Chapter 6: His Possession.

Ermanno 's voice drifted through the air, smooth as silk and heavy with meaning. "You amaze me, Celine."

Every glance, every word from his lips sent her nerves skittering, leaving her unsure and uneasy.

"Would you like something to drink?" he inquired, his tone polite, yet tinged with something more sinister.

"No, I'm fine," Celine replied.

"Let's get down to business," he declared, as one of his henchmen presented the contract to Celine.

Ermanno continued, his voice like steel

"That's the contract. Take your time and read it."

Celine rolled her eyes, her resolve hardening. "Like I have a choice," she muttered under her breath, glancing over the contract with a sense of inevitability.

Ermanno 's voice dripped with mock sweetness. "Suit yourself, sweetheart," he drawled.

Celine's voice wavered as she spoke. "I don't understand. Why five years?" she pleaded, her desperation palpable. "I don't want to be married to you for that long."

Ermanno 's lips curved into a cruel smile. "There's