Tonia's POV
We departed the bar as a pair, making our way to what he described as his accommodation. Outside waited his Arcanis GT—among the planet's most costly automobiles.
This masked mystery man clearly possessed extraordinary fortune. Might he hold Alpha status?
Curiosity stirred within me to probe further, but details were irrelevant. We planned simply to share physical connection and disappear from each other's lives forever.
That evening transformed into the most magical experience I'd ever known. He touched me with such exquisite care. Despite my inexperience, I couldn't fathom how physical union could feel more divine. I wished our encounter would last eternally.
My anonymous companion had been astounded to learn of my innocence. During our entire coupling, he continuously verified my comfort and inquired whether he should proceed more delicately. For once, someone genuinely considered my emotions.
Yet something extraordinary occurred during our joining.
Our passion had been flowing beautifully when he suddenly convulsed within me and reached his peak with a profound, primal sound.
My shock was complete, though we remained too consumed by sensation to voice questions.
He separated from me immediately, positioning himself at the mattress edge.
"That's bizarre," he whispered privately.
Confusion overwhelmed me equally. Hadn't he insisted he was incapable of climaxing with women?
He gazed at me, and the prolonged nature of his attention suggested he was examining me like some complex riddle.
I lay motionless on my back, thoroughly spent. Eventually he returned to my side, supporting his head with his arm.
"Who are you really?" His fingertip glided across my chin. The sensation sparked through my nerves.
My throat constricted. I'm merely a disfigured woman discarded by every person I've known.
Incredibly, he lifted away his mask.
My expression transformed to pure astonishment at what emerged.
Holy Moon! This had to be the most magnificent man I'd witnessed!
His beauty was overwhelming. Someone like him could never belong with me. He exceeded my worth entirely.
I drew the bedding higher to shield myself.
"You should have revealed your inexperience at the establishment," he stated.
Why would that have mattered? My virginity no longer held significance for me.
Gradually, his palm approached my features. Understanding his goal, I inhaled sharply and retreated.
"Stop." I refused firmly, grasping the fabric.
"Why resist? You've observed mine."
My refusal persisted.
"Our agreement hasn't changed. No cause for alarm exists," he assured me.
You cannot comprehend! You'll loathe me after witnessing my appearance.
Our time together had progressed too wonderfully. Nothing could be permitted to destroy it.
"I'm repulsive," I whispered, averting my gaze.
Surprise registered on his features. He extended toward my face once more, and this time I offered no resistance. Fate had decided.
He stripped away the covering, positioned his finger beneath my jaw, and raised my head toward his sight.
Moisture collected in my vision as I peered into his—those captivating metallic eyes.
He studied my features directly, focusing on my damaged flesh. His departure was imminent.
I quivered and shut my lids when his digit followed the scarred tissue. What was his purpose?
"How did this occur?" His tone carried gentleness, his touch continuing to comfort my skin.
I encountered his stare, and remarkably, no disgust reflected there.
"Someone injured me," I managed hoarsely. "Kidnappers bound my sight while they branded me. I've consulted numerous physicians, but assistance proved impossible."
Time elapsed. His attention never wavered.
"You're breathtaking," he breathed. My confusion deepened. What meaning did this hold? "Can you truly believe this mark renders you unattractive?"
I withdrew from his hold. "I am repugnant. Everyone confirms this."
Even more surprisingly, he pulled me against him, his embrace encircling my form. "Before this evening, I doubt I've encountered a woman possessing your radiance, Princess."
My pulse accelerated as his heartbeat resonated through my ear pressed to his torso. Despite my resistance, moisture escaped my eye. His words were false. He sought only to comfort me.
"Might we alter our arrangement? I desire to remain with you longer," he declared, stunning me completely.
Impossible! This defied reality.
"I—I—"
"Please."
My resistance crumbled instantly. Never before had anyone pleaded for my presence. Never requested I remain rather than depart.
I nestled my features against his chest while responding: "Yes."
Yet like all others, his promises proved hollow.
Like all others, betrayal followed.
Dawn brought emptiness.
Consciousness returned to reveal vacant space beside me. No message remained, no evidence of his presence save the tenderness between my thighs.
Worse still, staff arrived demanding my immediate departure.
"Will the gentleman from last evening return?" I inquired desperately, panic flooding my system.
"Absolutely not. His explicit instructions were your removal. He stated he refuses to see you near these premises again. Depart now," came the response before the messenger vanished.
Thus my spirit shattered anew.
Yet somehow, this agony surpassed even Sterling's cruelty.