Chapter 17: Breaking Point

Elena's breath came fast and shallow.

She could feel the weight of Alessio's gaze, the way his fingers dug into her hips—firm, unrelenting.

She had fought. Hard.

But it wasn't enough.

Because he didn't just overpower her.

He was inside her head now.

And worst of all?

He knew it.

Alessio's smirk was slow, knowing.

His silver eyes burned, but there was no rage.

Only control.

Because he had already won.

He just wanted her to admit it.

"Say it," he murmured, his voice a velvet command.

Elena's fingers curled into fists.

She wanted to tell him no.

Wanted to turn away.

But his grip tightened.

His body pressed against hers, making escape impossible.

And then—his lips brushed her throat.

A ghost of a touch. Not enough.

Not nearly enough.

Elena sucked in a shaky breath.

Her body betrayed her.

She leaned into him.

Just slightly.

But Alessio felt it.

And it destroyed her.

His smirk deepened.

His fingers traced slow, deliberate circles over her skin.

Teasing. Torturing.

Elena's body ached.

Desperate.

But he did nothing more.

Didn't kiss her.

Didn't touch her the way she needed.

He just waited.

Because he knew.

She would break first.

Elena squeezed her eyes shut, her pride warring with her need.

She wasn't going to beg.

She wasn't going to—

"Please."

The word slipped out.

So quiet. Barely a whisper.

But Alessio heard it.

His entire body tensed.

And then—he laughed.

A dark, satisfied sound.

"Again," he ordered.

Elena's face burned.

She clenched her teeth, refusing.

Alessio's fingers stopped moving.

His warmth pulled away.

Leaving her cold. Empty.

Her stomach twisted.

No.

Not this.

Not him taking away what she didn't even want to crave.

Her nails dug into his arms. Desperate.

He just raised an eyebrow.

Waiting.

Elena swallowed hard.

Her voice shook.

"…Please."

This time, louder.

This time, defeated.

Alessio smirked.

And then—

He gave her exactly what she begged for.

And she knew, with bone-deep certainty…

She was never escaping him now.