learning the rules

The morning light streamed through the large glass windows of the mansion, casting a golden hue over the luxurious dining area. But despite the serene setting, Ava's mind was anything but calm.

She had spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to shake the lingering heat of Damien's touch or the venom in his words.

"How much will it cost for your body tonight?"

Her hands curled into fists at the memory.

The audacity.

The arrogance.

The way he had looked at her, as if she was something to be bought, owned, and discarded at his will—it made her blood boil.

She refused to be treated like that.

Determined, Ava pushed back the silk sheets and climbed out of bed. She headed straight for the en-suite bathroom, turning on the cold water and splashing her face, hoping it would help clear her mind.

It didn't.

Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her—eyes slightly puffy from lack of sleep, lips still slightly swollen from the way she had bit down on them too many times last night in frustration. She exhaled sharply, gripping the edges of the sink.

She had to confront Damien.

She had to let him know he wouldn't get away with what he did last night.

Ava turned away from the mirror and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water soothe her tense muscles. By the time she was done, she dressed in a sleek, form-fitting beige dress that fell just above her knees. She tied her hair into a high ponytail, adding a touch of confidence to her look. If she was going to face Damien, she wouldn't let him see any weakness.

She slipped on a pair of nude heels and made her way downstairs, the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

Her sharp gaze landed on Damien almost instantly.

He was sitting at the head of the dining table, one arm resting lazily on the chair, the other holding a newspaper. His black silk shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a glimpse of his defined collarbones and the strong lines of his chest. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he had just run a hand through it, and his entire presence radiated authority.

Ava's steps were firm as she approached him. She wasn't going to let herself be affected by his presence.

Damien glanced up from his newspaper, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Good morning, wife."

She ignored his greeting, placing both hands on the table as she leaned slightly forward. "We need to talk."

He took a slow sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. His dark eyes met hers with an unreadable expression. "Talk about what?"

Ava's jaw tightened. "About last night."

Damien leaned back in his chair, watching her with amusement. "What about it?"

She narrowed her eyes. "You crossed a line, Damien."

He tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words. "Did I?"

Her hands balled into fists at his arrogance. "You touched me without my consent. You said things that were completely unacceptable."

Damien let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "Relax, Ava. I was a little tipsy."

Her brows furrowed. "What?"

"I had a few drinks last night," he said smoothly, his voice laced with amusement. "Perhaps that's why I wasn't fully in control."

Ava's frustration only grew. "That's not an excuse."

He set the newspaper aside and stood up, towering over her. The sheer size difference between them made her breath hitch, but she refused to back down.

"It's not an apology either," he murmured, his voice low.

Ava glared at him. "Then you should be punished."

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, something shifted in Damien's gaze—something dark, something dangerous. His smirk vanished, replaced by an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

Before she could react, he reached for her, his hands gripping her waist firmly. He pulled her closer, his body heat seeping into her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

Ava gasped, her palms landing against his chest.

"Punished?" Damien's voice was a whisper, his breath fanning against her cheek. "Careful what you wish for, sweetheart."

Her heart pounded against her ribs. "Let go."

His fingers flexed against her waist. "You need to start learning how to live by my rules, Ava."

She swallowed hard. "This is your house, but I'm not part of your possessions."

Damien's smirk returned. "Then stop coming into my room at night."

Ava felt her face heat up. "That was an accident."

His grip on her waist loosened slightly, but he didn't step away. Instead, he leaned in, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear. "Then next time, if you see something you shouldn't—take it."

Ava shoved him away, her breathing uneven. "You're insufferable."

He chuckled. "And yet, you keep coming back for more."

She shot him a glare. "This isn't over, Damien."

Damien checked his watch and smoothed his sleeves. "I'm off to work."

Ava folded her arms. "Good. The further away from me, the better."

He smirked. "You'll be seeing me soon enough."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You have a lot of work to do for me," he said casually. "As my wife."

Ava's stomach twisted. "You want me to work for you?"

"Isn't that part of the deal?"

Before she could protest, she noticed a figure standing by the doorway. A tall, broad-shouldered man in a dark suit—Damien's personal bodyguard, Michael.

Damien gave her one last glance before adjusting his watch. "Security has been tightened for your sake."

Ava stared at him in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

He smirked. "Michael will escort you. Be at my office by eight."

Without another word, Damien turned and strode out of the mansion, his presence leaving behind an air of dominance that made Ava grit her teeth in frustration.

She had walked into this marriage thinking she could keep her distance.

But Damien Cole was making it very clear…

She was playing by his rules now.