Natalie's POV
I poured another glass of wine, watching the deep red swirl lazily in the crystal. The men below were still adjusting Aurora on the chain, tightening her restraints, and I allowed a slow, satisfied smile to curl across my lips. She was mine. Every movement, every breath, every spark of defiance cataloged, observed, and ready to be broken.
But the satisfaction went deeper than just seeing her struggle. Tonight, I allowed myself a confession, not to anyone, not even to myself fully, but aloud, because words had a power all their own.
“Jake,” I murmured, the name rolling off my tongue like honey laced with poison. “My dear, faithful, reckless little pawn.”
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the polished mahogany desk, staring down at the video feed of her bound figure,
