Chapter 5

• Aria stepped further into the dimly lit room, her gaze was immediately drawn to Dante and the woman nestled in his arms. The sight made her stomach churn. Dante’s fingers caressed the woman’s chest with a casual intimacy that felt revolting to Aria.
• She felt a wave of discomfort wash over her, a mix of anger and disgust bubbling beneath the surface. How can he treat another person like this? The image of the two of them together ignited a fierce resentment within her, not just toward Dante, but toward all men who thought they could wield power over others without consequence.
• Aria clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to suppress the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. I am not weak, she reminded herself. I will fight for my dignity, no matter what it takes.
• With each step toward the bed, she felt her heart pounding louder in her chest. The opulence of the room contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside her. As she drew closer, her eyes flickered to the bedside table, where a gun lay casually placed, its metallic surface gleaming ominously in the low light. The sight sent a chill down her spine, but she pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on her next move.
• Aria slowed her pace, her mind racing with possibilities. What can I do? The gun was a reminder of the danger she was in, but it also represented a glimmer of hope—a potential means of escape or defense if the situation turned dire. Yet, she knew she had to be careful; any wrong move could provoke Dante’s wrath.
• Dante looked up, his smirk widening as he noticed her approach.
• The woman beside him stirred, her eyes flickering between the two, sensing the tension in the air. Aria’s heart raced as she took another step closer, her mind still calculating her options. I will not be a victim, she vowed silently.
• Aria closed the distance; Dante’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist with a vice-like grip. Before she could react, he pulled her closer, forcing her to lie back against the plush bedding. Panic surged through her as she fought against his hold, her heart racing.
• “Let me go!” she screamed, her voice laced with fury as she struggled to free herself from his grasp. She twisted and kicked, trying to break free, but his strength was overwhelming.
• Dante merely chuckled, a cruel smile spreading across his face. “Feisty, aren’t you?” he mocked, enjoying her resistance. “Most women fall to their knees at just a glance. You’re different, and I find that… interesting.”
• “I won’t give you what you want!” Aria spat, anger fueling her defiance. She could feel the heat of his body pressing against hers, and it made her skin crawl.
• Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by her spirit. “I’ve always wanted a woman like you,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “One who knows how to fight back.”
• With a swift motion, he grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her head back, forcing her to look up at him. Aria gasped in pain, but she refused to show fear. Instead, she glared defiantly into his eyes.
• In a sudden, brutal move, Dante captured her lips with his, kissing her forcefully. Aria bit down instinctively, trying to resist him, but he only pressed harder, his mouth claiming hers. The sharp pain of his bite sent shockwaves through her, and she felt the metallic taste of blood fill her mouth as he tore her lower lip.
• “See? You’re already mine,” he whispered, a satisfied grin on his face as he released her, letting her fall back against the bed.
• “Get out,” he ordered the other woman, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I want some alone time with my new prize.”
• The naked woman glanced between them, hastily gathering her clothes and slipping out of the room, leaving Aria alone with Dante.
• Dante’s hands gripped the fabric of her clothing, tearing it apart with a brutal force; Aria’s heart sank. Tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her fear and anger. “Stop! Please!” she screamed, her voice echoing in the lavish room, but deep down, she knew no one was coming to save her.
• She pushed against him with all her strength, but he was like a beast, overpowering her effortlessly. His hands roamed over her body, and a wave of disgust washed over her, making her skin crawl. She felt trapped, helpless beneath his weight.
• In a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, Aria’s gaze darted to the side table. Her fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. The gun! Hope ignited within her as she realized what it was. With a swift motion, she grasped it tightly, pointing it directly at Dante.
• “Get away from me!” she shouted, her voice trembling but fierce.
• Dante’s grip loosened in shock, his eyes widening as he processed the sight of the gun aimed at him. This was not the reaction he expected; he had always been in control, and now a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face.
• Seizing the opportunity, Aria pushed him off her with all her might, scrambling to her feet. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she stood tall, gun steady in her hand, pointing it at the man who had tried to claim her.
• “Stay back!” she warned, her heart racing as she faced him. The power dynamic had shifted, and for the first time, she felt a glimmer of control over her fate.
• “Do you even know how to use it?” He taunted, but there was an edge of caution in his voice now.
• “I don’t need to,” Aria shot back, her resolve hardening. “I’m not afraid of you anymore.”
• Dante’s expression was cold and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside Aria. He took a step toward her, and her heart raced as she instinctively stepped back, retreating toward the door. Fear gripped her tightly; his unflinching demeanor sent chills down her spine.
• “You have no idea what you’re doing,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding. “I am the king of this world. That gun is not a toy. Hand it over.”
• Aria felt her resolve wavering as panic surged through her. Her hand trembled, the weight of the gun feeling heavier with each passing moment. What if he’s right? What if I can’t do this?
• Just as she took another step back, the door swung open violently. The long-haired man who had stood beside Dante when she first met him rushed into the room. Before she could react, he grabbed her from behind, his strong arms encircling her waist and pinning her against him.
• “No!” Aria screamed, thrashing against him in a desperate attempt to break free. But he was too strong, and in a swift motion, he snatched the gun from her shaking hands.
• “Let me go!” she yelled, her voice filled with terror as she realized she was trapped once again, her heart pounding in her chest.
• Dante watched with an amused glint in his eye, his confidence unwavering. “See? You’re outmatched,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips as he stepped closer.
• Aria struggled against the long-haired man’s grip, her mind racing for a way out. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, and the smell of his cologne mixed with the fear that enveloped her.
• “Enough,” Dante said, his tone cutting through the chaos. “You’re going to learn your place, little girl.”
• The long-haired man tightened his hold on her, and Aria felt a surge of hopelessness wash over her. She had fought so hard, but now, with the gun taken from her, she felt vulnerable.