Fear gripped me, causing me to instinctively take a step back. My nightshirt clung to my trembling body, shielding me from his scrutinizing gaze. Anxiety knotted my stomach, accompanied by an uneasy mix of fear and anticipation.
Suddenly, the room flooded with bright light, momentarily blinding me. I blinked repeatedly to adjust my vision. There, seated in my sofa chair, was Artemy, reclining with ease. His left ankle rested casually on his right knee, and he held a small remote in his hand, presumably responsible for illuminating the room.
His attire was not formal, but he wore black slacks and an unbuttoned black linen shirt, offering a glimpse of his chiseled chest. I forcefully pushed away any thoughts that lingered on his strong, muscular physique.
My eyes remained fixed on him, observing his intense focus on my body. There was no trace of embarrassment or awkwardness in his demeanor. Artemy exuded a calm and confident air as his eyes roamed over every inch of me.
“Hmm,” he muttered, appearing contemplative as he observed me.
Leaning back against the sofa, his well-defined muscles were evident beneath his shirt, giving him an imposing presence. I fought against the urge to fidget, aware that displaying fear would only fuel individuals like him. They thrived on exploiting it to their advantage.
My grip tightened on my shirt, and a heavy, parched feeling settled in my throat. When dizziness threatened to overwhelm me, I realized I had been holding my breath for too long. Releasing it forcefully, I took a deep breath, but it seemed futile. His heated gaze continued to trace my body, leaving me speechless and rooted in place. As a tingling sensation spread throughout me, I closed my eyes tightly in an attempt to ward it off, but to no avail.
He began to approach me, and I instinctively recoiled. His dark presence filled the room, and I suddenly felt an intense heat wash over me. Beads of sweat formed on my neck and between my breasts as he drew nearer. When he stopped just inches away, fear sent shivers down my spine and my body tensed in alarm. Artemy closed the distance until our faces were mere fractions of an inch apart, causing my nose to tingle with the scent of his cologne and his warm breath to caress my ear.
My lips became dry, and I moistened them with my tongue, prompting Artemy’s gaze to follow the motion. If possible, his already lascivious stare grew even more intense. He sensually licked his own lips, causing a surge of desire that compelled me to clench my legs together in an attempt to suppress the sudden tingling sensation between them.
What was happening to me?
Artemy leaned in further, his lips hovering temptingly close to mine. My body froze, my mind momentarily blank. Was he about to kiss me?
His hand reached up, curling around my shirt. He gave it a gentle tug, but I stubbornly clung to the fabric, refusing to let go. A frown creased his forehead, and he tugged harder, testing my resolve.
Terror seized me as his gaze transformed, locking me in its chilling intensity. The shirt slipped from my trembling fingers, forgotten in an instant. Stepping back, he scrutinized me with an unwavering stare. I felt exposed, nearly stripped to nothingness except for my black bra and panties. Desperately, I crossed my arms over my chest, a feeble attempt to shield myself from his piercing gaze.
“Remove your hands,” he commanded, his voice rough and authoritative. I shook my head vigorously, retreating instinctively, only to find myself trapped against the unyielding wall.
There was no escape. I was cornered, a prey ensnared by its predator. He closed the distance between us, invading my personal space with a predatory aura. Artemy seized my wrists, forcefully pulling them away from my chest. Reluctantly, I let go, exposing my vulnerable form to his intense scrutiny.
His hand hovered over my chest, tantalizingly close, yet devoid of contact. A shiver coursed through me as the heat of his gaze enveloped my body. Though he hadn’t laid a finger on me, my flesh burned with a primal yearning.
When his fingertip grazed my skin, I jolted, wide-eyed and breathless. Our gazes locked, and he proceeded to trail his finger deliberately down my chest, pausing tantalizingly between my breasts.
My chest rose and fell rapidly, each brush of my breasts against his shirt igniting a tingling sensation in the depths of my being. Every fiber of my being became acutely aware of Artemy’s touch, my body responding eagerly, despite my efforts to resist.
With deliberate slowness, he raised his other hand, his touch descending along my neck. I was certain he could sense the frantic throb of my pulse-a blend of fear and, to my chagrin, anticipation. My body betrayed me, yearning for his next move, defying my futile attempts to suppress its reactions.
“You have the most exquisite skin,” he murmured, his thumb caressing the pulsating vein beneath. “As smooth as silk… so fucking beautiful.” A flicker of disbelief or surprise passed over his face, briefly disrupting his impassive mask. But his heated gaze revealed his true desires.
He desired me, and my body surrendered to his unspoken demand.
As his unwavering gaze bore into mine, the hand resting upon my chest ventured further, exploring the curve of my right breast. Enraptured by his intense gaze, I failed to notice the subtle shift as he lowered the cup of my bra. A gasp escaped me as the cool air kissed my bared skin, my eyes widening in astonishment. Artemy’s thumb brushed delicately over the peaked nipple, eliciting a jolt of pleasure.
My head fell back, lost in the depths of his pale, piercing blue eyes. Oblivious to everything else, I discovered my nipple trapped between his thumb and forefinger. A sharp pinch sent a surge of sensation through my being, causing me to moan, my body involuntarily responding. Startled by the unfamiliar sound escaping my lips, my eyes snapped open, meeting his unwavering gaze.
A wicked smirk curled upon Artemy’s lips as he continued his assault, his eyes fixated on mine, relishing my every reaction. Rubbing his thumb over my tingling nipple, I released a gasp, my eyelids fluttering shut. The sound of my own moan filled the air, my body growing taut with a mix of pleasure and astonishment at my own surrender.
His smirk deepened, and he exerted a firm pinch on my sensitive bud, further claiming my senses in his game of desire.
Gasping for breath, I instinctively recoiled from his touch, emitting a small whimper. Panic surged through me as I questioned the strange sensations that were overtaking my body. Moisture pooled between my legs, a disconcerting response that left me bewildered and vulnerable.
“Shhh. Don’t be afraid, my little kitten. I won’t cause you any harm,” he reassured me, his voice soothing yet tinged with a hint of dominance.
Another whimper escaped my lips as he skillfully toyed with my nipple, sending electrifying jolts through my body. I shook my head in disbelief, my stomach knotting as pleasure mingled with my distress, eliciting soft moans from my lips.
Artemy drew nearer, his lips brushing against my ear. He playfully blew on my skin before sinking his teeth into my earlobe. “Unless, of course, you desire it,” he whispered roughly, repeating the words he had uttered when we first met.
“What… what are you doing?” I stammered, my voice strained and hoarse.
He chuckled and withdrew slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Can’t you tell by your reaction? It seems quite evident,” he remarked, his tone veiled with amusement. Confusion swirled within me. He was toying with my emotions, but why?
Attempting to distance myself, I tried to pull away, but Artemy swiftly enveloped me in his embrace, pulling me closer to his body. My breasts pressed firmly against his chest, and the friction against the rough fabric of his shirt sent shivers of pleasure coursing through me, leaving me unable to stifle my moans.
Oh, God. Please, spare me from this torment.
“Plea… please don’t hurt me,” I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation.
His body quivered with suppressed laughter. “Oh, baby. Pleasure and pain often intertwine,” he uttered, leaning in to slowly trail his tongue down my neck. “Don’t you know? The greatest pleasure emerges from pain,” he rasped against my skin, sending a shudder down my spine.
No. I was acquainted with pain. I experienced it every night under Raffaele’s merciless torture. There was no pleasure to be derived from that.
My body froze, and then an overwhelming urge to break free surged within me. I fought against his grip, desperately attempting to liberate myself.
“Release me, please! Please let me go,” I implored, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. I had been mistaken to believe I was safe. He was a monster, akin to Raffaele. He would take what he desired and leave me broken and scarred.
“Enough!” he commanded, his voice laced with authority.
Whimpering, I shrank away, his hold on me loosening. I scrambled backward, seeking refuge against the wall, pressing myself against it as if it could shield me from the tumultuous situation.
Artemy stared at me impassively, the room filled with the sound of my labored breathing. Tremors coursed through my body, and my trembling legs struggled to support me any longer.
He took a step forward, but as soon as I let out a cry, he halted in his tracks.
“You’re afraid of me,” he stated.
I swallowed hard, unable to utter a word. What could I possibly say? He had already seen through me.
“But you also enjoy my touch,” he continued. A stillness overcame my body, and this time I shook my head. His gaze grew hard, and he moved closer.
“Don’t lie to me. If you didn’t already know, let me enlighten you,” he gritted through his teeth. “I always know when someone lies. So, it’s best if you don’t.”
I remained silent, incapable of responding. My throat felt dry, and my tongue weighed heavily in my mouth. Artemy shifted his hand to my hair, wrapping it around his fist. Despite his firm grip, he carefully tilted my head upward, ensuring no harm would come to me.
“Now answer me, kitten. Did you enjoy it when I touched you?”
I contemplated lying once again, but what purpose would it serve? It wouldn’t improve my situation. I nodded instead, a tiny movement that could have been easily overlooked. But he didn’t miss it.
Artemy Loskutov never missed a thing.
At my nod, he smiled, and my breath caught in my throat. It was the first genuine smile I had witnessed from him. His lips stretched wide, revealing a dimple on his right cheek.
That smile transformed his face completely. He no longer appeared as menacing.
He looked gentle.
My eyes widened as my heart tightened.
“Now that’s settled, let’s discuss why I’m here,” he said, the smile vanishing. Nervously, I swallowed and nodded once more.
I attempted to step away, but his fingers tightened in my hair. When he felt confident that I wouldn’t move, Artemy released his grip. He placed his hands on the wall on either side of my face, trapping me within his body.
“I desire you,” he declared without hesitation.
I had anticipated those words, but what I hadn’t expected was the reaction of my body. My legs weakened, and I instantly felt a dampness between my thighs. My lower region throbbed, and I bit down on my lip forcefully, suppressing the moan that threatened to escape.
“What?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling.
Artemy leaned closer until his lips hovered over mine. I caught sight of his tongue as it slipped out, gently licking my lips. Shock surged through my body, causing it to tense.
“Exactly as I said. I want to make love to you.”
Reluctant to admit it, I could envision myself doing anything he desired. He possessed a skill for manipulating his words and captivating my body. My only fear was that he might harm me. Suddenly, I felt nauseated.
I was precisely what Raffaele had accused me of being: a whore. What kind of woman becomes aroused by the advances of a stranger who whispers such vulgar words? I had endured repeated sexual assault by my fiance, and now I found myself turned on by a monster similar to him.
“What if I don’t want it?” I inquired, struggling to maintain coherence as my knees threatened to buckle.
Artemy smirked. “Oh, kitten, you want me. I can see it in your eyes. I can see it.”
Once again, he licked my neck, then bit down. A moan escaped my lips as he sucked on my tortured skin.
“I can feel it,” he murmured against my flesh. Shaking my head, I tried to move away, but it proved futile. “I can smell it.”
He refused to release me. Dizziness and a strange elation
washed over me. It felt surreal. I desired him, yet at the same time, I yearned to sink to the ground and weep.
He stepped back slightly, though still invading my personal space.
“I will never take a woman against her will,” he stated, locking eyes with me. His words began to calm my racing heart. “But, kitten, you want me. You know it, and I know it. I won’t make love to you unless you beg me for it.” His crude words reverberated through me, and I trembled.
Artemy leaned in again, his breath caressing my lips. “You owe me, kitten. And don’t forget, I own you. You’ll do as I say. So, it’s simple. Do you want me?”
I started to utter the word “no,” but he brought his finger to my lips. “And don’t even think about lying. Lying will only get you into more trouble.”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding against my chest, and my palms grew sweaty. My breathing became irregular, and I felt as though I were suffocating. Artemy’s piercing blue eyes remained fixed on mine.
Blue and green.
We locked gazes, a mix of emotions swirling between us. Desire. Lust. Excitement. Fear. Anticipation.
Oh, dear God, what had I gotten myself into?