Chapter 4 The silence

Sienna's POV

The silence between us felt suffocating.

The bed was large, yet the space felt as though it was closing in around me. I could feel his presence beside me, each breath he took, each shift of his body, and it made me want to scream.

I didn't want to pretend anymore. I didn't want to play the role of the submissive wife. I wasn't a doll to be controlled, and I had no intention of letting Luca think he could mold me into one of his perfect little possessions. But here I was, trapped in the bed we were meant to share.

I couldn't help it. I stared at the ceiling, wide awake, thoughts swirling in every direction.

I could feel him there, next to me. Even though he hadn't spoken a word since we laid down, the tension radiating from him was palpable. I half-expected him to make a move, to exert his dominance over me as he so clearly loved to do. But for some reason, he just lay there, quiet.

I wanted to scream at him, demand he show me some sign of his arrogance, of his self-righteousness. But I held my tongue.

I could hear the sound of his even breathing, the only noise that broke the oppressive silence. I hated how much that stillness unsettled me. It was like he wasn't trying to dominate me with words he was simply letting me stew in the silence.

Finally, after what felt like hours, his voice sliced through the air like a knife.

You won't last long, Sienna.

His voice was calm, almost mocking. It crawled under my skin, making my heart race in anger and frustration.

What's that supposed to mean? I demanded, struggling to keep my voice even.

You're not used to being under anyone's control, he said, his voice low and dangerous. You'll break. It's only a matter of time.

I stiffened at the words, my chest tightening as I tried to keep my composure. His words were a challenge, an attack, and I refused to let him see how much they rattled me.

I won't break.

I could hear him shift, and I knew his gaze was on me, even though I refused to turn around. His words floated in the dark, hanging between us like an unspoken promise.

Let's see how long that lasts, he replied, his voice dripping with challenge.

Luca's POV

I could feel her defiance seeping into the room like poison.

She was so sure of herself. So determined to stand her ground. But I knew better. I knew how this would play out.

Sienna Alejandro was stubborn, but I had something she didn't patience.

She thought she could stand up to me. That she could play this game and somehow win. But I was the one with control.

Her breathing was shallow, and I knew she was still awake, still stewing over everything I'd said.

I didn't need to speak louder; I didn't need to force the issue. I just needed to be here near her, close enough for her to feel the power I held over her.

When she spoke again, her voice was softer, searching. Why are you so sure of yourself?

I smiled darkly, leaning in just a little closer. Because I've been in control my entire life.

Her breathing caught for a moment, and I could tell I'd struck a nerve. And that's supposed to scare me? she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Not scare you, I whispered in her ear, close enough for my breath to brush her skin. Just remind you where you are.

I felt her tense, her body rigid against mine, but she didn't pull away. She could pretend she didn't care. She could pretend to be untouchable. But the truth was that she was already tangled in my web.

I'm not your puppet, Luca, she said, her voice sharp, though I could sense the uncertainty beneath it.

I chuckled darkly, tracing a finger lightly over the edge of the blanket, enjoying the slight shiver that ran through her. No, you're not. But you will be.

She shifted in the bed, turning her back to me, but this time I didn't move away. I remained close, my breath falling against the back of her neck, feeling her body tremble slightly under my proximity.

I spoke softly, my words a low promise. Sleep well, dolcezza. Tomorrow will be a new day.