"That dress you wore the other day…" His tongue darts out to wet his lips. "Such fire. Such defiance in your choice. I've thought about it nonstop."
My throat constricts.
The dress I wore specifically to entice Cristian, not this man.
"I had no idea my wardrobe would make such an impression," I manage.
"Everything about you makes an impression, Valentina." The way he says my name feels like a slimy caress. "Your eyes, your lips, the way you move. I've imagined how you'll look in our bed, all that spirit finally unleashed for my pleasure alone."
Bile rises in my throat.
This is what awaits me.
A lifetime of being this man's possession, my body a playground for his appetites.
Until he’s done and disposes of me.
"Perhaps we should rejoin my guard," I suggest, unable to hide my disgust entirely.
"Why? Are you uncomfortable being alone with your futurehusband?" A hint of irritation flashes in his eyes. "You'll need to get used to it."
The rage building inside me is dangerous. I may be trapped in this arrangement, but I will never truly be his.
"When we are married," Maksim continues, "you will live by certain rules. My wife does not speak unless spoken to at gatherings. My wife dresses as I approve. That dress, for instance, will be for my eyes only. And I know your father and brothers have indulged you too much in the family business, but my wife does not handle business matters."
I bite my lip to keep from saying something about his misogyny.
His fingers close around my wrist as he leans closer. "On our wedding night, I will strip you bare and examine every inch of you. I've always enjoyed taking my time with virgins—breaking them in slowly, teaching them what pleases me."
My stomach churns violently.
"I particularly enjoy when a woman begs. First for mercy, then later for more." His eyes gleam with something dark and terrible. "They always learn to beg for more eventually."
I focus on a distant tree, imagining how satisfying it would be to drive a blade into his heart.
The fantasy keeps me from trembling as he leans closer.
"You'll be trained to use that pretty mouth for more than sharp retorts," he murmurs against my ear. "And when I bend you over my desk while I conduct business, you'll learn to stay silent no matter what I do to you."
I keep my breath steady, even though revulsion fills every cell of my body.
"Of course," he adds, releasing my wrist to stroke my cheek, "once you've been properly broken in, you'll serve your primary purpose."His hand drifts to hover over my abdomen. "Providing heirs for my empire."
The thought of carrying this man's children is the final violation I cannot bear to contemplate. "How many children do you desire?"
"Two sons, at minimum," he answers with the confidence of a man who believes he controls even biology. "You'll be kept pregnant until you deliver what I require."
Good God. He’s like a superhero villain come to life.
"You'll be kept comfortable, naturally," Maksim continues as if discussing a business transaction. "Your own wing in my home, though I expect you available in my bed whenever I desire. No locked doors between us."
I gently wrap my hand around a rose, imagining it's his throat.
"I've had a special room prepared for when you need… correction. All marriages require discipline, Valentina. You'll learn to appreciate my methods."
I freeze. Correction? Discipline?
"And when you're breeding, you'll have the best medical care. No leaving the estate, of course. Too dangerous for my heir."
