Eva Moretti
His breath was warm against my cheek.
Say yes. Or say no and leave. But either way, don’t lie to yourself anymore.
The silk tie hung between my fingers like a question mark.
My heart pounded so loud, I was sure he could hear it.
I wanted to run. God, I wanted to run.
But curiosity burned hotter than my fear.
I dropped the tie.
Show me. But nothing crazy.
Marco’s mouth curved. Nothing crazy. Not yet.
He picked up the silk again and gently wrapped it around my wrist. Not tight—just enough that I could feel the cool fabric against my skin.
He lifted my hand, turned it this way and that, inspecting me like I was something delicate and breakable.
Look at you, he murmured. Trembling already.
I’m not trembling.
Liar.
His thumb brushed the inside of my wrist, right over the frantic throb of my pulse.
Don’t let him see how much he affects you.
But it was impossible.
He stepped closer until I had to tip my chin up to meet his eyes.
Why did you really come here tonight, Eva?
I swallowed. To check on my property.
Marco c****d his head. Bullshit.
He leaned in, close enough that I could feel the heat of his body.
I think you came because you wanted to know how it would feel. Just once. To give up control.
I hated that he was right.
Are you always this arrogant? I snapped.
He laughed, low and wicked. Only when I’m right.
He untied the silk and let it slip from my wrist.
Here’s how this works, he said. Nothing happens unless you want it. You can say stop, and I’ll stop. No questions. No consequences.
My breath caught.
I’m not….
He cut me off with a look. Don’t say you’re not curious. You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t.
He turned away, heading back toward the main room.
I should’ve left. I knew I should have.
Instead, I followed him.
Marco moved through the club like he owned it. People nodded at him. Some stepped aside.
He wore a crisp black suit, open at the collar, no tie. His sleeves rolled up, showing strong forearms, veins running like rivers under his skin.
And every so often, he’d glance back at me, his eyes full of wicked promises.
Sin in a suit. That’s what he was.
He led me into another room. This one was darker, lit only by soft red lamps.
A small crowd gathered around a raised platform where a woman stood tied to a tall wooden frame. A man circled her slowly, dragging a feather across her bare skin.
The woman moaned, arching her back, eyes half-closed in pleasure.
My face burned. I tried to look away, but I couldn’t.
Marco leaned in close, speaking low.
She’s not in pain, Eva. Look at her face. She’s flying.
I…I don’t think I could ever…
He turned to me, expression gentle. No one’s saying you have to. But you came here for a reason. Don’t pretend you’re not fascinated.
A moan echoed through the room. I jumped a little.
Marco touched my arm. Light. Warm. Steady.
Breathe, he whispered.
He was so close I could smell his skin. Clean. Sharp. A hint of something spicy.
And suddenly all I could think about was how those strong hands would feel on my skin.
Stop it, Eva. You’re not that girl.
But God, I wanted to be.
Marco guided me away from the crowd. He pushed open a door marked PRIVATE.
The room inside was quiet. Soft music played. There was a plush red velvet sofa. A cabinet of toys on the far wall.
He shut the door and leaned against it, arms folded.
You look terrified.
I’m fine.
He lifted a brow. Liar.
I crossed my arms. Why do you keep calling me a liar?
Because you keep lying to yourself.
I’m not lying about wanting nothing to do with this place.
Then why are you still here?
Silence stretched between us. The air felt thick. Heavy.
Marco pushed off the door and came closer. Slow. Calm. Like he had all the time in the world.
He stopped in front of me, close enough that I had to tilt my head back.
Tell me one thing you’re curious about.
My cheeks flamed. No.
One thing, Eva. I’ll leave you alone after that.
I clenched my fists. I’m not playing this game.
Then walk out. Right now. Or answer me.
My chest rose and fell fast.
I should’ve left.
But I didn’t.
I…
My voice dropped to a whisper.
I wonder what it feels like…to be tied up. And not have to think.
Marco didn’t smirk. He didn’t gloat.
He just reached out, gently brushing my hair back from my face.
That’s not dirty. Or wrong. That’s human.
He stepped even closer, his voice low.
Let me show you. Nothing extreme. Just your wrists. You’ll be dressed. You’ll be safe.
My breath hitched. I can’t—
Say stop, and I’ll stop.
He held my gaze, and for the first time, I saw something vulnerable flicker in his eyes.
Trust me, Eva.
I didn’t say yes. But I didn’t say no.
Marco pulled a slim black silk tie from his pocket.
Give me your hands.
My entire body vibrated with nerves. I lifted my hands.
He bound my wrists loosely, so soft it barely felt like pressure.
Is that too tight?
I shook my head.
He lifted my bound hands, pressing them gently above my head, resting them against the velvet wall behind me.
Now breathe.
His fingertips skimmed my arms, my shoulders, the sides of my neck.
Every touch sent sparks through me.
Marco lowered his head until his lips hovered near my ear.
I’m not going to kiss you, Eva. Not until you ask me to.
My heart crashed in my chest.
Why?
Because I want you begging for it.
He kept his hands light. Barely touching. But somehow it felt more intimate than if he’d stripped me naked.
Tell me what you’re feeling right now.
Terrified, I whispered. And…
And what?
My eyes fluttered shut. Turned on.
Marco growled low in his throat.
Good girl.
He released my hands. The silk slipped away.
Marco stepped back, breathing hard, his eyes dark and hungry.
This is just the beginning, Eva.
I swallowed, throat dry.
What are you, Marco?
He tilted his head, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
I’m the man who’s going to ruin you for anyone else.
“ I’d come here planning to sell a building. But it was starting to feel like I might sell my soul instead.”