Page 65 of Mafia Obsession

“In time, you will be ready, and when you are, I will make the discipline satisfactory,” he promises, stroking my cheek. “Careful what boundaries you push. There is only so much I’lltake before I break.”

I have to sit down on the chaise. “What happens when we go back to New York?”

“I’m afraid the life you were living in New York is over.”

I just blink and nod. He’s right. And it’s a good thing.

This is a reset.

I look around the room again. The balcony. The view. The bed.

Next to the chaise is a glossy white shopping bag. I peek inside. “Bras and panties. I’m flattered you’ll let me wear undergarments.”

“I’m not an animal who needs visual stimulation in the form of a half-dressed woman,” he responds sharply.

“Well put,” I say, being as agreeable as I can. “You prefer your women to look understated.”

“I prefer elegance,” he corrects.

“Noted.”

He reaches for my chin again. “And there is nowomen. I don’t bringwomenhere. Ever.”

After David’s indifference, Ares’s attention feels like stepping into sunlight.

Smiling, I compliment, “For your first-time entertaining a woman here, you get an A+.”

“Hold that thought,” he says, his voice lowering.

“For what?” I brace for what he’ll say.

Ares releases my chin and steps past me. My eyes follow him to the bed.

Uh-oh…

“You will sleep here,” he says like it’s not up for discussion. “With me.”

“Withyou.”

“I do not share my bed lightly,” he says, meeting my gaze. “And I do not give it up.”

My pulse quickens. For all he’s done for me, it doesn’t feel right to argue. But I do anyway. “What if I don’t feel comfortable with that?”

“I won’t touch you without your consent,” he continues without arrogance, even though it’s well deserved. “But you willsleep here. That is final.”

The confidence should unsettle me. Instead, it steadies the nerves still raging inside me. I can tolerate this. For now. This is temporary.

I’m not afraid to let him take me. I’m not a prude. I’m afraid he’ll ruin me for another man. Not just the sex. The over-the-top protectiveness, the lavish gifts, the thoughtfulness, and respect can never be topped by an ordinary man in the future.

Ares Zervas is not an ordinary man, I remind myself.

And I hate how much I want him.

When I don’t argue any further, Ares moves back toward me. Slowly. Predator-like. “May I kiss you?”

Heart pounding, I nod. “I can use some…warmth.”

“You need heat.” He fists my hair to keep me in place and crushes his mouth to mine.