74. You will listen.

Adrian's grip on my hips tightens as the water continues to cascade over us. His voice, harsh and commanding, cuts through the steamy air. "You will not see your father again, Stella. Do you understand me?"

Defiance rises within me. I refuse to be controlled like this. "You can't tell me what to do, Adrian," I snap, turning my head to glare at him over my shoulder.

His eyes darken with a dangerous glint. "Is that so?" he murmurs, his tone icy. "It seems I need to teach you a lesson about obedience."

Before I can react, he spins me around to face him, pressing me against the cool, tiled wall. His hands are firm on my wrists, pinning them above my head. The contrast of the hot water and the cold tiles sends a shiver down my spine.

"Adrian," I begin, but he cuts me off with a bruising kiss, his lips demanding and relentless. When he pulls back, his eyes bore into mine, filled with a possessive fury.

"You think you can defy me?" he growls, his voice low and menacing. "I'll make sure you u