A R I A N A
I had close from work pretty late, there was so much to do yet so little time, I felt completely drained. My head throbbed from meetings and paperwork all I wanted was to crawl into bed and rest my sore muscles.
Being Ariana Melendez was draining, it's been so long I've been exhausted like this.
As the door slipped open I walked into the foyer Lina greeted, her usual bright smile in place. "Mrs. Russo, I ran you a bath! Thought you might need it after your first day back at work!"
For once, I was grateful for her annoying cheerfulness a hot bath sounded perfect.
I got to my room and began to undress before walking into the bathroom.
The bathroom was steamy, filled with the scent of lavender I didn't waste time in sinking into the warm water with a sigh of relief.
My tired muscles feeling soothed I shut my eyes enjoying the bath, everything fading away.
After what felt like forever, I finally got out, wrapping myself in a fluffy white towel that barely covered my thighs, but I didn't care.
The bedroom was empty anyway.
Or so I thought.
I stepped out of the bathroom, still drying my hair with another towel and froze.
Dante.
He stood by the window, still in his office clothes black suit perfectly pressed, tie slightly loosened.
My heart dropped to my stomach.
He turned slowly, his dark eyes dragging down my body, taking in every inch of exposed skin. The way he looked at me like I was something to devour made me shiver.
I tightened my grip on the towel. "I-I didn't know you were back."
His lips curved into a smirk. "Clearly."
I tried to step back toward the bathroom, but Dante moved faster and In two strides, he had me pinned against the wall, his large hands caging me in the cold wall bit into my bare back.
"What are you hiding from me, wifey?" he murmured, his breath hot against my ear.
I swallowed hard. "Let go of me."
Dante leaned closer, brushing his nose along my neck, I gasped as his lips barely grazed my skin.
"Mmm," he hummed, his voice deep and rough. "Hueles exquisita cariño"
My knees weakened, I felt the heat resonate within me.
I hated him, hated what he was doing to me but my body betrayed me, reacting to his touch.
He chuckled.
He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, his smirk turning wicked. "So responsive," he purred. "For someone who claims to hate me."
I opened my mouth to protest, but he pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me.
"Get dressed," he ordered, stepping away suddenly. "Meet me in my study in ten minutes."
Then he was gone, leaving me breathless against the wall, my heart pounding like a drum.
It took me a full minute to move. What was happening to me?
I felt my core drenched, a hiss of frustration slipping out.
I shook my head, trying to clear the fog Dante had left behind.
I was tired and the plan was to rest after the shower but Mr asshole had other plans.
I hissed wearing something comfortable and not to revealing so as not to give Dante the wrong impression before heading out.
Finding his study was another challenge, it took me a few minutes before I finally found it, huffing in annoyance before knocking.
"Come in." Dante's voice was muffled.
The study was exactly what I expected dark, expensive, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a massive desk where Dante sat like a king on his throne.
The only light came from a single lamp, casting shadows across his sharp features.
"Sit," he commanded, not looking up from the papers in front of him.
I remained standing. "What do you want?"
Dante finally lifted his gaze, his dark eyes boring into mine. "I said sit."
The edge in his voice made my legs move before my brain could protest, I sat stiffly in the chair across from him, back straight, hands folded in my lap.
Dante slid a thick file across the desk. "Our marriage agreement, read it."
I opened the folder turning the pages my eyes roaming around his rules and regulations.
1. No love. No emotional attachment.
2. Public appearances as the perfect happy couple.
3. No interference in each other's private affairs.
4. Absolute fidelity no cheating.
5. He would "satisfy my needs" if requested, but no romantic expectations.
6. I must provide him with a male heir.
I looked up, my mouth hanging open. "This is absurd."
Dante leaned back in his chair, studying me. "It's practical."
"Practical?" I nearly laughed. "You want me to sign away my right to fall in love? To have feelings?"
"You signed away your rights when you married me," he said calmly. "This just makes it official."
I slammed the folder shut. "I won't do it."
Dante's expression darkened he stood slowly, looming over the desk. "You will. Or have you forgotten who owns you?"
The threat in his voice sent chills down my spine yet I still refused to back down. "I'm not some dog you can put on a leash!"
Dante rounded the desk in two quick strides, caging me against the chair as his hands gripped the armrests, his face inches from mine. "No," he growled. "You're my wife and you will obey."
His breath was warm against my lips that same expensive whiskey scent from our wedding kiss. My traitorous body reacted, heat pooling low in my stomach.
I hated him for it.
"I could never love a monster like you so you don't have to worry about that" I spat.
Dante's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Good. Then we understand each other."
He grabbed a pen from the desk and held it out to me. "Sign."
I stared at the contract, then at Dante's cold eyes. What choice did I have?
With shaking hands, I took the pen and scribbled my name at the bottom of the last page.
"Happy?" I threw the pen down.
Dante picked up the contract, examining my signature. "Ecstatic."
I stood abruptly, nearly knocking the chair over. "Are we done here?"
He didn't look up from the papers. "For now."
I turned on and marched to the door, my blood boiling.
"One more thing, Carino" Dante called after me.
I paused but didn't turn around.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll begin fertility treatments, I want an heir within the year."
My stomach dropped.
I didn't respond instead I yanked the door open and stormed out, slamming it behind me with all my strength.
He has completely lost his mind.