The morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting a warm glow across Isla’s room. She hadn’t slept much, her mind circling around Dante’s words from the night before. Every time she closed her eyes, she heard his deep voice echo in her mind: “I want you to be mine. Fully, completely, and without hesitation.” She shivered at the thought, torn between fear and a magnetic pull she couldn’t deny.
Suddenly, there was a knock at her door, pulling her from her thoughts. She composed herself quickly, sitting up and calling out, “Come in.”
Dante stepped in, his dark eyes locking onto hers the moment he entered. He wore a faint smile, and yet, beneath it was that same unwavering intensity.
“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice smooth and calm.
“Good morning,” she replied softly, trying to keep her own emotions under control.
Dante moved closer, folding his arms across his chest as he gazed down at her. “I imagine you have a lot on your mind after last night.”
“That would be an understatement,” she admitted, meeting his gaze even though her heart was pounding. “It’s… not a small request.”
“I know,” he said, his tone gentler than she expected. “But it’s a necessary one.”
Isla let out a small, shaky breath. “You’re asking me to make a life-altering decision.”
He sat down across from her, leaning forward with a serious expression. “I’m asking you to be a part of my life in a way that no one else ever could. This isn’t something I take lightly, Isla.”
She was quiet for a moment, absorbing his words. “I understand that,” she said finally. “But this would change everything for me. It would mean giving up… my own plans, my own future.”
Dante nodded slowly, as if he’d been expecting her to say that. “I won’t lie to you. Life with me will mean sacrifice. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be what you’re used to. But it will be secure. You will never want for anything.”
Isla looked away, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness. “And you think that’s enough?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Dante reached out, gently taking her hand in his. “I think it could be, if you let it. But that’s something only you can decide.”
She met his gaze, her heart pounding as she saw the resolve in his eyes. There was no denying that he was giving her a choice, but she also knew there was a weight behind his words-a sense that once she made her decision, there would be no going back.
“Is there any part of you that would let me walk away?” she asked quietly, not daring to look away from his intense stare.
A flicker of something passed through Dante’s eyes before his expression hardened. “I don’t think I could let you go, Isla. Not now.”
Her breath caught in her throat, the full realization of his possessiveness settling over her. He wasn’t offering her freedom; he was offering her security in exchange for commitment. He wanted her by his side, bound to him, and she knew that if she agreed, there would be no way to untangle herself from his world.
After a moment of tense silence, she forced herself to speak. “And… and if I agree, what exactly do you expect from me?” Her voice was barely audible, but the question hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Dante’s gaze softened slightly, his grip on her hand tightening. “I want loyalty, Isla. And I want an heir. Someone to carry on my legacy. This life comes with responsibilities, and I need someone strong enough to stand by my side.”
She swallowed, her mind racing as she tried to process his words. “An heir…” she murmured, her voice trailing off as she tried to imagine herself in such a role.
“Yes,” Dante replied, his voice steady. “I want a family. And I want you to be the one to give it to me.”
Isla felt a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration at his words. It was a daunting request, but there was also a part of her-a part she barely understood-that was drawn to the idea of being his, of being the one he chose to stand by his side.
After a long pause, she nodded slowly. “If this is what you truly want, then… I’ll do it. I’ll give you what you need.”
Dante’s eyes darkened, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Good,” he murmured, his voice a low, satisfied rumble. “You won’t regret this, Isla. I’ll make sure of it.”
He released her hand, standing up and extending a hand to help her to her feet. She took it, her heart racing as she realized the enormity of what she’d just agreed to.
“There’s one last thing,” he said, his voice soft yet commanding. “Tonight, there will be a gathering. I want you to attend by my side, as a symbol of our understanding.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and she nodded, the reality of her new role settling over her. “I’ll be there.”
He gave her a rare, genuine smile, his grip on her hand firm and reassuring. “Good. You belong here, Isla. Don’t ever doubt that.”
As he turned to leave, Isla felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She knew her life was about to change irrevocably, and while part of her feared the path ahead, there was another part that thrilled at the thought of standing by Dante’s side.
For better or worse, she was his now-and there was no turning back.