The night in Asher's mansion felt endless. Every corner of the vast halls seemed to whisper with secrets Mia could not name. She hadn't slept—not really. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the weight of his presence, the memory of his voice, the terrifying certainty that he was not a man she could escape.
When dawn crept through the tall windows, Mia found herself pacing, her bare feet silent against the marble floor. She clutched his coat tighter around her frame, the scent of leather and something darker—something that was entirely Asher—clinging to her skin. It unsettled her that she found comfort in it, even as her fear gnawed at her.
The heavy doors to the chamber opened.
Asher entered, dressed immaculately in a tailored black suit, as though the night had not touched him. He looked sharp, powerful, untouchable. His eyes found her immediately, locking her in place.
"You're awake," he said, his tone unreadable.
Mia straightened, her throat dry. "You kept me locked in here."
His lips curved into a faint smile. "I kept you safe. There's a difference."
"Safe?" Her voice cracked, anger and fear mixing. "You kidnapped me from the club. You're holding me here like—like—"
"Like what?" he asked, stepping closer. His movements were slow, deliberate, a predator closing in on prey. "A possession? A treasure? Something rare that no one else deserves to touch?"
Her breath hitched. "I'm not yours," she whispered.
His smirk deepened. "Not yet."
Mia's pulse thundered. She wanted to shout, to demand her freedom, but the closer he came, the more her voice betrayed her. Her body trembled, not entirely from fear.
Asher stopped only a foot away, towering over her, his presence suffocating. He reached out, brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch feather-light yet burning. "Your scent, Mia… it doesn't just lure me. It chains me. No one else could understand what that means. No one else could handle me."
Mia stepped back, but he followed, forcing her against the edge of the bed. Her knees brushed the mattress, and she froze.
"Asher…" she breathed, her tone part plea, part warning.
"Do you know what restraint costs me?" he murmured, lowering his head until his lips hovered at the curve of her jaw. "Every second I stand here, every inch I keep from claiming you, is a battle. And yet—I endure. For you."
His breath fanned across her skin, and Mia's hands pressed weakly against his chest. The solid wall of muscle beneath her palms only reminded her of how powerless she was.
"You're insane," she said, though her voice was trembling, betraying her.
"No," he whispered, his mouth ghosting over her ear. "I'm inevitable."
Her entire body shivered. She hated the heat pooling low in her stomach, the way his dominance twisted into something dangerously intoxicating.
Asher pulled back slightly, enough to study her face. "There will be a contract. A marriage that binds us."
Mia shook her head violently. "No—I won't marry you. You can't force me into this!"
"I won't need to force you," he replied smoothly. "You'll agree. Not because you want to, but because you'll realize there is no world where you can walk away. My world will not let you go."
Her nails dug into his chest. "You're a monster."
His eyes gleamed, dark and unrepentant. "And you are mine."
Before she could respond, he caught her wrists, pulling them gently but firmly above her head, pinning them against the wall. The movement stole her breath. His dominance was absolute, yet there was no cruelty in his grip—only control.
Mia's chest rose and fell rapidly. "Let me go," she whispered.
Asher leaned closer, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth without fully claiming it. "Say that when you don't tremble for me, kitten."
Her eyes fluttered shut, her pulse screaming. She hated him. She feared him. And yet—her body betrayed her, leaning into the heat of his presence.
With a deep breath, Asher released her, stepping back as if he hadn't just set her world on fire. "I won't take what you're not ready to give. But remember this—your resistance excites me. And when you finally surrender, it will be by your choice… even if I've already made the decision for you."
Mia sagged against the wall, her wrists tingling where he had held her. Her heart refused to calm, her mind spiraling.
Asher turned toward the door. "Prepare yourself. Tonight, the contract will be signed."
She stared at him in shock. "What?"
He glanced back, his expression darkly amused. "You'll stand beside me, Mia. As my bride-to-be. It's already arranged."
The door shut behind him, leaving her in silence.
Mia slid down onto the edge of the bed, her entire body shaking. She hated him. She feared him. But most terrifying of all—she couldn't deny the truth.
Somewhere deep inside, she was already ensnared.