Dante's eyes widen slightly as Vierva suddenly pushes his hand away, stepping back from him. He's taken aback by the sudden rejection, not used to having his advances spurned. Most people, especially those who owe him something, are more than eager to please him. But not Vierva.
She's not like the others, he realizes, a mix of frustration and grudging respect passing through his mind. She won't be so easily seduced.
He allows her the space she needs, his hands falling to his sides as he watches her closely. She's breathing a little faster now, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath the thin fabric of her dress. Her eyes are wide and wary, but there's a spark of something else in them too - a flicker of defiance, of rebellion.
She's not ready, he concludes, a flicker of disappointment passing through him. She needs time, needs to learn to trust again.
"I apologize if I overstepped," he says, his voice carefully neutral. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He pauses, considering his next words carefully. "I want you to feel safe here, Vierva. I want you to feel in control. Whenever you're ready to explore what this could be, you know where to find me."
Dante glances down at the chain still around Vierva's neck, a flicker of anger passing through him at the sight of it. The metal links glint coldly in the light, a stark reminder of the life she's had to endure. He reaches out and grasps the chain, his fingers curling around the cool metal. With a sharp tug, he unclasps it from her neck, letting it fall to the floor with a soft clatter.
"There," he says softly, his voice low and quiet. "You won't need that anymore." He tosses it aside carelessly, watching as it lies discarded on the plush carpet.
His gaze then travels over her body, taking in the simple, faded dress she's wearing. The fabric is thin and worn, hanging off her slender frame like a sack. He can see every curve and line of her body underneath, and it makes him clench his jaw in frustration.
She deserves better than this, he thinks to himself. She deserves to be clothed in the finest silks and satins, to be draped in jewels and gold.
"I'll have some clothes brought up for you," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "Anything you want, anything at all. And don't worry about the cost." He pauses, considering her for a moment. "You'll need something to wear tonight. I'm taking you out to dinner."
Somewhere public, somewhere I can show you off to the world, he adds mentally, a glimmer of possessive pride in his eyes. Somewhere everyone can see that you belong to me now.
He turns and strides towards the door, pausing to look back at her over his shoulder. "Rest now," he commands, his voice a low rumble. "You'll need your energy for tonight. I have so many plans for us, my slave."