Contract to Hell's Den

First night in hell

Elena's pov

I lay on the king-sized bed, exhausted, staring up at the ceiling. No noisy fan like in my house, just the air conditioner blowing cold air that made my skin prickle.

I grabbed my phone, needing someone to talk to. But I had no friends. Calling Marco would be useless. The loneliness hit hard, and it sucked.

My stomach grumbled loudly. I was starving. I stood up and headed to the bathroom, which was as big as my entire living room and bedroom combined back home. An air conditioner hummed softly, and a television played outside the glass Jacuzzi. This was pure luxury.

I peeled off the heavy wedding dress and sighed in relief. Finally free. I could finally breathe and walk without feeling caged. I stepped into the cold water, goosebumps rising all over my skin. The chill felt good, cool, relaxing. I poured in some expensive strawberry-scented body wash, and the sweet strawberry smell filled the bathroom. I sank deeper into the water, watching an action movie on the TV, letting myself enjoy the moment for once.

After a while, I stepped out, dripping wet, and wrapped myself in a soft towel that felt like cool cotton against my skin. It was warm and nice.

The moment I walked back into the bedroom, the air conditioner’s cold blast hit me hard. Goosebumps erupted across my body. My n*****s hardened and pressed visibly against the thin towel. I stood still, strangely enjoying the sharp sensation, until reality hit.

“Oh my God,” I whispered. “I forgot my bag of clothes at home!”

I paced the room in panic. I had to go out for dinner, but I couldn’t go naked. What was I supposed to do? Call Alex? Call the housekeepers? I didn’t even know their names. Did I have Alex’s number? What kind of husband leaves his new wife without clothes? I said to myself, pacing anxiously.

I rushed to the wardrobe, hoping for something, anything. It was filled with luxurious dresses, the kind I could never afford as a Rossi. Now I am a Moretti. I hesitated. Would wearing these be a problem? Did they belong to someone else?

After a long moment, I gave in. I couldn’t stay naked. I picked a simple brown dress and dropped the towel, standing completely bare.

That was when the door barged open without a knock.

I almost screamed, until I saw it was Alessandro.

He froze, his eyes locking onto my naked body like he was memorizing every curve. His gaze burned, especially on my breasts. Heat rushed to my face. I quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped it around myself, my cheeks flaming.

“You… you should have knocked!” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper.

He looked at me with pure disgust mixed with something darker. “Who the hell do you think you are? You’re in my house, and you’re telling me what to do?”

I tried to speak, but he raised his hand, silencing me.

He stepped closer. I could feel his warm breath on my face. His presence was overwhelming.

“Regardless of whose house this is,” he whispered in my ear, his voice low and dangerous, “I have every right to see you naked. Remember, you are my wife now.”

Before I could react, he yanked the towel away and tossed it across the room.

“You are mine,” he said, stepping back to take a full, shameless look at my dripping, naked body.

“Stop!” I cried, trying to cover myself with my hands. “The contract says no intimacy! You have no right to do this!”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he muttered, his eyes still roaming.

He finally looked away. “I came to tell you everything you need is already in this room.”

“But I forgot my clothes at home.”

“Oh, those rags?” He smirked. “I saw them. They were wretched and disgusting, so I burned them all. All the clothes you need are in that wardrobe. You’re married to me now, Elena. You can’t be seen in rags.”

He paused at the door. “We’re holding a party tomorrow to introduce you as my new bride. A dress will be sent early. Your hairstylist will come too. Be on your best behavior. This is a party for class, and I won’t be embarrassed.”

I nodded silently.

He turned to leave, then stopped. “Dinner is ready. Everyone is waiting. Do not keep us waiting.”

“I’ll be there in a minute,” I replied.

“You’d better be,” he muttered and walked out.

I quickly grabbed a dress from the wardrobe and rushed to get ready. My heart was still racing from his touch, his words, his eyes on my bare skin.

The dining room was breathtaking, a long table set with golden cutlery, expensive food, and fresh fruits arranged like something from a magazine. I tried to act calm, but everything felt overwhelming.

I sat down. Giovanni, my father-in-law, smiled at me.

“Elena, are you enjoying your stay? If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Yes… sir,” I said, forcing a smile.

“My dear cut the formality enough with this sir. We are family now and I would love you to address me as father.” Giovanni said.

“Yes father.” I said shyly. Giovanni was the only family member who talked to me nicely apart from the staff.

Isabella sighed loudly and rolled her eyes. “Please cut the drama and eat. Etiquette,” she said, glaring at me like I had stolen something precious.

Isabella was Alex’s younger sister, and it was clear she didn’t like me at all. I ignored her and started eating.

Then a loud noise shattered the silence.

A woman was fighting her way into the dining room, screaming and yelling. We all stood up.

It was Serena.

Alex’s face went pale and cold. Isabella’s face lit up with pure joy and excitement.

Something bad was about to happen.