Page 32 of Impure Vows

Aliyah stays quiet, her eyes darting around the room, no doubt looking for a way out. But she won’t find one. Not here. I can see the wheels turning in her head, the desperate search for an escape plan.

I steer her toward the hallway, nodding to Luca as we pass. He gives me a knowing look, his expression one of respect and understanding. He knows what’s at stake here.

We reach the door to my bedroom, and I push it open, guiding Aliyah inside. She stumbles slightly, catching herself on the edge of the bed.

I pull Aliyah’s back against my chest as I close the door to the bedroom, the lock clicking into place. She stiffens, her breath catching, but I revel in her unease. Leaning against the door, I run my nose up the side of her neck, inhaling her scent. She tenses further, her body rigid against mine.

“Relax,” I whisper, my voice low and dangerous. “You’re only making this harder on yourself.”

She tries to pull away, but I tighten my hold, chuckling softly at her futile resistance. Her body betrays her, shivering under my touch despite her obvious fear. “I see you’re trying to fight it,” I murmur, my lips grazing her ear. “But your body knows what it wants.”

Her breath quickens, her pulse racing beneath my fingertips. I trail my hand down her arm, feeling the goosebumps rise under my touch.

I lean in close, letting my breath brush against Aliyah’s ear. "You'll be sleeping in my bed every night," I whisper, feeling her shiver against me. The reaction sends a jolt of satisfaction through me, and I arch my hips pressing my cock against her, enjoying the way she wiggles in response. Her body betrays her, and I relish every second of it.

"But not tonight," I finish, my lips brushing her earlobe. I nip it gently, savoring the small gasp that escapes her lips. "I have work to do." With that, I shove her away, watching as she stumbles, trying to regain her balance.

"Work?" she asks, her voice a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "What kind of work does a man like you do?"

I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest. "The kind you don’t need to worry your pretty little head about."

Her eyes narrow, a spark of anger flashing in them. "You’re a monster."

"Perhaps," I say, shrugging. "But you’ll find that monsters can be very persuasive."

She glares at me, but I can see the fear mingling with her anger. It’s a heady mix, one that fuels my desire to dominate her even more. I step closer, my eyes locked on hers. "Don’t test me, Aliyah. You won’t like the consequences."

She swallows hard but doesn’t back down. "I’m not afraid of you."

"Liar," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "I can see it in your eyes. You’re terrified."

She opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off, raising a hand.

“Enough,” I say, my voice cutting through the tension. “I have work to do.” I step back, my eyes still locked on hers. She doesn’t move. She stands there, defiant, and I can’t decide if I want to break her or protect her.

I turn and lock the door, the sound of the bolt sliding into place echoing in the room. The click is final, a reminder of the control I need to maintain. Exhaling, I let out a breath. Damn, she’s got me more riled up than I care to admit. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, a reaction I’m not accustomed to.

17

ALIYAH

Iopen my eyes, inhaling sharply as the unfamiliar surroundings come into focus. The sunlight streams through the large window, illuminating the opulent room. The scent of cologne fills my nose, adding to my disorientation. I sit up against the headboard, my heart pounding as I take in the luxurious bed and elegant furnishings.

The door to the ensuite opens, and Dante strides out, bringing the scent of cologne with him. He’s dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his dark eyes locking onto mine.

“Good, you’re awake,” he says, straightening his tie.

Fuck, he’s hot. I hate how attractive I find him. It’s infuriating. I cross my arms over my chest, trying to mask my fear and confusion with defiance.

“What do you want from me?” My voice comes out steadier than I feel.

He smirks, a predatory glint in his eyes. “Straight to the point. I like that.” He steps closer, his presence overwhelming. “You’re mine now, Aliyah. Best get used to it.”

“Like hell I am,” I snap, my voice trembling despite my attempt at bravado.

Dante’s smirk widens. “You don’t have much of a choice. Unless you want your friend Sophia to pay the price.”

A cold wave of fear crashes over me. “Leave her out of this,” I whisper, my voice cracking.

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