The black car sped through the winding streets of Italy, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. Kim sat silent, heart pounding, wet bikini clinging to her skin. She had no idea where they were going. No idea who this man was.
Eddy.
He hadn't said a word since dragging her from the pool, his fingers still loosely wrapped around hers like a silent claim. His knuckles were bruised. His white shirt torn and stained with blood. And yet... he looked dangerously calm.
Too calm.
She finally found her voice.
"Where are we going?" she asked, staring at him.
He glanced at her—those piercing, dark eyes unreadable.
"You don't know who I am," she added, trying to sound confident. "You can't just—take me."
A smirk danced at the corner of his lips.
"Oh, baby doll..." His voice was deep, thick with amusement. "You don't know me either."
He leaned closer, his breath hot against her cheek. "You're in my city. That rooftop? That hotel? That entire block? Mine."
Kim's eyes widened.
He pulled back slightly, scanning her face like he was memorizing every line. "Those guys with guns? My enemies. They wanted my head on your pretty pool tiles tonight. If I'd left you there... they would've come for you next."
She swallowed hard, her throat dry. "So you're kidnapping me for my safety?"
His grin darkened. "Let's call it... protective custody. With benefits."
Her stomach flipped. She hated how her body reacted to him—how the danger made her blood heat instead of freeze.
She crossed her arms, trying to mask the tremble in her voice. "I have friends. They'll come looking for me."
"They already are," he said without hesitation. "My men saw them near the pool screaming your name."
Her heart skipped.
"You disappeared, Kim. Just like that."
He snapped his fingers. "Gone. No trace."
"You're not going to hurt me?" she asked.
Eddy chuckled low, dark, teasing. "No, baby doll. I don't hurt girls like you. But I do own what's mine."
He turned to her fully now, his gaze devouring her like she was his next sin.
"And tonight... you became mine."
Heat flooded her cheeks. She hated that the words aroused her more than scared her.
The car stopped.
A tall villa towered ahead. Private. Expensive. Hidden behind thick trees and steel gates.
"Where are we?"
"My home. he said, opening her door."
She hesitated.
He reached out a hand. "Come on. Unless you'd rather be hunted down in a bikini."
She took his hand, and as she stepped out, her legs almost gave in.
He didn't let go.
Inside, the villa was dark and luxurious. Glass, steel, shadows. A fireplace glowed across the marble floor.
Eddy stopped in front of her.
"I'll get you something dry. But first—"
His hand slid up her bare back, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I need to make something very clear."
Her breath caught.
"You saved me tonight. But you stepped into my world, Kim. And in my world... there are rules."
He leaned down, lips brushing her ear.
"Rule one: You don't leave without telling me. Rule two: You sleep in my bed. And rule three..."
He paused, lips grazing her neck.
"You obey."