His sin, Her salvation

chapter six : The chains that bind

A Test of Will

Serena sat on the edge of the massive bed, her wrists still aching from how tightly Alessio had bound them the night before. The marks on her skin were a reminder—a warning—of the world she had fallen into.

She was his prisoner.

And he was her captor—a ruthless, merciless Italian mafia boss who didn’t take defiance lightly.

Her gaze flickered to the locked door before landing on the windows, their thick curtains drawn shut. There was no escape.

The click of the lock sent her heart pounding in her chest.

Alessio entered the room, his presence suffocating the air. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his movements calculated, dominant, effortless.

“You’re awake,” he murmured, voice smooth but edged with amusement.

Serena stayed silent, refusing to meet his gaze.

Alessio smirked. He moved slowly toward her, each step deliberate, predatory.

“You’re still upset about last night, aren’t you?” he mused.

Her fingers curled into fists.

Alessio’s dark eyes glinted with something dangerous before he suddenly grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up at him.

Serena flinched but didn’t speak.

“You will learn, dolcezza,” he murmured, his thumb dragging slowly over her lower lip. “This world is mine. And so are you.”

Serena’s chest heaved.

She whispered, "I will never be yours."

Alessio’s smirk widened.

"Brave little thing," he murmured. "But bravery won't save you here."

And then—his grip tightened, a silent reminder of who held the power.

---

A Game of Power

Hours later, Serena found herself seated at a lavish, exclusive restaurant, surrounded by men who kissed Alessio’s ring out of fear and loyalty.

Alessio kept her close—his arm draped lazily over the back of her chair, his body heat suffocating her.

She felt their curious gazes. Some filled with amusement, others with something more sinister.

She was an outsider.

A prisoner disguised as a possession.

A waiter poured wine into a crystal glass in front of her.

Serena hesitated.

Alessio noticed.

"Drink," he ordered, his voice low, commanding.

Serena met his gaze, stubborn. "I’m not thirsty."

The table fell silent.

Alessio’s jaw ticked. His fingers tapped against his glass, slow, calculated.

Then—he took the wine glass and brought it to her lips himself.

"Drink, Serena."

A test.

The entire room waited.

Serena’s pulse thundered in her ears.

Defying him here, in front of all these men, would be a mistake.

So she parted her lips, allowing the wine to pass.

Alessio’s thumb grazed her lower lip as he pulled the glass away, his satisfaction evident.

"Good girl."

Serena’s stomach twisted in frustration.

She had lost this battle, but she refused to lose the war.

---

The Breaking Point

Back at the estate, Serena pushed.

"You act like you own me," she snapped. "Like I have no say in my life anymore."

Alessio’s gaze darkened, calm and controlled—a look far more terrifying than rage.

"You don’t," he said simply.

Serena’s blood boiled. "You’re a monster."

Something flickered in his gaze—something dark.

"Say that again, dolcezza."

Her pulse thundered.

"You’re a monster."

Alessio’s movements were lethal and swift.

One second, she was standing her ground.

The next—she was pressed against the cold wall, his strong hands pinning her wrists above her head, his body caging hers in.

His breath was hot against her ear.

"You think calling me a monster will make me let you go?" His voice was silk laced with venom.

Serena’s breath hitched.

"You're mistaken," he murmured. "Because now, I have every reason to prove just how much of a monster I can be."

Her stomach twisted.

She had pushed him too far.

And now—she would have to face the consequences.

---

The Monster Unleashed

Alessio’s hands trailed down her arms, his touch slow, deliberate.

"You should be afraid, Serena," he whispered against her skin. "Because I don’t show mercy."

Serena squirmed beneath his grip.

"Let me go," she breathed.

His lips brushed against the curve of her jaw, his dominance suffocating.

"I don't think so, dolcezza."

He leaned closer, his voice a low growl against her ear.

"You wanted to test me?"

Serena’s heart pounded.

Alessio's fingers trailed lower, his touch both possessive and punishing.

Her skin burned from fear, from his power—from the terrifying reality that he had no intention of letting her go.

He owned her now.

And he was about to prove it.

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