•Dominic•

"Where has that bastard Martel been hiding this precious gem for so long?" Teodoro ranted, washing down his fifth glass of vintage in one go.

With a deep controlled sigh, I slowly clenched my fist tightly, following his preying eyes.

Of course, he was looking at her as she wandered around the paid actors and actresses disguised as guests, worry lacing her face. I didn't want to imagine the horrendous things he'd already done with her in his deluded mind.

Even when clothed in black from head to toe, Sofia had an inexplicably dazzling ray of light radiating from her, a light I strongly felt alluded to her true self.

She just didn't exude the dark aura Teodoro strictly forced on her.

"Was black really necessary and that ravens' freak show with creatures crawling beneath her feet?" I grumbled, wandering my eyes back to the smirking man I was cursed to have as a father.

One would think the wedding was his since he'd singlehandedly been planning every step of his master plan carefully for weeks since the mysterious demise of Darius Martel.

Initially, the wedding truly was his to Darius' widow, Cayetana Martel, but out of the blue, he woke up feeling like I was of age to marry either of the Martel daughters and prove I had his blood running through my veins.

In all the twenty-six years of my life, I hadn't imagined myself marrying anyone anytime soon, that too, a woman like Sofia.

I was raised to be merciless, cold and heartless. Looking into those innocent milky pools of the most uncommonly striking green eyes I'd ever seen vividly reflected the delicate nature of the woman I'd just married.

She was a delicate flower, blooming, colourful and sweet-scented yet forcefully hoisted amidst bristly thorns.

One habitual harsh word in an endearing tone or malicious act towards her and I'd break her, freezing her heart completely with my coldness and turning her into the monster I was.

If I could, I'd rewrite her destiny myself and fate her with someone more deserving, but then again, the possessiveness seed was already sprouting somewhere deep inside and inaccessible. She was mine now and I had to deal with it one way or the other.

"Was giving her an embarrassingly insignificant peck on the cheek necessary when I clearly ordered a full-on make-out session at that altar, Dom?" Teodoro entreated gruffly, motioning at a waitress for a refill.

Taking another deep controlled sigh was inevitable. His orders had been clear, but a switch I never knew existed inside me flipped right there standing before Sofia, seconds away from devouring those full kiss-inspiring lips she boasted both out of curiosity of what she tasted like and to feed my rampant libido.

Asking for her consent first and waiting for her reply so patiently was living proof the vibrant woman's pull had an extraordinary catch to it. We hadn't even spoken to each other yet she was already fucking up my entire personality.

I suddenly became considerate and reasonable in a few seconds, looking into her eyes. It wouldn't be too surprising that would be her first kiss.

What right did I have to selfishly steal it from her at the altar right after a thousand other orders had already been shoved down her throat since the contract had been signed?

Freedom of choice and consent were the only gifts I could bestow upon her right now.

My sudden silence drew Teodoro to put his hand on my shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "Look, Son," he chuckled. "Do not take this marriage as a death sentence. It's a gift wrapped with a perfect bow for you to enjoy. You just sit still, relax and let my plan unfold. Enjoy your wife. Use her roughly at your disposal and when you get bored of her, pass her on to your old man and I'll turn her into a Bernardi slave."

Veins throbbed in my neck, and my jaw clenched. My own father disgusted me so much I felt the same about myself because we had the same blood running through our veins. In one way or the other, I was his slave and would eventually completely turn into him as he desired.

"Sofia is my wife, Father, and there will never be a day we share a woman, never, so I would greatly appreciate a little bit of respect in your suggestions towards your daughter-in-law."

Teodoro laughed wickedly, receiving a freshly filled glass. "I would be madly possessive too if I were in your shoes, Dom," he rumbled, "but the way I treat Sofia depends on your loyalty and obedience to me, otherwise, Sofia Martel might become my next mistress and you very much know how capable I am."

I heavily pitied his wife, my stepmother, Olivia. How could anyone so kind and gentle love this wicked man despite his atrocities? Maybe because they had young children together?

"I'm leaving," I mumbled, pissed completely. His words worked me up completely and reminded me how deep his clutches had sunk inside me since I was a child.

"You're going straight to the airport with no detours, Dom," Teodoro ordered strictly. "Tell Sofia I said to enjoy her honeymoon, especially the first night," he spat venomously with an evil laugh.

I felt my blood boil as I walked away from him. He spoke as though he was certain I would hurt her and force myself on her. Would I?

Fuck.

The frustration, anger and confusion were choking and suffocating. Why did I have to marry her if she'd suffer at my hands?

I darted towards the black limousine taking us to the airport straight from the wedding reception, gruffly pulling off my bow tie and popping three top buttons open.

The bodyguard at the door opened it and I peeked inside, assessing the limousine. She wasn't in.

"Where's my wife?" I asked the bodyguards standing on either of my sides impatiently, casting my eyes forward at the guests mixing and mingling.

I couldn't see her and neither could I see Teodoro.

Fuck.

"Fucking find my wife this instant and bring her here safely!" I commanded angrily, losing my mind altogether.

Bodyguards in black suits scurried into the crowd, obeying my order.

I stood there, kicking the tyre of the limousine hard.

Fuck.

I had to find her myself otherwise I'd go completely insane.

"Where the fuck are you, Sofia?" I grunted through gritted teeth, bolting back inside the reception hall.

The number of guests suddenly seemed multiplied, lights dimmed and smog everywhere close to the floor. Finding her was kind of hard with everyone in black.

I almost took a deep sigh of relief when I saw the back view of a woman with long black hair, wearing exactly the same dress Sofia had worn for the reception.

"Sofia?" I called, grabbing her gently by the elbow to face me.

Shit.

Wasn't her. Who the fuck wore the exact same outfit as the bride to a wedding?

I continued looking around like a mad person, grasping at least three more women with replicas of Sofia's gown. Everything was beginning to feel sickeningly planned.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Had Teodoro taken and hurt her already to prove his point to me?

I felt a hand on my shoulder, pushing me to look back sharply with adrenaline pumping like open floodgates into my veins. I could hear my heart beat like drums inside my chest.

"Olivia?" I exhaled heavily, my eyes wandering around the room before i looked at her face.

Her makeup was different and a little bit extra. She was probably covering bruises.

"Her family wasn't in attendance and that must have upset her," she told me softly with a weak smile. "She should be in her changing room upstairs."

Indeed, I had neither seen Cayetana nor either of Sofia's sisters. Their absence had Teodoro written all over it.

"Thanks, Olivia," I said, already looking up at the clear floor upstairs. The floor was restricted to guests but anyone within the family could easily go upstairs.

Shit.

"Dominic?" Olivia called me before I could turn away from her.

I looked at her with cocked brows. "Yes?"

"I think Sofia is a really nice person and somewhere deep inside you lies one of the kindest and warmest men I've ever known," Olivia said sincerely. "You're not your father and his influence and morals have nothing on the choices you consciously make. Always remember that."

I felt her words heavily sink into my heart and the deepest parts she spoke of. No lies were detected. Deep down, I prayed I'd always remember that and not blame my upbringing for hurting innocent people.

I hurriedly climbed up the stairs to the second floor. I wasn't even sure which room Sofia had been changing in so I walked down the hallway, opening each and every room.

"Sofia?" I called, peeking inside. Empty.

Where the hell was she? Was she safe?

Please, be safe.

The result was the same in the next four bedrooms until I opened the fifth one.

"Sofia?" I called helplessly, my heart hammering wildly in my chest.

My eyebrows creased, my face contorting with rage.

A familiar man sat on the bed with my not-so-legal little sister straddling him, while he shoved his tongue down her throat, grinding her hips roughly into his groin.

I stormed inside with a clenched fist, yanking Greta off him and grabbing him gruffly by his collar.

"Dom what the fuck?!" Greta yelled furiously, pulling down her dress. "Let him go!"

"She's sixteen, you asshole," I fumed, colliding my fist roughly with his face. "Get lost and you're fired."

I gave him another vengeful punch before he scurried out, grabbing his jacket in the process.

Greta got up from the bed, pushing me backwards by my shoulders. "I fucking hate you!" she shouted, her chest heaving up and down with anger. "You fucking tell Dad and-"

"You make out with a man a decade plus older than you again and act all rebellious and I'm letting him ship you off to a boarding school so get so shit together and stop being a fucking brat," I raged passionately, pointing a warning finger at her.

She raised her hand to slap me, but I caught her wrist in time. "Now you're crossing the line," I warned her.

Greta writhed her hand forcefully out of my grip. "Fuck you, Dom," she cursed through gritted teeth before storming out of the room.

A perfect example of an angel turned into a little devil overnight. Sometimes it felt like she was too far gone to redeem and my heart broke on Olivia's behalf because she had to deal with half of her attitude every day.

Sofia wasn't turning into that. Not on my watch.

I resumed searching for her, drawing closer to the last room in the hallway.

My footsteps became softer as I approached the last room, soft muffled sniffles audible. Was she crying?

I walked to the door, gently pushing it wide open as it was already slightly opened.

From the doorway, I could see her seated on the cushioned stool in front of the dresser, hugging her knees. Her face was buried in her lap, her hair covering her face completely.

Soft sobs tore through her chest and somehow, those sounds of agony echoed into my heart.

I was relieved she was safe, but hearing her cry made me feel shitty for some reason.

She must have felt me looking at her as she stopped producing sounds, lifting her head slightly with her eyes cast at the door.

We accidentally made direct eye contact and she almost immediately averted her eyes from mine, swiping at them with her hands as she put her bare feet onto the ground.

"I've been looking for you," I spoke up, taking a step into the room as I watched her struggle to cover her eyes. "Are you okay, Sofia?" I asked her softly, slowly walking towards her.

Sofia briskly stumbled onto her feet, standing up straight and backing away from me slowly.

"I'm okay," she whispered, a fake smile touching her lips as she began fidgeting with her fingers.

She couldn't even look at me, her pretty eyes ruined, red and almost puffy.

Her face was almost completely flushed, lips visibly quivering. Did I frighten her that much?

I stood still a distance away from her, my gaze softly anchored on her as she looked at everything else but me.

"You're crying," I observed, unable to stop myself from moving closer to her. "What's wrong?"

Sofia took a deep shaky breath as if trying to calm herself before putting her hands on her sides, opening them wide and clenching one into a fist.

She finally lifted her glistened eyes to meet mine. "I-I thought I'd get a chance to say goodbye to my family," she murmured in a softly controlled tone, "but-but they didn't come," she stuttered, her shoulders dropping completely.

They had to be close otherwise she wouldn't get so emotional over not seeing them. I envied her.

No detours. Fuck it.

"I'll take you to your family," I told her. Anything to get her to stop crying.

"We'll miss the flight," she reasoned with a light sniffle and a fake smile. "It's okay. I can manage."

"Sofia, I own the airline and can delay the flight. Just say the word and it's done."

My words seemed to surprise her as she looked up at me. "Really? You can do that for me?"

Even I was surprised by my own lenience despite the probable consequences. She was my wife not some common woman from the street. I could make exceptions.

"Yes, Sofia. Really," I assured her.

A genuine smile touched her lips as she walked towards me, standing at least three feet away and finally looking into my eyes.

"I really really want to see my family, please," she begged. "Even if it's for a few minutes and I won't ask for anything else, I promise."

The desperation in her eyes was intense. I weirdly felt for her.

"As long as you stop crying," I conditioned.

Sofia's face became completely flushed and she covered her face with her hands. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she murmured. "Stupid tears."

She sounded so embarrassed of herself, fully turning away from me and wiping away her tears. I wished I could tell her it was okay and she could cry if she really wanted to.

I wished I could comfort her, but I just didn't know how to without sounding like an emotionless dick.

Sofia plopped onto the cushioned stool, facing away from me as she grabbed her heels. "I'll quickly put these on," she informed me, looking over her shoulder briefly. "Just give me a second."

Sofia lifted her dress, revealing her feet. Her toes were red but she still tried to force her foot into the ridiculously shaped shoe undoubtedly designed to induce pain in the wearer.

Just how exactly had she managed to walk around flawlessly in those all evening and still wear a smile on her face?

I sauntered in front of her, crouching before her and grasping her gently by her wrist.

She looked at me quizzically. "Am I being too slow?" she asked in panic, averting her eyes from mine when she realised I was staring straight into her eyes.

"No," I replied firmly. "You don't need them if they're hurting your feet."

"Oh," she breathed, looking at her toes. "But I still need to walk out and they said the shoes were a strict necessity."

"They're not if I'm carrying you."

Without further ado, I scooped Sofia into my arms, taking her up with me.

What the fuck was I doing?

She gasped lightly, anchoring her hand on my shoulder for support. I didn't look at her. I didn't want to. I just fucking couldn't although I could feel her eyes burning into my face.

What did she see when she looked at me? The monster I was or the false mask of her husband trying not to scare her away completely?

"I'm really heavy," she murmured, worry lacing her voice. "Please, put me down."

I didn't stop walking, moving my eyes boldly to hers. "No, you're not," I told her truthfully, "and even if you were, I'm strong enough to carry my wife in any shape and size."

Sofia stared widely into my eyes before doing something clearly neither of us expected.

She hiccupped.

Wrapping my arms warmly around Ava and inhaling her sweet homely scent made tears prick my eyes and a flood of relief and achievement wash over my senses.

There was no way I'd ever leave without getting this strengthening farewell.

"I thought you'd left already," she choked, wrapping her arms around me a little bit tighter. "It hurt so much."

I could feel the pain edged with relief in her voice. This was what I'd fought to avoid and now that I was here talking to her, I felt like I hadn't failed her.

I slipped my hands off her back as she did the same and I crouched right in front of her, holding her soft hands.

"I'd never do that to you, Ava," I promised, smiling through the few tears I shed. "I'd rather die than leave without talking to you first."

"Is he nice to you? Does he speak to you? Why are you dressed in black when a bride is supposed to be in white?" she asked me in panic, concern lacing her voice.

She cared for me as much as I cared for her. That care swimming in her eyes made it all feel worth it. I'd do it all over just to see that sweet smile on her face shine brighter than ever.

"Hey," I cooed, cupping her face with my hand. "I don't want you to worry about me okay? I'll be fine. You just focus on getting better and Mom, Natalie and I will handle the rest."

Ava shook her head, more tears pouring from her eyes. "He's being cold to you, isn't he? That's why you won't talk about him."

She was wrong. If anything, Dominic hadn't been as cold and heartless as people described him judging from our interaction nearly half an hour ago.

If he were truly a heartless man, he wouldn't have been considerate enough to bring me home, carry me in his arms when he realised my toes were sore and given me a couple of minutes to talk to Ava like I was now.

Deep down, I felt like he was a misunderstood man who could be really warm if he wanted to unless he was just putting up an act.

"Dominic isn't as cold as they said he'd be," I assured Ava. "I think he's just not a social butterfly and honestly neither am I. I think we'll get along just fine."

The last part wasn't sincere. I wasn't sure of what his perspective of me was. He'd literally seen me bawl like a baby and hiccup a few minutes later.

I felt so embarrassed of myself recalling those memories. He probably thought I was a child, an immature woman with no sense of a grip over her emotions.

I simply got emotional because I hadn't imagined the separation would be that abrupt with no farewell. If only he knew how much my family meant to me, he'd probably understand why I got emotional over leaving without saying goodbye.

Ava's lips widened into a small smile. "I'll take your word for that," she said, using her free hand to wipe away my tears. "Mom thought you'd be in a hurry if you dropped by, so we packed you a few things you might need. She said you'd go shopping once you landed on the island so there was no need to overdo it."

I looked at the suitcase by the door with a grateful smile. I trusted whatever they had packed would be efficient for at least the first couple of days.

My fashion sense was good according to most people I knew. I just wasn't sure my outfits would fit the class of a billionaire's wife.

"Where's Mom?" I asked, recalling I hadn't seen her downstairs either when I entered the house. "She wasn't at the wedding either."

"She left something like twenty minutes before you got here with your father-in-law. He came in with my new caretaker."

I'd seen the young caretaker downstairs, making dinner for Ava. She seemed nice and friendly, but I knew Ava had a hard time getting comfortable with new people. That was why I preferred being with her most of the time for her comfort. Now I couldn't do that.

"Do you like her?" I asked her with a smile. "She seems nice."

Ava nodded. "I think she's okay, but just a little too chatty and nosy."

I chuckled lightly, stroking her hair. She'd figure things out.

"What about Nat? Did she ever come back home since I left yesterday?"

She'd been angry when she left and called Mom a couple of times wasted. Her behaviour was worrisome at times and her rebellious tendencies sickening.

"Yeah, but she left like an hour later after Lucas called. She said she'd call you and she went through your closet for an outfit for her date as usual."

We both chuckled softly. At times, it felt like she preferred my clothes more than hers and yes, the mess she left in my closet was infuriating, but sometimes I didn't mind. I barely had anywhere to wear half of the nicest clothes I owned. Someone had to show them off.

"I'm gonna freshen up a little," I informed Ava, letting go of her hand and standing up straight. "I'll be with you shortly, okay?"

She nodded in agreement. "Sure."

I went straight to Natalie's bedroom, already slipping off the wig I wore. She had better cosmetic products to help easily remove the layers of makeup on my face and quickly redo something lighter and more me.

It took me close to five minutes straight to remove all the pins in my hair, detangle it with a brush and style it into a simple but elegant sweep down my shoulders.

I changed into much more comfortable matching semi-casual grey drawstring pocket pants, a black letter-embroidered cropped pullover with grey Air Jordan sneakers to complete the look.

When I went back to Ava's room, she was on her desk, writing something passionately.

"What're you writing?" I asked her, looking at my reflection in the mirror on her dresser and brushing my hair with my fingers lightly to straighten it.

"Something sweet for when you feel low," she told me with a soft giggle, "though I'll be blowing up your DMs 24/7 until you come back from your honeymoon."

I walked towards Ava and crossed my arms over her chest, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. "You know I'll be looking forward to that, right?" I said, taking a peek at the words she wrote in her letter.

She quickly folded the paper before I could read anything meaningful with a soft chuckle. "Of course, you will."

I watched her as she grabbed a bunch of other letters she'd written and tied them together with a ribbon together with a few novels. She knew I was a bookworm and found comfort in reading.

At least I had something to distract myself with over those two weeks on my honeymoon.

Ava couldn't walk me downstairs since it would be a hustle getting her up and down the stairs so we bid each other farewell in her bedroom.

It was something really emotional to both of us, but it had to be done. We both had to be strong for each other to survive.

I trudged down the stairs with my suitcase and small duffel bag, blinking away the few tears threatening to spill out.

I had newly found strength within me to face whatever lay out there, waiting to be discovered by me. I could face it.

I walked through the open double doors at the entrance, struggling with my bags, but before I could take more than three steps forward, a man in a black suit came to my rescue, grabbing the bags and proceeding towards the limousine.

I absentmindedly proceeded down the stairs at the entrance, taking a deep breath and thinking of how I'd survive two weeks alone with Dominic.

Did he even like me as a person in general or was he annoyed by me already? I was heavily worried about his opinion.

I slowly lifted my eyes from the ground when I felt like I was being watched.

Dominic and I made instant direct eye contact that made me feel extra self-conscious and erupted something fuzzy at the pit of my stomach, inexplicable heat crawling up my neck and stinging my cheeks brutally.

He was leaning against the car by the door, the sleeves of his black tailored shirt rolled up to his elbows.

My eyes shamelessly gawked at how veiny his hands and arms were, muscles bulging and relaxing visibly through his shirt as he drank from his hip flask.

His eyes demanded I maintained eye contact as I walked towards him, but the tiny creatures crawling everywhere on my sensual skin made it impossible to keep looking into the eyes that made me feel like I was burning.

I averted my eyes from Dominic's, my hands suddenly feeling sweaty as I rubbed my palms lightly with my fingertips.

Calm down, it's just a man.

Not just any man, obviously. My scalding hot husband straight from my private Pinterest board of aesthetically pleasing men I could stare at all night.

Dominic stood up straight, raking his free hand through the soft curls of his luxuriant black hair and I felt like melting at an action so simple yet fiercely sexy.

He was undoubtedly one fine specimen and I wasn't sure he was completely aware of the way he presented himself so effortlessly and smoothly.

Dominic kept his eyes on me as he opened the door and held it for me to enter the car first.

I reluctantly walked towards the opened door, blood roaring in my ears. He was still looking at me. I could feel it and for someone who wasn't used to getting such mysterious stares, I was doing extremely well.

Reaching the door and lifting one foot into the car, my eyes couldn't help but wander to his. I was right. He'd been staring and even now, he still was.

His face was so close to mine I could almost feel his hot breath fan my skin, our breaths mingling. His breath was minty with a pint of rich vintage wine, probably the one in his hand.

I suddenly had the urge to taste it, not from the hip flask in his hand, but from his mouth and such urges terrified me.

I couldn't look away as his free hand slowly reached for my face before he lightly tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear, his fingertips slowly dragging across my skin and leaving a trail of goosebumps.

What was he doing? What was he thinking?

He definitely swallowed as I saw from my peripheral vision his Adam's apple bob up and down slowly. I couldn't breathe. I had no idea what it was his hypnotic stare was doing to me, but I wasn't sure what the tingles I felt in the most sacred parts of my body meant.

I never felt so confused, so frightened and mostly, so hungry for something I didn't know. I craved it desperately right now, something I secretly enjoyed reading on pages in the comfort of my bed with my legs pinned together.

Fuck.

Dominic wanted to say something. I could almost see his lips moving, but they twitched slightly instead and then it all disappeared suddenly.

The coldness reclaimed his eyes, the warmth I'd felt disappearing as he suddenly stood up straight, his eyes cast away from me. Had I imagined it all?

I cautiously entered the limousine, muttering a polite thank you before taking a seat close to the far end.

Dominic joined me shortly after, sitting opposite me but closer to the door. The car started moving and I just sat there, thinking of what had happened and how my body had reacted to it. I still needed to thank him for allowing me back home nonetheless.

How could I when he seemed so restless now and didn't even look at me even by accident?

He grabbed his tablet from the table at the centre before he began focusing on something on it. Just like that, I became invisible to him.

I didn't want to be the one shamelessly looking at him and craving a reaction so I focused on my phone instead, scrolling through my settings absentmindedly. Anything to seem occupied and unbothered by his sudden coldness.

Maybe he hadn't been staring at me per se after all, just surprised by the change in hair colour and outlook.

I felt like explaining how I'd been wearing a wig all along and how this was my natural hair, but that sounded too stupid in my head.

He'd obviously figured that out already.

My eyes glazed over the words on my phone, my mind somewhere else. The silence was too uncomfortable and the temperature was too high. I felt like I was sweating already before even getting to the airport.

How was I going to survive a seventeen-hour flight in such extreme conditions?

•SOFIA•

We arrived at the exotic island I figured was in Teodoro Bernadi's name at dusk around five after a gruesomely long flight.

I felt heavily jetlagged, exhausted and partly hungry since I'd barely been able to properly eat the food on the plane with Dominic sitting right in front of me and periodically stealing lingering glances at me.

He was hands down a workaholic as he'd been working on his laptop and tablet most of the time and I just sat there, eating, napping, reading magazines and repeating the cycle.

Dark clouds pregnant with rain hung scattered across the sky and I could almost feel raindrops pelting my skin as we were escorted to the modern luxurious villa we'd be staying in.

I'd never felt so small and insignificant, flanked by burly bodyguards in black suits, my own husband towering over me a step ahead as his stride was way bigger than mine no matter how much I tried to keep up.

He was on his phone, a business call I presumed from the conversation going on. Was he ever not working?

We made it to the entrance of the villa, walking down a wide artistically designed passage before proceeding to the main lounge.

Half of the bodyguards stayed by the door while some proceeded in with the luggage. I watched as they went up to the first floor and Dominic plopped onto the couch exhaustedly, carrying on with his phone call.

I wasn't sure who to follow, standing there awkwardly, my eyes glazing slowly from upstairs to Dominic.

I ended up deciding to sit on the couch and wait for him when standing before him felt awkward and uncomfortable.

I sat on a couch across from his, fidgeting with my fingers and looking everywhere else but at him.

The décor of the villa was top-notch and undoubtedly packed with all the facilities to make the stay luxuriously worthwhile.

From where I sat, I could see the infinity pool outside with glimmering turquoise water that reminded me of how exhausted I felt. If only I could dive in there for a swim and soothe my aching muscles.

The scenery was beautiful and the place altogether heavenly, but I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Teodoro owned the place and his actions with me when we met had been hideous and alarming.

What if he had a scheme up his sleeves to frighten me or some diabolical plan to show he was the alpha and my family had stupidly fallen into his trap? What if his plan for revenge was already in motion and my entire family and I were already unconsciously participating in executing it?

An unsettling f

eeling sunk my heart into the pit of my fuzzy stomach, my eyes landing on Dominic.

What if he was part of executing the revenge and I already felt safe enough around him to have some level of trust in him?

He'd married me, a stranger, after all with barely any benefits on his part. Why had he agreed to it? Had he also been forced to do it or he'd willingly hopped onto the train to aid in bringing the people I loved and I down?

I swallowed hard, fighting to flush all the feelings of security out of my system and try to perceive him as a cold and heartless man, hell-bent on ruining my life, but I just couldn't.

It felt like my heart had already decided the warmth flickering on and off in his seemingly cold eyes was genuine and he wasn't a monster. I dangerously placed all my trust in my instincts.

"Sofia," his deep voice drew me out of my thoughts, making me realise he was looking directly at me with a bit of concern on his face. "I've been calling you for some time. Is everything okay?"

Shit.

I'd zoned out again, overthinking and painting him a monster yet he spoke to me so softly with genuine concern in his voice.

"I'm fine," I breathed, with a small dismissive smile. "I'm sorry, I got lost in my thoughts. Did you say something?"

Dominic looked at me with a cocked brow, highly unconvinced by my words before the doubt melted away and he sighed, standing up and walking towards me.

My heart thumped hard in my chest. Why was he walking towards me so determinedly with his gaze fixated on me?

I took a shallow controlled breath as he plopped onto the couch next to me and I instinctively angled my body in such a way I faced him directly.

"Look, Sofia," he started, as he leaned forward to get a better view of my face. "I know everything might be overwhelming and our wedding was out of the blue, but that doesn't mean you're a prisoner of any sort."

He paused, looking at me for a reaction. I nodded attentively, his words sinking in.

"If anything is making you uncomfortable or insecure, you can always talk to me about it and I will make necessary adjustments for your comfort, okay?"

His words didn't sound like the words a monster would say. They felt sincere and seemed to tone down my nerves an inch.

I simply nodded slowly again as a sign I understood what he said, but the way he carefully looked at me reported he wasn't satisfied.

I gazed into his eyes the same way he gazed into mine, my lips slightly parted. What was I supposed to say?

"Words, Sofia," he said firmly, his eyes fixed on mine. "Use your words and tell me you understand you have nothing to be afraid of when I'm around," he emphasised authoritatively.

I swallowed hard, nodding again but this time with words accompanying the action. "Of course, I understand."

Dominic's hand slowly trailed across the couch on the small gap between us before settling lightly on my knee. "What do you understand, Sofia?"

The way he said my name so slowly, chiselling every syllable luxuriantly made my stomach cartwheel, goosebumps peppering the spot on my knee his hand covered.

Above all, his eyes weren't moving an inch from mine, demanding I maintained the intensity, looking into his eyes as they bore into my soul.

"That I have nothing to be afraid of when you're around," I repeated his words softly but with a firm tenor, "and you're not going to hurt me under any circumstances," I added my own deep desire.

Dominic's grasp on my knee grew firm and he slowly leaned into me. "Good girl," he whispered softly close to my ear against my skin.

My breath hitched in my throat, wild butterflies swarming my stomach at the speed of lightning. I felt weird heat on my face, blood roaring in my ears and inexplicable aching tightening between my legs.

It was so oddly mysterious and frightening how two simple words could command my feral hormones to flare wildly to life and demand release, something I couldn't afford, something I'd never received but knew I desperately ached for.

What was he doing to me?

"Come," he breathed so innocently yet so erotically in my mind. "I'll show you to your bedroom."

Dominic slowly withdrew his face from mine, his eyes briefly straying to my lips before he stood up. I reluctantly got up as well, embarrassed by how weak my knees felt.

We walked silently towards the staircase like nothing had happened seconds ago and I felt his hand lightly on the small of my back, guiding me forward.

I trudged up the stairs in front of Dominic, different thoughts swirling through my mind. Was he doing this on purpose or he was merely being himself and I just wasn't used to it?

I stopped walking when he reached the main hallway and spotted suitcases placed by two different doors.

Dominic walked in front of me, leaning casually against the door frame of the first bedroom. "This is my bedroom and yours is right next to mine," he informed me. "I thought you might feel uncomfortable sharing and need your personal space."

Part of me was disappointed, but the rational part of me felt okay with the setup. I'd never slept in a bed with anyone except Ava, Natalie or Mom and the whole idea of sharing a bedroom with someone already causing hormonal havoc in my body did sound adventurous but uncomfortable to some extent.

I could manage on my own and use my personal space at my disposal.

"We have enough security I guess and a chef for all meals. You'll familiarise yourself with the rest soon."

I nodded. "Sure."

When he said nothing further, I took it as my cue to leave to freshen up. I awkwardly turned away without saying a word, cursing at my terrible socialising skills.

"Sofia," he called me before I could take three away from him.

"Yes?" I replied, looking back at him.

"I'm going out for important business but should be back in time for dinner. Don't wait up if I'm not back by eight," he informed me.

I nodded again, speaking convincingly. "Okay."

I turned back around and began walking forward towards my bedroom with an inaudible sigh.

His words reminded me this was nothing but a business arrangement, a contract unifying us in uncomfortable circumstances.

I wasn't supposed to have expectations of him or dream of having an actual honeymoon and acting like newlyweds.

He definitely had a life before this marriage, a girlfriend as well obviously or many. He was a smoke show and definitely had women falling at his feet.

Our marriage wouldn't hold him back from hooking up with them. If he'd been a fuckboy, he'd probably just continue and I didn't have any right to feel disrespected as long as it wasn't in my face.

I just had to remember constantly that this wasn't a love marriage. There were no feelings attached and to protect my heart, I had to keep it that way.

I pushed the door open, taking the suitcases in with me before closing the door. Once I was inside, I walked towards the large queen-sized bed at the centre of the room and collapsed onto it with a heavy sigh.

The bed felt so comfortable I could fall asleep right there, but I needed to take a shower first.

I got up from it after minutes of procrastinating, sighing again when I hear a door open and close. He'd left and I didn't know how to feel about it. Deep down, it sucked though.

I dragged one big suitcase I didn't remember taking with me from home and hauled it onto the bed. I curiously opened it, my eyes widening when I scanned through its contents.

There was mostly underwear, the sluttiest type I'd ever seen that'd barely cover anything. There was also nightwear, but the type one would wear to seduce a man and get railed mercilessly. The rest of the clothes were just the same, slinky and too revealing for my style and comfort.

I'd have been doomed if Mom and Ava hadn't packed extra outfits I was familiar with for me.

I closed the suitcase and walked towards the open window to close it when the violent wind began blowing in. It'd started showering and it was growing darker outside.

It'd probably rain heavily tonight and I wasn't complaining. I could use it for a good night's sleep.

I closed the window and walked back to my suitcase, taking out my shampoo and a couple other things I wanted to use for my bath.

My battery had died so I put my phone on the charger first before proceeding into the bathroom.

The bathroom was big and elegant enough for a dreamy bath, but there was no key on the door. That made me feel a tad bit uncomfortable, but I could manage for just tonight's bath and see if it could be fixed the next morning.

I stripped out of my clothes and proceeded into the shower cubicle. There was both a fixed and detachable showerhead for my convenience.

I opened the tap and shivered a little, flinching away when the water came out cold at first before eventually heating up.

It felt really good and refreshing, feeling the warm water against my skin, washing away the sweat, dirt and stress even.

Soon enough, the glass walls were covered by steam and I was taking a mildly thorough shower, my thoughts further away in a much more peaceful place.

I squeezed some shampoo into my hands, rubbing it into my hair and scalp and washing it off. I loved the soothing scent it gave off of combined fragrances, mostly lavender. It helped me relax.

I thought I heard a door open and close, followed by hushed talking, but I pushed it to the back of my head. Maybe Dominic was back already and conversing with the staff.

I continued showering freely until I heard the creaking of a door too close for me to stay unbothered. It sounded like someone opened the door to my bedroom.

I stopped moving much, washing the soap off my face and paying closer attention to what was happening. I closed the tap to hear clearer sounds and my heart froze for a split-second.

Someone was in my bedroom and they were whistling, walking closer and closer to the bathroom.

I felt my heart beat wildly in my chest, adrenaline pumping into my veins. I tried calming down, taking a deep breath and trying to convince myself it was only Dominic and he wouldn't hurt me, but I couldn't.

I didn't feel safe all of a sudden.

Maybe I could go out and check and get rid of my fear altogether despite how risky it was. Literally, anyone could be in there with different intentions. I had to be careful.

I slowly walked towards the sliding door of the cubicle, sliding it slightly open and peeking my head out.

The door handle was twisted down before the door was slowly pushed open.

"Dominic, I'm bathing," I called out in terror, my stomach rumbling. It had to be him.

Please, be him.

The whistling stopped and a devilish chuckle followed before two burly stark naked men I'd never seen before in my entire live walked in.

Shit.

I slammed the door closed so hard I feared it would break, my heart throwing itself against my ribcage like a trapped bird trying to escape.

My hands were trembling, trying to hold the door as hot tears stung my eyes, ugly memories of an evil attempt of this nature years ago flooding my mind.

No. Please, no.