Vanessa
"I think you're mistaken. Didn't Viktor already give you a taste of our strength? Or do you need another reminder?" There's that dark chuckle again that will forever play in my mind like a haunted music box. "By the way, how's that shoulder holding up? Seems like you lost a lot of blood."
My eyes widen. Diego got hurt? Is that why I didn't see him at all yesterday? There's no way he's recovered that fast, that means he came to this battle vulnerable, with a huge crack in his indestructible armor.
And it's all my fault.
Both of us are going to die right here, and there's nothing I can do but watch. The realization rips my heart to shreds, causing more tears to streak down my cheeks. I wish I could apologize to him and tell him that I now realize how grateful I should have been for his offer. For his protection. For his sacrifice. Maybe, through these tear-filled eyes, he can grasp the unspoken words.
My hope dies when I notice the impassive mask on his face remains firmly in place. He doesn't even look at me, his eyes are locked on the man seconds away from taking my life.
"This is how this will go. I will leave with her, and you will let us. Or she dies." I wince as he gives my throat a hard squeeze. "Why waste such a pretty face? Viktor will take good care of this one."
Diego's piercing gaze shifts onto my face, a silent plea for trust reflected in his eyes. Swift as lightning, he steadies his gun and pulls the trigger. The assailant emits a pained cry, staggering back, blood splattering on me as his weapon clatters to the ground. Instinctively, I propel myself towards Diego, a surge of desperation compelling me into the sanctuary of his protective arms.
How ironic that my former captor is now my knight in shining armor.
Before I reach him, Diego fires another shot, and I silently pray that the man is dead. I hope to never be touched like that again, that no one will ever be able to hold my life in their hands so easily.
"I'm so sorry," I sob loudly into Diego's tuxedo jacket amidst the ringing in my ears.
As the echoes of the gunshot hang in the air, a black car screeches to a sudden halt at the end of the alleyway. I close my eyes, awaiting death, but instead, I hear another gunshot across from me. When I open my eyes again, I see Leo and Danny with their guns drawn. One of them must have shot the driver because the car slams into a pole, the sound loud and deafening.
I cling to Diego even tighter, seeking comfort, but he remains unresponsive to my grip. His words cut through the chaos around us, "You were going to accept your fate like your life doesn't have meaning. You were going to give away something that wasn't yours to give. How do you think that makes me feel, Vanessa?"
"I-He," I trail off, my tear-stained face contorted in a mix of frustration and despair. I shove at Diego's chest, the fabric of his shirt wrinkling beneath my trembling hands. "Why do you care? I'm just a burden, your pathetic little pet. Just let them have me, Diego! I'm nothing, anyway!" I shriek, the adrenaline and fear finally crashing down on me, leaving me broken.
His hand coils around my throat, his touch both possessive and firm. The scent of his breath is intoxicating as it washes over my face. "Don't ever say that again!" he snarls, his eyes ablaze with an intensity that sends a cold shiver coursing through me. "Yes, you are my pet, but to the rest of the world, you are my fucking queen. And no one touches my queen and lives to talk about it."
With that, he smashes his mouth to mine. The remnants of resistance crumble like fragile walls, leaving me defenseless against the onslaught of his desire. His hand, rough yet gentle, trails a burning path down the curve of my spine.
With relentless determination, he forces my lips apart, and his tongue sweeps into my mouth. As he deepens the kiss, my senses ignite. His breath, warm and delicious, mingles with mine, creating a heady blend of need and passion. Each movement is deliberate, a calculated dance that only he orchestrates. My lips respond mindlessly to his, moving with a rhythm that seems to transcend the boundaries of space and time.
Conquering me.
Claiming me as his.
He tastes like danger and sin and heaven. His hands are everywhere. My back. My waist. My ass. Like he needs to rebrand every part of me that was touched by another man. His touch sends electric pulses through every nerve in my body, every kiss feeding my insatiable need for more of him.
After we're both breathless, he pulls away. A satisfied smirk plays on his lips, and the blue flames in his eyes hold the lingering heat of desire.
Holy shit!