Chapter 4

Iris's POV

I walked out of the store, my face flushed as Damon guided me back to the car. His hand rested on the small of my back, sending shivers down my spine. I couldn't believe he made me strip in front of him to change into the clothes he bought for me. His words echoed in my mind, "Mine...you are mine."

I didn't raise my head to look at him as he opened the car door, still holding the bag of clothes in his other hand. I didn't look up at his men again, either. They seemed to be everywhere, watching me with an unnerving intensity.

As the car started moving, I tried to distract myself and calm down before I began thinking of how to escape, to run far away from this man. This man who wouldn't stop looking at me with his teasing eyes!

My face turned red, and I looked down at what I was wearing. I hadn’t even paid attention when I put it on and left the store; I was too embarrassed by what he made me do. The dress was sky blue, soft, and puffy – probably the prettiest thing I'd ever worn.

I kept fiddling with the dress, distracted. Huh, he hadn't gotten me shoes? Does he know that? Oh well, I continued fiddling with the dress. It was so soft.

My stomach growled softly, reminding me I hadn't eaten since morning. Would he feed me? Would I be treated like a prisoner or a guest? The uncertainty made my anxiety spike.

What would my life be like now? Would I be locked away, trapped in this luxurious prison? Would I be allowed to leave? The questions swirled in my mind, making me dizzy.

Damon's voice broke the silence. "Comfortable?"

I nodded, still looking down. "Yes."

"You look beautiful, Iris," he said, his voice low and husky.

My face flushed deeper, and I glanced out the window, avoiding his gaze.

We drove in silence for a while, the tension between us palpable.

"What's your favorite color?" Damon asked suddenly.

I hesitated before answering. "Blue."

The car fell silent again.

My mind wandered back to my predicament. Would I be able to escape, or would I be forever bound to this man? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

As we continued driving, the cityscape outside blurred together. I lost track of time, lost in my thoughts.

"Are you hungry?" Damon asked, his voice interrupting my reverie.

I nodded, surprised he noticed.

"We'll eat soon," he promised.

Soon? How soon? My stomach growled louder, protesting the delay.

The silence stretched out, filled only by the hum of the engine and my racing thoughts.

What lay ahead? Only time will tell.

Damon's POV

I gazed at Iris, her face a deep shade of red as she sat quietly in the car. I couldn't help but smile, knowing she'd soon learn that every part of her belonged to me. There was nothing to be embarrassed about; she was mine.

My eyes shifted to my men, and my jaw tightened. Marcus was still staring, his eyes fixed on Iris. I glared at him, a silent warning. He shouldn't be looking at what was mine.

Julian noticed and nudged Marcus, who quickly looked away, his eyes darting to me. Fear flickered in his gaze before he averted his eyes. Better.

My attention returned to Iris. Her embarrassment had given way to curiosity. She fidgeted with the dress as if discovering it for the first time. So distracted, so cute.

I preferred the embarrassed expression, though. I leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Enjoy the dress now, you'll take it off when we get home."

Her cheeks flamed red again, and those striking blue eyes widened. I smirked, pleased with the reaction.

I pulled back, observing her. She was so responsive, so fragile. My possession.

The car continued moving, but my focus remained on Iris. Her hands trembled slightly as she fiddled with the dress. I longed to take those hands, to claim her completely.

Patience, I reminded myself. Soon.

I settled into my seat, eyes never leaving Iris's face. My prize. My mine.

As we drove through the darkening streets, Iris's curiosity grew. She peeked at me, her blue eyes sparkling with questions and probably plans of running away. I couldn't wait to see that fail.

I smiled, knowing she'd soon see the true extent of my world.

The car turned onto a private road, lined with tall trees that cast long, ominous shadows. The mansion loomed ahead, its turrets and spires reaching toward the sky like skeletal fingers.

Iris's eyes widened as we approached. "This...this is your home?"

I chuckled. "My castle, my prison, my sanctuary."

The car stopped before the massive wooden doors, adorned with iron hinges and a lion's head knocker. The doors creaked open, revealing a dimly lit foyer.

"Welcome to Vyon Manor," I said, offering my hand.

Iris hesitated before taking it, her touch sending a jolt through me. I led her inside, her eyes scanning the dark, opulent decor.

The foyer's high ceiling disappeared into darkness, and the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting twisted, medieval scenes. A chandelier hung above, its crystals refracting flickering candlelight.

"Creepy," Iris whispered.

I laughed. "You'll grow accustomed to it."

Ryder, my butler, stood at attention. "Welcome, sir. Dinner is being prepared."

"Thank you, Ryder," I replied. "See that Iris's needs are met."

Ryder's gaze flicked to Iris before bowing. "Yes, sir."

As we walked through the mansion, Iris's unease grew. I reveled in it, teasing her with whispers in her ear.

"You look lovely in my home, Iris. Like a delicate flower among thorns."

She shivered, her hand trembling in mine.

We entered the dining room, where a lavish feast awaited. Candles cast eerie shadows on the walls.

"Sit," I instructed, pulling out her chair.

Iris obeyed, her eyes locked on mine, a hint of defiance sparkling within.

"Try the wine," I suggested, pouring her a glass.

She hesitated before taking a sip. Her face scrunched.

"Too bitter?" I asked, smiling.

"It's fine," Iris said, her voice laced with a subtle stubbornness.

I raised an eyebrow. "Liar."

Iris's gaze narrowed, but she took another sip.

As we dined, the tension between us grew thicker than the shadows.

"Tell me, Iris," I said, leaning back in my chair. "What do you think of my home?"

Her voice barely above a whisper, "It's...intimidating."

I chuckled, she said, that's good. "That's the intention."

My eyes locked onto hers, and I whispered, "You're mine now. Every part of you."

Iris's face paled, but her gaze didn't drop. "And if I don't want to be?"

A spark of challenge.

I leaned forward, my voice low. "You don't have a choice."

Iris's eyes flashed, but she bit back her retort.

I smiled as I looked her over, watching her look embarrassed as her stomach growled audibly. I chuckled.

“That is one monster growl.”

Her face reddened. “I'm just hungry…” she said, was that a pout? “You said you'd feed me.”

Ah. I want so badly to…

“Ryder, food,” I said almost at the top of my voice as I watched her face lighten up. Soon, the maid entered and Iris looked like she would cry.

Roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and golden-brown bread filled the table. The aroma wafted up, and Iris's eyes sparkled.

"Starving, aren't you?" I teased, pouring wine.

Iris's cheeks flushed as she reached for a roll.

"Eat up, little petal," I whispered. "You'll need your strength...for later."

Her eyes flashed, but she took a bite. I leaned back, watching her devour each dish.

"Delicious?" I asked, taunting.

Iris nodded curtly, her face burning.

"You're so eager," I said, my voice low. "So desperate. It's...intoxicating."

Iris's gaze met mine, a spark of defiance.

"Are you always this...ravenous?" I teased.

Her face burned deeper, but she continued eating.

I leaned forward, my voice whispering in her ear.

"You're mine now, Iris. Every part of you, even that voice of yours, so when I ask you a question you answer it."

Her shiver was subtle, but I saw it. “Yes..” her muffled voice came out.

“Good.”

My desire to taunt her, to test her limits, intensified.

This innocent, pure rose would soon be mine.

Completely.