Salvatore's POV

The lights flashed in hypnotic colors that suddenly felt more irritating than exciting.

I left home to clear my head, plan ahead and have fun, but everything had turned boring all of a sudden.

My eyes scanned the whole club, everyone— including Miley, Russo, and Bianchi was vibing to the music, but I sat alone at the bar sipping my whiskey like someone who got dumped.

I tried but couldn't shake off the wave of worry and uneasiness. Lyra was alone at home—no guards and the cooks were probably in the servant quarters. She was new and unfamiliar to the environment.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't worried about her. Just that, after what had happened earlier at the church, leaving her alone at home was a really terrible idea.

“Hey handsome,” one of my favourite strippers stood in front of me, smiling seductively.

“You look stressed. Y'know I can always relieve you of your stress” she bit her lower lip, taking a slow, seductive stride towards me.

I stared blankly at her, feeling irritatedly uninterested for the first time.

She sat on my lap, her blue blazing eyes burning with lust. She leaned closer to kiss me on the lips, but I placed my palm on her lips pushing her face away.

“ I've told you before, you can have my whole body but not my lips”

“Oh…. I'm sorry.“ She blinked her eyes cutely with a broad smile playing on her lips.

For the first time, a girl was rocking my dick, trailing kisses on my neck, her hands roaming on my body, but I still felt NOTHING. The more she touched me, the more I got turned off.

Strange.

Pathetically strange.

Okay, I'll admit, I was worried about her. I was damn worried, I couldn't think straight.

And I hated it. I hated the way it bothered me that she was alone at home.

“Stand up!” I ordered the bitch who was feasting on my neck, sucking it like her life depended on it.

She didn't respond as she continued to suck the nape of my neck. She gave it a small bite and that was it… I got agitated.

The bite was soft and romantic, but it triggered the anger in me, making me more irritated.

“Are you deaf? Get the hell off me” I snapped, and she flinched, jumping off my lap like my body was on fire.

“Get out of my sight” I said, but she stayed rooted at where she stood, trying to explain God knows what.

Too stressed to repeat myself, I brought out my gun and aimed it straight at her. Maybe I should let my gun do the talking.

I cocked it, and she flinched, raising her hands up in surrender then she fled.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair frustratingly.

My phone rang, I took it out from my pants pocket. On the screen was “Auntie”—the head cook.

“What's wrong”

“It's Lyra” came her voice over the phone.

My head banged!

“What happened to her?” I asked, alarmed.

I fucking screwed up. I screwed up big time!

“She'd passed out on the……. She's…..“ the noise wouldn't let me hear a thing.

I hung up, took my car keys from the table, then stormed off the bar without informing any of my siblings.

I halted the car rushing towards the entrance when the doctor and I collided at the door.

“Sam, how's she? What happened to her?“ I asked, trying to catch my breath.

“Calm down, Sal. She's fine now. She just fainted because of her phobia for darkness, thank goodness she was found on time”

“Phobia for darkness you say?” I asked with knotted brows and he nodded.

“Yes. It's pretty important she stays away from darkness. I just gave her few medications, and she's asleep now”

“Alright then, Sam. Thank you so much” I replied, patting his shoulder.

“Welcome friend. She's pretty by the way”

Sam said then left

A small smile tugged at the side of my lips. There was no need to deny it. Lyra was fine as hell.

I walked straight to my room and I found Lyra laying peacefully on the bed with Auntie, sitting beside her.

She explained everything that had happened —there was a black-out and they came to fix it, that was when they found Lyra laying on the stairs.

I sank into the chair beside the bed staring at her pretty, little figures sleeping on the bed.

“Is she okay?” Bianchi's voice spoke, bringing me back to reality.

I nodded my eyes not leaving Lyra.

_____

Lyra woke up almost an hour ago and all she did ever since then was cry.

Why? I didn't know.

I didn't ask either, but I hated seeing her cry. It made me want to go gaga. I suddenly felt guilty.

What exactly was I expecting when I discharged all the guards? Fucking left her alone.

I walked to her and handed her my hanky. She took it and threw it away.

What the actual hell?!

“Look, if you're expecting me to be all lovey-dovey with you, pull you in my arms and pat you like a baby then you must be out of your mind” I spat

“Bastard!” She retorted standing on the bed, “you left me here all alone with myself when you knew it wasn't safe!”

She sobbed more.

She got down from the bed and marched to the door angrily then stopped.

“You don't expect me to follow those shitty rules, do you?” She paused for a while probably expecting an answer from me then continued, “I WILL NEVER! You hear me? I will never follow those godforsaken rules. I'm your wife, not some prisoner!“

With that, she stormed out and shut at me.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

After a while, It was time for dinner and Auntie had gone upstairs to call Lyra to come down for dinner, but she said she wasn't hungry.

A few minutes later, she descended the stairs dressed in the jean she wore earlier, a black hoodie with a pair of white Crocs.

She walked out without even sparing me and my siblings a glance. I stood up to go after her, but Miley held my hands shaking her head.

“Don't. I think she needs some space”

“The house is big enough to give her the “space” she needs. It's not safe for her outside, she knows!“ I snapped at my cousin like she was the reason for my anger and frustration.

Grabbing my keys, I rushed out to the car then zoomed off. Though I didn't mean to, I'd seemly dragged her into the clash between two organizations, I needed to protect her. She was my responsibility now that we were married.

I trailed her with my car and found out that she didn't need any “space” like my cousin had claimed. She fucking came out to meet her man.

Really?

A wave of fury flooded inside me as I watched another man pull my WIFE into his damn arms, hugging her tightly. As if that weren't enough, they broke the hug, and he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Wow!

Just wow!

I balled my fist trying to control the anger that boiled inside me. I felt stupid. So stupid for chasing after her. I felt so fucking stupid that I cared about her safety.

I scoffed unbelievably.

Because I told her I wouldn't pull her into my arms and pat her like a baby, she went to another man,Huh?

“Puttana(whore)!“ I cursed under my breath hitting the steering wheel.

Lyra's POV

After what had happened last night, I went out to meet Brent. I told him everything— including the hickey and the red lipstick marks I saw on my husband's neck.

Eww...using the word 'husband' sounded cringe, I'd rather use Salvatore, thanks.

So, Salvatore,

That motherfucker left me all alone last night to go sleep with another woman on our first night. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous, I didn't wish it was me he slept with, and I did not—not even for a second wish he was here by my side last night.

The marriage was more like a deal and nothing more, but then, if he'd wanted to cheat, he could have at least waited until maybe after a week of our wedding? Y'know, I deserved some respect as his wife!

Was there any sense in what I just said? I doubt it.

Brent already told me everything, Salvatore was once a man whore—He still was. Old habits die hard, so I shouldn't expect anything.

Not like I was.

I sighed heavily as I knotted my hair neatly into a ponytail. I had classes and the first would be starting in just a few minutes. I'd rather not get late, and that too because of some dick who wouldn't add any value to my life as long as we lived under the same roof.

My room door flung open and of course it was Salvatore. I glanced at his brooding figure that stood at the doorway for a while, then proceeded to where all my school stuff was neatly arranged in a tote bag that laid on my bed, pretending there was no single soul beside me in the room.

Well, was there? Absolutely not!

“And where do you think you're going?” Salvatore asked with knotted brows, but instead of giving him an answer, I hung my bag in shoulders then walked to the door where he stood.

“Excuse me, you're obstructing my way,” I said calmly.

“I just asked you a question, where do you think you're going?”

“Do I need to answer that, huh? Where does it look like I'm going?” I asked back.

“You don't answer my question with a question, princess,” his voice was low and menacing. “Now, for the last time, where are you off to ?”

Hold up, isn't this man too good-looking, too educated to be daft? I mean, any sane person would see me dressed the way I am— in a pair of baggy pants and hoodie, a tote bag clung on my shoulder then textbooks placed neatly between my forearms and notice I was heading for school.

“I'm heading to school, mister. SCHOOL!” I bit out, annoyed.

“I thought the first rule stated in that paper was; you shouldn't go anywhere without my permission”

“And I thought I told you those shitty rules weren't for me?” I frowned deeply at him.

Because he got married to me to pay off the debt we owe, he thought he'd bought me? What happened to the word ‘freedom’? He married me, he didn't buy me. I wasn't some slave or some prisoner who he expects to succumb to some rules on paper. Lyra would never!

“You're effortlessly trying to break the second rule out of three and trust me, there'll be consequences. Our union is nothing but an alliance, more like a contract, and you don't expect me to put up with your babyish behavior like a supposed ‘loving husband’ should,” he paused for a while then continued. “I. Do. No. Love. You! And don't think I ever would. You're nothing but some ‘trade by batter'” he stated and my heart stung.

Not because I was expecting anything from him. I already knew this was a loveless marriage and the moment I'd agreed to the alliance and said ‘I do' in the church, I knew it was going to cost me my happiness, and I was willing to sacrifice my happiness to see my family safe and happy.

What I didn't know was that, aside from my happiness, I was selling my freedom. I was selling myself. It never crossed my mind that my life was going to be controlled by three rules printed on paper. I never knew my education would be at stake!

As far as I could remember, there were just three rules in those papers, first was, I shouldn't step out without his permission.

The second was, I shouldn't meddle in his affairs and of course, I wasn't interested in doing that.

Then the last and the most annoying? He doesn't want to see me with any other man aside from him, because he owns me.

Now, I don't remember breaking any of those three rules. Well, aside from that one, he said I should go out without his permission. Not like I had broken it, though I nearly did. But I didn't.

“Look, I've thought about it and I honestly don't remember breaking any rule. I haven't. So, can you please excuse me? I've got classes to attend” I pleaded with my hands clasped, and he just stared at me like I hadn't spoken.

Then he stretched out a shopping bag, just like last night when he'd stretched out the envelope. I wondered what was in the bag this time around.

He waited for me to take the bag from his hand, but I didn't, instead, I just stared at it with furrowed brows. He forcefully took my hand and placed the bag's handle in my palm, then Said,

“Get ready, we'll be heading out in a few hours” without saying another word or waiting for my reply, he left.

Placing my bag and books on the bed, I emptied the contents of the shopping in the bed. It was a straight, body hugging, silky mini dress with a thin spaghetti strap.

Then a shoebox with ‘Christian Louboutin’ boldly written on the top.

Wait a fucking second! Christian Louboutin?! That's one of the most luxurious shoe brands. I opened the box and took out the shiny black heels. My eyes scanned the shoe size…. How the devil did this man find out the size of the shoe I wear?

But then, he didn't expect me to wear something as tight as this gown and this heels to wherever it was we were going, right? Heaven knows I don't wear tight clothes and I've never fancied heels.

I sighed once more then, took my bag and book, then walked to the door and twisted the knob, but the door didn't open.

I twisted the knob once. Twice. Then vigorously, but the door still didn't open.

Did…. Did that fucker lock me in the room to prevent me from going out?

Lyra's Pov.

I'd spent almost the entire day locked up in the room alone. One of Salvatore's girls—couldn't even tell how they were related, probably one of his flings—brought me breakfast and lunch but I hadn't touched a single bite.

I mean, why would I?

What if it was poisoned? Salvatore had made it painfully clear he didn't see me as his wife and didn't care about me, let alone love me. Killing me would be nothing to him. Just a snap of the finger and I'd be gone—no trace, no body.

I glanced out through the floor-to-ceiling window. It was already dark. I picked my phone up from the bed and checked the time—almost half past six. I still couldn't believe that monster had locked me in all day.

The door creaked open again—probably the girl bringing me dinner. But it wasn't.

It was Salvatore.

Dressed in a black trouser, white t-shirts with the sleeves rolled up, showing off the black and red ink crawling up his arms. His silky dark long hair was styled into a loose ponytail making his face card more lethal.

He stood there, staring at me for a bit before shutting the door and walking in slowly. His steps were quiet but deliberate. He didn't say a word, just stared, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I see you're not yet ready," he finally muttered.

"Was I supposed to be?" I snapped.

He scoffed, biting his lower lip as he moved closer.

He didn't stop. Every step he took forward had me taking one backward—until my back hit the wall.

Now he stood just inches away, staring into my eyes, his warm breath fanning across my face.

"Wh...what do you think you're doing?" I stuttered, swallowing hard.

"I haven't done anything... yet, princess"

That 'yet' it only meant one thing—he hadn't but he would. Before I could blink, he closed the distance between us, his hands slipping under my hoodie. He pulled it up, stopping at my chest, exposing my stomach and bra.

"Raise your hands up, princess," he ordered, his voice low and rough—almost a growl.

I didn't move. I refused to. Until his fingers brushed down my bellybutton, slow and deliberate, sending a shiver rushing up my spine. He didn't need to repeat himself.

I raised my hands, allowing him to pull the hoodie off completely.

Now I was left in just a bra and baggy pants. One second they were on, the next I felt them sliding down my thighs.

How the hell...?

He'd unbuttoned them without me even noticing. My eyes widened in disbelief but he kept the same calm, cocky smirk tugging at his lips.

This man was sly. Dangerous. Like a goddamn fox.

He leaned in close,his breath ghosting over my ear.

"You might want me to help you freshen up, huh, princess?"

I blinked. Twice. Then shoved him with both hands. He barely moved—man was solid as a wall.

Flustered, I rushed towards the bathroom, covering my butt with both hands as I slammed the door shut. I could hear him chuckle.

I stayed there for nearly thirty minutes, hoping he'd be gone when I came out.

Well, no luck.

When I opened the door, our eyes met. I groaned and almost shut it again.

"Get the hell out. I need to change" I barked as I walked out of the bathroom with a frown settled on my forehead.

"I've seen bigger and better boobies. Moreover, this one?" He gestured toward me with that annoying smug smirk of his. "This one is legally mine"

Oh-ho. His core. I mean, would you expect any less from a man whore? And what the devil did he mean by lawfully?

I hissed, grabbed the dress from the bed and stormed back into the bathroom. It seemed he badly wanted to stay in the room, he could rot there for all I cared!

Putting on the dress... Oh my fucking goodness!

God help me. It was tight. And short.

So. Ridiculously. Short!

The neckline plunged scandalously low, the back dipped all the way to my waist, and the hem? Damn! It stopped high on my thigh with a bold slit daring to expose more .

How the actual hell did he expect me to wear something this revealing? It hugged my curves like it was a second skin!

I paced in the bathroom, chewing my inner cheek while the dress clung to my body like it was painted on. After a few moments of hesitation, I finally decided to step out.

"Look, you don't—" I started but stopped.

He was gone.

Phew! I exhaled in relief.

Now came the real crisis—walking in the damn heels without tripping. I could already picture it; one wrong step and boom! I'm the clown of the night.

I considered faking sick. Maybe say I had cramps or a headache? But that'd be a terrible excuse l, especially after I'd almost strutted out of the house earlier looking like a whole fashion statement.

Sighing in defeat, I slipped on the heels and stepped out the door.

.....

"Don't tell me this missy is who we've been waiting for for the past two hours," the ginger-haired girl—the same one who'd brought me breakfast and lunch—snapped.

Salvatore's gaze, along with two other men I'd seen back at my father's house and at my wedding, all shifted towards me where I stood on the stairs, clutching the railing just to stay upright in those death trap heels.

Not like I'd spent the two hours locked in a spa. If she wanted to throw shade, she better aim it at her boyfriend—or whatever the hell Salvatore was to her—not me.

I hissed under my breath and rolled my eyes.

Why the hell were they all staring at me like I'd just risen from the dead in a dress made of pure gold?

Was I that drop-dead gorgeous? Because the way they were looking, you'd think Marilyn Monroe had just stepped down the stairs.