Page 26 of Captured Innocence

“Not a chance.” I rushed around him, trying to find the other door.

“You’re going the wrong way if you’re looking for the stairs, my beautiful princess.”

“I’m not your anything, Mattia. I was stupid to try and seduce you.” I’d never been so embarrassed in my life, my mind still processing what I’d heard. God, I’d also been so childish, impetuous in making a decision that somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I’d regret.

But I stopped short, furious that I’d placed myself in this position.

“Look at me, bellissima principessa.”

“Stop calling me that.”

He wrapped his fingers around my arm, tugging me backward. While it was obvious he was in full control of the situation, he wasn’t horrible or forceful, just encouraging. Why did I want nothing more than to obey him?

“Look at me, Sophia. It’s okay. I’m not angry or upset.”

“Yeah? Maybe I’m just feeling… stupid.”

“Offering me something so incredible is beautiful, an honor.”

Was he kidding me?

I threw a look over my shoulder, shocked at the glisten in his eyes. Anger at myself remained but I had no other choice, turning around stiffly. He closed the distance, every move methodical, obviously concerned he’d scare away the little fawn.

When I was facing him, he cupped my jaw as he’d done before but the look in his eyes was completely different.

“Do you think I’m upset with you because you’re a virgin?”

I was terribly uncomfortable, hating the vulnerability I displayed. It was impossible to look him in the eyes.

“Sophia. Look at me. Please. Look into my eyes.”

I closed them first, squeezing them shut as if I could block him out, turning back the clock.

“Sophia. Obey me. Now.”

The deep rumble of his voice left me aching as it had done before. Slowly, I opened my eyes, glancing into his. There was so much emotion in both that I was shocked, unable to stop trembling. “I don’t know what to think other than I was a fool to come here.”

“You came here to give me a gift, an incredible, amazing gesture. Perhaps the most special gift that anyone has ever given me in my life. I won’t take that for granted. I might be a monster in your eyes, but not about something like this.”

“I don’t think you’re a monster. I just…” Laughter bubbled to the surface. There was no way he was being serious. And I refused to be made fun of. I’d had enough of that in my life. I slammed my fist against him, shaking my head.

“You belong to me, Sophia. That is the way of our world. I will protect you. I will kill for you. I will die for you.”

“Don’t do that to me, Mattia. I won’t take it. I’m not a fool.”

“Farò tutto ciò che è in mio potere per assicurarti di goderti la tua prima volta. Devi fidarti di me.” I will do everything in my power to ensure you enjoy your first time. You need to trust me.

His words in Italian didn’t make the situation any easier or more palatable. I’d tried to fake something that I shouldn’t have. Shame on me. “I can’t.” Where had my voice gone? Why was I trembling? I wanted to run far away, yet when he pulled me close, I couldn’t move. Another wave of desire slashed through my system, my core igniting as it had never done before.

“Sshhh… My beautiful baby. Let me make you feel so good.” He blew a swath of hot air across my cheek, sending a wave of tingles all the way to my toes. Then he pressed a series of kisses against my forehead and nose, brushing his soft lips ever so slowly down to mine. It was as if he wasn’t in a rush, determined to help me relax. When he rubbed them back and forth, I kneaded his chest.

Then he fisted my hair, pulling my head back at an awkward angle. “Mattia.”

“You want this, Sophia. This is exactly what you came to me for. You wanted me to be your first. Say it. Tell me I’m not wrong. Tell me that’s what you thought about last year. That you wanted me to kiss you, touch you, and fuck you.”

“I…”

“Tell me now!”

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