Page 7 of Vow to Corrupt You
CHAPTER 4
Serena
I storm inside the bathroom, decorated in a retro style like the rest of our house. Panting, I rest against a wooden vanity with a pristine white countertop. I can’t steady my ragged breath, and my knees feel so weak. I splash my face with cold water, but it does nothing to subside the adrenaline rushing through my veins.
“What have I done?” I mumble under my breath as water droplets fall into the sink I’m leaning over. “Have I just signed my soul off to the devil?”
“I’m not the devil, but you flatter me.”
A husky voice resonates behind me, and my heart lurches. Instantly, I tilt my head upward, meeting his intense gaze in the golden-framed mirror above the vanity. A mere glimpse of him makes each vertebra of my spine quiver, as if touched by the cold hand of death itself. His mere presence evokes my darkest fears, leaving me weak-kneed and terrified.
What is he doing here anyway?
I start panicking because I am alone with the infamous Nikos Romano, the God of the Dead himself, in a tiny bathroom. There’s not enough space for both of us. At least, not enough for me to feel safe. I don’t. Can anyone actually feel safe when that man is in the room?
I turn to him, supporting myself against the countertop. I fear if I don’t, I might fall as I tremble with him this close.
He, in contrast, rests against the door frame with a cocky smile, exuding amusement and authority.
“Mr. Romano,” I address him, clearing my throat. My heart flutters like the frantic wings of a hummingbird, its rapid beats drowning out the rhythm of my ragged breath.
Right. Breathe.
I try to focus on breathing.
In and out.
In and out.
His presence is anything but calming to a person. “What are you doing here?”
He pushes away from the frame, the amused grin never leaving his face. Deliberately, he closes the door behind him, and the click of the lock gives me goosebumps. He steps closer, closing the distance between us. Now, he looms over me, his proximity quickening my heartbeat even more. The spicy scent of wood and musk hits my nose, and it’s strangely pleasant. He’s captivating but oh so intimidating.
No, he’s not!
I hate that man—if he can even be referred to as one. This bastard is not human. He is a monster.
“I’ve come to check on you.” His dark eyes flicker between mine, his head cocking slightly. “You are my fiancée now, and it’s my duty to make sure you’re well.”
Please. If you want me to feel better, don’t force me to marry you, you twisted psycho.
“No. I’m your fiancée merely on paper.” Before I can control my reaction, a scoff escapes me. But the exact second the words leave my big mouth, I realize what—and most importantly—to whom I just said. This man is not just anyone. He’s a dangerous mafia boss who owns the town—hell, the country. He could kill me in a heartbeat if he wanted to, and no one would say anything.
“No.” He shakes his head, his grin widening, showing off his perfect teeth. His smile could make any woman swoon—including myself—but I won’t fall for it. It takes more than just a pretty face to like someone. And he… he’s unlikable in every meaning of this word.
My heart skips a beat as his hand comes to rest on the countertop behind me, effectively trapping me between his arms and the hard surface. One of his fingers gently brushes my hand.
Wait. I don’t feel his skin. Is he wearing gloves?
I glance down at his hand.
Yes, he does. Black leather gloves.
My brows twitch slightly. Why is he wearing them?
“Not just on paper.” His low tone snaps me out of my thoughts. “You are mine now, Serena.” He speaks my name like he owns me, like everything has to be his way or no way. God, how I hate it! I might’ve signed the pact selling myself to the devil, but he shall never own me. Not in the real meaning, anyway. I might be his trophy wife, his prize or prey, whatever rattles his twisted ego, but I will never be his. Not in my heart.
“Why me?” My heart races with apprehension, but my blood boils with frustration and hatred. “Why did you choose me?”
