Alicia's POV

After my attempt to escape here was bursted by the don himself.

I've been locked indoors since that night trapped with no food, no water, and no clue what time it is. Day or night, light or darkness... it all blends together now. The only constant is the crushing silence, broken only by the occasional grumble of my empty stomach.

It's been three days. Three long, agonizing days.

They said he wasn't around. That this was my punishment until he returned. And despite Madam Sonia's pleas, he stood firm in his decision.

Cruel.

I still don't understand how Madam Sonia stays loyal to him. Maybe he's threatened her life too, maybe she has no choice. Yet, she keeps saying he's a "nice guy." Nice? That's laughable. What kind of "nice guy" leaves a woman who he wants to get pregnant starving and locked away like a criminal?

I was already losing myself... but now, I was starting to lose my mind.

The worst part? I am supposed to carry his child. His.

What would happen once the baby's here? Will he starve us both at the slightest disobedience? Will he use the child to control me even more?

The thoughts wouldn't stop. They hit me over and over like violent waves threatening to drown me in fear, confusion, and anger.

"God," I whispered, pressing my palm to my forehead. "My head... it's too much."

I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold on-trying to stay sane.

I needed to breathe. I needed calm.

So I closed my eyes. Inhaled deeply.

And just like that, my body gave in to exhaustion.

Darkness finally came, not from the locked room, but from the sleep I could no longer fight.

A soft touch on my leg startled me awake.

"You stubborn little dove," his voice whispered near my ear, smooth but laced with menace.

I flinched, my heart pounding. "What time is it? How did you get in here? What do you want?"

He chuckled a low, unsettling sound. "I told you to stop asking me that, little one. Next time, I might not be so... gentle."

I scoffed, but the sound caught in my throat when I tried to sit up and felt cold metal on my wrists. Handcuffs?

"What the hell is this?" I asked, staring at him with a mix of shock and confusion.

"Don't look at me like that," he said sharply, his eyes narrowing. "You brought this on yourself. Did you really think you could run from me?"

He stepped closer, his hand trailing slowly along my exposed leg. I jerked away instinctively, but his grip tightened.

"I told you not to think of stupid things. You belong to me now."

His tone wasn't loud but it was final. Commanding.

Something in my chest squeezed, and despite the fear, I felt my body betray me with a tiny, involuntary gasp.

He noticed.

"You like that, don't you?" he said, a smirk creeping across his lips.

I looked away, embarrassed, but he wouldn't have it. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," he said, low and firm.

For a moment, the room was filled with tension, his control pressing down on me like a weight I couldn't shake.

Then, without warning, he stood up and began undoing his trousers.

My eyes widened. "What are you doing?" I asked, panic rising.

He smirked again. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

I immediately shut my eyes, willing myself to disappear.

I shut my eyes tight, not out of modesty but strategy.

Let him think I was scared. Let him believe he had won.

But deep down, something in me clicked. I can't keep being the victim.

I forced myself to breathe calmly, then slowly opened my eyes, meeting his gaze with a softness I hadn't shown before.

"You want me to look at you?" I whispered, letting my voice drop into something gentler... warmer.

That smirk on his face faltered for a split second. Just as I hoped.

"I'm not trying to run away from you ,not anymore," I said, letting my eyes trace his face, keeping my tone low and persuasive. "But you scare me when you act like this. I want to understand you... really understand you."

He tilted his head, intrigued. "Is this another trick?"

I shook my head slowly. "No. I just realized something... Maybe I've been too stubborn. Maybe if I listened, things wouldn't have turned out like this."

His eyes scanned mine, trying to read me, unsure if I was bluffing. That was my cue to lean in emotionally.

"You like control, don't you?" I asked softly. "But I could give you something better than fear..."

He blinked, caught off guard.

"You think you've won because I'm chained. But men like you don't keep women locked up because they're strong. You do it because you're scared."

He frowned.

"You're scared someone might actually get into your head... someone who could make you feel."

Silence fell over the room.

"I see you, Dante," I said, barely above a whisper. "You want someone to submit but not out of fear. You want someone who chooses you, even after knowing what you are."

He stared at me for a long moment. His hands, which had been at his waist, slowly dropped.

"I'll make you a deal," I said, seizing the moment. "Uncuff me. Let me show you loyalty without chains. You can always put them back on if I betray you."

He stood still, his expression unreadable. But something in his eyes shifted, something uncertain.

Got you, I thought. Then an evil smile spread broadly on his face which confused me.

Alicia's POV

"You sure know how to use your skill as a woman, hun," he said, his voice soaked in arrogance as he leaned casually against the wall, arms folded like a king surveying his property.

I rolled my eyes at him, not bothering to hide the disgust on my face.

"Hmmm..." he muttered under his breath, clearly amused. "Do that again. I find it sexy," he added, his voice dropping lower, almost like a purr.

I shot him a confused look, unsure whether to be flattered or irritated. His gaze was intense, the kind that made your skin crawl and burn all at once.

"From now on, you'll do exactly as I tell you," he said, his tone turning cold and sharp like the edge of a blade. He took a step closer, and for a moment, his presence became overwhelming, intimidating in a way I hadn't expected. I refused to respond, keeping my lips sealed in defiance.

"I said do you understand me?" he asked again, his voice firm with authority, leaving no room for questions.

Before I could think twice, I nodded... almost involuntarily, as though his words held some invisible leash around my will.

He smiled, a wicked curve of his lips that made me feel like a pawn in a game I hadn't agreed to play. "Good girl," he whispered, the words dripping with control.

"Back to where we were," he said with a satisfied air, moving toward the massive couch that sat proudly at the center of the room like a throne. He sank into it, legs spread, one arm resting lazily on the side.

"Come here," he ordered, voice sharp, direct.

I turned my face away from him, breaking eye contact deliberately. I wasn't ready to submit not without resistance.

"I told you not to do that, remember?" he snapped, his voice carrying a dangerous edge now. "Now come here. Don't make me repeat myself again, darling."

The way he said darling, it wasn't sweet. It was a warning wrapped in silk.

Reluctantly, I stood up, my body moving before my mind could resist. Like a well-trained pet, I started to walk toward him.

But his voice stopped me cold.

"No."

He stood halfway from the couch, eyes burning into mine.

"I don't want you to walk."

My heart skipped a beat.

"I want you on all fours... like a loyal dog. Slowly, you'll crawl to me with your eyes fixed on mine."

My breath caught in my throat, and yet... I smirked, lifting a brow with amused rebellion.

"Why would I, hun?" I asked, feigning confidence.

His jaw tightened.

"Because I ordered you to!" he roared, his voice echoing in the room. He was losing patience, and the cracks in his calm were showing.

A strange thrill stirred within me, and I wondered just how far he was willing to go.

"Make me," I whispered, my voice laced with quiet defiance.

He chuckled, a dark sound that made the hairs on my neck rise. He leaned forward just slightly, eyes narrowing with sinister amusement.

"You see, Allicia," he said, dragging out my name as if tasting it on his tongue, "your every act of disobedience will cost you something... something precious."

He paused.

"Your mother's life."

My heart stopped.

I froze numb, paralyzed by the weight of his words.

"You wouldn't dare," I barked back, my voice trembling more than I wanted it to. My chest tightened with panic, my fists clenched at my sides.

But he only smiled, slow and smug. "Yeah... just as I expected," he muttered with a tilt of his head, like he'd been waiting for that exact reaction. "Now, if you don't want your mother hurt... you'll do exactly as I say. Understood?"

My lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, my head dipped in submission, shame crawling over my skin like a second layer.

Is this it? Is this how miserable my life would be... from now on? I thought. Controlled, cornered, and stripped of my choices.

"Let's start again," he said, his voice colder now, any trace of amusement gone. "I want you to crawl to me on all fours. And don't you dare look away. Keep your eyes on mine."

There was no room left for hesitation. If it meant keeping my mother safe, I had to let go of my pride no matter how much it burned.

Reluctantly, I lowered myself to the floor, the cold marble stinging against my palms and knees. I felt the weight of his gaze as I positioned myself, my heart pounding louder than my thoughts.

"Good girl," he muttered, pleased.

"Now come to me. Slowly."

I did as told, one cautious movement at a time, crawling toward him like a puppet without strings. The silence between us was thick, only broken by the quiet sound of my hands brushing the floor. I kept my eyes locked on his, even though everything in me screamed to look away.

Once I reached him, I stopped. My body trembled just slightly.

He smiled. A soft, almost affectionate curve that made my stomach twist in knots. "You'd be so sweet, my little dove," he murmured, brushing his hand gently along my cheek. His touch was surprisingly tender, but the power behind it was suffocating.

"Now stand," he said.

I obeyed.

"Closer," he added, and I stepped in.

Without a word, he reached for the hem of his shirt and began to pull it up. Just as I tried to help him, he grabbed my hand gently but firmly.

"No, darling," he whispered, voice laced with quiet command. "Keep your eyes on me. Gently now. Slow."

His gaze bore into me, and I wasn't sure what I saw there.

Was it desire?

Control?

Or something much darker, something broken?.

Alicia's POV

A soft knock echoed from the door. I barely lifted my gaze from the mirror before asking, "Who is it?"

The door creaked open and one of the maids slipped in, her head bowed low. She held a dress carefully over her arm like it was something sacred.

"Ma'am, the boss said I should give you this," she murmured.

I scoffed under my breath. Of course he did. Why would Dante choose a dress for me as if I were his doll?

Still, I reached out and took it from her, muttering a half-hearted, "Thanks."

"Ma'am, he said you should be downstairs in the next three minutes," she added quickly, eyes glued to the floor.

I sighed, the weight in my chest growing heavier. "Sure. You can go."

When the door clicked shut, I dropped the dress onto the bed and sat down. My thoughts swirled in chaos. I'd been under strict watch for weeks now-no phone, no freedom, no escape. Every inch of this mansion was beautiful and suffocating at the same time.

"I can't keep living like this," I whispered to no one, my voice trembling.

But there was no way out. Dante had made sure of that.

I rose, forcing myself into the bathroom. The warm water hit my skin, washing away everything except the ache inside. When I stepped out, steam clouding the mirror, I reached for the dress.

It was a deep red-sleek, expensive, and scandalously revealing. The neckline plunged low, showing too much cleavage, and the slit ran high enough to make my heart race.

My reflection stared back at me, half furious, half broken. "Is this really what he picked? Does he think I'm some kind of toy?"

I wanted to rip it off. But his voice....his last threat echoed in my head:

"Disobey me, little dove, and I'll hurt anyone around you."

My chest tightened. I couldn't risk it.

Letting my hair fall over my shoulders, I stepped out of the room and made my way to his office. After a few knocks, I heard his low voice, "Come in."

He sat behind his desk, cigarette smoke curling around him. His cold, piercing eyes met mine. "Come here," he whispered.

I hesitated before obeying. He reached out, his hand gripping my waist as he pulled me closer until I was sitting on his lap. His touch was possessive, his breath warm against my ear.

"You smell nice," he murmured, his voice thick with something dangerous.

I tried to move away, but his hand tightened around me. "Don't try that, my little dove."

When his lips brushed against my skin-my neck, my collarbone, my chest-I froze. My heart pounded in confusion, shame, and fear. A soft sound escaped me before I could stop it. His lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"I knew you liked it," he whispered.

Anger surged through me. I pushed him away, trembling, but he only laughed softly-mockingly.

"Don't stand up," he said again, his hand sliding across my thigh. His touch was deliberate, teasing, cruel. I clenched my jaw, holding back tears, when suddenly-

The door burst open.

A woman stood there, stunning and furious. Her beauty was sharp, her eyes burning with betrayal.

"So this is why you ignored me yesterday?" she snapped, her gaze cutting between us.

"Irish," Dante said, voice calm as ever.

"Really?" she scoffed, dropping her purse onto the desk. "I want this bitch out of here."

Her words hit me like a slap. I tried to rise, but Dante's arm locked tighter around me.

"I said," she hissed, "I want her out."

Instead, Dante tilted my chin up and kissed me-hard, cruel, possessive. I struggled, my palms pressed against his chest, but he only deepened it.

Irish gasped in disbelief, then laughed bitterly. "I'm coming back for you, Dante. And you-" she pointed at me, her eyes glinting with venom, "-you better get ready."

She stormed out, her heels clacking against the marble like thunder.

When the silence settled, I shoved Dante's hand away. "Why did you do that when you know you have a girlfriend?"

He didn't answer. He didn't even look at me. He picked up his phone instead, muttered something into it, and stood.

"I'll be leaving the house," he said calmly. "Don't do anything stupid, little dove. You know I keep my promises."

He touched my cheek once softly, mockingly-and left me standing there, numb.

Hours later, I sat in the living room, the TV flashing light across the walls. I wasn't watching. My thoughts were far, far away. The guards stood near, silent, watching my every move.

"I need fresh air," I muttered, getting up.

They followed me to the poolside like shadows. The cool breeze hit my skin, and I longed for just a moment of peace. "Would you stand there watching if I took off my clothes?" I asked one of them dryly.

He said nothing.

Fine. I slipped off my oversized shirt, leaving only my underwear, and dove straight into the water.

The moment I sank beneath the surface, it was like the world disappeared. The water was my only freedom-the only place he couldn't reach me. I swam until my arms ached, my lungs burning, my body alive again.

When I finally surfaced, I heard clapping.

I turned sharply. A man stood near the pool-young, tall, with warm brown skin and a dragon tattoo stretching across his chest. His smile was soft but confident.

"You're good," he said.

I frowned. "Who are you?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Easy. I didn't mean to scare you."

I glanced around, making sure the guards were still there. They were. Still, I didn't move closer.

He reached for a towel and held it out. "Here."

I hesitated, then snatched it from him. "I don't need it."

He chuckled. "You're a tough one. I like that. I'm Xavier." He stretched out his hand with a grin.

I stared at him for a long moment before taking it. "Alicia."

"I know," he said softly. "It's nice to finally meet you. And... for what it's worth, you're even more beautiful in person."

Heat rushed to my cheeks before I could stop it. What are you doing, Alicia?

"Thanks," I murmured quickly. "Please excuse me."

I walked past him, not daring to look back.

"I hope to see you around," he called out.

I didn't respond but I knew I would.