CHAPTER 3: My New Home

SAVANNAH’S POV

Babies? My life was literally slipping from my hands but his concern was making babies. I gulped hard because it felt like a threat only to look down to see his palm stretched proudly towards me.

He led me to the car outside as guests tagged behind us. Congratulations flew past my head but I didn't care. My stepmother watched me closely from the stairs as a satisfied smile tugged at her lips—she had won. As we entered the car, I stared out the window, observing the crowd and saying goodbye to my old life. There was no going back now.

We arrived at his mansion after a long drive. Stepping out of the car, my eyes widened in shock. A large beautiful building was in front of me, draped in hyacinths and had a water fountain in the middle. Three maids lined up to welcome us, their hands folded in front of them.

“Welcome to your new home,” Diego's voice rang from behind me. My new home. I would have to adapt to a new life, a new name and that ridiculous pet name—little bunny.

He led me inside the house, straight to his bedroom. My eyes roamed everywhere as its beauty was unlike any I had seen. Then it dawned on me. I would have to spend the night with him as my husband. My heartbeat increased as I trembled. By tomorrow, I would have lost my virginity against my will.

“You should take a bath. You must be tired from everything,” he said with a deep sigh, cutting into my thoughts.

I quickly agreed because I needed to be alone for a while. I needed some time to process everything—to come to terms with this new beginning. I dashed into the bathroom and thankfully it was a peaceful place, peaceful enough for me to think. I quickly took off the heavy wedding dress, freeing myself. I poured cold water on my body and it made me feel a bit relieved. When I was done, my eyes searched the bathroom and my gaze fell on a night dress neatly arranged by the side. I wore it without hesitation as I stared at myself in the mirror. It was short, exposing my thighs. The upper part exposed my arms and partly my chest. I was me again without all the makeup.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I saw Diego sitting at the edge of the bed without his shirt. My eyes fixed on his body as I observed his muscular and firm figure. A lion head tattoo plastered on his chest. He was undeniably very beautiful. I gushed over him unknowingly and I hated myself for it.

“Come here, little bunny,” I heard him say across the room. My breath hitched as my chest thumped even louder. The way he said little bunny this time was more intense and somewhat sexy. I walked slowly towards him, my legs shaking until I got to where he was.

“Sit,” he said, tapping the space near him. I immediately wanted the floor to open and take me. I sat, not saying a word. His eyes went from my face, down to my palms as he took them in his.

“Look at your hands,” he said, lifting my fingers. “How could they do this to you?”

I knew what he meant—the scars on my palms. The ones I got from excessive punishment and work from my stepmother. But why did he care? Didn't he also want to make life miserable for me?

“I promise, no one will ever hurt you again,” he said, his lips brushed across my knuckles. I was confused. He was supposed to be a monster. But the way he touched me—was he just being kind or maybe he was waiting for the perfect moment to reveal his cruel intentions?

He stared into my eyes like a hungry lion ready to devour its catch. His fingers found their way to my thighs as he caressed them softly. It felt like he was igniting a fire in my body. What was happening?

His other hand cupped my cheeks, as he planted a soft kiss on my lips. It felt better and more intense than earlier. I still wanted more. He deepened the kiss, swaying his head left and right as I placed my tightened fists on my thumping chest.

“You smell like flowers. My favourite scent,” he spoke, breaking the kiss. I didn't understand his obsession with my perfume. He sniffed my neck, inhaling more of it as his fingers trailed my neck down to my chest. I shut my eyes tight, waiting for whatever will happen.

His fingers found their way inside my nightwear as he brushed his thumb against my nipple. A soft moan escaped my lips as I hurriedly covered my mouth with my palm.

“Shhh…. don't,” he said, taking my palms off. He wasn't joking when he said he wanted babies earlier.

I tried to resist and he stopped, releasing me from his grip.

“If you don't want this, I will stop,” his voice broke through the small silence as his grey eyes locked on mine.

Why did he care? Wasn’t he supposed to forcefully get on with his thing whether I wanted it or not? On the other hand, my stepmother's voice rang in my head. “Offer yourself to him willingly. Don't resist him or I’ll make this city a living hell for you!”

I shuddered. “Don't…don't stop,” I managed to say. I could see the spark in his eyes ignite. It felt like my words unleashed an inner demon. He gulped down hard, licking his lips as he wrapped his arms around me.

The kiss came with full force this time. It was hot and I couldn't resist him. I wrapped my arms around him as his hands caressed every part of my body. I could feel my night wear leaving my body as I surrendered to him. I was completely bare before his eyes now. I didn't hide, I let him see everything.

But his breathing became slower and hesitant. “Have you done this before?” He whispered into my ears. Doing so, his voice ignited more fire in my body.

“No..no,” I whispered back. Why did he ask? Didn't he already know what he was coming for? Didn't she tell him?

His brows furrowed, his gaze turned cold. The spark in his eyes disappeared. Did I do anything wrong?

He quickly pulled away from me, creating a barrier between us.

“Go to bed,” he said, not looking at me. One minute his gaze was all over me, and another, he didn't even want to spare me a glance. He sounded cold and detached, rubbing his palms on his face aggressively. Did he not like my body?

A surge of embarrassment overwhelmed me. How could I look at him now? Without hesitation, he rolled to the other part of the bed, far away from me. I slipped my night wear back on as I occupied my own side of the bed.

My mind was filled with different thoughts. I consistently stole glances at him to see if he would turn and say something but it was all the same. I rolled on the bed, each time, in a different position. What if he tells my stepmother he wasn't satisfied with what he saw? I would be dead. I hoped and wished it was something else.

My gaze landed on his back as he was facing the wall now. Multiple scars lay around his wide back. Each of them, a different shape and different story to tell. I was about to look away and sleep when one caught my attention.

No way! Why did it look so familiar? The shape. The angle. I could swear I’d seen that scar somewhere on someone else. But who?!