Chapter 1

Julian DeLuca had barely caught up with me before he was already itching to whisk me away to a hotel room.

He was the hotshot of Italvia, with a family that was a force to reckon with.

I paused, unsure.

"Isn't this moving a little too fast?"

However, he was full of urgency and eagerness. "Too fast? My dear, how could it be? Don't you love me?"

He pouted, and his eyes suddenly looked misty, like a puppy left out in the rain.

I almost caved right then and there.

He had that look of an innocent golden retriever, but a part of me was still holding on to some sense.

"Julian, if we're going to do this, can we at least do it my way? I don't want you to get hurt..."

He barely listened to my concerns, nodding eagerly.

"Absolutely, my dear. Whatever makes you comfortable!"

I gave in, just a bit.

He turned away, smug, and started showing off in the mafia group chat.

[She's easy pickings. A little charm and she's all mine!]

[Stay tuned for the photo!]

I expected a round of applause from the group, but there was only one reply.

[Julian always treats me the best!]

Aside from Lucia Esposito's flirty response, the group chat was strangely silent.

Julian had booked the fanciest suite for couples that night, but with a sly smile, I invited him over to my place instead.

"I've got all the tools we need at my house."

I was giving him one last out.

He missed the hint entirely and bragged to the chat group.

[She's already inviting me over, and we just met. Talk about forward, but hey, I'm not complaining.]

[A picture on her bed will be more convincing than any Photoshop job!]

He was all smiles, but I was done talking. I pulled out my keys and opened the door to my darkened home.

My hands were gentle, almost as if they had no bones, as I took hold of his belt. With a familiarity that spoke of many such nights, I guided him to my bed.

"Julian, just sit for a bit, okay? I need to get things ready," I said softly.

In the pitch-black room, I heard the unmistakable gulp of his throat.

"Okay."

Julian's voice came out rough, almost a whisper.

I climbed onto his lap. In an instant, a black blindfold covered his eyes. A cool metal collar clasped around his neck, and I gently took his hands in mine.

With a definitive click, the handcuffs locked into place. He paused, a brief struggle flashing through him.

However, I held him down, my voice a murmur in his ear.

"Julian, remember. We're doing this my way, right? If you don't play nice, we'll have to stop."

I stood up to leave, and he reached out in a panic.

"Your way, please! Stay!"

I sighed softly and playfully tapped the bell at his neck as I replied, "That's a good boy."

I pushed him back onto the bed, taking my time as I undid his shirt, belt, and pants. His breaths were deep, filled with anticipation he could barely hold back.

Without hesitation, I pressed my hands against him.

"Ah..."

Julian almost reflexively arched, trying to resist my touch. However, the memory of my words held him back.

He clenched his teeth, silently allowing me to continue.

I let out a soft laugh and gently tapped his cheek, then slipped my hand into his mouth, easing his teeth apart.

"Relax. Such a good dog, so obedient. You deserve a reward for being this good, don't you think?"

He nodded ever so slightly, a thrill running through him.

I leaned in close, our bodies pressing together. I guided his hand to the first button of my shirt.

"How about it, good dog? Want to undo my shirt as your treat?"

His hand shook as it grazed my chest, and I could feel his heart racing with excitement.

I had to admit that Julian had a certain charm, and I let out a soft chuckle.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the coatroom.