round this table to discuss matters of business, power, and influence. Xavier Moretti sat at the head of the table, his posture impeccable, his

his mind wa

at surrounded by his bloodline, he felt the tight, familiar pressure of her defiance still clinging to him. It wasn't just that she had caught his eye; no, it was the way

dge the reality of her situation. He couldn't focus on his family's discussions of territo

eal with a rival faction. Giovanni's voice cut through the haze of Xavier's thoughts, his words sharp and prec

to watch her squirm beneath his control. But there was something more than just physical desire; it was an obsession with the way she co

ark. She doesn't know it y

watching him with a hint of concern. She could tell when something was wrong he could see it in her eyes. But Xa

d in the web of his own thoughts. Every few moments, his mind would circle back to Lena, replaying the events of their last encounter-he

lied, they surrendered most times even offered their bodies at will. But Lena... Lena was different. She was a force unto hers

tention. He couldn't afford to let his distraction be noticed, not now. He made a mental note of the names

nged to see her again, to observe her in the way he always did. He imagined herhead held

lize how powerl

eting, challenging him without even knowing it. How long would it take for her to learn that

vie

him back to the present. He blinked and focused on her, he tur

ntinued, her eyes narrowing slig

ed, his voice smooth, controlled. "Proceed I will handle their daughter". "We also need t

h the surface, but she said nothing more. Xavier could feel the weight of her scr

drifting back to Lena. He couldn't escape the images of her in his mind, couldn't shake the

e time. His family members filed out of the room, unaware of the storm that was brewing within him. Only Bi

ide, the city stretched out before him, the lights twinkling like stars in the dark. But his

n this consumed

uld have her on his terms. She would submit.

wasn't if. The

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