Chapter 32: Forbidden Temptations

The mansion had grown quieter as the days passed, each one carrying more tension than the last. Anna stood in front of her reflection in the full-length mirror, her thoughts swirling like a storm. She had tried to stay focused, to maintain some semblance of control over her life. But the more she distanced herself from Luca, the more the magnetic pull between them seemed to grow.

Tonight, she was preparing herself for a dinner with Luca, a part of her knowing that she could never entirely avoid him, no matter how hard she tried. Her heart beat faster as she adjusted the fabric of her dress, the same one that made her feel both exposed and powerful. She could almost feel his eyes on her as if he were watching her every move from a distance, even though he hadn't entered the room yet.

When the door opened, her breath caught in her throat. Luca stepped in, his presence filling the room, dark and intense. The air shifted instantly, thickening with a tension that Anna couldn't ignore. He didn't need to speak to have her attention. His mere presence demanded it.

"You look stunning," Luca murmured, his voice low and rich with a tone that sent a shiver down her spine. He didn't approach her immediately, standing just inside the door as if savoring the moment. His eyes raked over her, lingering on every curve, every inch of skin that the dress revealed.

Anna felt her pulse quicken, but she forced herself to remain composed. "You're late," she said, though her voice lacked the usual edge. She hated that he had this effect on her.

Luca smirked, taking a slow step forward. "I'm never late, Anna. You're just too eager."

Anna's lips parted, but she quickly bit back the retort that sprang to her mind. His presence alone made it hard to think straight, let alone hold her ground. He crossed the room in three long strides, stopping just in front of her. His fingers brushed her arm, sending a jolt of heat through her body.

"I didn't come here to argue," Luca said, his voice softer now. He reached for her chin, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "You've been avoiding me, and I don't like being ignored."

Anna swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I'm not avoiding you," she insisted, though her voice trembled. "I'm just—"

He cut her off by closing the distance between them, his lips pressing gently against hers. It was a soft kiss at first, slow and deliberate, like he was testing the waters. Anna stiffened for a moment, but then, against her better judgment, she gave in. Her hands reached for his chest, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.

The moment his lips met hers, she felt the world around them disappear. There was no mansion, no obligations, no contract. Just Luca, and the raw, magnetic force that pulled them together.

His hands slid down her back, pulling her even closer until she could feel the hard planes of his body pressing against hers. She gasped, and he took advantage, his tongue sliding against hers with the skill of a man who knew exactly how to claim her.

Anna's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, torn between desire and fear. She knew what this meant, knew where this would lead, and yet, she couldn't stop herself. He was so close, his warmth seeping into her, and everything else seemed to fade away.

Breaking the kiss, Luca pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "I told you, Anna," he whispered, his voice dark and commanding. "You're mine. And I'm not going to let you walk away."

Anna's breath was ragged as she tried to catch her bearings. She didn't want to be his—she didn't want to feel this way. But it didn't matter. The truth was clear in her chest, the deep ache she felt when she looked at him. She didn't want to fight it anymore.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Luca's lips were on her again, more forceful this time. His hands moved to her waist, lifting her effortlessly, and she wrapped her legs around him without thinking. He carried her across the room to the bed, his body hard and unyielding against hers.

Anna's heart raced as he placed her gently on the bed, his hands pulling the fabric of her dress higher, revealing her skin inch by inch. Her breath hitched, her body trembling in anticipation. He leaned down, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck.

"You can't hide from this, Anna," he murmured, his voice a growl against her ear. "You want me just as much as I want you."

She wanted to deny it, to stop him, but the words wouldn't come. All she could do was lie back and let him take control, just like he always did. And in that moment, as his hands roamed her body, she realized she didn't want him to stop.

But just as quickly as it had begun, Luca pulled away. Anna's heart sank in confusion as he stood up from the bed, his eyes dark with something unreadable.

"I won't force you, Anna," he said, his tone softer but no less intense. "But I won't wait forever either."

Anna watched him, breathless, as he walked toward the door. Her chest ached with longing, a desire so deep that it hurt. She didn't want him to leave, didn't want this to end. But she knew, deep down, that something had changed. There was no going back now.

Luca paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder. "Remember, Anna," he said, his voice like silk, "I'll always be here when you're ready."

And with that, he left, the sound of the door closing behind him echoing in the silence of the room. Anna was left breathless, her body still humming with desire.

But she didn't know if she was ready to face the consequences of what had just happened.