Chapter 27:Bound and Caged
Alessandro's grip on her waist was firm, unyielding.
He was daring her.
Challenging her.
And Isla hated that she was losing.
She should push him away.
She should demand answers.
But instead—
Her breath came out unsteady, her pulse pounding in her throat.
His fingers pressed into her hip, the heat of his touch sending sparks through her veins.
"Tell me to let you go," he murmured, his voice dark, edged with something almost dangerous.
She swallowed hard. "I—"
But she couldn't say it.
Couldn't lie.
Because the truth was—
She didn't want him to let go.
His smirk was slow. Knowing.
His other hand lifted, fingers brushing along her jaw, tilting her face up toward him.
"You're fighting a battle you've already lost, cara mia."
Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, nails digging in as she tried to regain control.
Tried to breathe.
"I haven't lost," she whispered.
Alessandro chuckled lowly. "No?"
Then, in one swift motion, he lifted her.
A gasp tore from her lips as he carried her inside the estate, past the grand foyer, up the marble staircase—
Straight into the master bedroom.
Her back hit the door as it clicked shut behind them.
Alessandro caged her in, his hands on either side of her, his breath warm against her skin.
His dark gaze burned into hers.
"This isn't a game anymore, Isla."
Her stomach tightened.
Because she knew that.
She had known it since the moment she signed that contract.
She had known it since the first time he kissed her.
Since the moment she stopped pretending she didn't want him.
But admitting that?
Giving him that power?
No.
She lifted her chin. "Then what is it?"
Alessandro exhaled sharply, his fingers curling into the wood beside her.
And for the first time—
She saw something crack beneath his perfect control.
He wasn't just fighting her.
He was fighting himself.
Finally, his hands dropped to her waist, gripping her firmly—possessive.
"You are mine." His voice was low, lethal. "No one touches you. No one takes you from me."
A shiver ran down her spine.
This was more than just possession.
More than control.
It was something darker.
Something she wasn't sure either of them could escape.
She exhaled shakily, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "And what if I don't want to be yours?"
A muscle in Alessandro's jaw ticked.
Then—
His lips brushed against hers, a featherlight touch that sent her head spinning.
"Liar."
Her breath caught.
And before she could stop herself—
She kissed him back.
Because deep down, beneath all the fights, the lies, the fear—
She knew.
She had always been his.
Even before she was willing to admit it.
And now—
There was no way out.
No way back.
She was bound to him.
Completely.
Irrevocably.
And for the first time—
She didn't want to escape.