Mariana's Pov
“I’m so f*****g hard, Maria,” he whispers, “aren’t you going to get on your knees and do something about it?”
My brows furrow in protest. And as my lips part for a response, he beats me to it. “Maria?”
“Yes?” I answer.
“Kneel.”
I stand tall, defiance burning within me. Alejandro's command hangs in the air, heavy with expectation. My instincts scream rebellion.
Refuse.
Resist.
Run.
But his eyes—His eyes freeze my resolve, fury and seriousness swirling in their depths, like a storm of dark clouds brewing.
He pins me with his eyes, his stare unyielding, uncompromising.
My legs tremble, my heart faltering. I try to summon courage, but his gaze strips me bare, exposing my doubts, my fears, my vulnerabilities.
"You're going to pay for this, whatever game you’re playing.
