Antonio The tears on Marissa's cheek break my heart. I have listened to every word my sister and mother have said. I know that they are true. If I had gone about this the normal way, I would have put both me and Marissa in danger. That is one of the reasons I took the road I did. I discussed my approach with my father several times before he passed away and left his empire for me to rule. We both agreed that this approach, though not perfect, was the safest. But the regret her tears bring is the most painful feeling I have had for a long time. And it’s amplified by the knowledge that everything could have been avoided if I had taken the road, and the woman my father presented. Mariah is a beautiful woman and she would have made a good wife for me, but I would never love her and neither would she love me. I met with Mariah once, just to try and give my father a peace of mind. There was nothing. Not for me and not for her. She was already in love and only met me to appease her fathe

Marissa I knock on his door and enter when he calls out. He is dressed in a pair of gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips, no shirt and no shoes. His lean and muscular chest is on full display. There is dark hair on his chest and a trail leading down over taunt abdominal muscles and into his pants. I feel a slight tingling in my core at the sight of him half naked. He looks like a fallen angel, beautiful and dangerously tempting. He is standing by the bed and on the bed there are a bunch of different tools. With a motion of his hand I cautiously step up to him. “Kneel!” He demands when I stop only a few feet away. I comply immediately. “Hands on your knees with your palms up. Eyes on the floor right in front of your knees.” He instructs and again I do as he says. “This is the position I want you in when it is time for your punishment. Always in a dress or a skirt and without underwear. Unless I have instructed you to be naked. Understood?” “Yes, sir.” “I can see that you don’t ha

Marissa Today is the day that will seal my fate. The day that really marks the end of my freedom. The engagement party. I don’t want to attend but of course I have to. It is my engagement party. I am the co-star for the night. I look into the mirror and see a pale face with dark rings around the eyes and a frown on the pale lips. I look like a ghost. I hide a large yawn behind my hand as I prepare my toothbrush. I could not sleep at all last night. Too preoccupied in my mind and worried about today. At ten minutes to seven there is the usual knock on the door. Outside the door where usually Luca stands is Antonio instead with a smile adorning his beautiful lips. Of course he is happy this day is finally happening. I just send him a tired scowl his way. “Did you sleep badly, my love?” His smile falls and concern shines in his eyes. He lifts his hand to cup my cheek. “Are you nervous about today?” “Of course I’m not nervous about today! What makes you think I would be uncomfortabl

Marissa I sigh as I finally drop down on my bed after a late night shower. The time is well past midnight and I am exhausted after tonight's party. If I can call it a party. It wasn’t especially fun. First they wanted to take pictures of me and Antonio. Then of only me, then the ring, then Antonio. Then pictures were taken of Antonio holding my hand and showing off the ring. There were pictures taken on the stairs, next to a fountain and together with his family. Then I was introduced to a million different people. Politicians, rich men, powerful men. And of course take pictures with every one of them. When all of this was done we had to dance, alone, with all eyes on us and of course more pictures were taken. I am happy that Antonio had scheduled for dance lessons the previous week or I am sure that I would have messed up. I had to dance with several other rich and powerful men, but I can’t remember the name of any of them. I rub my aching feet with a groan. I’m not wearing heels a

Antonio “Can I have a drink, please?” Marissa asks as she slumps down on a couch with a view of the back gardens. I look down at her taking in her appearance. Her skin is pale and so are her lips. Her eyes are rimmed red from crying and there are also prominent circles under her eyes, dark and blue. She looks exhausted. The light that usually shines in her beautiful eyes is not there. The only emotions I see in her are sorrow and exhaustion. “I don’t think that is a good idea.” Her eyes light up at that. Not with happiness but anger and defiance. “I think I should be the judge of that!” She grits out between clenched teeth, her hands fisting in her lap. “You are exhausted by everything that has happened this weekend and you are emotionally unstable. Those are both good reasons for not drinking alcohol.” I say and sit down next to her. I choose to not take a drink for myself as well even though I feel like I would need it. She folds her arms across her chest and turns her face aw