Vincenzo stormed into the dimly lit room, his presence commanding as he pulled Vanessa in and slammed the door shut behind them. His eyes burned with frustration, and before she could even protest, he pinned her against the door, leaning in as if to claim her lips.
"Stay away from me, Vincenzo," she spat, her voice trembling but defiant. "I gave you everything—my heart, my trust—and you… you're nothing but a heartless mafia beast!"
Her words sliced through him like a dagger. His jaw tightened, and a dangerous coldness seeped into his expression. "Really?" he asked, his voice low and deadly.
Vanessa shuddered, the weight of her own defiance sinking in. She had crossed a line, and she knew it. "I... I didn't mean it," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."
She tried to sidestep him, her hand fumbling for the door handle, but Vincenzo was faster. His strong hand grabbed her wrist, and in one swift move, he pulled her flush against his chest. The raw heat of his body melted her resistance, even as fear and confusion warred within her.
"You always run," he said, his voice softer now but laced with an intensity that made her knees weak. "But not tonight."
Vanessa froze as his hands cupped her face, his dark eyes searching hers for something—perhaps forgiveness, perhaps surrender. She wanted to push him away, to maintain the walls she had built, but his touch was her undoing.
"I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice trembling as tears spilled down her cheeks. She hated how vulnerable she felt in front of him, but Vincenzo had a way of stripping her defenses bare.
Her apology only seemed to ignite something deeper in him. "You don't get to say sorry and then run, Vanessa," he said, his lips brushing hers. This time, when he kissed her, it was not the forceful demand from before but a slow, searing connection that made her heart race.
Vanessa didn't kiss him back, but she didn't pull away either. Her hands gripped the door handle behind her as if it were her last tether to reality. Vincenzo leaned his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her skin.
"I love you," he murmured, his voice breaking ever so slightly. "Always remember that."
Her heart twisted painfully at his confession. She wanted to believe him, but doubt clouded her mind. When she turned her face away, he gently guided her gaze back to him, his hand firm but tender on her chin.
"Look at me," he whispered. "Vanessa, you're mine. No one else's. Ever."
Before she could respond, Vincenzo scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down with surprising care, his hands brushing over her skin like she was something precious.
As his lips trailed along her neck, his teeth grazed her sensitive skin, leaving a possessive mark. She gasped, the sound a mixture of shock and unbidden pleasure. "Vincenzo," she breathed, her voice unsteady.
Her body betrayed her as a soft moan escaped her lips. She tried to suppress it, but his hands on her waist and the warmth of his kisses made it impossible.
"I love you," she whispered, her resolve crumbling as she surrendered to him.
Vincenzo paused, his forehead resting on hers once more as their breaths mingled. "And I'll never stop loving you, Vanessa," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
For the first time, she didn't turn away. Instead, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of his love