Chapter Twenty-Six: Bound to the Beast

Lucien didn't speak as he carried Estella through the winding corridors of the palace.

His grip on her waist was iron-tight, muscles tense beneath his black tunic. Anyone they passed—servants, guards, even nobles—quickly lowered their eyes and stepped out of his path.

Because they knew.

The emperor was angry.

And gods help the woman in his arms.

Estella, however, wasn't afraid.

Her heart thundered against her ribs—not from fear, but from anticipation. She lived for this—the edge of his control, the fire burning just beneath his cold exterior.

"You're quiet," she murmured against his ear, her breath hot and teasing. "Not planning to kill me, are you?"

Lucien laughed softly—dark and dangerous. "Not yet," he said. "But you will pay for that little stunt."

He kicked open the doors to his chambers, striding inside without pause before kicking them shut behind him. The lock clicked—a low, final sound that sent a shiver down her spine.

Without a word, he dropped her onto the bed, his silver eyes burning with raw hunger as he loomed over her.

"You like pushing me," he said softly—too softly. "But you forget, little rebel…"

His hands moved fast, ripping the silk of her gown open, exposing the bare skin beneath.

"I push back harder."

Before she could respond, his mouth was on her—hot, rough, and utterly unforgiving.

The Emperor's Punishment

Lucien didn't give her a chance to fight. His mouth claimed hers—hard and demanding—as his hands pinned her wrists above her head. She arched beneath him, but his grip only tightened.

"You wanted to make me jealous?" he growled against her lips. "Fine. Now you'll remember who you belong to."

Estella smirked, refusing to yield. "Maybe I like seeing you lose control, Your Majesty."

Lucien laughed—a low, dangerous sound. "Then you're about to be very, very happy."

Without another word, he flipped her onto her stomach, dragging her hips up and pressing her face into the soft silk sheets. His hands spread her thighs wide, and before she could tease him again, he thrust into her—hard, deep, and without mercy.

"Fuck—" Estella gasped, her fingers curling into the bedding as he filled her.

"You can flirt with whoever you want," Lucien rasped, driving into her harder, "but you'll still come apart on my cock."

His words, rough and possessive, sent heat spiraling through her veins. She hated how much she loved it—how much she craved the way he broke her apart.

Lucien's grip on her hips bruised as he pounded into her, his control fraying with every thrust. "Say it," he demanded, his voice like rough silk. "Say you're mine."

Estella bit her lip, fighting the moan threatening to escape. "Make me," she taunted breathlessly.

His laughter was soft and ruthless. "You're going to regret that."

He pulled out suddenly, leaving her empty and aching. Before she could protest, he flipped her onto her back again, spreading her thighs wide as he knelt between them.

"You wanted my attention?" he growled, dragging his fingers over her slick folds. "Now you have it."

His thumb circled her clit—slow and deliberate—while his other hand wrapped around her throat, holding her still beneath him. "I could keep you like this all night," he murmured, watching her squirm. "Helpless. Needy."

Estella gasped as pleasure coiled tight in her belly, her body trembling under his touch. "You talk too much," she hissed, though her voice shook.

Lucien's silver eyes gleamed. "And you're still too fucking mouthy."

Without warning, he thrust back inside her, deep and punishing, pulling a broken moan from her lips. His pace was relentless now—ruthless—as he pushed her closer to the edge.

"You don't get to tease me," he growled, dragging his teeth down her neck. "You don't get to touch him."

His fingers found her clit again, rubbing her with brutal precision. "The only man who makes you come is me."

Her body trembled, every nerve burning as the pleasure spiraled higher. "Lucien—"

"Say it," he demanded, his voice rough with hunger and jealousy.

Estella, stubborn to the last, bit her lip. "I—"

Lucien's grip on her throat tightened—just enough to make her breath hitch. "Say. It."

And when he thrust deeper—harder—Estella shattered beneath him.

Her orgasm crashed through her, fierce and overwhelming, dragging a raw scream from her lips. "I'm yours," she gasped, her body shaking as she fell apart.

Lucien followed moments later, spilling inside her with a low, feral groan.

But even as he collapsed over her, his weight warm and heavy—he wasn't done.

Not by a long shot.

After the Storm

For a long time, neither of them moved. Their breathing slowed, the heat between them still simmering in the air.

Lucien's fingers traced lazy circles along her thigh as he finally pulled back, his silver eyes still burning with possession.

"You're not finished punishing me?" Estella teased softly, her voice hoarse from screaming.

His lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "No," he said simply. "Not even close."

He leaned down, brushing a kiss along her bruised throat. "You wanted to make me jealous, little rebel," he murmured. "Now you'll see how far I'll go to keep you."

Meanwhile…

Dorian stood on his balcony, a glass of dark wine in his hand. The distant sound of Estella's screams still echoed through his mind—and it made his blood burn.

Lucien thought this was over.

He thought a rough fuck and a few threats would scare him off.

But Dorian had never walked away from a challenge.

And when it came to Estella, he was just getting started.