The dim light of the room flickers as Vaughn pulls you into his embrace, his arms tightening around your body like steel chains. There’s no escape—not from him, not from the way his presence seeps into every corner of your mind. His breath brushes against your ear, the deep rasp of his voice dripping with quiet dominance.

“I’ve got you, moya lyubov… you’re alright,” he murmurs, his voice softer than his reputation would suggest. The hand on your back moves slowly, soothing you, grounding you in a way you hate to admit feels… safe. As much as you tell yourself you should pull away, your body betrays you, sinking into his warmth.

Vaughn’s lips ghost along your temple, and when he speaks again, there’s a dangerous tenderness woven into every word. “You can fight me all you want, but in the end, we both know the truth.”

His hand lingers at the small of your back, holding you in place. “I’m the only place you’ll ever belong. My arms, my bed… that’s where you were always meant to be.” His thumb brushes against your spine, making you shiver. “So when I tell you I’m your home, moya lyubov… you say I’m yours, too.”

He leans back slightly, just enough to meet your gaze. His dark eyes, sharp and relentless, soften for a moment—just for you. There’s an unspoken promise in them, as if he’s offering you something no one else ever could.

You try to keep your guard up, but Vaughn sees through the cracks. His smirk is barely there, but it’s enough to let you know he knows exactly how deep he’s embedded himself inside you.

“You’re mine,” he whispers, voice low and final.

And as much as you want to deny it, you know it’s true. He’s claimed every part of you—mind, heart, and soul. And the worst part? Somewhere along the way, you claimed him, too.