The Taste of Control

"That's enough, I think this is it for today," Matteo said coldly, stepping into the dimly lit room. His voice cut through the silence like a blade. Ladina, who had been operating the dream device, slowly removed the helmet from Lina's head. For the first time in hours...perhaps days.....Lina saw Matteo's face clearly. Her lips curved into a smile, even as exhaustion clung to her like a second skin.

"Send them to their quarters," Matteo ordered without looking at Ladina.

Ladina hesitated, her eyes darting between Matteo and Lina. The jealousy in her chest flared as Matteo stepped closer to the chained girl. It wasn't the orders that stung...it was how his attention gravitated toward Lina. Always Lina.

He reached out and squeezed Lina's cheeks roughly. "Look at you, you're still looking scary."

Lina's eyes sparkled, and Ladina noticed it. That flash of triumph. It wasn't a grin of submission...it was provocation.

"Yes, it's been a while. But what's the difference between the past you and the present you?" Lina teased. "You still look like the same crybaby."

Matteo's face darkened. His fist came like a blur...striking her in the gut. Lina winced, breath rushing out of her, but she didn't fall. Her shackled wrists held her up, leaving her to dangle as she gasped.

"You still got a foul mouth," he muttered.

Lina chuckled softly. "And you still can't handle it."

The scene shifted to the quarters. Lina, Eliane, Seraina, Noemie, and Annelise sat on metal bunk beds. Their clothes were clean, but the air was still heavy with tension.

Lina lounged on her bed, running her fingers through her hair. Eliane sat beside her, her expression unreadable.

"So, that bastard hasn't changed yet," Lina murmured. "He made me kiss two girls. I swear, I'll take his innocence."

Eliane's eyes widened. "Wait, don't do that. He'll punish you harder."

"Shut up, idiot," Seraina snapped. "Can't you see? He made all this work through a contract. Even if he crosses the line, we're bound. Why do you think he hasn't done anything unforgivable yet?"

"What if he tortures you in a dream again? Hands you over to men like before?" Annelise asked, her voice trembling.

Lina laughed dryly. "It'd be a trauma, sure. But worth the risk."

"That's dark," Noemie whispered. "I don't think he has the guts to go that far."

The door creaked open. All heads turned. Matteo stood at the threshold, arms folded, gaze predatory.

"Look at you guys, enjoying yourselves," he sneered.

Lina didn't even flinch. "We were just talking about you. About how spineless you are."

Something inside Matteo cracked. He walked straight to her. A blur of emotion passed through his face...shame, rage, wounded pride. He reached to grab her by the hair.

But she moved faster. With a swift tug, she pulled him down, flipping their positions. Now, Matteo was pinned beneath her on the bed. The air turned electric.

Gasps filled the room. Seraina froze. Noemie's mouth hung open. Eliane's eyes narrowed.

Lina leaned forward and kissed Matteo hard.

It wasn't sweet.

It was dominance. Fury. Control.

Matteo didn't resist. His hands stayed flat against the mattress. The heat of the moment consumed the room.