Third Person POV
The polished glass doors of Ricci Enterprises slid open, and Isabella Greco strode in, heels clicking against the marble. A calculated rhythm, almost defiant, as if to remind everyone-including herself-that she was more than just Alessandro’s “contracted wife.”
She barely had time to greet his stone-faced assistant before a familiar, low, chilling voice echoed from inside his office. “Greco. My office. Now.”
Isabella’s jaw tightened. She’d spent her morning at court, winning a case that was just another notch in her belt, but here, none of it mattered. He made sure of that. She adjusted her collar-an understated black velvet choker that seemed innocent to anyone else but made her feel as if she wore his brand-and headed toward him. As she entered, Alessandro’s eyes locked onto her, the coldness unmistakable yet charged with something dangerously dark.
“Busy morning, wasn’t it?” His voice was calm, but his gaze cut like a knife.
She bit back a smirk. “Just doing my job. Some of us actually work hard to get what we want.”
The corner of his mouth curled. “Oh, you work hard alright, but don’t forget who your real boss is.”
Alessandro leaned back in his chair, eyes never leaving her as he reached for a folder on his desk and flipped it open. “It seems you’re becoming quite popular in court,” he said, almost lazily, but Isabella knew better than to think he was actually casual. “That’s good. I want you sharp-can’t have my lawyer getting rusty.”
She raised an eyebrow. “So you’re keeping tabs on me now? Sounds like you don’t trust me.”
“Trust is earned, principessa,” he replied with a half-smile, his tone laced with mockery. “And your little courtroom heroics don’t earn it. You signed up for this, or have you forgotten?”
Isabella’s heart pounded. How had she ever thought she could keep a sense of independence? She was his-had been since the moment she signed that contract, binding herself not only to his empire but to his possessive control. He made sure she didn’t forget, especially when he saw her step out of line.
“You want to know what I haven’t forgotten?” She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “I haven’t forgotten you keeping me on a leash while you entertain a parade of other women, expecting me to stand around and look… grateful.”
Alessandro’s gaze darkened, his fingers drumming on the desk in a slow, measured rhythm. “And yet here you are, still wearing that collar, still walking into my office at my command. So tell me, Greco-who’s really calling the shots here?”
Isabella wanted to storm out, but his words kept her rooted in place. There was something so infuriating about his power, his control, the way he knew exactly how to keep her tethered to him. He didn’t need to raise his voice or even make a move; his sheer presence was enough.
He rose from his chair and walked around the desk, stopping just inches from her. “Since you’re so eager to prove yourself, I have a new… task for you.” His hand brushed against her collar, fingers grazing her neck just enough to make her shiver.
“What kind of task?” she managed to say, holding his gaze.
“You’re going to accompany me to the board meeting tonight. The investors need to see a united front, and they’ll see that you’re… obedient,” he murmured, his fingers lingering on her throat.
Her breath caught. “And if I refuse?”
Alessandro chuckled, a dark, haunting sound. “Then you break our little contract. And you know what that means, don’t you?”
A shiver ran through her. She hated how much power he held over her, yet a small part of her thrilled at his dominance, his authority. “Fine,” she snapped, unable to mask her frustration. “But don’t expect me to play your obedient little wife.”
“Oh, I expect nothing less, principessa. You’ll play your role tonight, and you’ll play it well.”
The evening came faster than she expected, and Isabella found herself draped in an elegant, backless gown that Alessandro had chosen for her. It clung to her curves, subtle enough to look sophisticated but provocative enough to make her feel exposed. His silent message was clear: You’re mine, and tonight, everyone will see it.
Alessandro met her in the foyer, looking every bit the part of the powerful CEO-black suit, crisp white shirt, dark tie knotted perfectly. He held out his arm, a silent command, and she took it, forcing herself to stay composed as they stepped into the sleek, black car waiting outside.
The car ride was tense, with silence filling the space between them. He hadn’t said a word since they left the house, but his gaze flickered to her often, as if he was studying her reactions, anticipating her every move.
She finally broke the silence. “Why me, Alessandro? Why not parade one of your other women in front of your precious board?”
He smirked, eyes glinting with a dark amusement. “Because, Greco, they’re not you. They don’t understand what it means to be controlled, to be owned. They’re just… distractions.”
As they stepped into the opulent boardroom, every eye turned to them. Alessandro’s arm wrapped firmly around her waist, his grip possessive. The meeting began, but Isabella’s mind was elsewhere, drowning in the tension that crackled between them. She hated this facade, hated how he wielded her like a pawn to solidify his empire. Yet, deep down, part of her thrilled at the way he held her, the possessive touch that reminded her exactly who he was.
As the meeting wrapped up, Alessandro leaned close to her ear, his breath hot against her skin. “Tonight, after this is over, I’ll show you exactly what it means to belong to me. No distractions. No games. Just you and me.”
She shivered, her pulse racing with both fear and a twisted anticipation.
Before she could respond, the doors opened, and a stunning blonde strutted in, her eyes locking onto Alessandro with a familiarity that made Isabella’s blood run cold. The woman smirked, looking between them before letting out a low, mocking laugh.
“Well, well, Alessandro,” she purred. “Didn’t know you had a new… pet. But you know I don’t mind sharing.”
Isabella’s fists clenched, anger bubbling beneath her calm facade. She could feel Alessandro’s gaze burning into her, waiting to see how she’d react, testing the limits of her obedience.
The woman laughed again. “Careful, darling. Once he’s done with you, he usually moves on pretty fast.”
Isabella gritted her teeth, her voice steady yet laced with venom. “You clearly don’t know him as well as you think.”
Alessandro’s grip tightened, and he whispered low enough for only Isabella to hear, “Prove her wrong, principessa. Or maybe you’re not up for the challenge?”
Her pulse pounded as she stared into his eyes, defiance meeting dominance, both refusing to back down.
“I guess you’ll just have to find out.”