A cold breeze raced over my arms, teasing through his body heat that surrounded me. We were outside a huge mansion built of stone that made it appear more like a castle. A circular drive surrounded a massive fountain, and the sound of splashing water was incongruously tranquil in comparison to the abject terror that fluttered in my chest. A forest stretched out before us, the only gap in the trees allowing for the winding driveway. It disappeared into the shadows, the twilight making the leaf-strewn grounds darker than the illuminated front porch, where Dante held me fast.

“You want to get back to Luca?” Dante murmured, his voice a heated caress on my neck. He released my waist, and cold washed over me. “Run.”

All my muscles locked up tight. I knew he was toying with me. It would be impossible for me to run away in this voluminous dress and high heels. If I tried to take the path, he would be able to follow easily. But if I took to the trees, I was likely to get lost in the wilderness. I had no idea how large this estate was or how it was fortified. Even if I managed to reach the edges of his property, it was likely heavily guarded, especially considering the fact that he was bracing for Luca to attack.

“Don’t you want to fly away, little bird?” Dante cooed. “Here’s your chance.”

I rounded on him, tipping my chin back so that I could meet his sparkling eyes. “Stop toying with me.”

He grinned and traced the line of my clenched jaw. “I haven’t even begun toying with you, pet. But if you’re ready to beg me to fuck you, I’ll take you back inside.” He clicked his tongue at me. “I didn’t think you’d give in so quickly. You must like me more than I thought.”

I recoiled from his familiar caress. “I hate you,” I spat. “Don’t touch me.”

“You don’t want me to touch you? Then you’d better run fast, darling. Feel free to take off the dress and heels if that makes it easier for you. I’ll even give you a five-minute head start.”

I stood stiffly, forcing my back to remain rigidly straight when instinct warned me to drop my eyes. Suddenly, his hand wrapped around my throat, squeezing. I tried jerk away, but his other arm banded across my lower back, trapping me against his hard body. His eyes flared with sick pleasure when I gasped for air and found none. My lungs seized, and I thrashed against him. He kept my arms pinned at my sides, tucking me closer to him like a lover. My heart hammered in my constricted throat, all my instincts for flight igniting as I twisted in his firm grasp.