Chapter 3 – Beneath the Surface
[Lucien's POV]
She didn't run.
That was the first surprise.
Most women trembled in my presence. Aria, however, stood in my home—my domain—with her chin raised and her back straight, dressed like temptation and staring at me like I was her executioner.
Which I was. Just not in the way she expected.
"I don't remember agreeing to stay," she said coldly, placing the untouched champagne on the console table beside the elevator.
I didn't answer right away. I was watching her—studying the way her hands fidgeted even though her voice stayed steady. That fire in her chest hadn't died yet. She hadn't been broken.
Good.
I hated easy things.
"You didn't need to agree," I said, walking toward her. I didn't stop until I was close enough to smell her skin. Sweet. Floral. Innocent. "You're mine now, Aria. Ownership isn't a negotiation."
She laughed—short, bitter. "Do you always treat your prisoners like this?"
"No. Most don't get silk sheets and champagne." I leaned in, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "You're special."
She slapped my hand away.
My jaw twitched. She was trying to provoke me. That edge between us sparked hotter every second she refused to look away.
"You don't scare me," she whispered.
"I don't want to scare you." I stepped closer, letting my fingers trail lightly along her bare shoulder. "I want to own you in every way."
---
[Aria's POV]
His touch was fire.
Not gentle. Not cruel. Just… claiming. He traced a line along my skin like he was memorizing it for later. Like it already belonged to him.
"You're disgusting," I spat, pushing his hand off me again. "Is this what you do? Threaten families until their daughters are forced to play house with you?"
His expression didn't change. But I saw something flicker behind his eyes. Interest? Annoyance? Lust?
He stepped back, slowly, and gestured toward the hallway.
"Your room's at the end. You'll find it fully stocked. Closet, vanity, everything tailored. If you're smart, you'll settle in."
"And if I'm not?"
Lucien's smile was slow. Dangerous. "Then we'll skip the foreplay."
A shiver raced down my spine, and I hated myself for it.
I hated the way he made me feel anything at all.
---
[Later That Night – Aria's Room]
The room was a dream. Or a trap. Probably both.
Soft velvet drapes framed the giant window overlooking the city. The bed was king-sized and covered in black satin. Perfume bottles lined a marble vanity. There were even red roses in a crystal vase by the bed.
Everything was beautiful. Cold. Expensive.
Just like him.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my reflection in the dark window. What the hell had I done?
A knock interrupted the silence. Before I could answer, the door opened.
Lucien stood there, his shirt now off, revealing a body that looked like it had been carved from war. Scars. Muscle. Tattoos across his ribs and chest—some in Latin, some in ink I didn't understand.
He didn't ask permission.
He stepped inside, closed the door, and locked it behind him.
My heart slammed into my throat.
"What are you doing?" I asked, standing.
His voice was low. "Getting to know my bride."