CHAPTER 2: STILL CRAVE FOR HIM
Arianna shut her eyes, trying not to fall deeper into his trap. He was already taking control of her mind, body, and soul, which she hated, yet she couldn't stop herself from longing for more. How could she still feel something for this jerk who had broken her heart?
"Stop it, Jace!" she forced herself to say, trying to regain her senses. He removed his hand from her pajamas, making her exhale loudly.
"Don’t lie to me. Don’t lie to yourself. You feel it every time you look at me. That ache—do you think anyone else could satisfy it? No. You’ve always craved me, and you always will." Jace's voice dropped to a growl, each word vibrating through her.
“I don’t care if they call you my sister. You’re not my blood.”
Her breath hitched, panic and heat colliding in her chest.
“I’ll destroy every man who touches you. I’ll tear apart this family if I have to. Your mother, my father, the whole illusion they built—it means nothing.” His fingers tightened, forcing her gaze into his. “And if you run, I’ll hunt you. If you resist, I’ll break you. But make no mistake…”
His mouth brushed against her ear, his lips curling into something far too dark to be called a smile.
“You’ll never escape me. Not in this life. Not in the next.”
Deep down, beneath the dread and terror, she knew he was serious. He patted her head before leaving the room.
"I hate you," Arianna whispered as she collapsed to the floor, trying to catch her breath. She hadn’t realized she was holding it. That jerk—was he trying to get on her nerves like before? She didn’t belong to him. Never would she let history repeat itself.
She felt her resolve slipping. Maybe it was the truth; she still got wet under his touch, and she hated herself for it. How would she cope in this hell of a house?
Arianna quickly ran to her bed and buried her head in the pillow, screaming.
NEXTDAY
Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Arianna bit her lower lip, contemplating how to update her wardrobe. It had been a while since she bought new clothes, and with college starting soon, she didn’t want to look outdated or out of place.
"Are you done already?" Ruby called from the other room.
"Almost!" Arianna replied, quickly grabbing her handbag before rushing out.
She found Ruby and their mother at the dining table, enjoying breakfast. "Good morning, Mom!" Arianna said as she made her way to the table.
"Well, I heard you’re going out with your little sister?" Caroline asked, watching her daughter settle in.
"Yes! I don’t really have a good fashion sense, so I need a fashion icon to help me pick out some trendy clothes," she replied, her mouth full. Ruby was indeed a fashion icon; she had always dreamed of being a fashion designer, which is how she became a well-known model.
"That’s why I can’t wait to hang out with my big sis!" Ruby giggled happily, sounding like a five-year-old. Caroline smiled, delighted by their bond; she hadn’t expected it to be this easy.
"Bye, Mom!" They both waved after finishing their meal. Before long, they arrived at one of the biggest boutiques in all of Italy. Thanks to Ruby’s influence, they received the best service.
After trying on various dresses, they were exhausted and sank into the cushions reserved for them. "That was fun, you know," Ruby laughed.
"Seriously! It’s great having a sister like you."
"ARIANNA!!" A loud voice came from behind, and Dorothy hugged Arianna immediately.
"Dorothy!!" Arianna exclaimed, hugging her best friend. They had been friends since high school. Unlike Arianna , who preferred a more classic style, Dorothy was vibrant and loved parties and clubbing.
"Wow! Why didn’t you tell me you were going shopping? I would have joined you! Don’t tell me you’re trying to avoid me," Dorothy pouted, feigning sadness.
"I didn't really want to bother you. After all, we are starting college tomorrow, and i knew you would have a lot on your plates".
"Do I ever look bothered when it comes to you?" Dorothy exaggerated, drawing all eyes to them.
"Stop it, drama queen. Now you've got everyone's attention," Arianna said, quickly pulling Dorothy away from the curious stares.
"By the way, who is she? Wait, don’t tell me! Ruby Santiago! My little idol!" Dorothy gushed excitedly. "What’s she doing with you?"
"She’s my stepsister."
"What?! You've been keeping that a secret?"
"Surprise, huh? It’s a long story, and I’ll tell you all about it when I get home." After introducing Dorothy to Ruby, Dorothy couldn’t stop asking questions. The two of them hit it off, leaving Arianna feeling a bit left out since she didn’t know much about the life of an influencer.
Later that night, when they returned home, Arianna admired her new clothes, feeling reluctant to go to school.
[LATE MIDNIGHT]
After a long video call with Dorothy that lasted for hours, Arianna yawned, feeling tired. She couldn’t believe their conversation will last this long. They had so much to catch up on after being apart for a few months.
Arianna’s stomach grumbled, reminding her that she was hungry. She hadn’t expected to feel this way so soon after dinner.
As she walked out of her room with sleepy eyes, she hoped her mother wouldn’t catch her. Her mom usually warned her about eating late at night, so she planned to whip up something simple like instant noodles.
After eating and cleaning up, Arianna felt strong arms wrap around her waist, holding her possessively. A hot breath brushed against her neck, making her stiffen immediately.
Her mind raced with anxiety because she knew exactly who it was—the last person she wanted to see, and he was holding her as if he depended on her.
"Are you done eating already?" Jace deep and drowsy voice came, tightening his grip around her waist. She could feel his arousal pressing against her, making her heart race. Had he really been watching her the whole time without her noticing? "How long have you been watching me and besides it's non of your business? I'm only cooking for myself. Let me go, Jace! I don't want anyone to walk in on us like this," she insisted.
He smirked at her defiance. "Why should I? I already have my meal right here." With a swift motion, he flipped her over, placing her on top of the kitchen island. He settled between her thighs, his eyes filled with raw desire.
"Jace!" she gasped, trying to regain control, but his finger pressed against her lips, silencing her instantly.
His smug smirk grew deeper as he brought his face closer to hers, only a few inches away. "Why would I let you go, you know I could eat you out right now, on top this counter all night and no one will notice"