4. Games Under the Table

The atmosphere in the dining room was warm—well, at least for Bella. The glow from the crystal chandelier danced across the neatly set porcelain plates, and the rich scent of wagyu steak and red wine filled the air.

Bella sat at the head of the table, absolutely glowing, her hand tightly gripping the rugged hand of Revan—the man who was now officially her husband.

Lona glided down the stairs, her movements a calculated blend of grace and pure provocation. She was wearing a red satin slip so thin it was basically a second skin, and so short it barely skimmed the curve of her seat. Since she’d skipped the bra on purpose, every step caused her firm chest to bounce subtly beneath the silk.

"Sorry I’m late, guys. I got a little carried away picking out a perfume," Lona purred, her voice thick with a fake, spoiled sweetness.

Bella looked up and beamed. "It’s okay, sweetie. Come sit. Your Daddy looks like he’s starving."

Lona pulled out the chair directly across from Revan. She sat down and immediately crossed her legs, letting the slit of her dress fall away to reveal the smooth, tight skin of her thigh. She watched Revan as he calmly sliced into his steak.

"So, Daddy... how’s Mom’s cooking?" Lona asked, leaning her chin on her hand, her eyes locked onto Revan’s lips.

Revan looked up. His hawk-like gaze met hers, completely flat, as if her sheer dress was nothing more than a kitchen rag. "It’s decent," he replied shortly, his voice deep and like ice.

"God, you’re so stiff," Lona giggled. "Mom, is Daddy Revan always this quiet at the office?"

Bella let out a soft laugh, sipping her wine. "He’s a serious man, Lona. That’s why I fell for him. He doesn't talk much—he just takes action."

Lona’s smile turned sharp. "Oh... takes action, does he? Now I’m curious what kind of 'actions' Daddy is good at."

Revan set his knife and fork down with a sharp clink that commanded the room. He stared at Lona, this time a second longer. "I’m good at discipline, Lona. Especially when things aren't where they’re supposed to be."

Lona felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the sound of that low growl. She wasn't scared; she was electrified. Under the long tablecloth, she started her move. She slipped off one of her house slides and slowly stretched her foot toward Revan.

Her toes began to crawl up his shin. She could feel the expensive fabric of his trousers. With a bold stroke, she grazed her big toe against his inner thigh—right where it counts.

Revan’s face didn't twitch. He kept looking at Bella as she babbled about their honeymoon plans for the Maldives. But Lona saw his jaw lock. The muscles in his neck were straining.

"You know, Mom, I actually got an A on my sociology project today," Lona said, her breath hitching slightly as she pushed her foot higher between Revan’s thighs.

"That’s amazing! See, Revan? Lona isn't just a pretty face; she’s got brains too," Bella bragged.

Revan shifted his gaze back to Lona. His large hand reached for his water glass, taking a slow sip. "She’s certainly good at... finding openings," he muttered coldly.

Lona let out a breezy laugh, though her heart was hammering against her ribs. "Well, like Daddy said, he likes things in their place. I’m just trying to 'place' us a little closer."

Suddenly, Lona felt it. Revan’s massive hand moved like lightning under the table. Instead of pushing her away, he grabbed her ankle in a crushing grip. It was so firm it nearly made her gasp out loud.

"Lona? You okay? You’re looking a little flushed," Bella said, sounding confused.

Lona fought to keep her face neutral, even though she was reeling from the sheer strength in his hand. "Oh... I’m fine, Mom. The steak’s just got a bit of a kick to it."

Revan didn't let go. If anything, he pulled her foot closer to him under the table, forcing her to slide slightly down in her chair. His eyes stayed on Bella, but a faint—almost invisible—smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Maybe you need a cold drink, Lona. To help with the... heat," Revan said, his voice dripping with irony.

"Yeah, Daddy... I really do need... something cold," Lona replied, her voice trembling just a bit.

Bella was completely oblivious. To her, Lona was just her spoiled daughter trying to bond with her new husband.

"You two are so cute. I’m so happy you’re finally connecting, Lon."

"Oh, we’re connecting, Mom. It honestly feels... very tight," Lona whispered.

Once dinner wrapped up, Bella excused herself. "I’ll leave you two to chat. I need to go wash my face."

The second the door closed behind her, the energy in the room turned predatory. Revan released Lona’s foot roughly and stood up. He stalked around the table and stopped directly behind her chair.

Lona didn't move. She could feel his dominant presence looming over her, the heat radiating off his body. Revan leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Who the hell do you think you’re playing with, brat?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.

Lona spun around in her chair, facing him defiantly. She arched her back, letting her chest press against his shirt.

"I’m not playing, Daddy. I’m just welcoming you to the family. What’s the matter? Are you scared?"

Revan let out a dark, cynical laugh that made Lona’s skin crawl in the best way possible. He grabbed her chin with one hand, forcing her to look up at him.

"Scared? I’ve dealt with thousands of snakes in the real world. A little viper like you is nothing."

"Then prove it," Lona challenged. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Why don't you show me how you 'discipline' people?"

Revan’s eyes turned pitch black. He stared at her red lips with a look that was hungry but absolutely ruthless.

"Don't come crying to me when I actually do. Because once I start, I won't stop until you're broken."

Lona flashed a wicked smirk. "I think I’d like being broken by you, Daddy..."

Suddenly, the sound of Bella’s footsteps echoed back. Revan instantly straightened up, stepping away with a fluid, natural grace. By the time Bella walked back in, he was busy adjusting his rolled-up sleeves.

"Finished your talk?" Bella asked cheerfully.

"Totally, Mom. Daddy Revan is... surprisingly interesting when you get him one-on-one," Lona said as she stood up. She brushed past him, letting her hips accidentally bump his hand.

"Good. Come on, Revan, let's go up. You must be exhausted after the office and all that paperwork today," Bella said, wrapping her arm around his waist.

Revan nodded. "Yeah. I need to get some rest."

Lona watched them walk toward the master suite upstairs. She stood in the quiet dining room, her fingers tracing her lips where his breath had just been. Her heart was racing. This man was different. So different.

The four stepfathers before him would have folded the second she touched them. But Revan? He was in control. He looked at her like she was prey he was just studying before the kill.

"We’ll see about that, Daddy Revan," Lona whispered. "You might have won tonight. But tomorrow, I’m going to make sure you’re the one crawling at my feet."