Page 15 of Claimed In Darkness

It’s cute, really.

I close the distance between us in one fluid motion, gripping her by the wrist. She jerks, but I hold firm, dragging her toward the training hall—the place where she’ll learn obedience, submission, and deception.

She digs her heels in, twisting against my grip. “I can walk, you bastard.”

“Then do it.” I yank her harder, smirking at the way she stumbles.

Her breath hitches, and it isn’t fear.

It never is.

The chamber is dimly lit, the walls lined with mirrors, the surroundings overflowing with the smell of heated bodies, old battles, and something deeper—something raw.

I let go of her wrist and turn to face her, letting her see what she’s stepped into.

There is no escape.

She straightens, the tension in her shoulders a clear sign that she’s bracing for a fight.

Good.

“Strip,” I say.

She stiffens.

Her breath hitches.

She blinks, real hesitation flashing in her eyes.

“Excuse me?” she says, voice laced with venom.

I cross my arms over my chest. “You heard me.”

Her fingers twitch—itching to grab a weapon she doesn’t have. “If you think I’m about to stand here naked for your amusement, you’re dumber than I thought.”

I chuckle, stepping closer. Too close.

Her pulse jumps.

My hand snakes out, gripping the delicate strap of her dress, sliding it down her shoulder. She sucks in a sharp breath, but she doesn’t stop me.

Not yet.

“It isn’t for my amusement,” I murmur. “It’s for the role you’ll play.”

She shoves me away.

Or tries to.

I catch her wrist midair, twisting it behind her back, yanking her flush against me.

Her back arches against my chest, her breath ragged. She’s furious. She’s shaking with something she won’t name.

I drag my lips near her ear, letting my voice drop into something lower, darker. “You are going to learn how to pretend to be mine, little fox. And one of the lessons? Your body is a weapon.”

She tries to wrench free, but I press my palm flat against her stomach, holding her in place.

“You will learn how to seduce, manipulate, and deceive.”

---