SHE CAN'T BE TAMED

The Decision

"Son of a b***h!" Arla spat, her irritation at Liam's actions evident in her voice. "Ugh! What the hell is this?" she screamed, yanking at the cuffs that bound her. The metal shackles banged against each other, bruising her hands in the process. "I'll never give you what you want!" she declared, glaring at the closed door with defiance in her eyes.

Liam, having left Arla in the locked room, stepped back into his study to find Vivian waiting for him. He stood with his hands in his pockets, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. Her hair was still wet from the water she'd doused on herself, and a towel hung around her shoulders. Liam remained silent, his eyes locked on her.

Vivian, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny, stood up and approached him. "Why are you staring at me that way?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"What way?" Liam replied, evading her question.

Vivian's gaze flickered towards the door Liam had just emerged from, then back to him. "Where is she?" she inquired, concern and curiosity coloring her voice.

Liam's eyes darkened at the mention of Arla, and he countered, "Why have you been acting so unlike yourself lately?"

Vivian maintained her gaze on him, her voice steady as she said, "I'm not acting in any way. I'm still your always obedient baby, your favorite." She moved closer to him, changing the subject. "I missed you. Did you miss me?"

Liam remained unmoving, his hands still tucked in his pockets. Vivian, undeterred, closed the distance between them and attempted to kiss him. Unexpectedly, Liam moved his mouth away and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"I'm tired and would like to be left alone," Liam stated, his weariness evident in his voice.

Vivian, surprised and disappointed by his refusal, retracted her advance. She knew defying him had consequences, even if he did favor her. "Okay," she conceded, masking her hurt. "I'll let you rest now." With one last glance, Vivian turned and exited Liam's study, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Vivian stood in front of Liam's study, her face contorting with annoyance. Speaking to herself, she said, "What has come over him? He's never refused my advances before, and now that girl comes along, and everything is starting to change. I need to do something fast before she ruins my plans. I won't let him fall for another woman; I won't!" With her hands clenched in determination, Vivian stormed away.

Back in the study, Liam sat on a couch, exhausted from his latest deal, which hadn't ended well. The rival group had taken out a significant number of his men, and he now needed to recruit more. He couldn't allow Henry's group to gain control. Liam had to secure the package soon and close the deal, or he risked losing his major client. Overwhelmed by the mounting pressure, he sank deeper into the couch and, before long, drifted off to sleep.

Several hours passed, and the dim light filtering into the room began to fade as night fell. Arla's stomach growled, reminding her of Liam's ultimatum: no food or water until she accepted his deal. But how could she give in to his demands? It would mean sacrificing her freedom, her dignity, and any chance at true happiness.

As the darkness deepened, Arla curled up on the floor, her body trembling with hunger and exhaustion. She knew she couldn't hold out much longer. But the thought of giving in to Liam's cruel demands felt like a fate worse than death.

Arla remained curled up on the floor, her voice filled with sadness as she spoke aloud. "I thought getting married would bring me the peace I crave. I'm sure the old man would be delighted to see me in this position." She closed her eyes, desperation fueling her determination to find a way out. "Think, Arla. Think of something," she whispered.

A few minutes passed, and suddenly, her eyes snapped open, a smirk forming on her face as an idea took shape in her mind. Without hesitation, she reached out and hit the bell.

Liam's eyes snapped open at the sound of the bell, his instincts as the leader of a mafia group instantly pulling him from the depths of sleep. Even the slightest noise was enough to jolt him to full consciousness, a testament to his years of living a life where danger could lurk around every corner.

He took a moment to orient himself, the events of the day flooding back to him as he sat up on the couch. The bell could only mean one thing Arla had made her decision.

Liam rose from his seat, preparing himself for the confrontation to come.

As he made his way to the room where Arla was being held, Liam couldn't help but wonder if she had submitted to his demands, or found another way to defy him.

Liam entered the room, his gaze settling on Arla, who stood defiantly despite having been shackled there for hours. He couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "She better not be toying with me." As he approached her, his eyes locked on hers, searching for any sign of deception.

"Have you decided?" Liam asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Arla returned his gaze with unwavering determination. "If I do what you want, you promise to give me whatever I want, right?" she questioned, her tone resolute.

"Except love and Vivian," Liam added, his words firm and unyielding.

Arla let out a derisive laugh. "I don't care about her or your love. Aside from that, you promise anything, right?"

Liam stepped closer to her, their faces mere inches apart. "Leaving is out of the question, so don't even think about it," he warned, his eyes searching hers for understanding.

Arla scoffed, feigning indifference. "I wasn't."

Liam's gaze intensified as he moved even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You know what you are to give me in return?"

She stared back at him, her eyes wide as she swallowed hard, fully aware of the implication of his words.

His hands traced her skin while she remained handcuffed, sending a shiver down her spine. "Anywhere and whenever I want it," Liam murmured, his voice low and commanding as his fingers trailed along the lines of her chest.

He continued in a deep, husky voice, "You have to give it to me willingly and passionately."

Arla stared back at him, her breathing becoming shallow and ragged. His touch elicited both fear and desire within her, sending a flurry of conflicting emotions coursing through her veins.

Liam gripped her waist, pulling her closer aggressively. The cuffs on her left hand yanked against the bar, causing a dull ache to radiate through her arm. "Do you understand me?" he asked, his voice firm and demanding.

Arla nodded, her eyes never leaving his.

"Say it," he commanded, his grip tightening on her body, his lips dangerously close to hers.

"I... I understand you," she whispered, her face flushed a delicate shade of pink as she struggled to maintain her composure.

A satisfied smirk tugged at Liam's lips as he stepped back, his fingers deftly unbuttoning his shirt to reveal his chiseled, evenly toned muscles. Arla's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of him.