The Penthouse

The glass doors of Obsidian opened before Vittoria could even reach for the handle. The club was dark and empty at seven-forty-five, the neon lights pulsing in a slow, hypnotic pattern that scattered across the leather booths.

"Mr. Marchetti is expecting you, miss," Enzo said, stepping out from the VIP elevator. He gestured for her to enter the glass carriage. "Please, step inside."

"Is he alone?" Vittoria asked, her voice echoing in the empty lobby.

"He is waiting for you," Enzo replied, offering no further information as the elevator doors slid shut.

The lift ascended rapidly, revealing the glittering skyline of the city through the glass walls. When the doors opened on the penthouse level, Vittoria stepped onto a thick black carpet. The room was massive, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the harbor.

Cassian sat behind a large desk, a glass of liquid resting near his hand. He looked up, his dark eyes tracking her movement as she walked slowly toward him.

"You are early," Cassian noted, his voice low and rich in the quiet room. "I like punctuality."

"I am only here for my bracelet," Vittoria said, stopping a few feet from his desk. "Where is it?"

"Sit down, Vittoria," Cassian commanded, gesturing to the leather chair opposite him.

"I prefer to stand," she replied, trying to keep her voice from shaking. "Please, just give it to me so I can leave. I do not belong in your world."

"You decided you belonged in my world the moment you climbed out of your window last night," Cassian said, rising from his chair. He walked around the desk, his imposing frame casting a shadow over her. "Do you think I do not know about your little escape? I know how you live, Vittoria. I know about the double bolt locks on your doors."

"You have been spying on me?" Vittoria gasped, taking a step back. "Why? I am nobody."

"You are not nobody," Cassian murmured, closing the distance between them until she was pressed against the edge of his desk. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver bracelet, placing it on the wood beside her hand. "But you are hiding. Your mother uses three different aliases for your utility bills. Why is that?"

"It is none of your business," Vittoria whispered, her breath catching as his hand came up to touch her hair. "My mother has her reasons. She wanted to protect me."

"Protect you from what?" Cassian asked, his eyes darkening as he leaned in. His thumb brushed against her lower lip, his touch possessing a demanding warmth. "From men like me? She failed, sweet girl. You are standing in my office, and you are trembling because you want me to touch you."

"I do not," Vittoria lied, her voice cracking as his other hand settled on her hip, holding her against his muscular body.

"Another lie," Cassian whispered, his lips brushing against her temple. "Your heart is racing, Vittoria. You can feel what I am to you. I am the only thing that is going to keep you safe in this city."

"Safe from what?" she asked, her hands coming up to rest on his broad chest, her fingers curling into his lapels. "You are the one who is threatening me."

"I am not threatening you," Cassian murmured, his hand sliding up her spine to cup the back of her neck, tilting her head up. "I am claiming you. There is a difference. If I wanted to hurt you, you would not be standing here. You would be begging."

"You are a monster," Vittoria breathed, though she did not pull away as his mouth drifted down to her jawline.

"I am your monster," Cassian corrected, his voice a low growl against her skin. He picked up the silver bracelet from the desk, wrapping it around her wrist and fastening the clasp with practiced ease. "There. It is back where it belongs. But now, you carry my mark."

"This is my father's bracelet," Vittoria reminded him, her voice trembling as the cool metal touched her skin. "It is not your mark."

"It is now," Cassian whispered, his eyes locking onto hers with absolute finality. "Because I let you keep it. Every time you look at this silver, you will remember my touch. You will remember that you belong to me."

"I will never belong to you," Vittoria declared, though her body shivered as his lips pressed against her collarbone, leaving a hot, burning sensation.

"We shall see, sweet girl," Cassian murmured, releasing her slowly. He walked back to his desk, picking up his drink. "Now, go home to your mother. But do not forget to check the locks. You never know who might have the key."

Vittoria did not wait for him to say another word. She turned and ran to the elevator, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain he could hear it from across the room.