Beneath the Velvet Sky

Chapter 6: Beneath the Surface

Rafael's anger had reached a boiling point. The sound of Jacob's name still lingered in his ears, stirring an anger that mixed dangerously with his desire. He held Elysia firmly, but even through his fury, he was aware of the fragility of the moment—aware of how much he wanted more than just her body. Her defiance wasn't breaking, and that frustrated him, but somewhere beneath the frustration was a need to connect—to show her that this wasn't just about control.

"You still think you can hold onto him?" Rafael's voice was low, tense with emotion. "You think Jacob's ghost is going to save you now? Look at the way your body responds to me, Elysia." He didn't push her hard, but his touch was firm, and it made her gasp, her breath catching in her throat.

Elysia clenched her fists above her head, the cuffs biting into her wrists as she fought against the pull of her own body. Her will crumbled beneath the weight of his touch, reacting to him despite her resolve. She hated it—the conflict within her—but even as her body surrendered, she refused to give him the satisfaction of submission.

"You're sick," she spat, her voice shaking with anger and desperation. "This isn't about love—it's about power, and you can't stand that you'll never be him." Her words were sharp, cutting into him more deeply than she knew.

Rafael's face darkened, but instead of anger, there was pain flickering behind his eyes. He paused, his grip loosening slightly as if reconsidering his approach. "This isn't about him anymore, Elysia," he said, his voice softer but still firm. "This is about you and me. You keep pushing, but I know what you need. You need someone to meet you—someone who won't let you run away."

Before she could respond, he reached for the ice again, this time moving more slowly. The cold shocked her senses, mixing with the heat of the moment, sending a shiver down her spine. The ice was not cruel—it was an exploration of sensation, not meant to harm but to pull her deeper into the intensity between them.

"Tell me, Elysia," he whispered, his voice coaxing, his touch lingering rather than forcing. "Tell me you want this."

Tears of frustration slipped from beneath her blindfold as she shook her head, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I'll never—" she began, but the words were swallowed as Rafael's hand gently came down on her thigh. Not a slap—just a reminder of his presence, his control.

"Liar," he murmured, leaning close, his breath warm against her ear. "Your body tells me otherwise."

Elysia trembled, torn between anger and the overwhelming sensations she hated to admit she craved. Her body was at war with her heart, and the weight of it all was exhausting her.

"You'll never break me," she whispered, her voice weak but still determined.

Rafael's patience thinned, but his anger didn't flare the way it had before. He grabbed her chin gently, forcing her to face him, even though she couldn't see through the blindfold. "I don't need to break you," he said, his tone quieter now, more controlled. "You're already mine—you just haven't accepted it yet."

His movements slowed. The ice was gone, replaced by the heat of his hands. But this time, it wasn't about punishment or force—it was about reclaiming something more profound. Rafael's touch became more deliberate, more intentional, as if to show her that this wasn't about domination but connection. What followed wasn't rough—it was intense, fueled by the silent battle of wills and the deeper pull between them. Elysia cried out, her body responding despite her attempts to resist. But this time, it wasn't just about giving in—it was about acknowledging the deep, conflicted desire they both felt. She wasn't broken—but she was closer to admitting the truth she had been fighting all along.

Rafael leaned down, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "You can keep fighting, Elysia, but sooner or later, you'll see—you're mine." His voice softened, the dangerous edge fading. "And when you finally admit it, it'll be because you want to, not because I forced you."