Page 47 of Beneath the Thorned Crown

And yet, not seeing him feels like a punishment.

It’s the morning of the auction and I’m more nervous than I’d like to admit. I don’t know what Dominic’s plan is but whatever it is, I know it’s dangerous. A knock on my door startlesme from my restless thoughts. When I open it, there’s no one there.

Just a black box.

I lift the lid, fingers brushing over the smooth silk inside. A red dress, striking, daring. Backless, with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit. Expensive. A brand I could never afford, even in my wildest dreams.

Atop the fabric, a small note in sharp, familiar handwriting.

Wear this tonight.

—D

No explanation. No instructions. No apology for leaving me in the dark for two days.

I stare at the dress, at the command woven into the silk, and something in me clenches. This is his way of reminding me that I belong to this world now. His world. And maybe, to him.

By the time evening rolls around, I’ve done my makeup, slipped into the dress, fastened my heels, and spent too long staring at my reflection, picking at the details. I don’t recognize myself—not because of the dress, but because of the way my heart is pounding.

A sharp knock at my door pulls me from my thoughts. I already know who it is before I open it.

Dominic.

And the moment I do, my breath catches.

He stands in the doorway, tall, powerful, dressed in a dark suit that fits him like a second skin. The kind of man who looks like he belongs at the head of a dynasty, at the top of the world. And maybe he does.

His eyes rake over me. Slow. Unapologetic. Like he’s memorizing every inch of my skin the dress dares to expose. The way he looks at me sends a pulse of heat through my body—a hunger restrained only by circumstance.

“You look…” He exhales sharply, his gaze darkening. “Fuck.”

It’s not exactly the compliment I was expecting, but it still sends warmth creeping up my cheeks.

“Was that the reaction you were going for?” I tease, trying to ignore the way my skin tingles under his scrutiny.

His lips curve into a smirk, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I wasn’t expecting you to look like… this.”

“You sent me the dress.”

“I didn’t send it so every man in that damn auction could look at you the way I am right now.” His voice is rough, laced with something territorial.

I arch a brow. “Would you like me to change?”

His lips press into a thin line, and I swear for a second he actually considers it.

“No.” His voice drops lower. “But don’t expect me to be civilized if someone even looks at you for longer than a second.”

A shiver rolls through me, and I don’t know if it’s from fear or intrigue.

The estate is quiet as we step outside. The black SUV waits in the driveway, the driver standing by, waiting for us. But as I move toward the back seat, Dominic stops me with a firm hand on my lower back.

“I’ll drive.” His voice is calm, but there’s no room for discussion.

The driver gives an uneasy look. “Sir—”

“Leave.”

The man doesn’t argue. He simply nods, stepping aside as Dominic opens the passenger door for me.

---