Tom.

I never had to strive for anything. Women, power, respect… I had it all in the palm of my hand. I was feared, I was untouchable. But then she appeared. Lif.

And I became a damned slave to her indifference.

I took her. Yes, I kidnapped her. I stole her without guilt, without remorse. Because I loved her, because I desired her more than anything in this world. I gave her a luxury house, clothes, jewels, whatever she wanted. But that wasn't enough. She looked at me with hatred, she spoke to me with venom. She reminded me every day how much she hated me.

And I, the most dangerous bastard in the north, would swallow it all just to have her close.

That night I decided to take her with me to a meeting with my partners. I wanted them to see what was mine. Black dress, high heels… the most beautiful woman in the damn place. Everyone looked at her, everyone desired her. And I smiled like an idiot, feeling on top of the world.

But then he did it.

She approached one of my men. She looked him straight in the eyes, and without thinking, she kissed him. She kissed him. Right there, in front of me, knowing what it would cause.

The place fell silent. All eyes were on me. And I... I was burning. I walked towards her without saying anything, grabbed her wrist hard and pulled her away. We got into the car, I sped off like a madman, without looking back.

I didn't say a single word on the way.

I braked in the middle of the empty road, got out, and went around the car. I opened her door, grabbed her by both arms, and pushed her against the car.

"—Do you think this is some kind of game?" I growled between my teeth. "Do you get a kick out of humiliating me? Kissing him knowing I was watching?"

She just glared at me with rage. So beautiful and such a bitch at the same time.

—What else do you want me to do? Huh? What the hell do I have to do to make you stop hating me?

And without giving her a chance to answer, I kissed her. Like a madman. With fury, with desperation. As if with that kiss I could erase all the hatred she had for me.

*Because yes, I regretted taking it that way. But if I had to do it again... I would do it a thousand times. For her, I would do anything.

...