Alessio had her exactly where he wanted her.
Not just in his penthouse.
Not just in his world.
But in his hands.
She still fought.
Still pretended she had a chance.
But her body had already betrayed her.
The way her breath hitched when he touched her.
The way she froze when his fingers brushed her throat.
The way her pulse pounded against his palm.
She was losing.
She just didn't know it yet.
Alessio took a slow step toward her.
Elena didn't move.
Didn't step back.
But her jaw clenched.
Her hands fisted at her sides.
"Still pretending to be brave, little one?"
Alessio tilted his head, watching her.
She was beautiful like this.
Furious. Desperate. Cornered.
Her body tensed as he reached for her.
He smirked.
Good.
He wanted her on edge.
He gripped her chin. Firm. Possessive.
Elena's breath shuddered.
But she didn't look away.
Didn't break.
Yet.
Alessio's thumb brushed over her lower lip.
Slow.
Teasing.
She flinched—but not away.
His smirk deepened.
"Don't fight what you already know," he murmured.
Her eyes flashed.
"I don't know anything," she shot back.
He chuckled. Low. Amused.
"Liar."
Her nails dug into his wrist.
But she didn't push him away.
Because she knew—just as he did—
That no matter how much she resisted…
She was already his.
She just hadn't admitted it yet.
But she would.
Oh, she would.
And he'd enjoy every second of it.