I needed to rein this in. Elena was getting under my skin, burrowing into my every thought. I was drawn to her like a moth to flame—her innocence, her defiance, and the subtle way she would chew on her bottom lip when she was nervous. The little things. They were driving me insane.

I’d been watching her since she was just a girl. Ever since her father signed that marriage contract, I’d made it my mission to protect what was mine. No one was allowed near her. Not to touch. Not to claim. I watched her grow into a beautiful, sensual young woman, and it took everything in me not to cross the line. To wait.

But now she was here. In my home. Under my roof. And I wanted nothing more than to bury myself so deep inside her that she’d never forget who she belonged to.

I was agitated. Restless. Her scent still clung to the air, teasing me with memories that hadn't even happened yet.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I knew who it was before I checked.

I answered on the second ring. “What?”

“It’s the shipment,” Eli, my second in command and my closet friend reported. “The goods are being held at the port. There’s a risk of delay overnight if we don’t act fast.”

“Handle it,” I snapped. “Pay whoever you need to pay. I want the cargo at the deck tonight. No excuses.”

I ended the call and turned to find Elena standing at the top of the stairs, watching me. She didn’t flinch under my gaze. And I liked that. I motioned for her to come down. She hesitated, then descended down the steps, her steps light but purposeful. I smiled despite myself.

She looked edible in a yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a ponytail that exposed the delicate line of her neck. That neck. I wanted to sink my teeth into it. Every inch of her was a temptation I didn't need but craved all the same.

Fuck.

This was getting harder than I thought.

She sat on the couch. I took the one opposite, forcing a breath through my nose to steady the fire raging inside me.

“Now, doll,” I said, leveling my tone. “I’m sorry things started off on the wrong foot. But I’m willing to start over—if you’re willing to do what you're told.”

She stared at me, silent. Unblinking.

“We’re to be married in two weeks,” I began, but her sudden outburst cut me off.

“What? Two weeks?” she shouted, fury flashing in her eyes.

I almost flinched. Almost.

“Yes, doll,” I said slowly. “Two weeks and that's how it’s going to be.”

She jumped to her feet and started pacing, her movements sharp and agitated. I stood, wanting to calm her, but she stepped back and held up a hand, keeping me at bay.

“I’m supposed to marry a stranger? Just like that?” Her voice cracked, edged with disbelief. “I don’t get a say?”

My jaw clenched. I hated her resistance, hated the fire in her that clashed with mine—but I’d promised her father that I'll be patient with her. And I intend to keep my word.

“There are things bigger than both of us, Elena. This is happening whether you like it or not. Fighting it won’t change a damn thing. But accepting it? That’ll make it easier.”

Her shoulders sagged. She sank onto the couch again, all that fire dissolving into exhaustion. I saw the shift—the precise moment she gave up fighting.

“I wish this wasn’t happening,” she muttered, her voice low and bitter. “But I’ll play along with this sham of a marriage for my father’s sake. Nothing more.”

Her words gutted me. I didn’t expect them to hurt—but they did. She didn’t love me. Hell, she probably hates me. And yet hearing her say it, seeing the emotion in her eyes, still stung like a knife under the ribs. I wanted to let her go at that moment.

But I couldn’t.

It was too late for that. She was mine. And I’d burn the world to ash before I let her slip away. Call it selfish, call it ruthless—I didn’t care. I wouldn’t let anyone take her from me. Not even herself.

No words could make her understand what she meant to me. So I simply nodded, jaw tight, and gestured for her to follow me into the kitchen.

There, I introduced her to the estate staff. “This is Elena. My wife-to-be.” Shock rippled through the room like a wave. They whispers within themselves like flies buzzing. No one had ever seen me with a girlfriend—let alone a fiancée.

I wasn't the emotional type, nor did I do relationships, not since I experienced the greatest loss in my life. But for Elena, I was ready to feel again and that scared the shit out of me. I haven't allowed anyone close enough to actually know me but she gets under my skin even without trying and it was terrifying.

—------------

Elena handled herself with grace. She smiled and made small conversation with the staff. She played the part of the dutiful bride-to-be so convincingly that I almost believed it myself. Despite everything, I felt a flicker of pride.

Just then, one of my men appeared at the door. He moved close and whispered into my ear.

“Boss, your attention is needed in the conference room. We’ve got visitors.”

I nodded, instincts sharpening like blades. My senses kicked into high gear.

Enemies didn’t knock before they came for your throat.

And now that Elena was here, I had something more than power and reputation to lose. I had someone they could use.

But I would never let that happen.

Not in a million fucking years.