Bound by his obsession

Kiss

Isabella took a step back.

Her heart pounded as Rafael advanced, slow and deliberate, he shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it onto the couch without breaking eye contact. The room felt too small, the air too thick.

I told you," he murmured, low and deliberate. "I don't pretend in my home."

Her throat went dry. What does that even mean?

And what does that mean exactly?" she asked, trying to sound calm.

He reached for his tie, loosening it with a single pull "It means you're my wife now."

Panic curled in her stomach and her eyes widened, she turned away, trying to put space between them "Marriage on paper doesn't mean anything."

A dark chuckle rumbled from him. "You think so?" staring at her like his beloved prey she's

The next second, she was against the wall, his hands caged her in, his scent invading her senses.. God, he's too close…

Let me go," she whispered, glancing up at him, lips trembling.

He ignored her. "You walked into this with your eyes open, Isabella. You knew what you were signing up for."

She glared at him "You and that old bald man forced me into this."

His gaze dropped to her lips, his eyes darkening and yet, here you are in my house, pressed against my wall looking so hot my angel…

Heat crept up her spine, every nerve in her body screamed at her to push him away, but her traitorous body stayed still clearly enjoying his warmth.

You want to play wife?" he murmured grabbing her jaw "Then act like one."

Her breath hitched and her brain screamed run but this her traitorous won't move and she can't escape him

Then he kissed her harshly, claiming her, punishing her. She gasped breathlessly, her hands flying to his chest holding his shirt like her life depend on it but he didn't let her escape, his grip tightened, his kiss branding her like she belonged to him, she tasted so good like how he has been imagined "f**k!

He knew he's screwed once he taste her..

And for one reckless second, she kissed him back and something in him snapped, his hand groping and roaming her breasts through her cloth, pressing her deeper into the wall. Heat flared between them, raw, consuming.

Then reality slammed into her. Regaining her senses back

She shoved at his chest, breaking the kiss. "Stop!" she murmured softly breathless..

He did but didn't step back, he still caged her against the wall. His breathing was heavy, eyes dark with something dangerous trying not to pounce on her again.

"Scared?" he taunted her

She swallowed and frown "Of you? Never."

A slow smirk curved his lips, trying to kiss her again "We'll see about that." she quickly turned her head sideway

Then he stepped away, as if the moment hadn't just happened.

Go to bed, Isabella," he said lazily, walking toward the bedroom. "Tomorrow, we start playing our roles properly."

She stared after him, lips still tingling, mind spinning. What the hell have I just gotten myself into?

Isabella barely slept.

She lay awake, staring at the ceiling, replaying everything that had happened, the way Rafael kissed her, grip her jaw, his hot hands on her breast and his hot lips and the way she had kissed him back, heat pool beneath her, the way he had walked away like it was nothing. Like she was nothing.

By morning, she was exhausted but determined If he wants to play this game, I'll play it too. I won't let him control me.

She got up, showered, and dressed in a simple blouse and skirt nothing extravagant. She wasn't giving him the satisfaction of thinking she cared about impressing him.

When she stepped out, Rafael was already at the dining table, crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. He didn't look up.

Good morning," she said, forcing her voice even

Morning," he replied without glancing at her, still on his phone

She sat across from him, feeling the weight of silence pressing down and it has always like this… the tension between them was thick and blush crept up to her cheeks as yesterday flood in again, but she refused to acknowledge it. Picking up her fork, she took a careful bite of toast and moan how good it taste, at that moment she realized she's hungry and she didn't eat anything yesterday so she can fit in her dress…

Halfway through breakfast, he finally spoke.

"We have a gala tonight." Get ready I'll send your clothes and accessory and continue eating..

She froze mid-bite almost choke on her toast. "A gala?"

"Yes. Business event. You'll be attending as my wife" glancing over at her briefly

Her stomach twisted. Everything was happening too fast and she feel like a puppet

"And if I refuse?" she asked, heart hammering.

His eyes lifted, locking onto hers with that unreadable intensity, his jaw clenching and he scoffed "then I'll make sure you regret it."

A chill ran down her spine. She knew he wasn't bluffing. He's a beast waiting to be unleashed

She swallowed hard. "Fine."

"Good girl." He smirked, returning his attention to his phone.

Her grip on the fork tightened, she lost her appetite. She hated the way he spoke to her, reducing her to another deal he had secured. But hatred alone wouldn't win this.

If he wants a performance, I'll give him one but on my terms

Isabella spent the day preparing herself. Not just for the gala, but for the mental battle she knew was coming. She wouldn't be his puppet.

By the time evening arrived, she wore a asleek black gown that hugged her figure he sent her, she give him the kudo cause the dress is breathtaking It wasn't much revealing and cameras can't do justice to the back of the dress and she pair it with gold heel and purse and her makeup artist alway ate cause she looks so stunning that she almost can't recognize herself… her look will compliment him so well cause she knows he's a selfish man, he'll do anything to looking more ruthless and powerful.