he had left. The weddin

A dress had been laid out for her-something elegant, dark green silk that clung to her curves

, and Teresa stood there, her face sof

said gently, "It's

's time for dinner. As though she were a guest.

a muttered, not bother

optional," Teresa rep

h that shook, she followed Teresa through the winding halls of the estate. The stone floors

culously with silver, crystal, and fine china. A roaring fire in the hearth cr

s back was straight, hands clasped together,

, but she quickly for

ommanded, his vo

the chair opposite him and took a se

the sound of the fire crackling and the occas

when she felt like she was suffocating in his presence. Not when she

you?" she snapped sud

't flinch. "

squirm. Watch

of amusement curled at his lips. "You t

o you take pleasure in? Selling me off like some commodity, l

"You're here because of your father's debt. You ca

it here in this... palace? Why act like everything

ent. "Because I don't want you to see ho

in her throat. "

"You see, cara mia, I've been studying you. Your min

ed in her chest. Her

ued, his voice deceptively calm. "The paintings y

ered, horrified.

. "I've known about your art long befo

d feeling settling dee

His gaze was dark now, piercing. "I know everything about you, Alina. Your paintings,

those works-not even her professors in school. Those sketches weren't just pictures of

nto fists, nails dig

in a way, it excites me. But not for the reasons you think. No, I enjoy control, Alina. Understandi

down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. And the way he called

think," he said finally, his voice l

unded. "What do

rything you've ever done has been a part of this. Your art, your father's

s isn't how it's supposed to be. You can't just...manipulate ev

rker in his eyes now, something dangerous. "I'm not playing, A

comprehend his words. What did he mean b

oice trembling with a mix of anger and

ever faltering. "Because you're mine.

but it trembled, a desperate plea lac

small, dangerous smile.