Chapter 3

Sofia

The moment I laid eyes on Antonio Cattaneo, my heart skipped a beat. His eyes were dark and intense, his presence demanding. Despite his ruthless reputation, there was something alluring about him. Perhaps it was the raw power he exuded or the dark mystery that surrounded him. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny the fluttering in my chest.

When he walked towards me, slow and deliberate, my breath caught in my throat.

"Sofia Venditti," he said, my name a delicious rumble on his lips. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined."

I knew better than to be swayed by his charms, but still I found myself mesmerized by his voice. "Antonio Cattaneo," I replied. "I've heard so much about you." My tone was guarded, but my gaze betrayed the curiosity that I knew burned behind my eyes.

He smirked at me.

"Don't be shy, Sofia. You are going to be my wife, after all." His words were bold and sure, but I refused to be intimidated by this man.

"Perhaps," I replied. "Or perhaps not."

His smirk widened, and I could tell he was amused by my defiance. "I like your spirit," he said. "It will make things more interesting."

I could see him sizing me up, assessing me as both a woman and a potential rival. I knew that I couldn't afford to be weak in his presence, that showing any vulnerability would only make me a target.

So I lifted my chin and met his gaze squarely. "What is it you want from me, Antonio?" I asked, my voice strong and even.

He took a step closer to me, his eyes darkening. "I want you to know that you belong to me now," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"I want you to understand that you are mine to protect," he continued, "and to punish, if necessary."

I could feel the heat of his body against mine, and my heart began to race. I was standing on dangerous ground, I knew, but I couldn't help but be drawn to this man, to the power and the danger he represented.

"And what if I don't want to be yours?" I whispered, defiance still lingering in my voice.

His lips curved into a predatory smile. "Oh, but you do want to be mine, Sofia," he purred. "You may not want to admit it, but your body knows the truth."

He trailed a finger down my cheek, sending shivers through me. "Your body knows what it wants," he murmured. "And I intend to give it what it desires."

My breath caught in my throat, and I knew that he was right.

Antonio

As I watched Sofia's eyes flicker with defiance, I knew I had my work cut out for me. But the thought of taming this wild beauty, of making her mine in every sense of the word, was a challenge I couldn't resist.

I wanted to see her stripped of her defenses, vulnerable and wanting. I wanted to hear her moan my name as I drove her to the brink of ecstasy. I wanted to possess every inch of her body, claim her as my own.

Okay..

I stepped closer to her, pressing my body against hers. "Tell me, Sofia," I murmured, my breath hot against her ear. "What do you want from me?"

I could feel the heat of her skin against mine, the softness of her curves, and my desire for her grew stronger with every passing moment. I wanted to dominate her, possess her, make her beg for my touch.

But there was something more than desire in her eyes, something that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Okay

She met my gaze, her eyes glittering like emeralds in the dim light of the restaurant. "I want you to know that you cannot own me, Antonio," she whispered. "I am not a possession to be claimed."

Her words sent a thrill through me, a mixture of admiration and desire. This woman was no shrinking violet, no timid bride-to-be. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I knew that taming her would be all the more satisfying for it.

"And yet," I murmured, my lips grazing her cheek, "you cannot deny that your body responds to me."

She shuddered in my arms, her breath coming in quick, shallow pants. "You may control my body," she said, her voice husky with desire, "but you will never control my heart."

I smiled against her skin. "Ah, my beautiful Sofia," I murmured. "I have no desire to control your heart. I only want to unleash its wildest passions."

"Ti prego, Sofia," I whispered, my voice thick with desire. "Voglio assaporare le tue gocce di piacere." (I beg you, Sofia, I want to taste your drops of pleasure.)

She gasped, a flush rising to her cheeks. "Non ti credevo così sfacciato, Antonio," she whispered. (I didn't think you were so brazen, Antonio.)

I chuckled softly.

"Sofia," I whispered in her ear, "non sei preparata a quello che ho in mente." (Sofia, you are not prepared for what I have in mind.)

Her eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "Che cosa vuoi fare?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation. (What do you want to do?)

"Ti voglio fare gemere il mio nome," I murmured. (I want to make you moan my name.)

As Sofia's eyes widened in surprise and anticipation, the air between them was charged with electricity. The moment seemed to freeze, suspended in time, as Antonio leaned in closer to whisper in her ear once more.

"Ti prometto, Sofia," he murmured, his voice low and dark with promise. "Quando sarai mia, ti darò piacere come nessun altro potrà mai dare." (I promise you, Sofia, when you are mine, I will give you pleasure like no other can ever give.)