I stirred awake, blinking against the soft rays of sunlight streaming in through the tall windows draped in white curtains.

A dull throb pulsed behind my eyes, growing sharper with every movement. I rubbed my temple gently, trying to remember what happened—and where the hell I was. Then suddenly, pieces of yesterday’s events came rushing back. Each one clearer and sharper than the last.

I sat up too quickly and gasped when cold metal cuffs tugged at my wrists, dragging me back down against the plush pillows. I was shackled like some prisoner in a five-star cage.

I didn’t know for how long I'd be tied to this luxurious bed, but my stomach growled loudly, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. My throat was dry, and a bitter taste coated my mouth. I was still fiddling with the cuffs, testing for any weakness, when I heard a knock at the door. Before I could react, it swung open.

Diego Romano stepped inside.

He looked like sin wrapped in grey sweatpants that hung low on his waist. A white T-shirt hugged his broad chest and biceps just enough to show the tattoos snaking down his arms. His black hair was a little messy, like he’d just rolled out of bed.

I hated that his sheer masculinity registered before my fear.

Snap out of it, Elena.

I reminded myself—he’s a kidnapper, holding me hostage in God knows where against my will. A mob boss. A criminal. A man who’s probably buried more bodies than I could ever imagine. Dangerous in ways that had nothing to do with that hot body or the too-charming smirk on his lips.

“Good morning, doll,” he said smoothly.

I didn’t reply. I couldn’t trust myself to speak without begging. Or screaming.

“Please, Diego, let me go. I promise to do whatever you say,” I managed.

His sharp eyes swept over my body, pausing at my bare legs under the thin silk covers. “You look pale, doll,” he said, completely ignoring my plea.

“Maria,” he called over his shoulder. A woman entered quietly.

She was middle-aged, with warm brown eyes and soft lines on her face that made her look like a saint in a place full of devils.

Was she one of them too? Or had he kidnapped her just like me?

“Bring her food. And new clothes,” Diego instructed firmly.

Maria nodded and disappeared without a word.

“You need to shower, eat something and then we’ll talk.” His tone was calm, almost... concerned.

“I don’t need anything from you,” I snapped, my voice trembling. “I just want to go home. I have a boyfriend who’ll come looking for me…”

I didn’t even know why I lied. There was no boyfriend. Maybe I just wanted to sound like someone would care if I vanished, well apart from the father who sold me out in the first place.

Diego crossed the room in three long strides. He leaned down until his face was inches from mine, his hands resting firmly on my thighs. The heat of his touch made me shiver.

“You can’t leave, Elena,” he murmured. His voice was dark, his breath hot against my skin.

“You’re mine to keep. Mine to touch. Mine to watch. Mine to claim. And definitely mine to fuck…”

His hands slid higher, and I felt the betrayal of my own body as heat pooled between my legs. My breaths quickened. My nipples peaked against the fabric of the shirt I had on. I hated it. Hated him. But I couldn’t stop the way my body responded.

“You can’t keep me here,” I whispered, voice shaking. “I won’t stay.”

“You don’t have a choice, doll,” he said, eyes gleaming. “Now you’ll do exactly what I tell you. Do you understand?”

I glared at him, saying nothing. My silence was my only weapon.

He unhooked the cuffs with a quiet click and pointed toward a white door.

“Go shower. Don’t try anything stupid.”

I walked to the bathroom, not because I obeyed him—but because I had a plan.

And I would escape this prison the second I got the chance.

When I returned, steam still clinging to my damp skin and a white towel wrapped around my body, he was sitting on the leather armchair in the corner of the room, legs spread slightly, like he owned the entire fucking world.

His eyes met mine and darkened. Lust. Restraint. And something else—something I couldn't read.

I felt so vulnerable under his gaze. My tongue flicked over my dry lips before I realized what I was doing. Then I bit down on the bottom one.

He groaned. “Stop doing that, doll,” he warned, voice hoarse. “Or you might not like the consequences.”

I blinked at him. Innocently. Genuinely confused about what he meant.

I took a slow step backward instinctively. He rose and stepped forward.

Soon, my back hit the table behind me, and he was pressed against me, trapping me with his body. One hand slipped around my throat with a feather-light grip. The other ran along my lower lip.

“Stop licking and biting that lip,” he growled, his breath tickling my ear. “Or I won’t be able to stop myself from bending you over this table and taking you from behind.”

I felt fire lick its way through my spine.

How dare he talk to me like I was a toy to be used and claimed. I should’ve slapped him. Kneed him in the balls. Something. But all I did was burn with anger, lust, shame and want.

He stepped back slowly, eyes still on me.

“Don’t tempt me,” he turned and walked out. The door swung open behind him, and Maria entered quietly with a tray of food.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding all along. Maria’s presence calmed me. She placed the tray on the small table and handed me a bundle of fresh clothes.

I managed a small smile and nodded my thanks. She smiled back gently and sat beside me on the bed while I ate.

“He’s not as bad as he seems,” she said softly, as if reading my thoughts.

I paused mid-bite. “Kidnapping isn’t part of being misunderstood, Maria.”

She shook her head, resting her hand lightly over mine. Her touch was warm and maternal. “You can see me as a friend if you need one.”

I stared at her. “You look like a saint. What are you doing with people like… him?”

She smiled sadly, her gaze drifting to a distant memory. “Diego saved my life, believe it or not.”

I raised an eyebrow. She nodded, still staring at something invisible on the wall.

“I’ll tell you that story some day, Elena. But not today.” She stood and adjusted her skirt. “Now eat. You need your strength. He wants you downstairs.”

As she turned to leave, I reached out and gently caught her hand.

“Stay, please.” I whispered.