"You don't belong in this world of mine," Liam whispered, his lips inches from mine. "But I'm selfish, and I can't let you go."
"I want to stay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'm falling for you too, Liam."
-
I should be sneering, laughing even. How blind could he be? Liam Sterling-the killer, master manipulator, the ruthless, untouchable king of New York's underworld-brought to his knees by the one woman sworn to tear him apart.
For years, revenge was all I had. Liam destroyed my family, tore my life apart, leaving me with nothing but rage. I rebuilt myself piece by piece, every step driven by the thought of making him pay.
But then... I got close to him. Close enough to touch. His touch is fire, burning through every wall I've built. Each kiss, every stolen moment, weakens my defenses, awakening a need that terrifies me.
How can I want him like this? Crave him, when every scar I carry is a reminder of all he's taken?
I should hate him. I should destroy him. But when he looks at me, when he holds me like I'm something he needs to protect, I'm lost.
And as I watch him break, all I feel is a strange, hollow ache where satisfaction should be.
How can I keep fighting him, when I'm already falling, already broken, for the man I was supposed to ruin?
"WHY CAN'T YOU GET IT INSIDE YOUR HEAD?" He trapped my trembling body between his arms and slammed his fist into the wall. I flinch at the sound as I feel tears forming in my eyes.
"I'M SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR CRYING. JUST ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU'RE NEVER LEAVING. THIS IS YOUR LIFE NOW, WITH ME" He spits, anger consuming his voice as I push myself further against the wall. Shutting my eyes closed and turning my face to the side as I do.
Moments later, I feel his rough hand on my waist and his finger grazing my cheek.
"Look at me, love." His hand grips onto my jaw, his thumb playing across my lower lip.
He turns my face to meet his as I lower my gaze to the floor. He lowers himself to my level and I feel his breath fanning my cheek causing my breathing to become unsteady.
"I love you so much, darling. But you need to learn. You need to learn that you won't be going anywhere. You're mine." With that being said, his other hand slides down to my waist
"Your entire body, your mind, your soul. All mine." All I could do was tremble at his touch.
How can someone so beautiful be so heartless?
~~~~~~~~~~
All a 19 year old Aurora Shaw wanted to do was work to make a living and volunteer at the orphanage. Unfortunately for her, ruthless and cunning 26 year old Mafia leader and billionaire Tristan Black had other plans for her. He's been waiting for the perfect moment to kidnap her and finally make her his queen after 2 years of watching and stalking her every move.
He'd kill anyone who gets in the way of getting what he wants.
What will happen when he ruins everything she wanted and forces her to marry him?
Will she escape and resist him? Or will she submit and accept her fate?