He was too close—his presence overwhelming. His hand was warm against mine as he led me into the hotel. The lobby exuded old-world charm, lavish and pristine. The Dolce Vita Suite was just as opulent, with its king-sized bed covered in snow-white sheets. I couldn’t help but feel out of place.
"Did you like the bed?" His voice was low, almost teasing, as he moved toward me.
I stepped back instinctively, my eyes darting around the room. "I... I thought there’d be two beds."
He smiled slowly, his gaze never leaving mine. "The suite is huge, Karen. There’s no need for two beds."
I froze, my heart pounding. He’s pushing me into something I’m not ready for. But I couldn’t pull away; his proximity was suffocating, yet magnetic.
“I told you,” Dante said softly, his voice filled with an edge I couldn’t quite place, “we’ll only go as far as kissing. In public, that is.”
The reminder of the contract sent a cold shiver through me. I recalled every word, the terms that felt like chains. He was close now, so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin.
"Just breathe, Karen," I muttered under my breath, clenching my hands into fists to hide the trembling.
He took another step toward me, his gaze sharp, but something unreadable flickered behind his eyes. "I’ll pack my things in the closet if you’ll let me."
“I have a better idea,” he said. "I’ll call down to the front desk. They’ll send someone to unpack our bags for us. All we need to do is leave them by the closet.”
I nodded, too exhausted to argue. But as he spoke, I noticed the glint in his eyes. "Let’s get cleaned up," he added, his voice taking on a playful edge. "I’ll be ready in thirty minutes. We’ll head down to the restaurant."
I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart. "Okay, I’ll get what I need while you use the bathroom."
“Perfect,” he said. "And Karen, I want you to feel comfortable. Eat and drink whatever you like, anytime. Don’t wait for me. If you want something, just order it. You're my fiancée, remember. I want you to be satisfied."
His words felt almost like a command, a promise laced with something darkly possessive. I nodded silently as he grabbed his carry-on and walked toward the bathroom, leaving me to contemplate the surreal turn my life had taken.
When the door clicked shut behind him, I stepped out onto the terrace, the cool evening breeze brushing against my skin. But even the fresh air couldn’t calm the storm building inside me. What am I doing?
