The man crosses his arms, the collar of his shirt shifting enough for me to catch a bite of black ink sneaking over his shoulder and towards his neck. Tattoos. "Yes, hostage. If you haven't noticed, this isn't a five-star resort. No cabanas, no towels folded into different animals, and no open bar."

"There's room service," I say, holding up the bottle. Joking during times of extreme stress have always been my coping mechanism, but as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them. The square jaw hardens.

In one bound, the man crosses the room towards me and bends down close enough so I can feel his hot breath on my face. I turn my head and flatten against the wall, but I can't help but look at him.

He's beautiful.

I'm reminded of a church sermon I heard as a kid. The pastor explained that the devil was once one of the highest angels. He was beautiful, but evil existed inside of him, and he was cast out of heaven. This man might as well be the devil. The beautiful, sinful devil.

I'm already looking at him, but he grabs my chin and turns my face to his. When he leans forward, I think he might kiss me, but he stops an inch away. His fingers squeeze my face until I worry my bones will shatter.

"You will be here until your father pays your ransom," he says slowly, his brown eyes scanning my face robotically, looking for any signs of weakness. "If you want to enjoy your stay, I suggest you obey commands and keep it down. You won't like it if I have to force you."

My entire body shivers, and the corner of his mouth lifts in a small smile. He enjoys my fear.

After another second, he turns my face away, stands up, and stalks out of the room. The door slams shut, and I hear a thick bolt slide into place.

And then I'm alone again.

Chapter Two

Yuri

Despite my threats, the girl starts banging against the door an hour later. The sound ricochets through the vents. Every bang of her hand against the door is a blow to my control, my power. My father's men glance at one another and wonder what I will do to control her. It is my job, after all.

I move calmly down the stairs and unlock her door. This time, she doesn't stumble away and cower. She stands in the middle of the room, feet planted firmly beneath sensuous hips. The food and water seem to have bolstered her courage.

I can take care of that.

The door slams behind me, and I cross the distance between us in a single stride. Her blue eyes widen, but she doesn't move. "Why do you have me here? I deserve to know why I'm being-"

I grab her arm and fling her back against the wall. She hits the concrete with a whoosh, the air in her lungs being forced out. Her head tips forward, long black hair falling over her heart-shaped face.

I'm in front of her before she can catch her breath.

"You don't deserve anything," I growl. "Least of all from me."

"But I-" The words are no more than a whisper, but if I was properly terrifying her, she wouldn't even be able to manage that. If she isn't scared enough to stay quiet, then I've failed in my duty.

"You have been warned to stay quiet," I say, clawing a hand down her side, enjoying the way her waist flares out. I dig my fingers into her flesh. "You have been warned that you won't like it if I have to force you."

Her pink lips part in surprise before slamming shut. Her dark brows lower, and she glares at me with more hatred than I've ever seen before. "Beat me if you want. Hit me if that makes you feel like a big, tough man. I'm not afraid of you."

I step forward until my hips are pressed against hers, until our bodies are flush. I can practically feel the thrum of her pulse against my zipper, the beat of her heart growing more and more wild.

"Who says I want to hit you?"

My fingers brush against the back of her knee and move upward. Her skin is velvety smooth, and she gets warmer the further I move under her skirt. She tries to smooth down her skirt, but I use my other hand to pin hers above her head. For all her toughness, it's clear she's outmatched. I could overpower her with a single finger.

"There are other ways to break someone," I whisper as my hand finds the waistband of her panties. They're simple cotton, but they might as well be lace for the way my body reacts to the discovery. I'm only trying to frighten her, to let her understand what kind of consequences await further disobedience, but I want to know what she's hiding under those undergarments. What treasure is waiting to be found.

Her blue eyes are a vibrant sky blue, but there's an undeniable fire there. She burns bright, and it's my job to douse the flames.

I dip my hand lower, running my fingers over her sex. She tries to stretch away from me, but I don't let her. "I'm more than happy to do whatever it takes to turn you into a good girl."

Suddenly, she leans forward and tips her head back. Instinctively, I mimic her movement, drawing my face close to hers. Her nose is a button, her chin pointed. She looks like a cartoon princess. "What if I'm not a good girl?" she purrs.

Her seductive edge is unexpected. I rise to attention in more ways than once, and I'm shocked by the effect she's having on me. But before I can say anything, she jerks her chin back and spits.

It catches me by surprise. I have to take a second to steel myself. Don't react. Don't give her that satisfaction. Take control of the situation – now.

I tighten my grip on her hands until she whimpers. One long, slow breath sliding down into my chest. I feel the sense of calm, of power, radiating through me once again. Looking at the girl, I can see her jaw is still clenched, lips still pressed tightly, but she's uncertain. Nervous.

Good. My turn.

I dip my fingers inside her panties, expecting her to beg me to stop. To plead. She doesn't, and I'm surprised until I feel the wetness between her legs. She's turned on. And when I feel her excitement, my own begins to take over. Before I can stop myself, my fingers slide into her. Three. At once.

Her lips part, and I feel the exhale on my neck as I work my fingers in and out of her. She's straining against my hold on her hands, but it isn't to escape. She's writhing with pleasure.

I bring my lips to her ear. "You aren't a good girl, are you?"

Her body clenches and she snarls. "I hate you."