I wake wrapped in Rian's arms.
Reality crashes back. What did I do? I gave in. Surrendered.
I try to pull away. His arms tighten.
"Don't," he says, voice rough with sleep. "Stay."
"Let me go."
"Never." He nuzzles my neck. "You're mine now. Completely."
Shame burns through me. "You forced me."
"I gave you what you wanted." His hand splays possessively over my stomach. "Your body doesn't lie, Luca."
"The bond—"
"Amplifies. Doesn't create." He turns me to face him. "You wanted me. Admitted it. No taking it back now."
"I hate you."
"You hate that you want me." His thumb brushes my cheek. "There's a difference."
He's right. I do want him. Even now, naked in his arms, I want more.
"What happens now?" I whisper.
"Now?" His smile is possessive. "Now we complete the bond fully. Make you mine in every way."
"We already—"
"That was just foreplay, baby." His eyes glow amber. "When I truly claim you, you'll feel it in your soul."
Fear and anticipation war inside me. "When?"
"Soon." He kisses me softly. "But first, you need to accept this. Accept us."
"I don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice." His expression turns serious. "You can fight the bond until it destroys you. Or you can embrace it. Let me take care of you. Protect you. Worship you."
"Those aren't real choices."
"Then let me give you one." He sits up, pulling me with him. "Agree to bond with me fully—soul-deep, permanent—and I'll give you freedom."
I blink. "What?"
"Freedom to move through the house. The grounds. With guards, but no more locked rooms." His jaw clenches. "I hate seeing you caged. But I can't risk you running until the bond is complete."
"So my freedom costs my soul."
"Your freedom costs your acceptance." His hand cups my face. "Accept what you are to me. What we are to each other."
I should refuse. Should fight.
But I'm so tired of fighting. And the bond aches every time he's not touching me.
"If I agree," I say slowly, "what exactly happens?"
"A ceremony. The full bonding ritual." His thumb brushes my lower lip. "I'll bite you again—deeper this time, sealing the bond. Then I'll claim your body completely. Make love to you until the bond snaps into place permanently."
"And then?"
"Then you're mine forever. And I'm yours. Equal parts of one whole."
"That's not equal. You forced this."
"I know." He looks away. "And I'd apologize if I wasn't terrified of losing you. My enemies will come, Luca. They'll try to kill you to hurt me. The only way to protect you is to complete the bond. Make you strong enough to defend yourself."
"The bond gives me power?"
"My power. Shared through our connection." He meets my eyes again. "Please. Let me protect you the only way I know how."
Something in his desperation reaches me. He's scared. Actually scared.
"One week," I finally say. "Give me one week to accept this. Then I'll agree to your ceremony."
Relief floods his face. "One week. I can do that."
He kisses me—soft, almost reverent.
"Thank you, Luca."
I don't respond. Can't respond.
I just sold myself for freedom and time.
God help me.