She pressed her lush lips together, her eyes sparking with hatred. She loathed me for making her face the truth. Luca might’ve killed to protect her, but he’d also violated her.

I leaned in closer, letting her see the stark truth in my eyes. “You will beg for my cock before I give you what you really want.”

I would enjoy every second of her slow surrender, until the day she finally welcomed me into her gorgeous body. There were so many wicked things I could do to her in the meantime, such fun ways to toy with her and torment her until she knelt at my feet and begged me to fuck her.

She shook her head, features slack with horror. “Never,” she hissed.

I let out a low chuckle, thrilled at her defiant spirit. “We’re going to have a lot of fun together, pet.” I brushed a quick kiss over her chilled cheek and pulled away. “Now, get dressed. It’s past time to make you my wife.”

She glanced from me to the wedding dress and back again, as though she didn’t dare take her eyes off the threat I posed.

“Go on,” I prompted, crossing my arms over my chest. “Put on your wedding dress.”

I anticipated further delicious defiance, but she shuddered and shifted away from me, reaching for the gown with shaking hands.

I frowned, not ready for our game to end just yet. “Am I truly so terrifying, little bird? I didn’t think you were so weak.”

Her eyes flashed, and she rounded on me.

Good.

“It’s not weakness. It’s self-preservation. You’re a sadist. I saw what you’re capable of. I don’t intend to give you a reason to strangle me too.”

Irritation pricked my spine. “You mean what I did to that motherfucker who hit you? He was lucky that I needed to make a deal with your father. It’s the only reason I spared him. I should’ve cut off his hand instead.”

The color drained from her face, and my annoyance flared. My bride should be grateful for my protection. She’d seemed pleased with the fact that Luca had killed for her.

I rolled my shoulders, shrugging it off. Her devotion would grow with time. I’d waited years to claim what I truly wanted: power, revenge. I could be patient with my wife. Nora would be mine in every way, and she would give herself to me eagerly soon enough.

She scooted away from me and got to her feet on the opposite side of the bed, making it a barrier between us. Her shoulders straightened, and her gaze clashed with mine once again.

“Are you going to watch me change, you sick bastard?”

I clicked my tongue at her. “Watch your language. You’re right: I am a sadist. You’d do well to remember that.”