Chapter 5
Anan
How had I gotten myself into this mess? The irony wasn't lost on me as I stood there, my skin tingling with awareness under Rafael's touch. All my life I had dreamed of a fairytale romance, of being swept off my feet by a handsome prince who would cherish and protect me forever. I just never thought it would happen this way.
And now, here I was, on the cusp of marrying a man I barely knew, all because of a business arrangement and an aunt's selfish machinations. It was like something out of a tragic play, complete with the cruel twist of fate that had led me to this moment.
The absurdity of it all crashed over me in waves as Rafael continued to stare at me, his words still resonating in my ears. He wanted me, yes, but only because he thought he owned me now. I was just another prize to be claimed and conquered, like so many others before me. I was so sure of that nothing could change my mind.
And yet, even as my mind recoiled from the reality of our situation, my body betrayed me, arching into his touch with a yearning that made me want to weep with frustration. I couldn't help but respond to the sheer magnetism of him, the power and confidence that radiated from every pore. I lacked those things, and he had an abundant supply of them.
It was infuriating, really. I felt like a puppet on strings, dancing to the tune of a cruel puppeteer who cared nothing for my true desires or needs. Rafael might pretend that this was something special between us, but we both knew it was nothing more than a sham, a pretty facade masking the ugly truth.
And still, as much as I hated to admit it even to myself, there was a part of me that couldn't help but be drawn to him, to the promise in his eyes and the sensual curve of his smile. He was a siren's song, beautiful and deadly all at once, and I was perilously close to being dragged under by his charms.
I had to stay strong, to remember that I was more than just an obedient omega to be bred and broken to my alpha's will. I had dreams and aspirations of my own, a future that I refused to let be dictated by the whims of fate or the selfish desires of others.
But as Rafael leaned in closer, his lips hovering a mere breath away from mine, I couldn't help but wonder if I was already too far gone, if the pull of our connection was simply too strong to resist. And really, what would happen next? Would he kiss me now, right here and right now? What should I do? I didn't want that, but my body certainly wanted it. I felt torn in two. I wished this wasn't happening, but then again, I was still happy with it.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I gathered every ounce of courage I possessed. I didn't know if what I was going to do next was going to work.
With a sudden movement, I reached up to grasp Rafael's wrist, my fingers digging into his flesh with more strength than he probably expected from me.
Using that grip as leverage, I wrenched his hand away from my face and shoved him back a step, putting some much-needed distance between us. My heart was pounding in my chest, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I stared up at him defiantly.
"No," I said firmly, my voice shaking only slightly as I met his gaze head-on. "I won't let you do this. You may think you have the right to take whatever you want from me, but I'm not some helpless prize to be claimed. I have feelings and desires of my own."
Rafael blinked in surprise at my sudden show of assertiveness, a flicker of amusement crossing his features as he took in my flushed cheeks and heaving chest.
"Okay, that was kind of unexpected," he drawled, tilting his head to the side as he studied me. "It seems there's more to you than meets the eye, little omega. I like this side of you."
I gritted my teeth at his condescending tone, refusing to let him charm me out of my righteous anger. "Don't patronize me," I snapped. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. This marriage may be a business arrangement, but that doesn't mean I have to roll over and submit to you like some obedient puppy."
Rafael threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and full as it echoed off the walls of the room. "Oh, Anan," he said, shaking his head in mock dismay even as a gleam of admiration shone in his eyes. "You really are so much more than just a pretty face and a tempting body. You have spirit, courage, and a spine to match. It's incredibly arousing."
It was arousing? I never thought he would say something like that, but then again, I shouldn't be so surprised.
He took a step forward again, closing the distance I had put between us with an easy grace that made me feel suddenly vulnerable once more. But I held my ground, refusing to be intimidated by his proximity.
"You're playing a dangerous game, little omega," Rafael murmured, his voice low and tinged with warning even as his eyes sparkled with mirth. "You're right, this marriage is a business arrangement, but that doesn't mean I won't take great pleasure in breaking you down and remaking you in my image. It's what alphas like me do."
I shivered at the promise in his words, even as I lifted my chin in defiance. "You can try," I affirmed, my voice barely above a whisper but filled with conviction nonetheless. "But I won't let you. I'll fight you every step of the way if I have to. This is my life we're talking about, and I won't let anyone dictate how it should be lived."
For a long moment, Rafael simply stared at me, his expression unreadable as he seemed to weigh my words. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face, wide and genuine in a way that made my heart skip a beat.
"You know," he said softly, "I think I'm going to enjoy this more than I ever could have imagined. You're not just a challenge to be conquered, Anan—you're a puzzle waiting to be solved, a treasure to be unearthed. And I'm going to take immense pleasure in unraveling all your layers, one by one."
I swallowed hard, a shiver of anticipation and dread running down my spine at his words. I didn't know what the future held for us, but I did know that Rafael would not stop until he had me completely under his thrall. And that wasn't going to happen. I wasn't going to allow it.
Still, as much as I hated to admit it, even to myself, there was a part of me that yearned for that very thing—the chance to surrender myself completely to an alpha who could command my body and soul with just a look, a touch. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
But I refused to let Rafael see the effect he had on me, the way my body responded to his proximity like a puppet on strings. I had to remain strong, to keep a grip on who I was and what I wanted out of this life.
No matter how much I may have wanted him, I knew that giving in would mean losing myself entirely to him. And I wasn't ready for that, no matter how tempting it might be.
So, I simply met his gaze with a steady one of my own, my expression carefully blank even as my heart raced beneath my ribcage.
"I'll look forward to the challenge," I said coolly, locking my eyes with his. "But don't expect me to make it easy for you. I'm not just some omega to be claimed and bred."
Rafael's smile only widened at my words, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "Oookay," he purred, "I wouldn't have you any other way. Your spirit is what draws me to you like a moth to a flame. And I will enjoy watching it burn."
Rafael was too quick for me to react. As soon as he caught sight of the fire in my eyes, I heard a low chuckle erupt from his chest. The sound was dark and amused, as expected. I felt his fingers close around the back of my neck, holding me steady as he crashed forward.
"I love you," Rafael breathed against my parted lips, "You are magnificent." He tilted my head, his lips covering mine without prelude.
The kiss started as a conquering act, but I refused to let my resistance dissolve. I felt his tongue slide along the seam of my lips, demanding entry, and I clenched them tighter, refusing to grant him access. Rafael groaned against me, a sound that resonated deep in his chest.
"You can't defy me," he growled. But instead of wrenching away in annoyance, Rafael simply continued his sensual onslaught, nipping at the sensitive corners of my mouth.
A broken whimper spilled from my throat as sensation bombarded me from all angles. The scratch of his stubble, the velvety sweep of his tongue, the minty tang of his breath...
My will power began to fray at the edges like a sandcastle against the incoming tide. I found myself responding instinctively to Rafael's touches, even as my mind screamed that I needed to stay strong. But it was near impossible to do that in that moment.
With one last attempt at resistance, I sank my teeth into his bottom lip and bit down, not hard enough to draw blood but enough to send a message.
Rafael made a sharp sound, low in his throat, and I expected him to be furious. Instead, a deep, approving chuckle vibrated against my mouth. "Oh yes," Rafael panted, "Fight it, my love."
My love? Shock lanced through me at his choice of words, piercing right through my weakening defenses. My teeth lost their purchase and I found myself parting my lips, allowing him entrance.
Rafael didn't waste a single second, plundering the warm cavern of my mouth with his tongue. I had never been kissed like this before—not this deeply, possessively, desperately. It was something else, something I would always remember.
A shudder rippled through me as liquid heat pooled in my abdomen. I wanted to pretend that this was all for show, a performance on both our parts. Rafael's declaration of 'love' surely meant nothing... right?
No, it couldn't, I told myself. He was just playing with me. He found me funny.
My hands trembled as they fisted in the silky fabric of his dress shirt. A broken groan emerged from my throat, swallowed by Rafael's passionate murmurs.
I was drowning in sensation, helpless against Rafael's mastery over my responses. His lips were everywhere— skimming the curve of my cheek, nuzzling behind my ear, tracing the fluttering pulse point on my neck...
Lost in a haze of mind-numbing arousal, I failed to notice when Rafael had shifted us. Now it was me with my back against the door, trapped between him and solid wood.
The only contact points were where our bodies joined, a juncture of scorching heat and rigid lines. A moan spilled out of me as Rafael rubbed against the notch of my hips, dry humping in the most blatant show of masculine need.
My control was shattering with each slick drag of his lips on sensitive skin or husky murmur against fevered flesh. I wanted him with a burning intensity that frightened me even as it thrilled me to my core.
Rafael seemed to sense my impending surrender for he gathered both my wrists in one large hand above my head, anchoring them against the door with little effort. It was a blatant display of strength, and I had never felt so powerless—or safe.
"Let yourself go," Rafael urged silkily. His other hand crept under the hem of my shirt, the rough pads of his fingers finding tender nerves along my spine. "Give me you. I swear no one has ever wanted anything more than I desire you."
I shivered violently as his touch ignited pleasure sparks that raced along my nerve endings. The promise in his words -and the utter conviction behind them shredded what remained of my self-control.
With a whimper of surrender, I yielded completely to Rafael's seductive onslaught.