3. Punishment And Temptations

Chapter 3: Punishment and Temptation

Elena’s wrists were still sore from the cuffs.

She sat stiffly in the backseat of the sleek black car as it rolled through the city streets, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn’t blindfolded. They wanted her to see where they were taking her. That meant one thing—they were sure she wouldn’t escape.

The thought made her stomach twist.

Alessio sat beside her, silent, his presence heavy, suffocating. Gabriel was in the front seat, his feet propped up on the dashboard like he didn’t have a single worry in the world.

“Enjoying the ride, princess?” Gabriel’s voice was laced with amusement as he glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

She ignored him, her nails digging into her palms.

Gabriel chuckled. “Already giving me the silent treatment? That’s cute.”

Elena clenched her jaw. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

The car slowed as they turned onto a private road, tall iron gates sliding open. The estate was massive, more of a fortress than a home. Armed guards patrolled the grounds, their faces cold and unreadable.

Elena’s pulse quickened.

The car stopped in front of the grand entrance. The moment the door unlocked, she lunged for it.

She barely made it two steps before a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Gabriel.

His grip was unrelenting as he yanked her back against his chest, his breath hot against her ear.

“Now, now, sweetheart. That wasn’t very smart,” he murmured.

She struggled, kicking at him, but he only chuckled, dragging her inside as if she weighed nothing.

Alessio walked ahead of them, unfazed. “If she tries that again, break something,” he said coolly.

Elena’s blood turned cold.

Gabriel sighed dramatically. “I was hoping she’d behave.”

His arms tightened around her.

She glared at him. “I’m not some pet you can control.”

Gabriel smirked, his fingers brushing against her neck. “Aren’t you?”

Rage burned through her.

She swung her elbow back, aiming for his ribs, but he caught her wrist effortlessly, twisting her arm behind her back.

Pain shot through her shoulder.

Gabriel clicked his tongue. “Tsk, tsk, princess. I don’t think you understand the rules yet.”

Alessio turned, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “Take her to the study,” he ordered.

Gabriel’s grip didn’t loosen as he dragged her down the hall, his body pressed against hers. “Looks like you’re getting a lesson, cara.”

Elena’s stomach churned.

They entered a large study, the scent of old leather and expensive whiskey filling the air. A heavy wooden desk sat in the center of the room, and behind it, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the estate.

Gabriel pushed her inside, and she stumbled forward.

Alessio shut the door.

The tension in the room thickened.

Elena’s breathing was uneven, but she forced herself to stand tall, glaring at both men.

Alessio leaned against the desk, his gaze cold and unreadable. “Tell me, Elena, do you know what happens to people who defy me?”

She didn’t answer.

Gabriel grinned, stepping closer. “They learn the hard way.”

Alessio nodded. “You don’t seem to understand your position. You’re ours now.”

She swallowed. “I’ll never be yours.”

A dark amusement flickered in Alessio’s eyes.

Gabriel chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, you already are.”

Alessio pushed off the desk, his steps slow, controlled. “I don’t tolerate disobedience.”

Her pulse pounded as he stopped in front of her.

He reached out, his fingers trailing along her jaw, a mockery of gentleness. Then, without warning, his hand tightened, tilting her head back.

Elena gasped, her hands flying up to grab his wrist.

Alessio’s grip wasn’t painful, but it was firm—an unspoken reminder of who was in control.

“You will learn to obey,” he murmured.

Her stomach twisted.

Gabriel stepped behind her, his presence suffocating. “I think she enjoys fighting us,” he mused. “Maybe she likes the punishment.”

Heat crawled up her neck, her skin tingling under their attention.

Alessio studied her, his thumb dragging over her lower lip. “Tell me, Elena. Are you afraid of us?”

She wanted to say yes.

Wanted to scream.

But she refused to give them that power.

Instead, she held his gaze, her defiance burning bright. “No.”

Gabriel laughed, his fingers tracing along her shoulder. “Liar.”

Alessio’s eyes darkened. “We can fix that.”

The air in the room grew thick with something dangerous, something intoxicating.

Elena’s breath came in short bursts, her body betraying her as awareness prickled along her spine.

Gabriel leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “What are you feeling right now, princess? Fear? Excitement?”

She jerked away from his touch, glaring. “Disgust.”

Gabriel grinned. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Alessio released her, stepping back. “You’ll learn soon enough.”

Her fists clenched. “You’re both monsters.”

Gabriel smirked. “And you belong to us.”

Elena turned toward the door, her heart hammering. She needed to get out of here.

But as she reached for the handle, Alessio’s voice stopped her cold.

“If you try to escape again, we’ll make sure you beg to stay.”

Her stomach dropped.

She turned back slowly, meeting his gaze.

There was no doubt in his eyes. No hesitation.

They meant every word.

Gabriel winked. “Sweet dreams, princess.”

Elena swallowed hard.

She had walked into a nightmare.

And there was no way out.