Lila Hart's heart thundered in the locked bedroom of Alexander Knight's private island villa. The air was thick with his presence and the echo of Veronica's call still hummed in her ears. The barred windows and bolted door made the villa feel like a paradise-turned-prison, isolating her from the world, from Ethan Caldwell's fading promises of escape.
Two years ago, she had saved Alexander from a burning wreck—her hands shaking as she dragged him out of the flames. That one act had ignited his obsession, binding her to him through a contract that gave him power over her every breath. Now, alone with him, she felt the weight of his claim like a storm pressing down on the horizon.
Alexander tossed his phone aside without a glance, ignoring Veronica's call. His blue eyes locked onto Lila, hunger flashing there, dark and unrestrained.
"No distractions tonight," he murmured, voice low and edged with intent. "Just you and me, little flame."
Lila backed away, her bare feet sinking into the plush rug, her breath coming shallow.
"I'm not yours," she said, defiance sharp despite the tremor in her voice. "You can't force me to want this."
But her body betrayed her. It still remembered his hands in the office, the teasing touches that had left a shameful heat in her veins.
His smile was dark, triumphant. "Force? I won't need to."
He closed the distance, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her flush against him. His arousal pressed hard into her stomach, undeniable. Her thighs clenched instinctively, a pulse of need she despised.
"You've been fighting this," he said softly. "But your body knows the truth."
He kissed her, fierce and consuming, his tongue claiming her mouth with a hunger that stole her breath. Lila's hands fisted in his shirt, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer.
His lips trailed to her throat, sucking hard enough to leave marks—brands of his possession. She gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as he tore her dress open. The fabric slid from her shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving her in only lace underwear.
"You're beautiful," he growled.
His eyes devoured her—the curve of her breasts, the dip of her waist. He lifted her as though she weighed nothing, carrying her to the bed and laying her on the silk sheets.
His hands moved everywhere—up her thighs, parting them with a gentle but unyielding touch, teasing the edge of her underwear until she whimpered.
"Say you want me," he demanded, his voice rough, his fingers brushing her core, finding her wet and ready.
"I hate you," she whispered, but her hips arched, chasing his touch, her body screaming what her mind refused to admit.
He chuckled, low and victorious, shedding his clothes. The sight of him stole her breath—broad shoulders, sculpted abs, and an arousal that made her tremble. He climbed over her, his weight pinning her to the bed, his lips capturing hers again in a searing kiss.
"No more games," he said, voice raw with need.
He tore away her underwear, exposing her completely. Positioning himself between her thighs, his fingers teased her entrance, circling until she was trembling, begging despite herself.
"Please," she gasped, hating the word but unable to stop it.
"That's it," he groaned.
He thrust into her, filling her completely. Lila cried out, pleasure and pain tangling as he moved, each thrust deep, deliberate, claiming every inch. His hands gripped her hips, angling her to take him deeper, his pace relentless.
"You're mine," he growled, eyes locked on hers, burning with obsession born from that rainy night she'd saved him.
Her nails raked his back, drawing blood. He hissed, his thrusts becoming harder, more desperate. The world narrowed to heat, friction, and the raw connection consuming them both.
Lila's climax built, unstoppable, crashing over her in waves that left her shaking. Her cries filled the room. Alexander followed, his release a guttural roar, his body shuddering against hers as he poured himself into her.
They lay tangled, sweat-slick and panting. His arms wrapped around her with a possessiveness that felt like a chain. His lips brushed her temple, soft but unyielding.
"Now, you're mine forever," he whispered.
Lila's heart stuttered. The weight of his words sank in, fear and lingering pleasure clouding her thoughts.
Then—a faint creak.
A footstep outside the locked door. Deliberate. Close.
Someone was in the villa. Someone who wasn't supposed to be.