008

ARI’s POV

The weight of him kept me pinned to the bed. My breaths were shallow, my chest rising and falling rapidly. His eyes bore into mine like he could see every thought running through my head.

“Relax, cara,” Cross whispered, his voice like a dark melody. “You’re trembling.”

“I’m not,” I said, my voice shaky.

He smirked, his expression dripping with arrogance. “Lying doesn’t suit you.”

Before I could retort, his fingers moved—tracing a line down my stomach. I flinched, my body reacting involuntarily to the light, deliberate touch. His hand was warm, rough, yet he moved with such precision it was like he was playing a game only he understood.

“Shall we have fun, cara?” he murmured against my ear, his lips brushing the sensitive skin there.

“Get off me,” I snapped, trying to push against his chest.

He chuckled, low and dangerous. “You keep saying that, but you don’t sound convincing.”

His fingers traveled lower, skimming the edge of my thigh, and I felt my body tense. I hated how helpless I felt under his control.

“Don’t ruin the mood,” he said, his tone almost playful. “I don’t like my playtime being ruined.”

My heart pounded as I glared at him. “You’re sick.”

“Maybe,” he replied casually, his smirk widening. “But isn’t it thrilling, cara? Knowing that the one man you’ve been trying to avoid… is now under your skin.”

My eyes widened, his words hitting me harder than I cared to admit. I shook my head, trying to fight the panic rising in my chest.

“Doesn’t it feel fascinating?” he continued, his voice a soft whisper that sent shivers down my spine.

“Cross, stop,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

He tilted his head, his smirk never faltering. “Stop? And why would I do that, hmm?”

I struggled again, but his weight and strength were too much. “How did you even get in here?” I demanded, my voice shaky.

Cross leaned back slightly, giving me just enough space to meet his dark, amused gaze. “Do you really think locking the doors and shutting the windows could keep me out?”

My throat tightened as I swallowed hard.

“If it were that easy,” he continued, his voice laced with mockery, “the police would have caught me a long time ago.”

I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest. He laughed softly, the sound sending a chill down my spine.

“You’re something else, cara,” he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I tried to steady my breathing as he raised one of my legs, his fingers trailing along the sensitive skin. His touch was slow, deliberate, like he enjoyed watching my reaction.

“Don’t touch me,” I said, though my voice lacked the force I wanted it to have.

He chuckled again, ignoring my words as his hand moved back up, tracing a line down my stomach. He stopped at the buttons of my shirt, his fingers toying with the fabric.

“You’re full of surprises,” he said, his tone almost thoughtful.

“Cross—”

“Shh,” he interrupted, his smirk growing. “Let’s not ruin the moment, cara.”

My breathing hitched as he undid the first button of my shirt, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Don’t,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke. “You don’t seem to understand something, cara. When I want something…”

He paused, his fingers slipping to the next button.

“…I get it.”

I clenched my fists, trying to summon the courage to fight back, but his presence was overwhelming.

“You’re scared,” he said, his tone soft yet mocking.

“I’m not,” I lied, glaring up at him.

He grinned, his expression full of dark amusement. “Brave little thing, aren’t you?”

“Let me go,” I said again, though my voice lacked conviction.

“And miss this?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t think so.”

He undid another button, the fabric of my shirt parting slightly. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and furious all at once.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice breaking.

He tilted his head, as if considering my question. “Because I can.”

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

“And because,” he added, his voice dropping to a whisper, “you make it so much fun.”

I turned my head away, refusing to let him see the fear in my eyes.

“You’re not as tough as you pretend to be, cara,” he said, his tone almost teasing.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to stay strong.

“You’re trembling again,” he observed, his voice laced with mockery. “Why fight it? You know you can’t win.”

“Get off me,” I said, my voice stronger this time.

He laughed softly, the sound sending another shiver down my spine.

“You amuse me,” he said, his smirk never wavering. “But you’ll learn, cara. One way or another, you’ll learn.”

Before I could respond, his fingers moved to the next button, and my heart raced as I realized there was little fabric left between me and his intentions.

Let's see how far you'll go," he whispered, his voice dripping with anticipation.

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words wouldn't come. I felt trapped, powerless, and completely at his mercy.