Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 54160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
I glanced around wildly, taking in my surroundings for the first time; I’d been too terrified to focus on the décor yesterday. The bedroom was a study in rich shades of red—from the burgundy walls to the Persian rug that covered most of the dark hardwood floor. A black leather armchair dominated the far corner of the room, set beside a drinks cabinet. A decanter filled with amber liquid sat atop it, along with heavy cut crystal glasses. Everything about the room exuded masculinity and wealth.
My attention turned to the bed. I’d noted the black metal slats that made up the headboard yesterday—when he’d cuffed my hands above my head, rendering me helpless to resist him as he claimed my body. My cheeks flamed at the memory, and I tugged the sheets up to my chin, covering my nakedness.
I yelped and clutched the sheets tighter when a door opened to my right. Steam rolled out of the bathroom, and Luca appeared at the threshold. He wore nothing but a towel slung low over his hips, his powerful body on display. A dusting of hair darkened his defined chest, tapering into a trail that led down his rippling abs before disappearing beneath the white towel.
He leaned against the doorjamb, and my gaze snapped to his. I flushed all the way up to my ears, knowing that he’d caught me staring at him. He truly was magnificent, even more powerful and imposing that I’d imagined in my most wicked fantasies.
I shook my head slightly, tearing my eyes from his. Those fantasies had brought me low and made me more vulnerable to him than I could’ve imagined. The pleasure he’d wrung from my untried body was mortifying, especially my arousal when he’d spanked me in the car.
It was horrifically wrong that I’d felt such bliss when he’d claimed me without my full consent. I’d chosen the pleasure over pain, but he hadn’t given me a choice when it came to surrendering my body to him.
My husband.
He’d forced me into this marriage. He’d kidnapped me and taken away my freedom.
My stomach dropped at the memory of my sister’s screams as I’d been carried off by the brute like I was his prize of war. Giana must be terrified for me.
I took a breath and skewered my new husband with a defiant glare. Better me than her. Giana was far too gentle and sweet for this beast of a man. I could endure his ruthless demands, but she would break beneath his onslaught.
His dark brows drew together at my glower. “In a bad mood this morning, kitten?”
“My name is Nora,” I snapped, not caring for the diminutive nickname. It reminded me of how I’d melted in his hands last night, and the shame of the memory was almost unbearable.
He cocked his head at me. “You prefer Nora over Elenora?” His deep voice caressed the more familiar version of my name, and I suppressed a shiver.
I shouldn’t have revealed that. He didn’t deserve the intimacy of my true name.
He blew out a sigh, clearly frustrated by my prickly demeanor. “I thought we were past this antagonism. Things don’t have to be difficult between us.”
“As long as I honor and obey you?” I asked, repeating my forced vows with venom.
“Yes,” he replied simply. “You will obey me, Nora.”
It was so much worse when he used my name. My gnashing teeth cut the inside of my cheek, and I tasted copper on my tongue.
He sighed again. “I have things to do, and so do you. The wedding planner and decorator will be here in less than an hour. You will help them set up.”
I blinked at him. “We’re already married.” I couldn’t keep the trace of bitterness from my voice.
He tipped his chin back, making his strong jaw appear even more forbidding. “We’re hosting a reception tonight. Try to look less miserable about the arrangement, darling.”
Anger heated my chest at the mocking endearment. “And what will you be doing to help, dear?” I shot back.
His lips quirked at the corners for a fraction of a heartbeat, as though I’d amused him. “I’m going to invite the most important members of our organization personally. Including your father.” His expression darkened. “His scheme with Dante is over. You’re mine now.”
I stiffened at the possessiveness in his tone. “I’m not an object to be traded,” I insisted. “I’m not your property.”
His eyes flashed. “And what alternative would you prefer? Dante Torrio? This marriage has saved you from him. I’ll keep you and protect you, Nora, whether you like it or not.”
“I’m not a possession to be kept. I might be your wife, but I don’t belong to you.”
He prowled toward me, and I shrank back against the headboard. The cold metal drew a shiver to the surface of my skin, contrasting with the heat of my anger. Despite my fear of my husband’s raw strength, I lifted my chin and allowed my glower to clash with his.