3: Unr

three days since Desmond Blackwood had bought her, and every passing moment felt like a countdown. She was trapped, bound by a co

ush bed piled with velvet pillows, and a stunning view of the estate's sprawling gardens. But none of it matte

ays surrounded by his entourage, his presence undeniable, like a storm on the horizon. But it was the mom

was no d

are. The longer she stayed in his world, the more she realized how dangerous Desmond Blackwood was. The way he looked at her with t

oor pulled her f

from the other side. "Desmond B

s was it. She wasn't going to cower before him anymore.

led again, this time wi

she responded,

door. The same man who had brought her to Desmond ear

urning on his heel without

step echoing in the quiet, the weight of the situation settling over her like a storm cloud. The air w

or a lavish feast, was bare except for two chairs placed at opposite ends. Desmond stood at the far end,

ning around, his voice smooth

her chest. She hated how easily he could make her

nt?" she asked,

as unreadable, but the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her

You already have me," she snapp

When he finally stopped in front of her, Eliana had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. His height was im

tender. "You're not just here-you're mine. And

r mouth to retort, but the words died on her lips when he reached out and to

a word. The chill of his fingers against her skin made her heart race, but it wasn't fear-no, it was something much more confusi

her voice barely a whisper

as almost affectionate. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Elian

leaving hers. "But I'm not here

t a tremor of unease through her, but she refused to show it. "What do you want f

t you to understand your place in this world. You belong

cutting through her like gla

ly. He took a step closer, and Eliana's breath hitched in her throat. The

, his eyes flashing with something darker, more dangerou

g to back down. "I'd rath

e reached for her, his hand wrapping around her wrist in a grip that was firm but not painful. H

e murmured. "But I will have you,

hated how he made her feel, how he could control her with nothing more than a look or a touch. But deep

hat easily," he whispered,

ad to find a way out. There was no way she was going to let h

gered on her wrist, she r

dy starting t