PROLOGUE
Natalie’s heart pounded as the heavy velvet drapes swayed in the evening breeze, casting shadows that seemed to dance menacingly around the opulent room. The golden light reflected off the intricate moldings and deep mahogany panels, but the beauty of her surroundings offered no comfort.
"Answer the damn question. Are you Natalie Rivers?" His voice sliced through the quiet, sharp and commanding.
Natalie’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding like a war drum. The man towering over her, Dominic, stared with unyielding intensity, his eyes dark and dangerous. She absently played with the hem of her dress, the soft fabric slipping through her fingers.
“Yeah, that’s me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. As soon as the words left her mouth, Dominic stood up, his imposing frame casting a menacing shadow over her.
Fear prickled at the edges of her consciousness. What was he going to do?
“Did you fool me? Should I just end you right here? You’ll only save yourself if you’re not one of those bitches sent to mess with me,” he growled, his words dripping with menace.
“No, no, I’m not... My aunt planned a dangerous marriage for me that would have meant my demise. I managed to escape the wedding. You found me, and I had to pretend I was your bride... I’m so sorry,” Natalie explained, her voice quivering with desperation.
Dominic studied her, his gaze unwavering. She seemed sincere. If she had lied, he would have sensed it. But her problems were not his concern.
“Pack your things and get out,” he ordered, turning on his heel to leave. The rough fabric of his sleeve slipped through her fingers as she grabbed it, desperation coloring her voice.
“Please, don’t send me away!” Natalie’s voice trembled, her grip on his sleeve tightening as she fought back tears. “I promise I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t send me back.”
He slowly turned to look at her, his piercing gaze sending a shiver down her spine. Stepping closer, he reached out and gently lifted her chin with his index finger, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“Little lady, if you agree to be my wife, there’s no turning back. I’ll own you, and my world is far from easy. You seem too delicate for the hell I live in,” he warned, his voice deep and dangerous.
Nervously, she took a deep breath, the air in the room feeling heavy in her lungs. She would rather face his hell than the misery her aunt had prepared for her. “Yes, I want to be your wife. In return, you’ll have to protect me from my evil aunt,” she declared boldly.
A devilish smile spread across Dominic’s lips, his gaze trailing down to her slightly exposed cleavage, desire flickering in his eyes. “Now, strip,” he commanded.
Natalie swallowed hard, the command ringing in her ears. Strip? That was the last thing she expected him to say.
.
