Chapter 5 The Monster's Rules

The morning sun streamed through the cracks in the heavy curtains, but it did nothing to warm the ice in Alina's veins.

She had barely slept.

Every time she closed her eyes, she heard Dante's voice-cold, sharp, filled with hatred. You will obey me. You will suffer.

She sat up slowly, her body aching with tension. The silk nightgown Lucia had given her felt foreign on her skin, too delicate for someone trapped in a cage.

Then, the lock turned.

Her pulse quickened as the door swung open, revealing a broad-shouldered figure.

Dante.

He stepped inside like he owned the room-because he did. His dark eyes swept over her, unreadable, calculating. He was dressed in another immaculate suit, looking every bit the ruthless mafia king he was.

"Get up," he commanded.

Alina hesitated before standing. She refused to let him see her fear.

Dante smirked, as if amused by her defiance. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper, tossing it onto the bed.

"Read it."

Alina glanced at the paper before slowly picking it up. As she unfolded it, her breath caught.

The Rules.You do not leave the mansion unless I say so.You do not speak to anyone without my permission.You do not question me.You do not run.You belong to me.

Her grip tightened on the paper. Every word felt like another shackle around her wrists.

She looked up at him, fire in her gaze. "This is insane."

Dante tilted his head. "Is it?"

"You can't just-"

He moved before she could finish, closing the distance between them in a single step. His hand wrapped around her throat-not tight enough to hurt, but enough to make her breath hitch.

His voice was low, almost lazy. "You seem to think you have a choice, wife."

Alina's heart pounded against her ribs. She could feel his warmth, the dangerous proximity of his body, the raw power in the way he held her.

"I won't be your puppet," she whispered.

Dante's lips curled into something dark, something almost entertained.

"We'll see," he murmured, releasing her just as quickly as he had grabbed her.

Alina stumbled back, breathing hard as he turned and walked toward the door.

"Oh," he added, pausing in the doorway. "Disobey me, and there will be consequences."

The door shut behind him with a finality that made her blood run cold.

Alina stared at the list of rules in her hand.

Dante Valenti thought he could control her. Break her. Own her.

But he had no idea-she would never bow to a monster.