Dante's words, like a sweet curse, still haunted Aria's mind. He wanted to "tame" her, to make her his own. But deep down, Aria knew she wasn't a wild beast easily subdued. The feeling of being possessed from last night lingered, mingled with an inexplicable yearning from his touch. Now, every glance from Dante was filled with hidden desire and a promise of fervent nights.
The next day, the atmosphere in the camp seemed different. Dante no longer treated Aria merely as an "advisor." He granted her more freedom, providing her with better provisions—clean clothes, a more comfortable tent bed instead of dry straw. He even assigned a few female soldiers to assist her in the medical area, ensuring all her orders were strictly followed.
But accompanying this "favor" were scrutinizing gazes from others. Envy and curiosity constantly directed towards Aria, especially from some of the women in the camp who were accustomed to Dante's attention. Aria felt icy stares, whispers as she passed. She knew she was walking a thin line, and one small mistake could send her spiraling into dangerous territory.
Late one afternoon, as Aria was examining newly delivered medicinal herbs, Dante entered the medical tent. He said nothing, simply stood there, silently observing her. His presence filled the tent, making the air thick. His gaze swept over her every movement, from her hands sorting herbs to her hair falling over her shoulders.
"You've done your work very well," Dante broke the silence. His voice was deep and warm, unlike his usual cold demeanor. "My soldiers are healthier. And they trust you."
Aria looked up, her eyes meeting his. "That's my duty."
Dante stepped closer, so close that Aria could feel his breath. "Your duty is much more than that now." He raised his hand, a surprisingly gentle motion, caressing a lock of hair by her temple. "You are an advisor, a military physician, and... my woman."
His words were utterly possessive, yet his touch was strangely tender. Aria felt an electric current run down her spine. She wanted to resist, to push him away, but her body wouldn't obey, even feeling a slight... response. She hated this weakness within herself.
"You're overstepping, General," Aria whispered, trying to maintain a cold tone.
Dante smirked, a half-smile playing on his lips. He leaned down, whispering into her ear, his voice a low, inviting growl. "Limits? In my army, Aria, I am the limit. And I will show you that once you've tasted my control, you won't desire anything else."
He gently squeezed her waist, pulling her flush against his strong body. Aria could feel his hot, hardening arousal pressing against her hip, an undeniable invitation. Dante's potent masculine scent, the smell of sweat, iron, and desire, mingled together, awakening the most primal instincts within her.
Dante looked deep into Aria's eyes, his own blazing. "Tonight, I will show you what my 'care' truly means. And you will learn to be 'tamed' in the most complete way."
Aria knew there would be no escape tonight. Dante no longer forced her, but his allure and power had created an even more intricate trap. She stood on the thin line between freedom and surrender, between hatred and a fierce emotion that was slowly awakening.