Chapter Seven – His Command
His eyes burned holes into me, so intense and hungry I could barely keep my legs steady. My face flushed with heat. I'd never been looked at that way before-like I was something forbidden, something claimed.
"Alora," he said, his voice low and warning. "My world is dangerous... too dangerous for a kitten like you. So I'll give you one last chance to decide. Walk away now, and I'll let you go."
I swallowed hard, my fingers curling into my palms. My heart thudded like a war drum, but my decision had already been made the moment I stepped into his world.
"I'm not changing my mind, Mr. Diago."
A devilish grin slowly spread across his face. "Well then..."
His tone shifted into something darker, more commanding. Something that curled around my spine and made it hard to breathe.
"Turn around."
My body froze for a second, nerves locking me in place. But then, I obeyed-slowly, stiffly turning so my back was to him. Every hair on my body stood on edge. I could feel his gaze-hot, intense-trailing over me like invisible fingers.
"Strip."
I blinked. "Stri... strip?" I whispered, unsure I heard him correctly.
"You heard me, kitten," he said coolly. "Or are you scared? Want to quit?"
The challenge in his voice ignited something stubborn inside me. I turned slightly to meet his eyes, forcing my voice to stay steady.
"No."
My fingers trembled as I reached for the hem of the red nightgown. Slowly, piece by piece, I began undressing. The silky fabric slid off my shoulders, gliding down my body like a whisper until it hit the floor.
I stood there completely bare. Vulnerable. My breath came in shaky pulls as I tried to read his expression, but it was blank. His eyes were dark, unreadable. No lust, no softness-just that same cold intensity.
"Come here," he ordered.
My legs wobbled as I walked toward him. My eyes never left his as I approached the bed. His gaze held me prisoner, and yet, I couldn't look away.
"Get on the bed."
I did as he said, climbing onto the soft mattress with slow, unsure movements. I felt like a sacrifice placed before a king.
Then he stood in front of me and spoke again.
"Spread your legs."
My heart nearly stopped. My mouth went dry, but I obeyed. Slowly, nervously, I parted my thighs until I was fully open to him. My whole body burned with shame and fear and something I couldn't name.
His eyes locked onto my most private part, staring with an unreadable intensity. I wanted to cover myself, to hide, but I couldn't move.
"I must say, kitten," he murmured, "you're beautiful."
I didn't know what to say. My chest rose and fell rapidly. Then came the next command.
"Touch yourself."
I stared at him, confused. "What?"
"Touch yourself," he repeated, his voice even and slow.
I hesitated, then started touching my face, my arms-anywhere I could think of.
He narrowed his eyes. "Kitten," he warned. "Don't get me angry. You know exactly what I meant."
My stomach flipped. I knew. Of course, I knew. But I didn't know how.
Still, I slid my hand slowly down my belly until my fingers reached between my thighs. My entire body tensed. I stroked myself lightly at first, barely able to breathe, then moved a little harder like I'd seen in a movie once.
He leaned in, letting out a deep, amused sound.
"Ooooh, so that's how you want to play it?" he said with a smirk. "Maybe you're not as innocent as I thought. Maybe you've been craving this."
He climbed onto the bed, his strong body hovering over mine, caging me in with his arms on either side. I gasped as his hand found one of my breasts, gripping it gently but firmly. His mouth closed over the other, sucking, teasing, licking-and the sensation exploded through me like fire. My head tipped back as I whimpered, my body arching toward him.
It felt too good. Too much. Like I couldn't possibly survive it.
Then, just as suddenly, he pulled away.
He stood and let the towel drop.
I couldn't stop the gasp that escaped me.
He was big. More than big. I couldn't even imagine how something like that could possibly fit inside me. My cheeks flamed, and I quickly looked away, embarrassed by my own thoughts.
He turned to a cupboard and pulled out a small foil packet. Then he came back and handed it to me.
"Put it in," he said simply.
I blinked, confused. "Put it in?"
I looked at the object in my hand. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I brought it to my mouth and began to put it in like a piece of candy.
He froze. His face flickered with something I couldn't read before he quickly schooled his expression.
"Kitten... what are you doing?"
"You said to put it in..." I said, shrinking under his stare.
"Yes," he said slowly. "But not in your mouth."
My eyes widened. "Then... where should I put it?"
He stared at me long and hard. "Don't play with me."
My heart pounded in my chest. I didn't know how to answer. "Do you... do it raw?"
He said voice cold.
I stiffened
"You said I should put it in..." I murmured.
He went completely still.
Then his voice came, low and quiet.
"Alora... have you ever been intimate with a man before?"
I froze.
The air went still between us. I couldn't look at him.
"No," I whispered, barely audible. "I've never... done it."
There was a pause. A long one.
I finally looked up at him, expecting mockery or annoyance.
But what I saw in his eyes stunned me.
He looked... shocked. Conflicted. Like I'd just shifted the ground beneath his feet.
Something deeper flickered behind his gaze. And for the first time since I entered his mansion... he looked like a man who wasn't