Chapter 8

Karina barely had time to process the weight of her decision before Raoul’s voice cut through the silence again, his tone even colder than before, almost clinical.

“Stand up,” he ordered, his eyes dark with an intensity that made her pulse race.

For a split second, she wanted to refuse. To yell, to throw something, anything. But the coldness in his eyes told her it would be a mistake. He wasn’t playing games. She wasn’t allowed to make mistakes. Not with him.

Reluctantly, Karina stood, the sharp clack of her heels echoing in the otherwise silent room. Raoul didn’t move, his gaze never leaving her as he slowly stood from behind his desk.

“This is how it’s going to be from now on,” he said, his voice so low, so chilling, it made Karina’s skin crawl. “You’re going to follow my rules. You’re going to do exactly what I say, when I say it. You don’t have the luxury of choice anymore.”

The words hit her like a slap, but there was something about the way he said them, so matter-of-fact, that made her spine stiffen. She wanted to argue, to stand up for herself, but she could already feel the crushing weight of his presence.

Raoul moved toward her slowly, deliberately. Every step he took, the air grew heavier. She tried to hold her ground, but every fiber in her being screamed to run, to escape the suffocating grip of his power.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he murmured, his words sending a chill down her spine. “You’ve made your choice, Karina. And now, you belong to me. Don’t forget that.”

Her breath caught in her throat as Raoul closed the distance between them, his towering figure blocking out the light. He was dangerously close now, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off of him. His eyes, sharp as ice, held her captive, and Karina had the unsettling feeling that he was searching for something—something hidden deep within her.

“I didn’t agree to this,” she finally whispered, her voice trembling despite her efforts to remain composed.

Raoul’s lips curled into a small, dangerous smile. “You didn’t have to. You made a deal. A very bad one, but a deal nonetheless.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “You’re mine now, Karina. I don’t give second chances. I don’t give breaks.”

She felt a sharp stab of fear, but she masked it with anger. “I’ll never be yours,” she spat, forcing the words past the lump in her throat. “You think you can control me? You think I’ll just fall in line?”

Raoul’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing just slightly. “Don’t make me repeat myself. You will follow my rules, or there will be consequences. I don’t give warnings.” His voice dropped to a low growl. “Understand?”

Karina’s chest tightened, but she refused to back down. “And what if I don’t? What will you do? Kill me?”

Raoul took a step closer, and for the first time since he had entered her life, she saw something in his eyes that sent a wave of pure terror crashing through her. There was no mercy in him. There was no compassion.

“No,” he said, his voice deadly calm. “I won’t kill you, Karina. I have much better plans for you.”

Her stomach twisted, but before she could respond, he turned his back to her and walked toward the window, his broad shoulders tense under the tailored suit. The city lights outside gleamed, and for a moment, Karina felt like she was standing on the edge of a precipice, staring down at the abyss.

“Sit,” Raoul commanded without looking back, his voice smooth, almost bored.

She hesitated, her eyes darting to the chair, then back to him. He didn’t need to repeat himself. She knew what would happen if she didn’t comply.

Karina sat down, her legs trembling beneath her as she forced herself to remain still. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—fear, anger, frustration. But the one thing that gnawed at her most was the feeling of helplessness.

Raoul’s presence loomed like a storm cloud overhead, suffocating her every thought. He didn’t have to raise his voice or make grand threats. His very presence bent her to his will.

He turned back to face her, his eyes locking with hers. “Good girl,” he said softly, the praise dripping with a cold, mocking edge. “I’m glad you understand.”

Karina’s lips pressed into a thin line as she fought to suppress the wave of emotion threatening to spill over. She hated him. Hated the way he controlled everything, even her feelings. But she had no choice. Not yet.

“Now,” Raoul continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Let’s get one thing straight. I own you, Karina. You’ll do exactly as I say, and if you even think about stepping out of line, I will make sure you regret it.”

Her throat went dry, and the words lodged in her chest, but she refused to let him see her fear.

“I don’t scare easily,” she said, her voice tinged with defiance.

Raoul chuckled darkly, a low sound that made her skin prickle. “You will,” he said, stepping closer once more, his face only inches from hers now. His breath was warm against her skin. “You’ll learn exactly what it means to be mine.”

Before she could respond, the door opened with a sharp click, and Manuel entered the room, his expression neutral but his eyes flicking briefly to Karina before focusing back on Raoul.

“The meeting’s ready,” Manuel said in his usual calm voice, but Karina could sense the undercurrent of tension in the air.

Raoul nodded, his attention momentarily shifting. But before he turned away, he leaned down and whispered into her ear, his breath hot against her skin.

“Remember, Karina,” he said softly, but with a chilling finality, “you belong to me now. There’s no escaping that.”

He straightened, his gaze briefly locking with hers once more before he turned and walked toward the door, his presence still dominating the room.

Karina was left in the silence, the echo of his words still ringing in her ears.