The paperwork was signed, the ceremony complete. It was done.

Before I could draw in a shuddering breath, Luca’s strong arms closed around me, lifting me up to cradle me against his chest. I stiffened and squirmed, some of my defiance resurfacing; an instinctive, involuntary reaction to being carried off by a brute.

His arms firmed around me. “Calm down, kitten. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Where are you taking me?” I hated the way my voice hitched on the question.

His ochre eyes pinned me deeper into his hold. “You know where we’re going, Elenora. Don’t worry,” he said before I could fully process the implications of his words. “I’ll make sure you enjoy it.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, as though that would be enough to shield me from the horror of his plans for me. “You’re going to force yourself on me.” The accusation was sharp, and I hoped it was needles on his soul. I wanted him to hurt for what he was about to do to me.

His jaw ticked. “You will submit, Elenora. And you will love every second of it. You’ll come to crave my touch. You’re my wife, and I’ll make you feel so much pleasure that you’ll never want to leave my bed.”

“You’re delusional,” I hissed, tightening my arms over my chest to protect my heart. It would be impossible for me to enjoy anything he did to me.

The awful memory of my traitorous arousal when he’d spanked me snaked through my mind. My stomach turned, and I swallowed against the sudden burn at the back of my throat. Fear fluttered in my chest as he locked me in his dark, unyielding stare and carried me up the stairs with steady, sure strides.

I wasn’t afraid that he would beat me; I was afraid that I would enjoy it, just as he promised. I didn’t think my pride could bear it. I’d managed to maintain some dignity during the forced wedding ceremony, but I didn’t think my spirit would survive this.

“No, kitten,” he refuted calmly. “I’m not delusional. You can try to fight me if that makes you feel better, but I have no intention of allowing my bride to remain a virgin. We will share a life together now, and that will include sharing a bed. You’ll come to crave my cock.” He brushed his thumb up and down my arm, soothing. “I understand if you’re afraid. But I’ll take care of you. There will be pain the first time, but I’ll make sure you feel pleasure too.”

My cheeks burned at the mention of my virginity. Of course, he would know that as Giuseppe Ricci’s daughter, I’d been sheltered from men. Had he been able to tell that our kiss to seal our union had been my first?

A tremor raced through my bones. Luca would be my first everything. As my husband, he would claim me in every way, and there was nothing I could do to stop him. He was so much stronger than I was, and I knew it would hurt far more if I refused to allow him to claim me as he wished.