Chapter 4

• Iris's POV
• I walked out of the store, my face flushed as Damon guided me back to the car. His hand rested on the small of my back, sending shivers down my spine. I couldn't believe he made me strip in front of him to change into the clothes he bought for me. His words echoed in my mind, "Mine...you are mine."
• I didn't raise my head to look at him as he opened the car door, still holding the bag of clothes in his other hand. I didn't look up at his men again, either. They seemed to be everywhere, watching me with an unnerving intensity.
• As the car started moving, I tried to distract myself and calm down before I began thinking of how to escape, to run far away from this man. This man who wouldn't stop looking at me with his teasing eyes!
• My face turned red, and I looked down at what I was wearing. I hadn’t even paid attention when I put it on and left the store; I was too embarrassed by what he made me do. The dress was sky blue, soft, and puffy – probably the prettiest thing I'd ever worn.
• I kept fiddling with the dress, distracted. Huh, he hadn't gotten me shoes? Does he know that? Oh well, I continued fiddling with the dress. It was so soft.
• My stomach growled softly, reminding me I hadn't eaten since morning. Would he feed me? Would I be treated like a prisoner or a guest? The uncertainty made my anxiety spike.
• What would my life be like now? Would I be locked away, trapped in this luxurious prison? Would I be allowed to leave? The questions swirled in my mind, making me dizzy.
• Damon's voice broke the silence. "Comfortable?"
• I nodded, still looking down. "Yes."
• "You look beautiful, Iris," he said, his voice low and husky.
• My face flushed deeper, and I glanced out the window, avoiding his gaze.
• We drove in silence for a while, the tension between us palpable.
• "What's your favorite color?" Damon asked suddenly.
• I hesitated before answering. "Blue."
• The car fell silent again.
• My mind wandered back to my predicament. Would I be able to escape, or would I be forever bound to this man? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
• As we continued driving, the cityscape outside blurred together. I lost track of time, lost in my thoughts.
• "Are you hungry?" Damon asked, his voice interrupting my reverie.
• I nodded, surprised he noticed.
• "We'll eat soon," he promised.
• Soon? How soon? My stomach growled louder, protesting the delay.
• The silence stretched out, filled only by the hum of the engine and my racing thoughts.
• What lay ahead? Only time will tell.
• Damon's POV
• I gazed at Iris, her face a deep shade of red as she sat quietly in the car. I couldn't help but smile, knowing she'd soon learn that every part of her belonged to me. There was nothing to be embarrassed about; she was mine.
• My eyes shifted to my men, and my jaw tightened. Marcus was still staring, his eyes fixed on Iris. I glared at him, a silent warning. He shouldn't be looking at what was mine.
• Julian noticed and nudged Marcus, who quickly looked away, his eyes darting to me. Fear flickered in his gaze before he averted his eyes. Better.
• My attention returned to Iris. Her embarrassment had given way to curiosity. She fidgeted with the dress as if discovering it for the first time. So distracted, so cute.
• I preferred the embarrassed expression, though. I leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Enjoy the dress now, you'll take it off when we get home."
• Her cheeks flamed red again, and those striking blue eyes widened. I smirked, pleased with the reaction.
• I pulled back, observing her. She was so responsive, so fragile. My possession.
• The car continued moving, but my focus remained on Iris. Her hands trembled slightly as she fiddled with the dress. I longed to take those hands, to claim her completely.
• Patience, I reminded myself. Soon.
• I settled into my seat, eyes never leaving Iris's face. My prize. My mine.
• As we drove through the darkening streets, Iris's curiosity grew. She peeked at me, her blue eyes sparkling with questions and probably plans of running away. I couldn't wait to see that fail.
• I smiled, knowing she'd soon see the true extent of my world.
• The car turned onto a private road, lined with tall trees that cast long, ominous shadows. The mansion loomed ahead, its turrets and spires reaching toward the sky like skeletal fingers.
• Iris's eyes widened as we approached. "This...this is your home?"
• I chuckled. "My castle, my prison, my sanctuary."
• The car stopped before the massive wooden doors, adorned with iron hinges and a lion's head knocker. The doors creaked open, revealing a dimly lit foyer.
• "Welcome to Vyon Manor," I said, offering my hand.
• Iris hesitated before taking it, her touch sending a jolt through me. I led her inside, her eyes scanning the dark, opulent decor.
• The foyer's high ceiling disappeared into darkness, and the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting twisted, medieval scenes. A chandelier hung above, its crystals refracting flickering candlelight.
• "Creepy," Iris whispered.
• I laughed. "You'll grow accustomed to it."
• Ryder, my butler, stood at attention. "Welcome, sir. Dinner is being prepared."
• "Thank you, Ryder," I replied. "See that Iris's needs are met."
• Ryder's gaze flicked to Iris before bowing. "Yes, sir."
• As we walked through the mansion, Iris's unease grew. I reveled in it, teasing her with whispers in her ear.
• "You look lovely in my home, Iris. Like a delicate flower among thorns."
• She shivered, her hand trembling in mine.
• We entered the dining room, where a lavish feast awaited. Candles cast eerie shadows on the walls.
• "Sit," I instructed, pulling out her chair.
• Iris obeyed, her eyes locked on mine, a hint of defiance sparkling within.
• "Try the wine," I suggested, pouring her a glass.
• She hesitated before taking a sip. Her face scrunched.
• "Too bitter?" I asked, smiling.
• "It's fine," Iris said, her voice laced with a subtle stubbornness.
• I raised an eyebrow. "Liar."
• Iris's gaze narrowed, but she took another sip.
• As we dined, the tension between us grew thicker than the shadows.
• "Tell me, Iris," I said, leaning back in my chair. "What do you think of my home?"
• Her voice barely above a whisper, "It's...intimidating."
• I chuckled, she said, that's good. "That's the intention."
• My eyes locked onto hers, and I whispered, "You're mine now. Every part of you."
• Iris's face paled, but her gaze didn't drop. "And if I don't want to be?"
• A spark of challenge.
• I leaned forward, my voice low. "You don't have a choice."
• Iris's eyes flashed, but she bit back her retort.
• I smiled as I looked her over, watching her look embarrassed as her stomach growled audibly. I chuckled.
• “That is one monster growl.”
• Her face reddened. “I'm just hungry…” she said, was that a pout? “You said you'd feed me.”
• Ah. I want so badly to…
• “Ryder, food,” I said almost at the top of my voice as I watched her face lighten up. Soon, the maid entered and Iris looked like she would cry.
• Roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and golden-brown bread filled the table. The aroma wafted up, and Iris's eyes sparkled.
• "Starving, aren't you?" I teased, pouring wine.
• Iris's cheeks flushed as she reached for a roll.
• "Eat up, little petal," I whispered. "You'll need your strength...for later."
• Her eyes flashed, but she took a bite. I leaned back, watching her devour each dish.
• "Delicious?" I asked, taunting.
• Iris nodded curtly, her face burning.
• "You're so eager," I said, my voice low. "So desperate. It's...intoxicating."
• Iris's gaze met mine, a spark of defiance.
• "Are you always this...ravenous?" I teased.
• Her face burned deeper, but she continued eating.
• I leaned forward, my voice whispering in her ear.
• "You're mine now, Iris. Every part of you, even that voice of yours, so when I ask you a question you answer it."
• Her shiver was subtle, but I saw it. “Yes..” her muffled voice came out.
• “Good.”
• My desire to taunt her, to test her limits, intensified.
• This innocent, pure rose would soon be mine.
• Completely.