THE DEAL WITH THE DEVIL'S HEIR

Alicia's POV

A soft knock echoed from the door. I barely lifted my gaze from the mirror before asking, "Who is it?"

The door creaked open and one of the maids slipped in, her head bowed low. She held a dress carefully over her arm like it was something sacred.

"Ma'am, the boss said I should give you this," she murmured.

I scoffed under my breath. Of course he did. Why would Dante choose a dress for me as if I were his doll?

Still, I reached out and took it from her, muttering a half-hearted, "Thanks."

"Ma'am, he said you should be downstairs in the next three minutes," she added quickly, eyes glued to the floor.

I sighed, the weight in my chest growing heavier. "Sure. You can go."

When the door clicked shut, I dropped the dress onto the bed and sat down. My thoughts swirled in chaos. I'd been under strict watch for weeks now-no phone, no freedom, no escape. Every inch of this mansion was beautiful and suffocating at the same time.

"I can't keep living like this," I whispered to no one, my voice trembling.

But there was no way out. Dante had made sure of that.

I rose, forcing myself into the bathroom. The warm water hit my skin, washing away everything except the ache inside. When I stepped out, steam clouding the mirror, I reached for the dress.

It was a deep red-sleek, expensive, and scandalously revealing. The neckline plunged low, showing too much cleavage, and the slit ran high enough to make my heart race.

My reflection stared back at me, half furious, half broken. "Is this really what he picked? Does he think I'm some kind of toy?"

I wanted to rip it off. But his voice....his last threat echoed in my head:

"Disobey me, little dove, and I'll hurt anyone around you."

My chest tightened. I couldn't risk it.

Letting my hair fall over my shoulders, I stepped out of the room and made my way to his office. After a few knocks, I heard his low voice, "Come in."

He sat behind his desk, cigarette smoke curling around him. His cold, piercing eyes met mine. "Come here," he whispered.

I hesitated before obeying. He reached out, his hand gripping my waist as he pulled me closer until I was sitting on his lap. His touch was possessive, his breath warm against my ear.

"You smell nice," he murmured, his voice thick with something dangerous.

I tried to move away, but his hand tightened around me. "Don't try that, my little dove."

When his lips brushed against my skin-my neck, my collarbone, my chest-I froze. My heart pounded in confusion, shame, and fear. A soft sound escaped me before I could stop it. His lips curved into a knowing smirk.

"I knew you liked it," he whispered.

Anger surged through me. I pushed him away, trembling, but he only laughed softly-mockingly.

"Don't stand up," he said again, his hand sliding across my thigh. His touch was deliberate, teasing, cruel. I clenched my jaw, holding back tears, when suddenly-

The door burst open.

A woman stood there, stunning and furious. Her beauty was sharp, her eyes burning with betrayal.

"So this is why you ignored me yesterday?" she snapped, her gaze cutting between us.

"Irish," Dante said, voice calm as ever.

"Really?" she scoffed, dropping her purse onto the desk. "I want this bitch out of here."

Her words hit me like a slap. I tried to rise, but Dante's arm locked tighter around me.

"I said," she hissed, "I want her out."

Instead, Dante tilted my chin up and kissed me-hard, cruel, possessive. I struggled, my palms pressed against his chest, but he only deepened it.

Irish gasped in disbelief, then laughed bitterly. "I'm coming back for you, Dante. And you-" she pointed at me, her eyes glinting with venom, "-you better get ready."

She stormed out, her heels clacking against the marble like thunder.

When the silence settled, I shoved Dante's hand away. "Why did you do that when you know you have a girlfriend?"

He didn't answer. He didn't even look at me. He picked up his phone instead, muttered something into it, and stood.

"I'll be leaving the house," he said calmly. "Don't do anything stupid, little dove. You know I keep my promises."

He touched my cheek once softly, mockingly-and left me standing there, numb.

Hours later, I sat in the living room, the TV flashing light across the walls. I wasn't watching. My thoughts were far, far away. The guards stood near, silent, watching my every move.

"I need fresh air," I muttered, getting up.

They followed me to the poolside like shadows. The cool breeze hit my skin, and I longed for just a moment of peace. "Would you stand there watching if I took off my clothes?" I asked one of them dryly.

He said nothing.

Fine. I slipped off my oversized shirt, leaving only my underwear, and dove straight into the water.

The moment I sank beneath the surface, it was like the world disappeared. The water was my only freedom-the only place he couldn't reach me. I swam until my arms ached, my lungs burning, my body alive again.

When I finally surfaced, I heard clapping.

I turned sharply. A man stood near the pool-young, tall, with warm brown skin and a dragon tattoo stretching across his chest. His smile was soft but confident.

"You're good," he said.

I frowned. "Who are you?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Easy. I didn't mean to scare you."

I glanced around, making sure the guards were still there. They were. Still, I didn't move closer.

He reached for a towel and held it out. "Here."

I hesitated, then snatched it from him. "I don't need it."

He chuckled. "You're a tough one. I like that. I'm Xavier." He stretched out his hand with a grin.

I stared at him for a long moment before taking it. "Alicia."

"I know," he said softly. "It's nice to finally meet you. And... for what it's worth, you're even more beautiful in person."

Heat rushed to my cheeks before I could stop it. What are you doing, Alicia?

"Thanks," I murmured quickly. "Please excuse me."

I walked past him, not daring to look back.

"I hope to see you around," he called out.

I didn't respond but I knew I would.