was a powerful motivator in a relationship, and I intended to use every tool at my disposal to bend her to my will.

Fear and loyalty would mean our marriage was a relatively happy one.

I watched as she moved demurely toward me.

Her eyes were glued to her feet. She was everything I had been told she would be.

Everything I’d witnessed in the photos and videos before we met.

Demi Malone was the perfect bride for a man like me.

But nothing could have prepared me for how beautiful she was in person.

And she was all mine.Well almost. All we had to do was say our vows in front of a priest, and she would be mine forever.

“Demi.”

She lifted her head so sharply that I was afraid she would give herself whiplash. Her eyes widened as she stared straight at me. Then she dropped her head again, staring at her bare feet. “El Diablo,” she answered sarcastically.

“Ozias.”

She stiffened. “Pardon me?”

“You know my name is Ozias. I think it is important that you say it, don’t you? After all, you will be my wife.”

“What do you want from me, Ozias?” she whispered.

I reached out, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. She flinched at the contact but didn’t pull away—progress, however small.

“I want everything, Demi,” I muttered, my fingers trailing down the side of her neck. “Your body, your mind, your loyalty. I want you to be mine in every fuckin’ way.”

She gulped, her pulse racing beneath my touch. “And if I say no?”

I stepped back, letting my hand fall away. “Then you’ll learn just how ruthless I can be. Your father may have sheltered you from the true brutality of our world, but I won’t be so kind.”

Demi’s face hardened, her earlier vulnerability replaced by unyielding determination. “My father didn't shelter me from anything. I’ve seen what men like you are capable of.”

“Men like me?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow. “And what kind of man do you think I am? Because a few minutes ago, I was a monster.”

She didn’t hesitate. “I already told you. A killer. Someone who takes what he wants without regard for anyone or anything else.”

Her words should’ve stung, but instead, they filled me with a stubborn sense of pride. Yes, I am all those things and more. I’d cultivated that reputation carefully, using fear and violence to carve out my place in this unforgiving world.

Pride flooded my veins. An icy kind of arrogance that made me strangely calm. “You’re not wrong,” I admitted, pouring myself another drink. “But you’re not entirely right, either. There’s more to me than you know, Demi. And you’ll have plenty of time to discover that for yourself.”

She scoffed, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “I’m not interested in getting to know you, Ozias. I just want to go home.”

I set my glass down harder than necessary, the sharp sound making her jump. “How many times do I have to tell you this is your home now? The sooner you accept that, the easier things will be for both of us.”

Demi’s eyes flashed a dangerous glare. “I will never accept this. You can keep me here, force me to stay, but you can’t make me want it.”

I closed the distance between us in two quick strides, gripping her upper arms tightly. She gasped, trying to pull away, but I held her firmly in place.

“I don’t need you to fuckin’ want it,” I growled as I lowered my face to her sweet-smelling hair. I breathed in the scent of her. She smelled just like she looked—deadly and pure. “I just need you to obey. You’re mine now, Demi. The quicker you understand that, the better off you’ll be.”

For a moment, we stood there, locked in a soundless battle of wills. I saw the conflict raging in her eyes—defiance warring with fear, anger with a reluctant curiosity. Finally, she tore her eyes away, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

I released her before taking a step back. “Come. I’ll show you to your room.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed toward the sweeping staircase that led to the upper floors. Demi followed silently, her earlier fire temporarily extinguished.

As we climbed the stairs, I found my thoughts drifting to the future. How long would it take to break through her defenses? To mold her into the perfect partner, both in business and in the bedroom? The challenge excited me in a way I hadn’t felt in years, maybe ever.

We reached the second floor, and I led her down a long hallway lined with thick wooden doors. I stopped in front of one near the end, pushing it open to reveal a luxurious suite.

“This will be your room,” I informed her, gesturing for her to enter.

Demi stepped inside cautiously, her eyes widening as she soaked in the luxury furnishings.

A massive four-poster bed dominated one wall, draped in rich fabrics that shimmered in the late afternoon light.

A sitting area with plush armchairs and a small writing desk occupied another corner while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the gardens below.

“It’s . . . beautiful,” she admitted stingily, running her hand along the silky bedspread.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching her explore. “Only the best for you. I meant what I said when I told you this is your home. I want you to be comfortable here.”

Demi turned to face me, her earlier fire rekindling. “Comfort is relative, Ozias. A golden cage is still a fucking cage.”