Moving into Alessandro's mansion was like stepping into another world. The halls were quiet, almost haunting. Guards silently followed her, eyes scanning for threats she couldn't see.
Alessandro met her in the grand study, dark eyes fixed on her. "Do you understand the rules?" he asked.
"I do," she said, but her voice shook. "And I'll follow them… when I choose to."
He stepped closer, measuring her every reaction. "Your defiance is… interesting."
The tension between them was electric, each word a test, each glance a challenge. As night fell, Alessandro cornered her by the window. "Defy me again," he whispered, "and you'll regret it."
Cliffhanger: Elena realized he wasn't just dangerous he was unpredictable, and that scared her more than anything.