Sunlight sliced through the suite's blackout curtains like a traitor's blade, painting crimson streaks across the tangled sheets. I bolted upright, heart hammering, every muscle aching with delicious betrayal. Luca Vitale sprawled beside me, chest rising slow and steady, scars crisscrossing his torso like a map of wars I'd never understand. The rose tattoo on my hip pulsed—warm, alive, a permanent scarlet vow etched in the night's frenzy. Virgin no more. Mafia King's. Slumberland's Enchantment, now his captive flame.
Panic clawed my throat. Daddy's face flashed—stern in boardrooms, doting at galas. Christ Moretti didn't negotiate with shadows like Luca Vitale. Debts? What debts? I scrambled for my dress, crumpled in the corner, fingers fumbling over sequins. Phone buzzed—Lila: *Where r u? Club massacre on news. UR dad FREAKING.* Fifty missed calls. Shit.
Luca stirred, emerald eyes cracking open, lazy predator assessing prey. "Going somewhere, amore?" Voice gravel-rough from sleep, it sent traitorous shivers down my spine.
"Away from *this*." I yanked the dress over my head, wincing at the tender pull between thighs. "You drugged me. Branded me like cattle. This—" finger jabbed the tattoo—"comes off. Now."
He rose fluidly, naked glory unashamed, closing distance in two strides. Caged me against the wall, forearms bracketing my head. Heat radiated; cologne lingered, mingling with our mingled scents. "No drugs. Just you, wild and willing." Thumb traced the mark, sparking fire low. "The Rose of Vitale. Ink binds blood oaths. Try removing it—your pretty skin peels too."
Lie's bitter taste. "My father—"
"Christ Moretti owes me twenty million. Slumberland deals gone sour." smirk deepened. "Last night? Collateral. Perfect, innocent, untouched. Now you're leverage *and* mine."
Twenty million? Daddy's empire dwarfed that. Lies. But guards pounded the door—"Boss! Rivals hit the docks. Need you."—snapping his focus. Opportunity. I darted past, flinging open the suite door to chaos: suited men barking orders, weapons gleaming.
Freedom hallway loomed. Sprint.
"Stop her!" Luca roared.
Elevator dinged—divine intervention. Doors slid; I dove in, jamming close. Marble floors blurred upward. Lobby burst: flashing cameras, reporters swarming "Enchantment sighting!" Hotel security herded me to a back exit, black SUV idling. Sanctuary.
Daddy's mansion sprawled on Slumberland's gilded hill, marble and glass fortress overlooking the dreamcity's sparkle. I burst through oak doors, heels snapping tiles. "Daddy!"
He stormed from his study—silver fox in silk robe, eyes thunderous. Shana trailed, pearls clutched. "Aria! Thank God. Club shooting—thought..." Embrace crushed ribs. "Where were you?"
"Velvet Abyss. Hideout during gunfire. I-I'm fine." Tattoo burned under dress. Lie sat heavy.
News blared: *Vitale crew ambushed rivals. Turf war escalates.* No mention of me. Good.
Dinner dragged—caviar, whispers of "stay safe," bodyguards doubled. My room: canopy bed, walk-in closet kingdom. Stripped, mirror revealed truth—bruises blooming like dark roses on hips, breasts; tattoo vivid, thorny petals curling possessively. Traced it; heat flared, memories crashing: Luca's weight, growls, shattering bliss. Knees weakened. *No.* Shower scalded skin, but mark mocked—permanent.
Midnight. Phone lit: Unknown. *Run all you want, little flame. Rose calls you back. Midnight. Rooftop bar. Or I come for Daddy.* Heart seized. Trap? Proof? Slipped into leather pants, crop top—armor. Sneak past guards via trellis, city lights beckoning.
Rooftop bar pulsed atop Vitale Tower, Slumberland's darkest jewel. Valet took my keys—no, Uber drop. Bouncer nodded; Luca's reach. Him alone at corner booth, cityscape glittering below. Poured amber liquid. "Knew you'd come."
"Talk. Debts lie. Release me." Sat rigid, knees touching his—electric.
Sipped whiskey, handed glass. "Truth tomorrow. Tonight? Trust." Leaned close, breath ghosting ear. "Enemies circle. Your father's in deeper—my protection's your shield."
Doubt warred desire. His hand slid thigh-ward, casual claim. "Why me?"
"Because you spilled on a king and burned brighter than fear." Fingers teased hem, inching higher. Pulse thundered. "And this..." cupped chin, thumb lip-brushing. Kiss ignited—slow, searing, tongue promising empires. Back arched; whimpered into mouth.
Whirled to shadows, pinned bar edge. Lips trailed jaw, neck; teeth nipped collarbone. "Luca—here?" Exposed, city watching.
"Our city." Hands roamed—cupping, teasing peaks to stiff ache. Leather peeled; fingers delved slick heat. Gasped, clutching shoulders. Circles maddened; thighs quivered. "Let go, amore."
Peak crashed—silent scream, stars bursting behind eyes. Slumped against him, boneless. He held, murmuring Italian praises, then withdrew. "Good girl."
Composure fled. "Take me home."
"Not yours. Mine." Swept bridal-style to private elevator, descent velvet trap. Penthouse: endless black marble, city framed panoramic. Bed waited—massive, silk abyss.
Undressed slow, worshipful. My turn—trembling fingers explored ridges, scars. "Stories?" Whispered.
"Later." Guided down, kneeling. "Taste your king." Hesitant lips parted; velvet steel filled. Groans spurred—licks, sucks, his hands fisting hair. Control frayed; pulled away, tossing me sheets.
Covered me then—slow, deliberate. Eyes locked; inching claim deeper, fuller. Rhythm built—rolling hips, gasps syncing. Nails raked back; "Aria—fuck—perfect." Sweat-slicked, urgent; coiling tension snapped. Convulsed together, cries echoing glass walls.
Collapsed, entwined. Dawn crept. "Stay," murmured sleep-rough.
Reality intruded—Daddy's world colliding. But rose pulsed approval. Branded deeper than skin.
Morning meeting loomed: Daddy's office. Drove Ferrari reckless, tower looming. Receptionist paled: "Miss Moretti? Sir's in conference."
Burst doors. Daddy, Luca—*shaking hands*. "Aria!"
Betrayal iced veins. "You *know* him?"
Christ sighed. "Business, darling. Vitale bailed us—market crash."
Luca's gaze smoldered. "Told you, amore. Protection."
World tilted. Pawn? Prize? Rose burned truth: *His.*
Slumberland's game changed. Enchantment ensnared.