Suddenly, a mighty hand shot out from the darkness, wrapping around Karina’s delicate neck and slamming her against the cold wall. The impact sent a jolt of pain down her spine, and her breath hitched as she came face-to-face with the shadowed figure.
The man's grip was ironclad, his aura overwhelming and suffocating. His deep, thunderous voice cut through the silence like a blade.
“What did you do to me?” he growled, his tone laced with fury and something darker—something primal.
Karina’s mind went blank, her thoughts scattered like shards of broken glass. Her throat constricted under the pressure of his hand, and she struggled to form words.
“I... I don’t know,” she choked out, her voice barely audible.
Abruptly, his grip loosened, and she gasped for air, clutching her neck. Before she could process what was happening, his strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. Her small frame pressed against his, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body—a scorching warmth that wasn’t natural.
Hot and heavy breath brushed against her skin as he spoke again. “I’ll give you one chance. Push me away. Leave now.”
Karina’s heart raced as his words echoed in her ears. Was this a warning? A test? She hesitated, her thoughts clouded with confusion and fear.
Was this man Mr. Francisco? Was he displeased with her? Had she failed to meet his expectations?
But she couldn’t walk away. Not when her brother’s life depended on this. Summoning every ounce of courage, she steadied herself, her voice trembling but resolute.
“I’m not leaving. Tonight… I’m yours.”
Her hands shakily reached for his neck, pulling him closer. Rising onto her tiptoes, she found his lips with hers, her kiss clumsy and hesitant. Her inexperience was glaring, but she didn’t falter.
The man stiffened at first, but the softness of her lips broke through his defenses. A shiver ran through his body as whatever restraint he had left crumbled. His voice, husky and strained, came out in a growl.
“Are you clean?”
Karina froze, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She clenched her fists, her voice trembling as she whispered, “Yes... clean.”
“Don’t lie to me,” he warned, his breath fanning against her ear. Then, without waiting for a response, he scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to the bed.
“You’re mine now,” he declared, his voice low but commanding.
What followed was a blur of heat and shame. His firm hands pinned her down, and his burning kisses ignited her skin like fire. The pain, both physical and emotional, was unbearable. Karina bit her lips until they bled, tears streaming down her face. She endured silently, her cries for mercy met only with his unrelenting intensity.
The night stretched endlessly, leaving Karina broken and exhausted.
When she finally opened her eyes, she first noticed the faint scent of mint and tobacco lingering on the sheets. Her body ached all over, every movement a reminder of the torment she had endured.
A heavy arm draped over her waist, holding her in place.
“Awake?” The man’s deep voice startled her. Before she could react, he turned and shifted his weight onto her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.
“Good girl,” he murmured, brushing his cold fingertips across her cheek. A smile played on his lips, chilling and possessive. “You didn’t disappoint me. Now you’re mine.”
