Chapter:00004

Skye’s POV

I stood outside the massive compound, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I struggled to catch my breath. I had raced all the way from the main building, my heels nearly betraying me with every step.

I had to see him.

My gaze darted around desperately, until I spotted him.

A man had just opened the backseat door of a black car.

"Dante De Luca!" I shouted.

The name cut through the air.

He paused, then turned.

Our eyes met.

I walked toward him, my steps slowing as I drew closer but I stopped at a safe distance. Close enough to speak. Not close enough to be reckless.

With a subtle motion of his hand, he dismissed his men. They bowed respectfully and retreated, leaving us alone.

"You again," he said, his voice calm

"Yes," I replied.

This time, I didn't stutter. I didn't shrink.

"How do I get qualified to stand by your side?" I asked steadily.

For the first time, something flickered in his eyes.

Amusement.

As though he hadn't expected this kind of boldness from me.

"I'm suddenly intrigued by you today," he said, a smile touching his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he added, stepping closer.

Every instinct screamed at me to step back.

If I did, he'd know I was afraid. And the truth was, I was afraid.

Totally Terrified.

But fear had ruled my life long enough. I had an ambition I had to fulfill, and Dante De Luca was the only man who could help me do it.

Before I could react, his arm slid around my waist, pulling me firmly against him.

A soft gasp escaped my lips.

He leaned down, his mouth brushing close to my ear.

"This isn't child's play, woman," he murmured. "You'd better not back out."

My spine stiffened at his words and his closeness

Then, just as suddenly, he released me and turned away, slipping into the backseat of his car.

The door remained open.

"Get in," he said calmly.

I hesitated only a second before looking around and climbing in beside him.

Moments later, the chauffeur took his seat and the car rolled forward, disappearing into the night.

I watched Dante from the corner of my eye. He was focused on his phone, fingers moving with purpose, his expression unreadable. Whatever he was typing seemed far more important than my presence.

I turned my gaze to the window, my thoughts spiraling.

Before I realized it, the car slowed and stopped in front of a luxury hotel.

My heart began to race.

We didn't go through the main entrance. Instead, we were led through a private passage reserved for VVIP guests only.

The moment we entered the suite, I stayed rooted to the spot by the door, my fingers gripping the fabric of my dress.

Dante removed his suit jacket and draped it over a chair. He loosened his tie, then reached for a cigarette and gold lighter on the table. Before sinking onto the edge of the king sized bed.

"Why are you standing there?" he asked, placing the cigarette between his lips.

I couldn’t find my voice, I just stared at him.

He didn’t look up, but he gestured for me to come closer with a slow curl of his fingers.

My legs moved before my mind could stop them. I stood in front of him. I could smell the first puff of smoke as he lit the cigarette.

He looked me up and down

“Strip” he said

The word hit me like a slap.

"What?" I blurted, genuinely stunned.

"Don't you want to be qualified?" He exhaled, a cloud of grey smoke obscuring his features. "Seduce me. If I'm turned on, you're in. If I'm bored, you're out."

So this was it.

An exchange. My dignity for his power.

If I refused, I would remain invisible, trapped in the same miserable place. If I agreed, I would gain everything I wanted... but at a cost.

Shame burned through me, but I had already come too far.

I lowered my head and stepped out of my heels. My hands moved to the thin straps of my gown, gripping it tightly as I prepared to pull it down.

“Stop”

I froze

"It's no fun if you won't look at me" he said calmly. "Do you want me to get bored already?"

"I'm sorry, I.."

"Look at me and continue," he cut in.

I forced my head up. Meeting his eyes was the hardest thing I’d ever done. I hooked my fingers under the straps and dragged them down. The gown slid down my skin and pooled at my ankles

I was down to my bra and panties. My fingers fumbled with the clasp of my bra, and when I finally unhooked it, the lace hit the floor. My breast spilled free

I saw his eyebrows twitch. His gaze traveled downward, and for the first time, I saw a crack in his armor…his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

I reached for the waistband of my panties

He raised his hand.

"Enough."

I stopped instantly.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Skye Vaughn," I replied, my voice barely steady.

He nodded, looking at me as if he were memorizing a map or solving a puzzle.

"How old are you?"

“Twenty-two."

He stood and closed the distance between us. Too close. I could smell the dangerous mix of expensive tobacco and his cologne.

My breath caught as he reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Why do I have the feeling," he whispered, his eyes searching mine, "that you’ve never been touched before?"